bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KEPEMIMPINAN PEJABAT STRUKTURAL DAN IKLIM ORGANISASI DALAM PRODUKTIVITAS KERJA PEGAWAI PADA DINAS PENDIDIKAN KABUPATEN SUBANG
Authors: Tamam Badrud
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the contribution of leadership of structural official and organizational climate to employee productivity at Educational Department of Subang District. The method used in this research is descriptive research with quantitative approach. Population of this research amount 116 employee, and determination of respondents using proportional random sampling which amount 54 employee. Data were collected using a questionnaire instruments that was developed in the form of Likert scale. Data processing techniques using path analysis. The results showed that leadership of structural official contribute to  employee productivity amount 38,99%, organizational climate contribute to employee productivity amount 21,11%, and simultaneously leadership of structural official and organizational climate significantly contribute to employee productivity amount 60,11%. These results implies that organizational leader should have a good leadership behavior that develop conducive and pleasurable organizational climate. So that employee bring about high job productivity.
KEPEMIMPINAN PENDIDIKAN DAN MUTU MADRASAH
Authors: Annur Saipul
Published: August 2019

leaders must be able to work with people they lead to provide motivation to do work sincerely. Thus means education leaders must have feelings. Leaders do not distance themselves from group members with the intention of causing feelings of fear and loyalty, precisely the opposite only by understanding and living the feelings and thoughts of members of the group, someone will be accepted, respected and respected as a leader. In general, the meaning contained in the expression of quality is not new for those involved in general system management thinking and services or specifically the education system. Quality is the key word for the success of competing in business performance, including in the field of education. the most effective efforts by increasing the accountability of the education process. Process accountability is expected to truly be able to guarantee that madrassas can maintain and improve their quality progressively and continuously.
Flooding Along Oda River Due to the Western Japan Heavy Rain in 2018
Authors: Nihei Yasuo , Shinohara Asataro , Ohta Kaho , Maeno Shiro , Akoh Ryosuke , Akamatsu Yoshihisa , Komuro Takashi , Kataoka Tomoya , Onomura Shiho , Kaneko Ryo ,   Tokyo University of Science 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan,   Okayama University, Okayama, Japan,   Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan,   Port and Airport Research Institute, Kanagawa, Japan
Published: August 2019

The heavy rain that hit Western Japan in July 2018 triggered the worst rain-related disaster in the Heisei era, with the total of dead and missing persons exceeding 230, mainly in the Hiroshima and Okayama Prefectures. At several locations along Oda River (of the Takahashi river system) and its tributaries, dikes were breached due to large-scale flood, leaving 51 persons dead. This paper aims to shed light on the scale of inundation along Oda River and its tributaries and identify the characteristics of and critical factors for human damage. Field surveys were conducted to measure flood marks in flooded areas and river channels, and gauge the extent of damage to people and property. The surveys found that a large area was inundated on the north side of Oda River, with an inundation depth exceeding 5 m for 1 km in the south-north direction and 3.5 km in the east-west direction, which made vertical evacuation of residents difficult. The findings that about 80% of the dead were found on the first floor of their houses, with those who had lived in a one-story house and those who had lived in a two-story house accounting for 50% each of the deceased, indicate how difficult even vertical evacuation was. The findings appear to be related to the considerable inundation depth and high rate of water level increase, along with the fact that the majority of the deceased were elderly people.
An Analysis of Factors Influencing Disaster Mobility Using Location Data from Smartphones: Case Study of Western Japan Flooding
Authors: Joo Soohyun , Kashiyama Takehiro , Sekimoto Yoshihide , Seto Toshikazu ,   Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Tokyo 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan,   Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Published: August 2019

Western Japan was hit by heavy rain from June 8 to July 28, 2018. Record-breaking rain caused nearly all rivers to flood in Hiroshima and other areas. Over 200 people died following this disaster. Authorities attempted to understand why evacuation was not conducted swiftly enough to stop these deaths. They mentioned that normalcy bias and cognitive dissonance are two primary causes of significant damage [1]. Moreover, an effective alert system is necessary to ensure that evacuation behaviors and procedures are incited at the appropriate time. To understand the factors that influence people’s behavior, we estimated the probability of irregular behavior by unit changes in external condition. We chose 500 m mesh as a unit of analysis to consider individual singularity and classified 3 classes of mesh to identify abnormal behavior. We verified that as the number of residents in each mesh increases, the likelihood of a person in that region to exhibit normalcy bias increases as well. Owing to data, the accuracy of this method is somewhat low. However, several implications may still be drawn from our results, such as the demand for an adequate alert system. Using the results of people’s mobility and disaster risk information, approaches to dangerous situations such as the examined case may be improved in the future.
Building On-Demand Test Forms in R
Authors: SARI Halil İbrahim
Published: September 2019

Automated
Test Assembly (ATA) plays important role in test development, especially in
large scale test administrations. However, there is a lack of tutorials showing
how to solve ATA problems. This tutorial aims to show to how build on-demand
test forms easily for researchers and practitioners, and share the R codes for
their use. The study presents the annotated R codes for thirty-nine unique
examples. The examples include building one form, multiple forms and more
complex ones under different constraint conditions across equal or different
form lengths. All examples were solved by using “xxIRT” R package. The
graphical depictions of the form-level information functions for all examples
were also provided. Some important notes about the codes were also provided at
the end of the paper in case one did not find a solution. The thirty-six
examples were provided in the main body of the paper, the other three complex
examples were given in the Supplementary material.
Análise econômico-financeira de sistemas de alimentação para equinos
Authors: Cabral G.C. , Aguiar L.G.A. , Peres A.A.C.
Published: August 2019

Objetivou-se avaliar a viabilidade econômico-financeira de sistemas de alimentação para equinos utilizando capim-elefante e silagem de milho, como suplementação alimentar. Os indicadores zootécnicos e econômicos para a caracterização dos sistemas de alimentação foram obtidos juntos a um haras de criação de cavalos da raça Mangalarga Marchador. Projetou-se um horizonte para exploração da atividade de 12 anos e, a partir do uso de planilhas eletrônicas, foram projetados os fluxos de caixa a fim de verificar a viabilidade econômico-financeira. Utilizaram-se os indicadores econômicos de rentabilidade: valor presente líquido e taxa interna de retorno, bem como foram realizadas as análises de sensibilidade e risco em cada sistema de alimentação. Os sistemas foram viáveis financeiramente, por apresentarem um valor presente líquido positivo a uma taxa de desconto de 10% ao ano. A taxa interna de retorno foi de 11,11% para o sistema de alimentação que adotou o fornecimento de capim-elefante, ao passo que para o sistema de alimentação que utilizou silagem de milho, a rentabilidade obtida foi de 11,46%. O preço compra e venda de animais, em especial, de doadoras, foram os itens de maior influência sobre os resultados obtidos para o valor presente líquido. O risco econômico-financeiro para investimento nos sistemas de alimentação foi classificado como baixo.
Efecto de la Temperatura y pH sobre la Actividad de las Enzimas Hidrolíticas de la Región Cecal de Cuyes (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Garcia M. , Suarez S. , Carcelen F. , Olazabal J.
Published: August 2019

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la temperatura y el pH sobre la actividad de las enzimas hidrolíticas de la región cecal de cuyes (Cavia porcellus). Este es el primer reporte sobre la actividad enzimática en el ciego de cuyes, evidenciando que existe actividad amilolítica, celulolítica, proteolítica y lipolítica. Los valores de las actividades evaluadas estuvieron en los siguiente rangos: actividad amilolítica (0.150 - 0.499 U/mg proteína), celulolítica (0.013 - 0.022 U/mg proteína), proteolítica (0.104 - 0.290 U/mg proteína) y lipolítica (2.227 - 4.049 U/mg proteína). Tanto en la actividad celulolítica, lipolítica y proteolítica hubo interacción entre temperatura y pH. La actividad amilolítica solo se vio afectada por la temperatura, evidenciándose mayor actividad enzimática a mayor temperatura (40°C). La actividad amilolítica es estable a cualquiera de los tres pH probados en este estudio. Además, la actividad amilolítica fue 10 veces más alta que la actividad celulolítica.
Caracterización productiva y organoléptica de huevos de gallinas de campo de la región sierra del Ecuador
Authors: Toalombo P.A. , Navas-González F.J. , Andrade-Yucailla V.C. , Trujillo J.V. , Martinez J. , Delgado J.V.
Published: August 2019

En la Estación Experimental Tunshi de la Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, parroquia Licto, a 2712 msnm a una temperatura promedio de 14,92°c. Se evaluó el comportamiento productivo para huevos de gallinas de campo y se analizó las características organolépticas, en 94 aves de traspatios identificadas en la región sierra del Ecuador de las provincias: Pichincha, Bolívar, Loja, Cañar, Tungurahua, y Chimborazo, una vez adaptadas in situ, la investigación tuvo una duración de 120 días. Los datos recogidos fueron tabulados en el programa estadístico SPSS versión Statistic 19, se obtuvo estadísticos descriptivos. Los resultados para peso inicial promedio fue de 1508,78 g; peso final 1502,36 ± 247,61 g; ganancia de peso 175,26 ± 137,20 g; Los parámetros de calidad del huevo fueron: peso promedio 54,95 ± 5,24 g; masa del huevo de 48,15 ± 4,68 g; ancho del huevo de 42,25 mm; longitud del huevo de 55,40 ± 2,60 mm; peso de la cáscara de 6,80 g; grosor de la cáscara de 0,32 ± 0,02mm. Para la medición organoléptica se realizó un análisis sensorial triangular, utilizando 6 combinaciones con 3 repeticiones, total 18 catadores, estos resultados fueron sometidos a Chi-cuadrado obteniendo diferencias significativas en sabor del huevo de campo con relación al comercial. Cabe indicar que la característica de rusticidad en las gallinas, representa un factor importante para la conservación de recursos genéticos, ya que han demostrado poseer una capacidad de adaptación al medio ambiente, que aseguran buenos rendimientos productivos y que resultan interesantes para la seguridad y soberanía alimentaria.
Queratinas de plumaje de pollo y lana de oveja: Comparativa de sus masas moleculares mediante electroforesis en gel
Authors: Fernández-d’Arlas Bidegain B.
Published: August 2019

El plumaje de pollo y la lana de oveja son actualmente considerados residuos agroindustriales de difícil deshecho. Es por ello que la búsqueda de aplicaciones para estos materiales es interesante desde el punto de vista de la Economía Circular. El conocimiento de las propiedades y características de sus queratinas, el principal constituyente de estos materiales, puede ayudar en el diseño de sus aplicaciones finales. Este trabajo expone los resultados del análisis de la masa molecular de las queratinas de la lana de oveja lacha (Ovis aries) y el pollo de consumo (Gallus domesticus) obtenidas mediante extracción reductiva con tioglicolato sódico en medio alcalino. El análisis llevado a cabo mediante electroforesis en gel de poliacrilamida indica que la queratina de la lana posee una masa molecular con fracciones de 56, 47, 14, 10 y 8KDa, mayor en promedio que la queratina del plumaje de pollo, únicamente con fracciones de menor masa molecular comprendidas entre 8-6 KDa.
Análisis con componentes principales y estimación de parámetros genéticos para medidas zoométricas en caballo pura raza española de México
Authors: Domínguez-Viveros J. , Rodríguez-Almeida F.A. , Burrola-Barraza M.E. , Callejas-Juárez N. , Ortega-Gutiérrez J.A.
Published: August 2019

En el Caballo de Pura Raza Española (CPRE), los objetivos de selección son las disciplinas ecuestres en las que se desenvuelve, y los criterios de selección son las medidas zoométricas (MZ). El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar el CPRE con análisis de componentes principales (ACP); estimar parámetros genéticos (PAG) para MZ, y los componentes generados con el ACP. Las MZ analizadas en 1806 individuos (n) fueron: perímetro torácico (PT), perímetro de rodilla, perímetro de caña, longitud escápulo – isquial (LEI), anchura de pecho (AP), altura del hueco sub – esternal (AHS), altura de pecho (ALP), altura a la cruz. El ACP se realizó con la matriz de correlaciones y el software SAS. Para los PAG se realizaron dos análisis multivariados: con todas las MZ, y otro a partir del ACP. Con el software MTDFREML se estimó la heredabilidad (h²) para cada variable y las correlaciones genéticas (rg) entre variables. Del ACP, cuatro componentes se utilizaron para PAG. Del ACP, las variaciones en tamaño se atribuyen a PT y ALP, para conformación media a AHS; AP y LEI, definen caballos pequeños. Las h2 para MZ oscilaron de 0.12 a 0.55 y un promedio de 0.31; todas las rg fueron positivas en el intervalo de 0.12 a 0.98 (promedio de 0.65). Las h² en los componentes fluctuaron de 0.29 a 0.47 (promedio de 0.38); las rg en su mayoría fueron positivas de 0.12 a 0.65, y una negativa (-0.13). En las MZ la respuesta a la selección directa estará en función de h², y la posible respuesta correlacionada será por la magnitud y el signo de las rg. El ACP caracterizó al CPRE a través de tres estratos, y pueden ser utilizados en los criterios de selección.
Integração Lavoura-Pecuária-Floresta: Interação entre Componentes e Sustentabilidade do Sistema
Authors: Rodrigues L.M. , Teodoro A.G. , Santos A.J.M. , Backes C. , Rocha J.H.T. , Giongo P.R. , Dos Santos Y.L.A.
Published: August 2019

O impacto ambiental provocado por práticas agropecuárias extrativistas é preocupante a nível mundial do ponto de vista ambiental e econômico, visto que a degradação das áreas causa impacto ambiental, afeta diretamente a produção vegetal e indiretamente a produção animal. Com a finalidade de diminuir os danos ao meio ambiente e adotar modelos de produção mais eficientes e sustentáveis, o governo brasileiro lançou políticas governamentais com incentivo por meio de financiamento para implantação destes. A iLPF consiste no cultivo simultâneo ou em sucessão para produção de alimento de origem animal e vegetal além da produção de recursos madeireiros e não-madeireiros. Esse sistema possibilita a diversificação da renda, maior produtividade, benefícios ao solo e ao sistema, recuperação de áreas degradadas e é de baixo impacto ambiental, contudo esses podem não ocorrer em circunstâncias de implantação e manejo incorreto de seus componentes resultando em um cenário de desequilíbrio e competição. O componente florestal, por permanecer por mais tempo na área de produção, deve-se dar atenção à escolha da espécie a ser utilizada bem como ao arranjo a ser adotado, visto que pode influenciar seu próprio desenvolvimento e dos demais componentes vegetais. Frente a complexidade do sistema e seus potenciais benefícios, são essenciais pesquisas acerca da iLPF para síntese de informações sobre os melhores modelos a serem adotados em função da diversidade ambiental e realidades socioeconômicas brasileiras.
Leveduras vivas e mananoligossacarídeos para prevenção de acidose ruminal subaguda
Authors: Garcia Diaz T. , Ferriani Branco A.
Published: August 2019

A utilização de dietas ricas em concentrado, principalmente grãos, comumente é adota em sistemas intensivos de produção, visando aumentar a produtividade. No entanto, essas dietas ricas em carboidratos rapidamente fermentáveis no rúmen estão relacionadas ao desenvolvimento de alterações metabólicas como, a acidose ruminal subaguda. Esse distúrbio se desenvolve, principalmente, pela acumulação excessiva de ácidos orgânicos no rúmen, os quais causam a queda do pH ruminal (
Identiﬁcation and application of piwi-interacting RNAs from seminal plasma exosome in Cynoglossus semilaevis
Authors: Bao Baolong , Zhang Bo , zhao Na , Jia Lei , Che Jinyuan , He Xiaoxu , Liu Kefeng
Published: August 2019

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have been linked to epigenetic and

post-transcriptional gene silencing of retrotransposons in germ line cells, particularly in spermatogenesis. Moreover, exosomic piRNAs are promising biomarkers for disease diagnosis and physiological status indication. To determine whether piRNAs from fish germ line cells have similar features, seminal plasma exosomes from half-smooth tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis, were identified, and their small RNAs were sequenced and analysed. We used C. semilaevis because of its commercial value and its sexual dimorphism, particularly the sex reversed ''pseudo-males'' who have a female karyotype, produce sperm, and copulate with normal females to produce viable offspring. We identiﬁed six signature piRNAs as biomarkers in seminal plasma exosomes from males and pseudo-male C. semilaevis. Bioinformatic analysis showed that all six signatures were sex-related, and four were DNA methylation related and transposition-related piRNAs. Their expression proﬁles were veriﬁed by using real-time quantitative PCR. The expression of the signature piRNAs was markedly higher in males than in pseudo-males. The signature piRNAs could be exploited as male specific
biomarkers in this fish. As far as we know, these are first male specific biomarkers in C. semilaevis.Also, it is the first report that piRNAs are employed as biomarkers in fish.These signatures provide an effective tool to explore sex typing in C. semilaevis and may rovide guidance for future research on the generative mechanism of sex reversed ''pseudo-males'' in C. semilaevis.
miR-19a promotes proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells by regulating AKT/pAKT signaling
Authors: Li Yuanbin , Wang Yanfang , Pu Yadi , Liu Shujun , Zhang Fenglan
Published: August 2019

Background: Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) occurs frequently following surgical treatment of cataracts, representing a common adverse outcome. PCO develops as a result of lens epithelial cell (LEC) transdifferentiation, migration, and proliferation. In the present report we sought to explore the role of microRNA (miR)-19a in this process and to establish the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Methods: miR-19a was transduced into HLE-B3 LECs, with microscopy and RT-qPCR used to confirm transfection efficiency. We then employed MTT, wound healing, and transwell assay approaches to monitor the proliferation and migration of these LECs. We further assessed levels of the proteins PTEN, AKT, and phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) via western blotting in WT and miRNA-transfected cells.
Results: HLE‑B3 proliferation was markedly enhanced by miR-19a transduction, as well the migration activity of these cells (both P<0.01). Furthermore, overexpressing miR‑19a failed to reduce PTEN expression whereas it did enhance pAKT levels within these LECs (P<0.05).
Conclusions: This suggests that miR-19a can enhance LEC proliferation and migratory activity through a mechanism that may be linked with regulating AKT activation and signaling, thus highlighting a potential avenue for therapeutic treatment of PCO patients.
Potential Impact of 2017 American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association High Blood Pressure Guideline on Chinese Adults---How to Face?
Authors: Jiao Yundi , Sun Zhaoqing , Xie Yanxia , Zheng Jia , Li Zhao , Guo Xiaofan , Dai Yue , Sun Yingxian , Zheng Liqiang
Published: August 2019

Background

The current analysis was to estimate the percentage and number of Chinese adults with hypertension and recommended for pharmacological anti-hypertensive treatment according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guideline as compared with the 2010 Chinese Guideline.Methods

We used the 2011 data of China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). 12,499 Chinese adults aged ≥ 18 years with complete blood pressure (BP) values were selected for the present analysis.Results

The crude prevalence (95% CI) of hypertension according to the definitions from 2017 ACC/AHA guideline and the 2010 Chinese guideline was 58.0% (57.2% to 58.9%) and 25.4% (24.7% to 26.2%), respectively. Meanwhile, the percentage of recommended anti-hypertensive medications was 31.5% and 28.8%. Among adults who taking anti-hypertensive medications, the percentage of which had above goal BP level was 88.8% compared to 53.3%. Overall, 613.3 million Chinese adults (aged ≥ 18 years) met the definition for hypertension according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, for which was 267.7 million according to the 2010 Chinese guideline. An additional 28.4 million (2.7%) Chinese adults were recommended anti-hypertensive medication.Conclusions

The present analysis revealed that 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline will result in a substantial increase in the percentage and number of Chinese adults defined as having hypertension and a small increase in the percentage of adults who are recommended anti-hypertensive medications compared to the 2010 Chinese guideline. More intensive management and anti-hypertensive medications are suggested to improve the control rate of hypertension among Chinese adults.
Increased levels of serum Hcy and UA as well as the thickness of carotid intima-media correlates with the severity of coronary artery lesions
Authors: Tan Changming , Li Jianming , Zhou Yangzhao , Xu Feng
Published: August 2019

Background

To investigate the correlation between serum homocysteine (Hcy) and uric acid (UA) levels as well as carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and the severity of coronary artery lesions in elderly patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods

A total of 156 elderly patients with CHD in the experimental group were further divided into low, middle and high score groups. Serum Hcy and UA levels, IMT, Gensini and Sullivan scores were measured and analyzed by Pearson correlation. The risk factors for CHD and the correlation were analyzed by single factor analysis and logistic regression.Results

The serum levels of Hcy, UA and the IMT in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.001). Gensini scores showed that the levels of serum Hcy, UA, and the IMT in middle and high score groups were significantly higher than those in the low score group, while the high score group had the significant highest level (all P < 0.001). Serum Hcy, UA levels and the IMT were positively correlated with Gensini and Sullivan scores (all P < 0.001). And male gender, smoking, history of hypertension, systolic pressure, pulse pressure, Hcy, UA, IMT, and BMI were independently correlated with the severity of CHD (all P < 0.05).Conclusions

The serum levels of Hcy and UA and the IMT in patients with CHD were significantly increased, and were positively correlated with the severity of coronary artery lesions, which may serve as diagnostic indicators.
Spectrum of Heart diseases in Children presenting to a Paediatric Cardiac Echocardiography Clinic in the Lake Zone of Tanzania: a 7 years overview
Authors: Zuechner Antke , Mhada Tumaini , Majani Naizihijwa G , Sharau Godwin G , Mahalu William , Freund Matthias W
Published: August 2019

Background

Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are among the most common congenital malformations. It is estimated that the incidence of CHD is constant worldwide, but data are rare for most African countries including Tanzania. Even less data are available on the prevalence of acquired heart diseases (AHD) in African children. Rheumatic heart disease is the leading cause of AHD and is remaining a public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa affecting especially the younger population. Both, CHD and AHD contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality during infancy and childhood.Methods

This hospital-based, retrospective review of the registry at the paediatric cardiac clinic of Bugando Medical Centre in the Lake Zone of Tanzania analysed the spectrum of heart diseases of paediatric patients during their first presentation by using simple descriptive statistics.Results

Between September 2009 and August 2016, a total of 3982 patients received cardiac evaluation including echocardiography studies. 1830 (46.0%) pathologic findings were described, out of these 1371 (74.9%) patients had CHD, whereas 459 (25.1%) presented with AHD.

53.9% of the patients with CHD were female and the most common associated syndrome was Down syndrome in 12.8% of patients. In 807 patients (58.9%) diagnosis of CHD was established within the first year of life. The majority of patients (60.1%) were in need of surgical or interventional therapy at time of diagnosis and 6.3% of patients were judged inoperable at the time of first presentation. Nearly 50% of cases with AHD were rheumatic heart diseases followed by dilated cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension without underlying CHD.Conclusions

The spectrum of CHD and AHD from one centre in Tanzania is comparable to findings reported in other countries from the African continent. Echocardiography is a valuable diagnostic tool and the widespread use of it should be enhanced to diagnose heart diseases in a large number and reasonable time. Most patients present late and majority is in need of surgical or interventional treatment, which is still not readily available. Untreated heart diseases contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality during infancy and childhood. Adequate cardiac services should be established and strengthened.
Potential application of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) and Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae) aqueous extracts for assessment of viability of protoscolices from hydatid cysts
Authors: ELOWNI ELSAYED ELSIDDIG , Abdelnabi Ghada Hassan , AhmaD Mohamad Fadl , Badawi Reem Mustafa
Published: August 2019

Background

A number of commercial stains have been used to assess the viability of protoscolices ( defined as the capacity of being alive ) that develop in hydatid cysts, the infective stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus (s.l). There has been a remarkable increase of interest in natural product research over the past few decades for application of these products in a diversity of fields. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) is a flowering plant widely cultivated in the Sudan. Aqueous extracts from plant calyces have characteristic brilliant red colouration due to the presence of anthocyanins, an important group of water-soluble plant pigments. Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae), commonly called "Henna" or "Mehndi ", is famous for having dyeing properties due to the presence of lawsone, a red-orange pigment extracted from plant leaves. Objective was to assess the viability of protoscolices of camel origin following exposure to aqueous extracts of H. sabdariffa calyces or L. inermis leaves taking advantage of the kinetically distinct molecular transfer systems of the Echinococcus protoscolex for uptake of materials across the tegument (external body covering).Results

Viable protoscolices are capable of exclusion of plant pigment obtained from either H. sabdariffa or L. inermis whereas dead protoscolices uptake the pigment in both occasions. Performance is comparable to eosin.Conclusions

It is suggested that extracts of both plants can be used effectively as a cheap and a readily available natural material for assessment of viability of protoscolices. Regarding the remarkable diversity of functions of the tapeworm tegument, it is proposed that the Echinococcus protoscolex can be employed as an experimental model in studies concerned with tapeworm natural protective responses in hostile environments, for instance upon exposure to antiparasitic drugs or host's body defences.
Hernia reduction following laparotomy using small stitch abdominal wall closure with and without mesh augmentation (the HULC trial, DRKS00017517): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Heger Patrick , Feißt Manuel , Krisam Johannes , Klose Christina , Dörr-Harim Colette , Tenckhoff Solveig , Büchler Markus W. , Diener Markus K. , Mihaljevic Andre
Published: August 2019

Background Incisional hernias are among the most frequent complications following abdominal surgery and cause substantial morbidity, impaired health-related quality of life and costs. Despite improvements in abdominal wall closure techniques incisional hernia rates are reported to be between 10-30% following midline laparotomies. There have been two recent innovations with promising results to reduce hernia rates, namely the small stitches technique and the placement of a prophylactic mesh. So far, these two techniques have not been evaluated in combination.Methods The HULC trial is a multicentre randomized controlled, observer and patient blinded surgical effectiveness trial with two parallel study groups. A total of 812 patients scheduled for elective abdominal surgery via a midline laparotomy will be randomized in 12 centres after informed consent. Patients will be randomly assigned to the control group receiving closure of the midline incision with a slowly absorbable monofilament suture in small stitches technique or to the intervention group that will receive a small stitches closure followed by augmentation with a light-weight polypropylen mesh in onlay technique. The primary endpoint will be the occurrence of incisional hernias as defined by the European Hernia Society within 24 months after surgery. Further perioperative parameters, as well as patient-reported outcomes, will be analysed as secondary outcomes.Discussion The HULC trial will address the yet unanswered question whether a combination of small stitched fascial closure and onlay mesh augmentation after elective midline laparotomies reduces the rate of incisional hernias. The HULC trial marks the logical and innovative next step in the development of a safe abdominal closure technique.
A Novel Peer Mentor Model for Nutrition Education within a Food Pantry
Authors: Oliver Tracy Lynn , McKeever Amy , Shenkman Rebecca , Diewald Lisa K.
Published: August 2019

Background: Food insecurity disproportionately affects groups of Americans and is a social determinant of health that deems one at risk for comorbidities. Food insecurity is defined as reduced access to a sufficient quantity and quality of food, which limits the variety or desirability of one’s diet. Unfortunately, this hidden and silent epidemic in the United States continues to rise and is at an all-time high rate, with one in six children being affected, 13 million children and a total of 41.2 million Americans. As a result, emergency food pantries (EFPs) are challenged with the dual role of providing food to combat hunger, but also being conscious of the health concerns of their clients such as chronic illness and obesity. Methods: “Community Cooks” was a peer mentor model program implemented to deliver nutrition education, skills in basic cooking techniques, healthy eating principles, and easily prepared recipes relying on foods available within an EFP. Eleven peer mentors were recruited and trained over six months to deliver a series of live workshops open to all community members. Results: After six months, peer mentor retention rate was 85%, and qualitative focus group findings suggest that peer mentors had the desire to remain part of “Community Cooks” program. Conclusion: The use of a peer mentor model of delivering nutrition education within an EFP is a valuable and sustainable approach to target the food insecure and underserved population.
Micronutrient and Phytic acid Contents of Wild Edible Fruits Collected from Temcha Watershed of Amhara Region (Ethiopia) to Combat Hidden Hunger
Authors: Reta Haimanot Terefe , Demissew Sebsebe , Asfaw Zemede , Zewdu Ashagrie
Published: August 2019

Abstracts
Background: Locally available and easily accessible, underused complementary foods including wild edible fruit species are affordable and potentially more acceptable than other options to address the problem of ‘hidden hunger’ or micronutrient deficiency. Study aimed to collect and determine the nutritional composition of wild edible fruits with its bioavailability collected from Temcha watershed.
Methods: Semi structured interviews were administered to collect all wild edible plants and its associated knowledge through the participation of informants systematically selected from six sub districts in the study area. Mineral and pyhtate content and molar ratio of phytate to mineral ratio were determined using standard methods.
Results: Based on the total use value of all wild edible plants, the top 18 wild edible fruits were selected for dietary analysis. The zinc contents of the analyzed fruits were ranged in between 0.06 ± 0.02 mg/100g -88.89 ± 0.42 mg/100g. The iron content of the analyzed fruits were ranged in between 5.84 ±0.00 mg/100 g – 148 ± 0.93 mg/100g and the calcium contents were in between 53.25 ± 0.45 mg/100g – 1280 ± 0.77 mg/100g. The phytate content of each fruits were ranged in between 6.9 ± 0.00 mg/100g – 51.4 ± 0.04 mg/100g.
Conclusions: Combination of Ficus sycomorus and either of all wild edible fruits satisfy the daily-recommended allowance of calcium for male and female age 10-18 (1300 mg/100 g). Almost all WEFs provides optimum amount of iron for Children up to 10 years required 11.6 – 17.8 mg / day except Embelia schimperi, Ficus sur, Rossa abyssinica, Rubus studinary & Ximenia americana. The different amount of zinc (0.66 - 89 mg /100 g) contributes to control progressive stunting in children in the study area. The phytate concentrations of wild edible fruits do not have a negative impact on the bioavailability of calcium, iron and zinc. The micronutrient content of wild edible fruits provided a lot of contribution for the study area communities and those who shared similar feeding culture elsewhere in the country.
Key words: Micronutrients, temcha watershed, wild edible fruits,
Inhibition of autophagy triggers melatonin-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Zhou Nan , Wei Zixuan , Qi Zengxin
Published: August 2019

Background: Autophagy is considered to beanother restorative focus for the treatment of brain tumors. Although several research have demonstrated that melatonin induces autophagy in colon cancer and hepatoma cells, there has not been any direct evidence of whether melatonin is capable of inducing autophagy in human glioma cells.
Results: In the present research, we report that melatonin or its agonist, agomelatine, induced autophagy inA172 and U87-MG glioblastoma cells for a concentration-and time-dependent way, whichwas significantly attenuated by treatment with luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist. Furthermore, by suppressing autophagy at the late-stage with bafilomycin A1 and early stage with 3-MA, we found that the melatonin-induced autophagy was activated early, and the autophagic flux was complete. Melatonin treatment alone did not induce any apoptotic changes in the glioblastoma cells, as measured by flow cytometry. Western blot studies confirmed that melatonin alone prominently upregulated the levels of Beclin 1 and LC3 II, which was accompanied by an increase in the expression of Bcl-2, whereas it had no effect on the expression of Bax in the glioblastoma cells. Remarkably, co-treatment with 3-MA and melatonin significantly enhanced the apoptotic cell population in the glioblastoma cells, along with a prominent decrease in the expression of bcl-2 and increase in the Bax expression levels, which collectively indicated that the disruption of autophagy triggers the melatonin-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma cells.
Conclusions: These results provide information indicating that melatonin may act as a common upstream signal between autophagy and apoptosis, which may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for glioma.
Development of teaching quality evaluation questionnaire for preclinical courses: an exploratory factor analysis
Authors: He Pan , Ye Xiaofei , Feng Nannan , Huang Hengye , Qiu Yulan
Published: August 2019

Background Course quality assessment contributes to evaluate teaching effectiveness and to improve student learning. Several course quality assessment questionnaires have been carried out associated with teaching quality evaluation of medical education. However, little is known about views of medical students regarding the quality of preclinical courses. To fill this gap, we aimed to develop a novel multi-dimension instrument for assessing teaching quality with the perception of medical students in preclinical courses.Methods The original Teaching Quality Evaluation Questionnaire (TQEQ) containing seven dimensions: course contents, teaching abilities, teaching methods, teaching attitudes, learning outcomes, teacher characteristics, student subjection, consisting of 47 items was formed according to literature reviews and group design. We sent the original questionnaires with items in a random order to medical students of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. After collecting the valid questionnaires, the exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess construct validity and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used for evaluating internal consistency reliability of the questionnaires.Results In total, 590/646 (91.3%) of participants completed the questionnaire regarding preclinical course evaluation. The exploratory factor analysis yielded seven common factors, learning outcomes, teaching attitudes, student subjection, teaching abilities, teaching methods, teacher characteristics, teaching interactions, consisting of 39 items explained 58.449% of total variance and the factor loading value was above 0.4. In addition, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.669 to 0.914.Conclusion This study provides a new, validated and useful instrument for measuring teaching effectiveness of preclinical courses based on the views of medical students. It is feasible for use in medical schools.
Are countries’ self-reported assessments of their capacity for infectious disease control reliable? Associations among countries’ self-reported International Health Regulation 2005 capacity assessments and infectious disease control outcomes
Authors: Tsai Feng-Jen , Tipayamongkholgul Mathuros
Published: August 2019

Background

This study aimed to evaluate associations among countries’ self-reported International Health Regulation 2005 (IHR 2005) capacity assessments and infectious disease control outcomes.

Methods

Countries’ self-reported assessments implemented by percentages as IHR Monitoring Tools (IHRMT) in 2016 and 2017 were used to represent national capacity regarding infectious disease control. WHO Disease Outbreak News and matched diseases reports on ProMED-mail were collected in 2016 to represent disease control outcomes of countries. Disease control outcomes were divided in good, normal and bad groups based on the development of outbreaks listed in the reports. The Human Development Index (HDI), density of physicians and nurses, health expenditure, number of arrivals of international tourists were also collected for control. Chi-square test and logistic regression were applied for analysis.

Results

A total of 907 cases occurred in 92 countries. For all diseases, cases occurring in high international travel volume countries presented twice the risk of having a bad disease control outcomes than cases occurring in low international travel volume countries (OR = 2.19 for IHR 2016, OR =2.97 for IHR 2017). Cases occurring in low IHR average score countries had significant higher risk (OR = 7.83 for IHR 2016 and OR = 2.23 for IHR 2017) of having a bad disease control outcomes than countries with high IHR average scores. For only human diseases, cases occurring in high international travel volume countries presented twice the risk of having a bad disease control outcomes than cases occurring in low international travel volume countries for IHR 2017 (OR =2.79). Cases occurring in low IHR average score countries had significant higher risk (OR = 11.16 for IHR 2016 and OR = 3.45 for IHR 2017) of having a bad disease control outcomes than countries with high IHR average scores. The HDI, health workforce density and total health expenditure were all positively associated with disease control outcomes.

Conclusions

Countries’ self-reported infectious disease control capacities positively correlated with their disease control outcomes. While the self-reported IHR scores were accountable to some degree, this approach was useful for understanding global capacity in infectious disease control and in allocating resources for future preparedness.
Nuclear Factor Kappa B Increases CX3CR1 Expression in BV-2 Microglial Cells and Aggravates Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Ye Zhi , Guo Qulian , Li Xilei , Wang E , Zou Wangyuan , Sun Zhihua , He Zhenghua , Zhong Tao , Weng Yingqi , Pan Yundan
Published: August 2019

Background: Nuclear factor kappa B is well-known for its pro-neuroinflammation function. However, it remains unknown how it increases the expression of inflammatory factors, which in turn promotes neuropathic pain. Here we investigated its role in the development of neuropathic pain in rats using a sciatic chronic constriction injury model and examined its effect in up-regulating CX3CR1 expression in BV-2 microglial cells induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
Methods : The sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was used to induce neuropathic pain in rats. Mechanical stimuli and radiant heat were used to evaluate mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. The pain related behavioral effect of Nuclear factor kappa B was accessed after intrathecal administration of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, a nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor. BV-2 microglia activation was induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha incubation, and the levels of inflammatory factors and CX3CR1 were assessed.
Results: Intrathecal infusion of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, a nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor, at 100 or 1000 pmol/d prevented the development of mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and inhibited spinal microglial activation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression. In addition, phospho-p65 expression revealed that transient nuclear factor kappa B activation in BV-2 microglial cells was triggered by tumor necrosis factor-alpha.and increased CX3CR1 mRNA and protein expression. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-alpha-inducedexpression of CX3CR1.
Conclusion: These results suggested that the activation of nuclear factor kappa B pathway might enhance spinal microglial activation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression in neuropathic pain and the phosphorylation of p65 might be responsible for tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced CX3CR1 expression in BV-2 microglial cells.
The functions of ocu-miR-205 in regulating hair follicle development of Rex rabbits
Authors: Liu Gongyan , Li Shu , Liu Hongli , Zhu Yanli , Bai Liya , Sun Haitao , Gao Shuxia , Jiang Wenxue , Li Fuchang
Published: August 2019

Background: Hair follicles is an appendage from the vertebrate skin epithelium, and arise from the embryonic ectoderm andregenerate cyclically during adult life. Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) is the key dermal component of the hair follicle that directly regulates hair follicle development, growth and regeneration. Recent studies have reported that miRNA plays an important role in regulating hair follicle morphogenesis, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of hair follicle stem cells.
Results: The miRNAs expression profile of the DPCs from different hair density Rex rabbits shown that 240 differentially expressed of miRNAs were screened (log 2 (HD/LD)｜>1.00 and Q-value≤0.001). Among them, the expression of ocu-miR-205-5p in low hair densities DPCs was higher than that in high hair densities, and it is highly expressed in the skin tissue of Rex rabbits ( P <0.05). ocu-miR-205 could increase cell proliferation and cell apoptosis ratio, change cell cycle process ( P <0.05), affect the genes expression of PI3K/Akt, Wnt, Notch and BMP signaling pathways in DPCs and skin tissue of Rex rabbits, inhibit the protein phosphorylation level of CTNNB1, GSK-3β and the protein expression level of noggin (NOG), promote Akt phosphorylation level ( P <0.05). There was no significant change in primary follicle density ( P >0.05), but the secondary follicle density and total follicle density ( P <0.05) were changed after ocu-miR-205-5p interfered expression, and secondary/primary ratio (S/P) in ocu-miR-205-5p interfered expression group increased at 14 days after injection ( P <0.05).
Conclusion: ocu-miR-205 could promote the apoptosis of DPCs, affect PI3K/Akt, Wnt, Notch and BMP signaling pathways genes and proteins expression in DPCs and skin of Rex rabbits, promote the transformation of hair follicles from growth phase to regression and resting phase, and affect hair density of Rex rabbits.