bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nodulation genes in the Rhizobium--plant signal exchange.
Authors: Lorkiewicz Z
Published: January 2020

The process of the host-plant recognition by rhizobia is complex and multi-step. The interaction between legumes and microorganisms results in the induction of the root nodule. This symbiotic interaction is highly host-specific. Bacteria within nodules fix atmospheric nitrogen. This process is of immense ecological and economic significance. The subject of this presentation is the molecular mechanism by which the bacterium determines its host-specific characteristics. First flavonoids secreted by the plant roots induce the transcription of bacterial genes involved in nodulation, the so-called nod genes. This leads to the next step of the signalling system, i.e. the production and secretion of lipo-oligosaccharide molecules by rhizobia. These signal molecules have various discernible effects on the roots of the host leguminous plants. The bacterial nodulation factors were isolated and structurally identified as substituted and N-acylated chitin oligosaccharides. These prokaryotic signals play a key role in the symbiosis by controlling the host specificity of the bacteria. They constitute a new class of signalling molecules able to elicit nodule organogenesis in leguminous plants in the absence of bacteria. More recent studies implicate involvement of root cell membrane depolarization and ion selective channels in the communication processes that initiate nodule formation.
Nuclear extrachromosomal DNA of higher plants.
Authors: Buchowicz J
Published: January 2020

Recent reports indicate that minichromosomes and other small genetic entities may occur in the nuclei of uninfected higher plants. They become especially abundant under some special growth conditions and, sometimes, resemble extrachromosomal genes of ciliated protozoa. An example of such gene-sized DNA species was isolated from resting wheat embryos. The presence of telomeric sequences at its termini and the ability to replicate autonomously in wheat nuclei made it possible to distinguish this nuclear minichromosome from chromosomal DNA fragmentation products. The biological significance of plant minichromosomes remains to be elucidated.
Changes in red blood cell membrane structure in patients with chronic renal failure.
Authors: Gwoździński K , Janicka M , Brzeszczyńska J , Luciak M
Published: January 2020

The properties of red blood cell membranes in patients with chronic renal failure were investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Using spin traps, 5,5-dimethylpirroline-1 oxide and N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone, we found generation of hydroxyl radicals in the blood of patients with chronic renal failure after 20 min of regular hemodialysis. The physical state of membrane proteins and membrane osmotic fragility and reductive properties of red blood cells were studied. The increase in the relative correlation time of 4-(2-iodoacetamido)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1 oxyl indicates the immobilization of membrane protein molecules in erythrocytes of chronic renal failure patients. The decrease in membrane protein mobility was observed in whole blood incubated with tert-butylhydroperoxide, regardless of the presence of iron. We found that the addition of ferrous ions did not aggravate profound changes in membrane proteins induced with tert-butylhydroperoxide. We also demonstrated higher osmotic fragility of erythrocytes in the patients with renal failure as compared to normal subjects. These alterations in membrane structure of red blood cells in hemodialysed patients suggest that hydroxyl radicals generated during hemodialysis can play an important role in the oxidative mechanism of erythrocyte damage.
The Importance of Good Governance on Achieving Sustainable Development Case Study: Yemen
Authors: Gaghman AbdulGhani
Published: January 2020

Governance has become one of the most important concepts in developing countries. Consequently, many countries are trying to pursue good governance and adoption according to the established concept of governance in order to achieve the desired sustainable economic growth and development. Yemeni economy has been in deep recession due to Saudi alliance war since March 2015. Once the war stops, restructuring economy required a new development approach with firm and well define good governance principles aiming to achieve Sustainable Development goals. Yemen as one of the least developing country, not all of its efforts to move ahead economically have been successful. There is more than one reason for its failure to achieve sustainable economic development, but one is absence of good governance. International organizations, donors, and researchers have prescribed good governance as a solution to persistent development problems. This paper is an attempt to enrich this subject, at least in part, by examining the value of adopting good governance on achieving sustainable development. Based on research findings and learning from other countries experience, development progress and challenges, general framework to implement good governance has been recommended to be consider in the future national development agenda to tolerate achieving sustainable development. Building human capacity is one of the key requirements needed to make a qualitative shift towards sustainable development. The current situation of sustainable development and governance in Yemen as a case study has been reviewed in an explanatory methodologies using regional statistics and global database such as UN organizations, World Bank, HDI, SDGs and Governance indicators to examine the progress made over the last decade. Paper recommended practical steps and actions to be taken to help the official government to reform the current institutional arrangements at the regional as well as national levels, such as adopt governance principles, long term planning, and establishing “High Councils for good governance” to ensure integrated policy formulation, adequate cooperation and coordination among different government entities, and between the government and non-state stakeholders. These recommendations and result have been presented to the Yemeni official government and economic institutions aiming to be integrated in the reform strategies, in particular in the Yemen National Development Strategy (2030). Based on research findings and learning from other countries experience, development progress and challenges, general framework to implement good governance has been recommended to be consider in the future national development agenda to achieve sustainable development.
 
Keywords: Sustainable Development, Good Governance, Economic Reform, Yemen, SDGs
DEPENDÊNCIA ECONÔMICA E VULNERABILIDADE EXTERNA REGIONAL DO ESTADO DO PARÁ EM PERÍODO RECENTE
Authors: De Sousa Nathálya Rocha , Trindade José Raimundo Barreto
Published: January 2020

A capacidade de desenvolvimento regional das unidades estaduais brasileiras pode ser tratada conforme o plano teórico da Teoria da Dependência, subtendendo, de um lado, os vínculos de dependência econômica regionais-federativas e, por outro, o grau de vulnerabilidade externa dessas unidades. Este artigo busca tratar a questão da vulnerabilidade externa regional do Estado do Pará relacionando o mesmo com os demais Estados brasileiros, levando em consideração a dinâmica de acumulação de cada unidade federativa, bem como o processo de desenvolvimento regional das mesmas, a partir da análise de índices de vulnerabilidade econômica regional, adaptando a metodologia de Gonçalves (2005) para o ano de 2005. Nesse sentido, a análise dos indicadores relacionados com os aspectos teóricos do Aporte da Dependência, mostrou que o Estado do Pará é bastante sintomático de um grave quadro de subordinação de sua base produtiva aos canais de comércio exterior centrados no fornecimento de bens primários ou semi-beneficiados. Teoria da Dependência; Dependência Econômica; Estado do Pará; Vulnerabilidade Externa Regional.
A DESTERRITORIALIZAÇÃO DAS CRIANÇAS E DOS ADOLESCENTES FACE À UHE BELO MONTE: UMA ANÁLISE A PARTIR DOS RUC SÃO JOAQUIM E LARANJEIRAS EM ALTAMIRA-PA
Authors: Conceição Ronicleici Santos da , Herrera José Antônio , Carvalho Gleiciely Barroso
Published: January 2020

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar a desterritorialização das crianças e dos adolescentes realocados para os Reassentamentos Urbanos Coletivos (RUC) São Joaquim e Laranjeiras no município de Altamira, Sudoeste do Pará, caracterizando as dinâmicas e as condições de vida no processo de reterritorialização. Para tal, utilizou-se a pesquisa qualitativa, pesquisa documental nas instituições da rede de proteção das crianças e dos adolescentes, e órgãos e instituições ligados ao empreendimento Belo Monte. Também foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com crianças, adolescentes e adultos, além da produção de desenhos como forma de capturar a percepção do sujeito sobre os diferentes espaços. A desterritorialização está relacionada às rupturas nas relações materiais e imateriais no uso e apropriação do território dos sujeitos em análise, desencadeadas pela inserção da Usina Hidrelétrica (UHE) Belo Monte, além das dificuldades de adaptação ao novo espaço de moradia. Assim, em meados de 2015 e 2016, foi realizada análise nos RUCs São Joaquim e Laranjeiras e constatou-se, nos serviços básicos de educação, saúde e lazer, ausências e deficiências que têm, consequentemente,  interferido de forma direta nas condições de vida das crianças e adolescentes sendo possível observar, através dos desenhos e falas, um grande sentimento de pertencimento aos territórios de origem, sobretudo por causa da ruptura parcial ou total das redes de sociabilidade familiar e comunitária.
Analytical construction of relay dynamic system point mappings taking into account delays
Authors: Simonyants R.P. , Bulavkin V.N.
Published: January 2020

The article considers solving the problem of analytical construction of Poincare maps for finding simple and complex limit cycles in a relay dynamic system involving constant perturbation and delay. Application of Neymark’s theory of multivariate point transformations allows reducing the problem under consideration to the search for a multifold fixed point thus overcoming the difficulty of finding complex periodic motions. The choice of switching lines as arcs without contact taking into account delays significantly simplified the task of analytical construction of point mapping. The results of analytical constructions are confirmed by numerical simulation of movements. The results obtained can find practical application in developing reactive systems for controlling the orientation and stabilization of the spacecraft. Compared with the previously known solution, a more complete result is obtained, which is of particular importance in the study of systems with high efficiency of executive bodies.
Procedure of training artificial neural network of elastic-damping characteristic control system of shock absorber landing gear struts of ground-based aircraft
Authors: Brusov V.A. , Merzlikin Yu.Yu. , Menshikov A.S.
Published: January 2020

During their calendar life, passenger and transport aircraft run more than 200 thousand kilometers on the runways, which cause a significant part of the damage, both in the landing gears and in other units of the airframe. To reduce aircraft overloads at the stages of takeoff and landing (run-up and run on the runway) and taxiing, shock-absorbing struts with variable elastic-damping characteristics are used. Due to the fact that the parameters of the runway irregularities are in a wide range of values, it is necessary to use an adaptive system for controlling the stiffness coefficients and damping of the shock absorber strut, designed using an artificial neural network. The paper considered a network containing three layers. Using such a model, it is possible to implement an adaptive control circuit adjusting the elastic-damping parameters of the aircraft shock absorber struts to specific runway conditions (length and height of the irregularity, specific hardness of the runway). The velocity gradient method was used to train the artificial neural network. Half the square of the mismatch signal was used as the target criterion to be minimized. The calculated studies of the run up and run of the Il-114 aircraft on a dirt runway showed the possibility of reducing vertical overloads by up to 15% when equipped with a system controlling elastic-damping characteristics with a neural network. The comparison was carried out with an aircraft equipped with a “classical” (non-adaptive) system for controlling landing gear parameters.
Analysing options of reducing power consumption of thermal condition maintenance processes in spacecraft at launch pads
Authors: Matveeva O.P. , Romanyak A.Yu. , Udovik I.S.
Published: January 2020

Supplying a spacecraft with heat carrier featuring the parameters required in order to maintain thermal conditions during system preparation for launch involves considerable power consumption and requires bulky ground equipment in fortified structures. The paper establishes the possibility to decrease power consumption by ground equipment considerably. This result is due to circulating heat carrier between the layers of the fairing. This eliminates contact between the heat carrier and the spacecraft and substantially simplifies requirements posed to the heat carrier. It becomes possible to place ground equipment at the service level of the spacecraft upper stage and to reduce significantly the air duct lengths containing the heat carrier and the heat loss within them.
MI AZ IRONIKUS TUDOMÁNY? II.
Authors: VÖRÖS István
Published: January 2020

Mi az ironikus tudomány, vagy Rorty szavával: ironikus teória? A dolgozat erre a kérdésre keresi a választ, és azt a gondolatsort járja körül, hogy lehetséges-e ilyesmi a tudomány minden ágában, vagy csak a bölcsészet luxusa az irónia, továbbá, hogy milyen az ironikus tudományban szerző, beszélő és olvasó viszonya. Azt a kérdést is felveti, hogy a posztmodern tudományszemlélet vajon az egység vagy a széttagolódás felé visz, továbbá, hogy ha az irodalomról gondolkodókat csak szótáruk különbözteti meg, akkor van-e ehhez a szótárhoz grammatika, és mennyiben hasonlít ez valamiféle mélystruktúrához. A végső válaszadás kényszere nélkül gondolja végig, hogy ironikus teória az volna-e, amit érvényvesztése megerősít, valamint hogy nem ironikusnak lenni rövid ideig tartó kiváltság-e annak okán, hogy minden gyorsan avul a teóriában és a kísérleti fizikában egyaránt. Az esztétika kísérletezése az irodalom? Miben áll az olvasat és a gondolat különbsége? Mindezt végiggondolva, ez már az ironikus tudomány iróniájának tudománya?
β-lactamasas de espectro extendido tipo CTX-M en aislamientos clínicos de Escherichia coli y Klebsiella pneumoniae en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-Breña, Lima, Perú
Authors: Gonzales Edgar , Patiño Lilian , Ore Elsa , Martínez Violeta , Moreno Silvia , Cruzado Norka Beatriz , Rojas Roberto , Quispe María del Carmen , Carbonell Ivonne , Villarreal Freddy , Maza Giovanna , Olivo José , Vicuña Raúl , Bustamante Daniel
Published: January 2020

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de β-lactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE) en Escherichia coli y Klebsiella pneumoniae y la frecuencia de CTX-M en las productoras de BLEE en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño - Breña (INSN-B). Material y métodos: Se analizaron enterobacterias productoras de BLEE del INSN-B entre los meses de agosto de 2012 y enero del 2013. Se incluyeron 724 aislamientos de Escherichia coli y 181 aislamientos de Klebsiella pneumoniae, consecutivos no repetidos, de pacientes hospitalizados y de la comunidad. La identificación se realizó por bioquímica convencional. la detección fenotípica de BLEE se hizo por el método de Jarlier y la detección genotípica de CTX-M mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Resultados: 281 (31%) de los aislamientos de ambas enterobacterias fueron productoras de BLEE; 207/724 (28,6%) E. coli y 74/181 (40,9%) K. pneumoniae. Se detectó el gen blaCTX-M en 256 de los aislamientos productores de BLEE (91,1%). Conclusiones: Las BLEE de tipo CTX-M están presentes en nuestra institución, a pesar que nuestros datos representan una sola institución, brinda parte del panorama nacional sobre la resistencia a los antimicrobianos; por lo tanto, el enfoque de epidemiológico molecular es importante para desarrollar más y mejores estrategias de control y manejo de estos patógenos en nuestro país.
Hernia diafragmática congénita
Authors: Ramírez Rivera Jorge Isaac , Palacios Sagbay Zoila Verónica
Published: January 2020

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Polypyrrole-Wrapped Carbon Nanotube Composite Films Coated on Diazonium-Modified Flexible ITO Sheets for the Electroanalysis of Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Lo Momath , Seydou Mahamadou , Bensghaïer Asma , Pires Rémy , Gningue-Sall Diariatou , Aaron Jean-Jacques , Mekhalif Zineb , Delhalle Joseph , Chehimi Mohamed M.
Published: January 2020

Highly sensitive multicomponent materials designed for the recognition of hazardous compounds request control over interfacial chemistry. The latter is key parameter in the construction of the sensing (macro)molecular architectures. In this work, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (in short, CNTs) were deposited on diazonium-modified flexible ITO electrodes prior to electropolymerization of pyrrole. This three step process, including diazonium electroreduction, deposition of CNTs and electropolymerization, provided adhesively bonded polypyrrole-wrapped CNT composite coatings on aminophenyl-modified flexible ITO sheets. The aminophenyl (AP) groups were attached to ITO by electroreduction of the in situ generated aminobenzenediazonium compound in aqueous, acidic medium. For the first time, polypyrrole (PPy) was electrodeposited in the presence of both benzenesulfonic acid (dopant) and ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) which acts as a chelator. The flexible electrodes were characterized by XPS, Raman and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which provided strong supporting evidence for the wrapping of CNTs by the electrodeposited PPy. Indeed, the CNT average diameter increased from 182.6 nm to 274.8, 35.65.9 and 17520.1 after 1, 5 and 10 of electropolymerization of pyrrole. The PPy/CNT/NH2-ITO films generated by this strategy exhibit significantly improved stability and higher conductivity compared to a similar PPy coating without any embedded CNTs as assessed by from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The potentiometric response was linear in the 10-83×10-7 mol.L-1 Pb(II) concentration range and the detection limit was 2.9×10-9 mol.L-1 at S/N=3. The EGTA was found to drastically improve selectivity for Pb(II) over Cu(II). To account for this improvement, density functional theory (DFT) was employed to calculate the EGTA-metal ion interaction energy which was found to be -374.6 and -116.4 kJ/mol for Pb(II) and Cu(II), respectively, considering solvation effects. This work demonstrates the power of a subtle combination of diazonium coupling agent, CNTs, chelators and conductive polymers to design high-performance electrochemical sensors for environmental applications.
Angiotensin Receptor II Type 1 and the Activation of Myosin Light-Chain Kinase and Protein Kinase C-βII. Mini Review
Authors: Smith Gerry A.
Published: January 2020

The involvement of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor in the Frank-Starling Law of the Heart, where the various activations are very limited, allows simple analysis of the kinase systems involved and thence extrapolation of the mechanism to that of angiotensin control of activation of cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction. The involvement of phosphorylation of the myosin light chain in the control of contraction is accepted but not fully understood. The involvement of troponin-I phosphorylation is also indicated but of unknown mechanism. There is no known signal for activation of myosin light chain kinase or Protein Kinase C-βII other than Ca2+/calmodulin but the former is constitutively active and thus has to be under control of a regulated inhibitor, the latter kinase may also be the same. Ca2+/calmodulin is not activated in Frank-Starling, i.e. there are no diastolic or systolic [Ca2+] changes. I suggest here that that the regulated inhibition is by myosin light chain phosphatase and/or β-arrestin. Angiotensin activation is by translocation of the β-arrestin from the sarcoplasm to the PM thus reducing its kinase inhibition action in the sarcoplasm, this reduced inhibition has been wrongly attributed to a mythical downstream agonist property of β-arrestin.
Audiological and Vestibular Functions in Patients With Lateral Semicircular Canal Dysplasia and Aplasia
Authors: Kwak Sang Hyun , Kim Min Ki , Kim Sung Huhn , Jung Jinsei
Published: January 2020

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to evaluate audiologic and vestibular functions in patients with lateral semicircular canal (LSCC) dysplasia/aplasia.Methods. We conducted a retrospective study of a patients with LSCC dysplasia and aplasia at tertiary referral center. The subjects included 15 patients with LSCC dysplasia or aplasia, with or without combined inner ear anomalies. Medical history, temporal bone computed tomography scans, pure-tone audiograms, and vestibular function test results were analyzed.Results. LSCC anomaly was identified in 15 patients (20 ears). Nine patients had unilateral LSCC dysplasia only and showed a mean pure-tone average of 45.5±28.7 dB, while three patients (33.3%) among them had normal hearing. Six patients had bilateral LSCC dysplasia/aplasia combined with other inner ear anomalies and profound bilateral hearing loss. Notably, only four out of 15 patients (26.7%) had dizziness symptoms. On caloric test, patients with isolated LSCC dysplasia showed a 51.8%±29.3% level of canal paresis (eight out of nine patients showed anomalies), whereas patients with bilateral LSCC dysplasia/aplasia presented bilateral vestibular loss. One patient with isolated LSCC underwent video-head impulse test; horizontal canal gain decreased to 0.62 (17% asymmetry) and anterior canal gain was 0.45 (52.6% asymmetry), whereas posterior canal gain was normal.Conclusion. Bilateral LSCC dysplasia/aplasia is comorbid with other inner ear anomalies and presents as profound bilateral hearing loss and vestibulopathy. In contrast, isolated unilateral LSCC dysplasia presents as ipsilateral horizontal canal paresis. Hearing function in isolated LSCC dysplasia is usually, but not always, impaired with varying severity.
A Retrospective Review of Temporal Bone Computed Tomography to Present Safe Guideline for Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids
Authors: Kim Soyeon , Cho Young Sang , Cho Yang-Sun , Moon Il Joon
Published: January 2020

Objectives. Bone-anchored hearing device (BAHD) is contraindicated in patients younger than 5 years because their calvarial bones are not thick enough to be implanted site. However, it has not been studied in the Korean population. This study was not only to establish a safe guideline for depth of implant device in all age groups who undergo BAHD implant surgery, but also to investigate whether implantation of currently used BAHDs could be done safely in Korean children, especially those younger than 5.Methods. Two hundred eighty patients, who underwent high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography (TBCT) images between August 2010 and October 2018 were randomly enrolled in all ages. We retrospectively reviewed TBCT imaging to measure skull bone thickness at the recommended BAHD implant site.Results. The average skull bone thickness was 2.87 mm in patients younger than 5 years and 6.72 mm in patients older than 5 years, respectively, which conforms to the current guideline. The results indicate nearly 50% of calvarial bone thicknesses were less than 3 mm in patients under 5 years old, while 92.78% of the patients older than 5 years of age showed bone thickness greater than 4 mm. Of note, calvarial bone thickness was thicker than 3 mm in all patients who are older than 6 years.Conclusion. This study confirms that the currently approved BAHD implantation guideline is suitable in the Korean population. For safety, we suggest taking TBCTs prior to surgery, especially in pediatric patients. Besides, noninvasive applications are recommended for patients younger than 5.
Serum levels of soluble programmed death-ligand 1 (sPD-L1) in patients with primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Cho Inju , Lee Hansang , Yoon Sang Eun , Ryu Kyung Ju , Ko Young Hyeh , Kim Won Seog , Kim Seok Jin
Published: January 2020

Background The interaction of programmed death-1 protein (PD-1) and programmed death-1 ligand (PD-L1) produces immunosuppressive activity, protecting tumor cells from anti-tumor immunity and possibly releasing soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) from PD-L1 expressing tumor cells. Therefore, we measured serum levels of sPD-L1 in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and explored its clinical implications. Methods Sixty-eight patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and were treated with high-dose methotrexate-containing chemotherapy. The measurement of sPD-L1 and cytokines was performed using serum samples archived at diagnosis, and the tissue expression of PD-L1 was also analyzed from archived paraffin-embedded tissue blocks. Disease relapse, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed according to the extent of sPD-L1 in serum and PD-L1 in tissue. Results The median level of serum sPD-L1 (0.429 ng/mL) was higher than in healthy control patients (0.364 ng/mL). The occurrence of relapse was more frequent in the high sPD-L1 (78%) than the low sPD-L1 group (50%), though the groups did not have different clinical or pathological characteristics at diagnosis. As a result, the OS and PFS for the high sPD-L1 group were significantly lower than those in the low group. PD-L1-positive tumor cells were found in 35 patients (67%), and the extent of PD-L1-postive tumor cells was positively associated with serum sPD-L1 levels ( r = 0.299, P = 0.031). Among the 34 cytokines analyzed, only the serum level of IL-7 correlated with the serum level of sPD-L1 (r = 0.521, P < 0.001). Conclusions Serum levels of sPD-L1 could reflect the expression of PD-L1 in PCNSL tumor cells and predict patient survival outcomes. Therefore, sPD-L1 in serum could be a feasible biomarker for determining a risk-adapted treatment strategy for PCNSL patients.
Prevalence of Porcine Pseudorabies Virus and Its Coinfection Rate in Heilongjiang Province in China from 2013 to 2018
Authors: Zhou Han , Pan Yan , Liu Mengda , Han Zifeng
Published: January 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Prevalence and Associated Factors for Frailty among Elder Patients in China: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiao Jing , Wang Yu , Zhu Chen , Li Fangfang , Zhu Minglei , Wen Xianxiu , Jin Jingfen , Wang Hui , Lv Dongmei , Zhao Shengxiu , Wu Xinjuan , Xu Tao
Published: January 2020

Background: Up to date, most of previous studies of frailty among hospitalized elder Chinese patients were conducted based on a small sample, which could not represent the elder patient population. The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence and the risk factors for frailty among elder patients in China. Study Design and Setting: This is a cross-sectional study, 9996 elder patients from 6 tertiary level hospitals in China were surveyed. The prevalence of frailty among patients from selected wards was surveyed by trained investigators. Mixed-effect Poisson regression model were used to analyze the associated factors of frailty among elder patients. Results: The mean age of all subjects was72.47±5.77years. The prevalence rate of frailty in this study was 18.02%. After controlling the confounding effect of hospital wards clustering effect, Mixed-effect Poisson regression model showed that the associated factors of frailty included: age(OR:1.016, 95% CI:1.012 -1.020), patients with BMI < 18.5(OR: 1.248, 95% CI:1.171-1.330), female(OR:1.058, 95% CI:1.004 -1.115), ethnic minorities(OR: 1.152, 95% CI: 1.073-1.236), admission to hospital by the emergency department(OR: 1.104, 95% CI:1.030 -1.184),the former drinker(OR: 1.094, 95% CI:1.022 -1.171),fall history in past 12 month(OR:1.257, 95%CI:1.194-1.323),vision dysfunction(OR:1.144 , 95% CI:1.080 -1.211),cognition impairment(OR:1.182 , 95% CI:1.130 -1.237),sleeping dysfunction(OR:1.215, 95% CI:1.215 -1.318),urinary dysfunction(OR: 1.175, 95% CI:1.104 -1.251),defecation dysfunction(OR:1.286 , 95% CI:1.217 -1.358). Conclusion: We identified a relatively high prevalence of frailty among elder patients, and there are several associate factors among the population derived from an investigation of a large-scale, multicenter, nationwide representative Chinese elderly inpatient population. Trial registration: Chinese clinical Trial registry, ChiCTR1800017682, Registered 09 August 2018 Keywords: Frailty; Elder patients; Prevalence; Associate factors
Cardiovascular Risk Factor mapping and distribution among adults in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda: small area analysis
Authors: Musinguzi Geofrey , Ndejjo Rawlance , Ssinabulya Isaac , Bastiaens Hilde , Marwijk Harm van , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing an increasing burden of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). Modifiable risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, central obesity, sedentary behaviours, smoking, poor diet (characterised by inadequate vegetable and fruit consumption), and psychosocial stress are attributable to the growing burden of CVDs. Small geographical area mapping and analysis of these risk factors for CVD is lacking in most of sub-Saharan Africa and yet such data has the potential to inform monitoring and exploration of patterns of morbidity, health-care use, and mortality, as well as the epidemiology of risk factors. In the current study, we map and describe the distribution of the CVD risk factors in 20 parishes in two neighbouring districts in Uganda.

Methods

A baseline survey benchmarking a type-2 hybrid stepped wedge cluster randomised trial design was conducted in December 2018 and January 2019. A sample of 4372 adults aged 25-70 years was drawn from 3689 randomly selected households across 80 villages in 20 parishes in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear modelling controlled for clustering were conducted for this analysis in Stata 13.0, and a visual map showing risk factor distribution developed in QGIS.

Results

Mapping the prevalence of selected CVD risk factors indicated substantial gender and small area geographic heterogeneity. Patterns and clustering were observed for some major risk factors for CVDs including hypertension, physical inactivity, smoking, and risk factor combination. Prevalence of unhealthy diet is very high across all parishes with no significant observable difference.

Conclusion

Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors are common in this low income context. Moreover, across small area geographic setting, it appears significant differences in distribution of risk factors exist. These differences suggest that underlying drivers such as sociocultural, environmental and economic determinants may be promoting or inhibiting the observed risk factor prevalences which should be further explored.
Men’s view on participation in decisions about Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening: Patient and public involvement in development of a survey
Authors: Birkeland Søren , Pedersen Susanne S , Haakonsson Anders K , Barry Michael J , Rottmann Nina
Published: January 2020

Background: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening for early detection of prostate cancer (PCa) may prevent some cancer deaths, but also may miss some cancers or lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment. Therefore, involving patients in decision-making about PSA screening is recommended. However, we know little about the attitude of men regarding participation in decisions about PSA screening and how to assess such attitudes. The purpose of this paper is to describe patient and public participation in the development of a national, web-based case vignette survey for studying men’s view on participation in decision-making about PSA screening. Methods: The project group developed a first draft plan for the survey, its vignettes and choice of measurements. This included multiple vignette variants representing various levels of patient participation in decision-making about PSA screening with different outcomes. Additionally, it included questions on respondents’ satisfaction with imagined courses of health care, their propensity to initiate a malpractice complaint, their own health care experiences, socio-demography, personality, and preferences for control regarding health care decision-making. Following feedback from a workshop with academic peers on the draft plan, a group of 30 adult men was engaged to help develop case vignette versions and questionnaire items by providing feedback on structure, comprehension, response patterns, and time required to complete the survey. Furthermore, a panel of three patients with PCa experience was assembled to assist development through a separate review-and-feedback process. Results: Based on reviews of survey drafts, the large group made further suggestions about construction of the survey (e.g. clarification and modification of case vignette versions, deletion of items and adjustment of wording, instructions to guide respondents, replacement of technical terms, and optimization of sequence of survey elements). The patient panel ensured fine-tuning of vignette versions and questionnaire items and helped review the internet version of the survey. Conclusions: Patient and public involvement during various phases of the survey development helped to improve survey structure and content. The survey exemplifies a way to measure health care users’ satisfaction with imagined courses of health care and wish to complain, taking into account their characteristics.
Effect of Lactobacillus spp. on adhesion, invasion, and translocation of Campylobacter jejuni in chicken and pig small-intestinal epithelial cell lines
Authors: Pogačar Maja Šikić , Langerholc Tomaž , Mičetić-Turk Dušanka , Možina Sonja Smole , Klančnik Anja
Published: January 2020

Background : Campylobacter spp. are a major cause of bacterial food-borne diarrhoeal disease. This mainly arises through contamination of meat products during processing. For infection, Campylobacter spp. must adhere to epithelial cells of the mucus layer, survive conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, and colonise the intestine of the host. Addition of probiotic bacteria might promote competitive a dhesion to epithelial cells, consequently reducing Campylobacter jejuni colonisation. Effect of Lactobacillus spp. (PCS20, PCS22, PCS25, LGG, PCK9) on C. jejuni adhesion, invasion and translocation in pig (PSI cl.1) and chicken (B1OXI) small-intestine cell lines, as well as pig enterocytes (CLAB) was investigated. Results : Overall, in competitive adhesion assays with PSI cl.1 and CLAB cell monolayers, the addition of Lactobacillus spp. reduced C. jejuni adherence to the cell surface, and negatively affected the C. jejuni invasion. Interestingly, Lactobacillus spp. significantly impaired C. jejuni adhesion in three-dimensional functional PSI cl.1 and B1OXI cell models. Also, C. jejuni did not translocate across PSI cl.1 and B1OXI cell monolayers when co-incubated with probiotics. Among selected probiotics, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG was the strain that reduced adhesion efficacy of C. jejuni most significantly under co-culture conditions. C onclusion : The addition of Lactobacillus spp. to feed additives in livestock nutrition might be an effective novel strategy that targets Campylobacter adhesion to epithelial cells, and thus prevents colonisation, reduces the transmission, and finally lowers the incidence of human campylobacteriosis.
IL-1-conferred gene expression pattern in ERα+ BCa and AR+ PCa cells is intrinsic to ERα- BCa and AR- PCa cells and promotes cell survival
Authors: Nawas Afshan F. , Kanchwala Mohammed , Thomas-Jardin Shayna E. , Dahl Haley , Daescu Kelly , Bautista Monica , Anunobi Vanessa , Wong Ally , Meade Rachel Katherine , Mistry Ragini , Ghatwai Nisha , Bayerl Felix , Xing Chao , Delk Nikki
Published: January 2020

Background: Breast (BCa) and prostate (PCa) cancers are hormone receptor (HR)-driven cancers. Thus, BCa and PCa patients are given therapies that reduce hormone levels or directly block HR activity; but most patients eventually develop treatment resistance. We have previously reported that interleukin-1 (IL-1) inflammatory cytokine downregulates ERα and AR mRNA in HR-positive (HR+) BCa and PCa cell lines, yet the cells can remain viable. Additionally, we identified pro-survival proteins and processes upregulated by IL-1 in HR+ BCa and PCa cells, that are basally high in HR- BCa and PCa cells. Therefore, we hypothesize that IL-1 confers a conserved gene expression pattern in HR+ BCa and PCa cells that mimics conserved basal gene expression patterns in HR- BCa and PCa cells to promote HR-independent survival and tumorigenicity.
Methods: We performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) for HR+ BCa and PCa cell lines exposed to IL-1 and for untreated HR- BCa and PCa cell lines. We confirmed expression patterns of select genes by RT-qPCR and used siRNA and/or drug inhibition to silence select genes in the BCa and PCa cell lines. Finally, we performed Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and used the gene ontology web-based tool, GOrilla, to identify signaling pathways encoded by our RNA-seq data set.
Results: We identified 350 genes in common between BCa and PCa cells that are induced or repressed by IL-1 in HR+ cells that are, respectively, basally high or low in HR- cells. Among these genes, we identified Sequestome-1 (SQSTM1/p62) and SRY (Sex-Determining Region Y)-Box 9 (SOX9) to be essential for survival of HR- BCa and PCa cell lines. Analysis of publicly available data indicates that p62 and SOX9 expression are elevated in HR-independent BCa and PCa sublines generated in vitro, suggesting that p62 and SOX9 have a role in acquired hormone receptor independence and treatment resistance. We also assessed HR- cell line viability in response to the p62-targeting drug, verteporfin, and found that verteporfin is cytotoxic for HR- cell lines.
Conclusions: Our 350 gene set can be used to identify novel therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers conserved among acquired (e.g. due to inflammation) or intrinsic HR-independent BCa and PCa.
Identity Matters- Perceptions of Inter-Professional Feedback in the Context of Workplace-based Assessment in Diabetology Training: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Feller Katrin , Berendonk Christoph
Published: January 2020

Background: Inter-professional collaboration is acknowledged as essential for quality patient-care. However, little is known about receptiveness to inter-professional feedback in the postgraduate training. This study explores, in light of social identity theory, the perceptions of residents, supervising physicians and allied health care professionals regarding inter-professional feedback in the context of workplace-based assessment. Methods: For six months, residents in diabetology at the University Hospital of Bern performed formative workplace-based assessments under direct observation of a supervising physician and an allied health care professional. Feedback from both observers was given to the resident after every assessment. Subsequently, focus group discussions were conducted to collect the participants’ perceptions of inter- and intra-professional feedback. Transcripts were analyzed qualitatively using a thematic analysis approach. Results: We identified four main themes: (1) Identity and hierarchy; (2) Interdependence of feedback source and feedback content; (3) Impact on collaboration and patient-care; (4) Logistical and organizational requirements. While different social identities are the source of inter-professional hierarchies, they did not impede the receptiveness to feedback. Perceived trustworthiness of the feedback was attributed with more importance than professional affiliations, whereas intra-professional hierarchies between physicians led to the perception of a more summative nature of the feedback and rather impeded receptiveness. According to the participants, inter-professional feedback raised awareness of the working reality of other team members and had a positive impact on communication between the different professional groups. Moreover, participants reported positive response from patients regarding the inter-professional collaboration they experienced. Considerable organizational effort is required to enable the parallel observation of a resident’s consultation by a supervising physician and an allied health care professional. Conclusions: Feedback from allied health care professionals can be a valuable learning resource for residents, given its role outside the sometimes conflicting area of intra-professional hierarchies. Inter-professional feedback in the context of workplace-based assessment carries the potential to strengthen collaboration between the different professional groups.
Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of SET DOMAIN GROUP family in Dendrobium catenatum
Authors: Chen Dong-Hong , Qiu Han-Lin , Huang Yong , Zhang Lei , Si Jin-Ping
Published: January 2020

Background: Dendrobium catenatum used as a precious Chinese herbal medicine is a kind of epiphytic orchid plant which grows on the trunks and cliffs and often faces up to diverse environmental stresses. SET DOMAIN GROUP (SDG) proteins act as histone lysine methyltransferases which are involved in pleiotropic developmental events and stress responses through modifying chromatin structure and regulating gene transcription, but their roles in D. catenatum are unknown. Results: In this study, we identified 44 SDG proteins from D. catenatum genome. Subsequently, comprehensive analyses related to gene structure, protein domain organization, and phylogenetic relationship were performed to evaluate these D. catenatum SDG (DcSDG) proteins, along with the well-investigated homologs from the model plants Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa as well as the newly characterized 42 SDG proteins from a closely related orchid plant Phalaenopsis equestris . We showed DcSDG proteins can be grouped into eight distinct classes (I~VII and M), mostly consistent with the previous description. Based on the catalytic substrates of the reported SDG members mainly in Arabidopsis, Class I (E(z)-Like) is predicted to account for the deposition of H3K27me2/3, Class II (Ash-like) for H3K36me, Class III (Trx/ATX-like) for H3K4me2/3, Class M (ATXR3/7) for H3K4me, Class IV (Su(var)-like) for H3K27me1, Class V (Suv-like) for H3K9me, as well as class VI (S-ET) and class VII (RBCMT) for methylation of both histone and non-histone proteins. RNA-seq derived expression profiling showed that DcSDG proteins usually have wide but distinguished expression in different tissues and organs. Finally, environmental stresses examination showed the expression of DcASHR3, DcSUVR3, DcATXR4, DcATXR5b, and DcSDG49 is closely associated with drought-recovery treatment, the expression of DcSUVH5a , DcATXR5a and DcSUVR14a is significantly influenced by low temperature, and even 61% DcSDG genes are in response to heat shock. Conclusions: This study systematically identifies and classifies SDG genes in orchid plant D. catenatum , indicates their functional divergence during the evolution, and discovers their broad roles in the developmental programs and stress responses. These results provide constructive clues for further functional investigation and epigenetic mechanism dissection of SET-containing proteins in orchid.
The effect of an educational intervention to improve tuberculosis infection control among nurses in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Akande Patrick Aboh
Published: January 2020

Background: Nurses are particularly vulnerable to acquiring tuberculosis (TB) because they are in the frontline of patient care. There is inadequate implementation of cost-effective TB infection control (TBIC) measures in most health facilities. Training has been shown to be effective in improving the knowledge and work practices of nurses. This study sought to utilize a multi-method educational intervention to improve the TBIC-related knowledge and practices of nurses in two secondary health facilities in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 200 nurses (100 each in the intervention and comparison groups). Baseline data was collected in May 2014. This was followed by training of the nurses in the intervention group. After 6 months, the second wave of data was collected and the nurses in the comparison group also received the training thereafter. The final wave of data collection took place 12 months after the commencement of the study. Mean scores of the nurses were determined and comparison made between both groups at different time points using independent t-test. Results: The nurses in both groups were statistically comparable in their socio-demographic characteristics, and baseline mean knowledge (68.6% and 67.7%) and practice scores (79.1% and 80.6%) respectively. After the intervention group received the intervention, there were appreciable improvements in the scores at 6 months (knowledge-85.9%; practice-98.5%), which were significantly different from those of the comparison group (knowledge-69.5%, practice-78.8%). A large effect size was demonstrated in the improvement in knowledge score in the intervention group at 6 months compared with the other group (Cohen’s d = 1.7). Similarly, there were improvements in the scores of the nurses in the comparison group at 12 months after the group had also received the intervention (knowledge-88.2%, practice-93.5%). At this point, the mean scores between both groups were no longer significantly different. Conclusions: The improvement in post-intervention scores implies that the educational intervention adopted for this study was effective in improving TBIC among the nurses. It also underscores the importance of continuous training/retraining of nurses and other healthcare workers in improving and sustaining TBIC at health facilities.
Trabecular bone scores in young HIV-infected men: a matched case-control study
Authors: Kim Youn Jeong , Kang Kwi Young , Shin Juyoung , Jun Yoonhee , Kim Sang Il , Kim Yang Ree
Published: January 2020

Background Screening for osteoporosis with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is recommended for male HIV-infected patients only above the age of 50. Recently, trabecular bone score (TBS) has been introduced as a novel tool to assess bone microarchitecture using DXA of the lumbar spine. Few studies have reported TBS values in HIV-infected individuals younger than 50 years of age. This study compared TBS values in young males infected with HIV and matched controls, and investigated the associations between TBS and demographic parameters, clinical parameters, and bone mineral density (BMD) scores. Methods A cross-sectional study of BMD and TBS in HIV-infected men (n = 80) aged between 18 and 50 years and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 80) was conducted. Results The proportion of patients with low BMD (Z-score ≤−2) was significantly greater among HIV-infected patients than among matched controls (21.3% [17/80] vs. 8.8% [7/80], p = 0.027). Mean TBS values were significantly lower in HIV-infected patients than in controls (1.41 ± 0.07 vs. 1.45 ± 0.07, p = 0.008). In both groups, TBS values were positively correlated with BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip (p < 0.001); however, TBS was not correlated with body mass index. In the HIV group, TBS was negatively correlated with the duration of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate(TDF) exposure (p = 0.04). Conclusion Young men infected with HIV had abnormal bone trabecular microarchitecture, as assessed by both TBS and BMD. TBS values were correlated with both BMD and the duration of TDF exposure.