bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif Tipe Think Pair Share Terhadap Peningkatan Kompetensi Belajar Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam
Authors: Gusmiharti Rina , Fitri Rahmadhani
Published: November 2019

This study aims to look at the effect of the cooperative learning model type Think Pair Share on the improvement of the students' learning competencies in the material in the class VIII Excretion System in SMP 6 . This research is an experimental study with a Randomized Control Group Only Design study design. Sampling is done by using sampling technique, which is selected class VIII 2 as the experimental class and class VIII 1 as the control class. The research instrument used was the question for knowledge competence, the observation sheet for attitude competence. The hypothesis in this study was tested using a t test which was first carried out a prerequisite test, namely the normality test and homogeneity test. Based on the t-test it is known that the competencies of knowledge and competence in the attitude of > t table are (2.56> 1.67) and (5.48> 1.67). This shows that the hypothesis is accepted. So it can be concluded that the application of the cooperative learning model type Think Pair Share can improve students' learning competencies in SMP 6.
Ekosistem Bisnis Wisata Halal dalam Perspektif Maqasid Syariah
Authors: Nugroho Lucky , Utami Wiwik , Doktoralina Caturida Meiwanto
Published: November 2019

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah memberikan masukkan kepada para pemangku kepentingan terkait dengan strategi ekosistem bisnis wisata halal dalam perspektif syariah. Penelitian ini adalah konspetual paper dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif  yang didukung kajian-kajian pustaka untuk menjelaskan fenomena yang terjadi dengan pembatasan pertanyaan penelitian (1) Apa yang dimaksud dengan Maqasid Syariah?; (2) Apa yang dimaksud dengan strategi ekosistem bisnis?; (3) Bagaimana meningkatkan daya saing pariwisata di Indonesia melalui ekosistem bisnis wisata halal?. Sesuai dengan tujuan pemerintah, yaitu menjadikan Indonesia sebagai pusat keuangan syariah dan potensi mayoritas Muslim Indonesia, maka ekosistem bisnis wisata halal dapat dijadikan salah satu strategi prioritas program pemerintah untuk menarik wisatawan mancenagera datang ke Indonesia melalui peningkatan layanan dan infrastruktur yang berlandaskan prinsip maqasid syariah.
Capital Structure, Business Risk and Corporate Performance (Case Study on Construction and Real Estate Sector)
Authors: Sutrisno Sutrisno
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of capital structure and business risk on corporate performance. This study also examined the effect of non debt tax shield (NDTS) and sales growth (SG) on corporate performance with firm size (SIZ) as a control variable. Corporate performance is measured by return on assets (ROA), while capital structure is measured by  debt to equity ratio (DER), and business risk meausred by degree of operating leverage (DOL). The population in this study is a company engaged in the construction and real estate sector that listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The samples taken were 32 companies with purposive sampling. observations period for 3 years (2015-2017). Data is processed using ordinary least square (OLS). The results showed on the significance level 0.10, capital structure (DER) had a significant but negative effect on corporate performance. Business risk (DOL) and sales growth (SG) have a significant and positive effect on performance. While non debt tax shield (NDTS) and firm size (SIZ) have no significant effect on corporate performance.
Synthesis of Acid Polyols As a Feedstock to Produce Flexible Polyurethanes and Their Effect on the Income Level of Furniture Craftsmen
Authors: Budirohmi Andi
Published: November 2019

Polyuretanes are widely used as elastomers, coatings, adhesivesand binders,interior and exterior cars, furniture,shoe soles, carpets, rigit and flexible foams, membrane materials as well as constuction materials .The production of polyurethanes is largely derived from polyols derived from petroleum . Howover, petroleum is a non- renewable raw material . Thus it is necessary to look alternative feedstock for the manufacture of polyol as a polyurethane raw material. Synnthesis polyurethane by polymerization process using polyol volume based on polyol oleat acid polypropylenglycol ( PPG ) in order to know whether fatty acid can be used as raw materials of polyurethane manufacture.From the result of the study. Based on Fourier Transform Infra Red ( FTIR), showed,that the product produced is polyol with obtained hydroxyl group ( OH group )with hydroxylnumber is 129,81 mg KOH / g and 157,60 mg KOH / g sample of 70
Ketahanan Empat Kultivar Ubi Kayu Terhadap Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Santoso Sugeng , Astuti Widi
Published: November 2019

Tungau merah (Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida) merupakan hama penting pada ubi kayu. Hama tersebut menyebabkan kehilangan hasil sebesar 95%. Penggunaan kultivar merupakan faktor yang mempengaruhi kehilangan hasil. Kultivar ubi kayu yang tahan terhadap tungau merah dapat digunakan sebagai salah satu alternatif pengendalian. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui ketahanan kultivar Manggu, Roti, Jimbul, dan Mentega terhadap T. kanzawai. Penelitian di rumah kaca dilakukan untuk mengetahui intensitas kerusakan pada kultivar Mannggu, Roti, Mentega, dan Jimbul. Pengamatan biologi T. kanzawai dilakukan di laboratorium. Hasil pengamatan menunjukkan bahwa setiap kultivar menunjukkan ketahanan terhadap T. kanzawai yang berbeda-beda. Kultivar Manggu menunjukkan intensitas kerusakan paling rendah dan kultivar Mentega menunjukkan intensitas kerusakan paling tinggi. Pada kultivar Manggu T. kanzawai menunjukkan waktu perkembangan yang lebih panjang dan memiliki keperidian yang lebih rendah.
Fewer hospitalizations and prolonged technique survival with Home Hemodialysis– a matched cohort study from the Swedish Renal Registry
Authors: Rydell Helena , Ivarsson Kerstin , Almquist Martin , Clyne Naomi , Segelmark Mårten
Published: November 2019

Background Patients on home hemodialysis (HHD) exhibit superior survival compared with patients on institutional hemodialysis (IHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). There is a sparsity of reports comparing morbidity between HHD and IHD or PD and none in a European population. The aim of this study is to compare morbidity between modalities in a Swedish population. Methods The Swedish Renal Registry was used to retrieve patients starting on HHD, IHD or PD. Patients were matched according to sex, age, comorbidity and start date. The Swedish Inpatient Registry was used to determine comorbidity before starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) and hospital admissions during RRT. Dialysis technique survival was compared between HHD and PD. Results RRT was initiated with HHD for 152 patients; these were matched with 608 patients with IHD and 456 with PD. Patients with HHD had significantly lower annual admission rate and number of days in hospital. (median 1.7 admissions; 12 days) compared with IHD (2.2; 14) and PD (2.8; 20). The annual admission rate was significantly lower for patients with HHD compared with IHD for cardiovascular diagnoses and compared with PD for infectious disease diagnoses. Dialysis technique survival was significantly longer with HHD compared with PD. Conclusions Patients choosing HHD as initial RRT spend less time in hospital compared with patients on IHD and PD and they were more likely than PD patients, to remain on their initial modality. These advantages, in combination with better survival and higher likelihood of renal transplantation, are important incentives for promoting the use of HHD.
Signatures containing miR-133a identified by large scale miRNA profiling in bladder cancer
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Zhu Miaojun , Xiang Zhuoyi , Zhang Fengwu , Hou Jun , Wang Hang , Liu Li , Wang Hailong , Tang Tom , Tan Ruoying , Li Zengxia , Guo Jianming
Published: November 2019

Background: Identifying bladder cancer-specific miRNA expression signatures by large scale miRNA profiling Methods：30 bladder cancer (BC) tissue samples and matched adjacent normal bladder tissue samples from patients with BC were collected and were divided into two groups； a training group and a blind testing group. Expressions of 1900 miRNAs and controls were detected in a BC miRNA pool and in a normal miRNAs pool, respectively. 380 differential expressed miRNAs between the BC miRNA pool and the normal miRNA pool were selected. The primers for detecting the 380 selected miRNAs and controls were used to generate one 384-well panel. This panel was used to profile miRNA expression of each individual sample in the training group and in the blind testing group. Data analysis was performed using a machine learning approach of a support vector machine classifier with a Student's t-test feature selection procedure. Results： We identified signatures consisting of three or four miRNAs that could distinguish BC from normal controls with an accuracy of 100% in the training model and an accuracy of over 95% in the blind test. All identified signatures contain hsa-miR-133a. We also revealed that the miRNA183-96 cluster and the miR200 cluster are both significantly up-regulated in BC. Conclusions：The identified signatures containing hsa-miR-133a could be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of BC.
The roles of metabolic pathways in maintaining primary dormancy of Pinus koraiensis seeds
Authors: Song Yuan , Zhu Jiaojun
Published: November 2019

Background: Korean pine seeds have primary dormancy following dispersal, leading to poor seed germination and seedling establishment. Metabolic homeostasis determines whether the seeds are dormant or non-dormant. However, the specific metabolic pathways that maintain the primary dormancy of pine seeds are poorly understood.
Results: Metabolic analysis was employed on the embryos of PDRS (seeds released from primary dormancy) and PDS (primary dormant seeds) on days 0, 5 and 11 after incubation under a germination-inductive temperature. A larger metabolic switch occurred in PDRS embryos from days 0 to 11. The contents of ninety metabolites were significantly changed from days 0 to 5, 83% of which (including most sugars, organic acids and amino acids) increased, reflecting that biosynthetic metabolism processes are initiated. The contents of ninety-two metabolites showed distinct variations from days 5 to 11, 71% of which (including most organic acids and almost all amino acids) reduced substantially. Fructose 6-phosphate, inositol-3-phosphate, 3-phosphoglyceric and D-glucose-6-phosphate contents showed the most decrease with decreasing 409-, 75-, 58- and 41-fold, indicating that the glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle strongly slowed down. The contents of the most metabolites in PDS embryos also displayed a relatively larger alteration only from days 0 to 5. Although 64% of metabolites increased from days 0 to 5, their levels were still lower compared with PDRS embryos. Furthermore, most metabolites were not further accumulated from days 5 to 11. Unlike PDRS embryos, almost all amino acids in PDS embryos did not exhibit a substantial decrease from days 5 to 11. Also, there was not a major decrease in the levels of metabolites involved mainly in glycolysis and TCA cycle, while some intermediates even increased.
Conclusions: The attenuated biosynthetic metabolism processes, the lower utilization rate of amino acids and the higher operation rate of glycolysis and TCA in embryos maintain primary dormancy.
The pathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa promotes differential proteomic modulation of cacao genotypes with contrasting resistance to witches´ broom disease.
Authors: Santos Everton Cruz , Pirovani Carlos Priminho , Correa Stephany , Micheli Fabienne , Gramacho Karina P
Published: November 2019

Background: Witches’ broom disease (WBD) of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), caused by Moniliophthora perniciosa, is the most important limiting factor for the cacao production in Brazil. Hence, the development of cacao genotypes with durable resistance is the key challenge for control the disease. Proteomic methods are often used to study the interactions between hosts and pathogens, therefore helping classical plant breeding projects on the development of resistant genotypes. The present study compared the proteomic alterations between two cacao genotypes standard for WBD resistance and susceptibility, in response to M. perniciosa infection at 72 hours and 45 days post-inoculation; respectively the very early stages of the biotrophic and necrotrophic stages of the cacao x M. perniciosa interaction. Results: A total of 554 proteins were identified, being 246 in the susceptible Catongo and 308 in the resistant TSH1188 genotypes. The identified proteins were involved mainly in metabolism, energy, defense and oxidative stress. The resistant genotype showed more expressed proteins with more variability associated with stress and defense, while the susceptible genotype exhibited more repressed proteins. Among these proteins, stand out pathogenesis related proteins (PRs), oxidative stress regulation related proteins, and trypsin inhibitors. Interaction networks were predicted, and a complex protein-protein interaction was observed. Some proteins showed a high number of interactions, suggesting that those proteins may function as cross-talkers between these biological functions. Conclusions: We present the first study reporting the proteomic alterations of resistant and susceptible genotypes in the T. cacao x M. perniciosa pathosystem. The important altered proteins identified in the present study are related to key biologic functions in resistance, such as oxidative stress, especially in the resistant genotype TSH1188, that showed a strong mechanism of detoxification. Also, the positive regulation of defense and stress proteins were more evident in this genotype. Proteins with significant roles against fungal plant pathogens, such as chitinases, trypsin inhibitors and PR 5 were also identified, and they may be good resistance markers. Finally, important biological functions, such as stress and defense, photosynthesis, oxidative stress and carbohydrate metabolism were differentially impacted with M. perniciosa infection in each genotype.
Comparison of open liver resection and RFA for the treatment of solitary 3-5 cm hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Lei Jianyong , Yan LN , Li DJ , Wang WT
Published: November 2019

Aim: The goal of this study was to compare the postoperative results of liver resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (3-5 cm).
Patients and methods: We retrospectively collected 122 patients with small solitary HCC treated at our center from Jan 2011 to Dec 2015, with diameters in the range of 3-5 cm. According to the treatment program received at our center, they were divided into the liver resection group (72 patients) and the RFA group (50 patients).
Result : In comparison with the RFA group, the resection group had a longer operative time, and greater intra-operative blood loss (P<0.01), more hepatic inflow occlusion , and longer postoperative hospital stay (P<0.01). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year expected overall survival rates and tumor-free survival rates were comparable between the two groups. Cox regression analysis showed that resection or RFA was not a significant risk factor for overall or tumor-free survival for HCC.
Conclusions : For solitary HCC of 3-5 cm in diameter, RFA can achieve better in-hospital clinical results and similar long-term outcomes, and RFA can be considered for wide application, especially for central cases.
Magnitude and Associated Factors of Delayed Immunization Among Children Aged 11 -23 Months in Edagahamus Town, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2018.
Authors: Hagos Merhawit Gebremeskel , Gebremeskel Teferi Gebru , Kassahun Selam Shushay , Gebrezgi Birhane Hailu , Woldegebriel Manay Kifle
Published: November 2019

Background: Delayed immunization is a major public health problem that is associated with vaccine-preventable disease epidemics. In Ethiopia, many children don’t receive the benefits of age-appropriate immunization; thus more than 90% of child deaths are largely due to preventable communicable diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study to assess the magnitude and factors associated with delayed immunization among 12 -23 months old children in Edagahamus Town, Tigray, Ethiopia, and 2018 G.C.
Methods: A community-based Cross-Sectional study was carried out on July1-30, 2018. A simple random sampling method was used to select study participants. Information was collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. The date of vaccinations was obtained from children’s immunization cards and timeliness assessed based on the recommended age ranges. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Variable with P-value < 0.2 in bivariate was exported to multivariate. The strength of association was identified using the odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) and the P-value of <0.05 in multivariate was taken statistically significant.
Results: In this study, the overall magnitude of delayed immunization was 29.5% (95%CI 26.7-45). Private firm work of mothers (AOR=0.205 95% CI 0.068-0.617), Mothers who attend tertiary education (AOR 0.169, 95% CI 0.032-0.882), and secondary education (AOR 0.269, 95% CI 0.114-0.636) had the protective effect of delayed immunization. But sickness of a child (AOR= 11.8, 95% CI 6.16-22.65) was a risk for delayed immunization.
Conclusions: From the study, it is concluded that the magnitude of delayed immunization for children aged 12-23 months is high (29.5%) in Edagahamus. Delayed immunizations of children were predicted by the Mother's occupation, education, and Mother’s consideration in the child’s wellness to take the vaccine.
Discrimination of mediastinal metastatic lymph nodes in NSCLC based on radiomic features in different phases of CT imaging
Authors: Sha Xue , Gong Guan Zhong , Qiu Qing Tao , Duan Jing Hao , Li Deng Wang , Yin Yong
Published: November 2019

Background: We aimed to develop radiomic models based on different phases of computed tomography (CT) imaging and to investigate the efficacy of models for diagnosing mediastinal metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods: Eighty-six NSCLC patients were enrolled in this study, and we selected 231 mediastinal LNs confirmed by pathology results as the subjects which were divided into training (n=163) and validation cohorts (n=68). The regions of interest (ROIs) were delineated on CT scans in the plain phase, arterial phase and venous phase, respectively. Radiomic features were extracted from the CT images in each phase. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to select features, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to build models. We constructed six models (orders 1-6) based on the radiomic features of the single- and dual-phase CT images. The performance of the radiomic model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).
Results: A total of 846 features were extracted from each ROI, and 10, 9, 5, 2, 2, and 9 features were chosen to develop models 1-6, respectively. All of the models showed excellent discrimination, with AUCs greater than 0.8. The plain CT radiomic model, model 1, yielded the highest AUC, specificity, accuracy and PPV, which were 0.926 and 0.925; 0.860 and 0.769; 0.871 and 0.882; and 0.906 and 0.870 in the training and validation sets, respectively. When the plain and venous phase CT radiomic features were combined with the arterial phase CT images, the sensitivity increased from 0.879 and 0.919 to 0.949 and 0979 and the NPV increased from 0.821 and 0.789 to 0.878 and 0.900 in the training group, respectively.
Conclusions: All of the CT radiomic models based on different phases all showed high accuracy and precision for the diagnosis of LN metastasis (LNM) in NSCLC patients. When combined with arterial phase CT, the sensitivity and NPV of the model was be further improved.
Microscopic features of small bowel mucosa of patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: cui yun , Lu Shi-yuan , Xu Jie , Peng Yan-shen , Miao Qi , wang xiao-qing , Chen Xiao-yu , Ran Zhi-hua
Published: November 2019

Background Double-balloon enteroscopy enables performing numerous small bowel biopsies for pathologic analysis. However, most histopathological characteristics of Crohn’s disease are non-specific characteristics. We aimed to explore the small bowel mucosal histopathologic characters of Crohn’s disease and identify some disease-specific changes. Methods We included 253 patients without tumors and grouped them into Crohn’s disease, suspected Crohn’s disease, and non-Crohn’s disease groups. These patients underwent double-balloon endoscopy examination and small bowel biopsy at Renji Hospital, Shanghai. All histopathological sections were reviewed, and >20 histopathological parameters were assessed. Immunohistochemistry was conducted when necessary. Results There were different forms of granulomatous lymphangitis on the small bowel mucosa in Crohn’s disease. They showed as various macrophages or epithelioid cells in the lumina of lymphatics or in the center of the villi with or without evident obstruction. These features were only observed in Crohn’s disease patients. Furthermore, they were correlated with granuloma and lymphangiectasia. Additionally, 15 other features showed significant differences among the three groups, and Crohn’s disease patients showed an average of almost seven histopathological characteristics. Conclusions We described the detailed morphologies of granulomatous lymphangitis on the small bowel mucosa and recommend it as a useful histopathological feature for the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. In terms of specificity and sensitivity, it was superior to non-caseating epithelioid granuloma.
Transcriptome analysis of Pueraria candollei var. mirifica for gene discovery in the biosyntheses of isoflavones and miroestrol
Authors: Suntichaikamolkul Nithiwat , Tantisuwanichkul Kittiya , Prombutara Pinidphon , Kobtrakul Khwanlada , Zumsteg Julie , Wannachart Siriporn , Schaller Hubert , Yamazaki Mami , Saito Kazuki , De-eknamkul Wanchai , Vimolmangkang Sornkanok , Sirikantaramas Supaart
Published: November 2019

Background: Pueraria candollei var. mirifica, a Thai medicinal plant used traditionally as a rejuvenating herb, is known as a rich source of phytoestrogens, including isoflavonoids and the highly estrogenic miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol. Although these active constituents in P. candollei var. mirifica have been known for some time, actual knowledge regarding their biosynthetic genes remains unknown. Results: Miroestrol biosynthesis was reconsidered and the most plausible mechanism starting from the isoflavonoid daidzein was proposed. A de novo transcriptome analysis was conducted using combined P. candollei var. mirifica tissues of young leaves, mature leaves, tuberous cortices, and cortex-excised tubers. A total of 166,923 contigs was assembled for functional annotation using protein databases and as a library for identification of genes that are potentially involved in the biosynthesis of isoflavonoids and miroestrol. Twenty-one differentially expressed genes from four separate libraries were identified as candidates involved in these biosynthetic pathways, and their respective expressions were validated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Notably, isoflavonoid and miroestrol profiling generated by LC-MS/MS was positively correlated with expression levels of isoflavonoid biosynthetic genes across the four types of tissues. Moreover, we identified R2R3 MYB transcription factors that may be involved in the regulation of isoflavonoid biosynthesis in P. candollei var. mirifica. To confirm the function of a key-isoflavone biosynthetic gene, P. candollei var. mirifica isoflavone synthase identified in our library was transiently co-expressed with an Arabidopsis MYB12 transcription factor (AtMYB12) in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Remarkably, the combined expression of these proteins led to the production of the isoflavone genistein. Conclusions: Our results provide compelling evidence regarding the integration of transcriptome and metabolome as a powerful tool for identifying biosynthetic genes and transcription factors possibly involved in the isoflavonoid and miroestrol biosyntheses in P. candollei var. mirifica.
Increasing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Ho Chi Minh City: a retrospective study of 2,266 cases from 2011 to 2015
Authors: Van Le Hong , Phu Phan Trieu , Vinh Dao Nguyen , Son Vo Thanh , Hanh Nguyen Thi , Nhat Le Thanh Hoang , Lan Nguyen Huu , Vinh Truong Van , Trang Nguyen Thi Mai , Ha Dang Thi Minh , Thwaites Guy , Thuong Nguyen Thuy Thuong
Published: November 2019

Background: Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a serious public health problem with poor treatment outcome. Predictors of poor outcomes vary in different regions. Vietnam is among the 30 countries with high burden of MDR-TB. We aim to describe demographic characteristics and identify risk factors for poor outcome of MDR-TB in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the most populous city in Vietnam. Methods: This retrospective study included 2,266 patients who initiated MDR-TB treatment from 2011 to 2015 in HCMC. Treatment outcomes were available in 2,240 patients. Data was collected from standardized paper-based treatment cards and electronic records. Kruskal Wallis test was used to diagnose the change of median of age and body mass index (BMI) over 5 years, and Wilcoxon test to compare median BMI of patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Chi squared test was used to compare categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression on multiple imputation was used to identify risk factors for poor outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using R program. Results: Among 2,266 eligible cases, 60.2% were failure of category I or II regimen, 57.7% were underweight, 30.2% had diabetes mellitus and 9.6% were HIV positive. Notification rate increased 24.7% from 2011 to 2015.Treatment success rate was 73.3%. Risk factors for poor treatment outcome included HIV co-infection (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.94), advanced age (aOR: 1.45 for every increase of 5 years for patients 60 years or older), having history of MDR-TB treatment (aOR: 5.53), sputum smear grade scanty and 1+ (aOR: 1.47), smear grade 2+ or 3+ (aOR: 2.06), low BMI (aOR: 0.83 for every increase of 1kg/m2 of BMI for patients with BMI<21). Conclusion: Our study describes the increasing cases of MDR-TB in HCMC during 2011 to 2015. Patients with HIV, high smear grade, malnutrition and history of previous MDR-TB treatment should receive additional care. Keywords: multidrug resistant tuberculosis; retrospective; treatment outcome; risk factors; Vietnam
Comparison between Ultrasound-guided TIVAD via the right innominate vein and the right internal jugular vein approach
Authors: Sun Xingwei , Bai Xuming , Shen Jiaofeng , Yu Ziyang , Zhuang Zhixiang , Jin Yong
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of right internal jugular vein (IJV) approach and right innominate vein (INV) approach for US-guided totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs), and to explore the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches. Methods: Six hundred and nineteen adult patients had long-term infusion and chemotherapy needs and inconvenience of peripheral venous infusion. Right INV approach was used to implant 339 cases of TIVADs, and right IJV approach was used to implant 280 cases of TIVADs. The success rate of one-time catheterization and the incidence of complications in the two groups were retrospectively analyzed. Results: All patients were successfully implanted in TIVAD. The success rates of one-time puncture in INV group and IJV approach group were 98.53% (334/339) and 95.36% (267/280), respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (P=0.020). The incidence of perioperative complications was 1.18% (4/339) and the long-term complications was 3.54% (12/339) in the right INV group. The incidence of perioperative complications was 1.43% (4/280) and the long-term complications was 3.93% (11/280) in the right INV group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P=0.785，P=0.799, respectively). Conclusions: US-guided TIVADs via the right INV approach and the right IJV approach are both safe and reliable. The right INV approach improves the one-time puncture success rate, as long as the technique is properly operated, serious complications rarely occur.
Improvement and Use of CRISPR/Cas9 to Engineer a Sperm-marking Strain for the Invasive Fruit Pest Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Ahmed Hassan M. M. , Hildebrand Luisa , Wimmer Ernst A.
Published: November 2019

Background: The invasive fruit pest Drosophila suzukii was reported for the first time in Europe and the USA in 2008 and has spread since then. The adoption of type II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) as a tool for genome manipulation provides new ways to develop novel biotechnologically-based pest control approaches. Stage or tissue-specifically expressed genes are of particular importance in the field of insect biotechnology. The enhancer/promoter of the spermatogenesis-specific beta-2-tubulin (β2t) gene was used to drive the expression of fluorescent proteins or effector molecules in testes of agricultural pests and diseases vectors for sexing, monitoring, and reproductive biology studies. Here, we demonstrate an improvement to CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing in D. suzukii and establish a sperm-marking system. Results: To improve genome editing, we isolated and tested the D. suzukii endogenous promoters of the small nuclear RNA gene U6 to drive the expression of a guide RNA and the Ds heat shock protein 70 promoter to express Cas9. For comparison, we used recombinant Cas9 protein and in vitro transcribed gRNA as a preformed ribonucleoprotein. We demonstrate the homology-dependent repair (HDR)-based genome editing efficiency by applying a previously established transgenic line that expresses DsRed ubiquitously as a target platform. In addition, we isolated the Ds_β2t gene and used its promoter to drive the expression of a red fluorescence protein in the sperm. A transgenic sperm-marking strain was then established by the improved HDR-based genome editing. Conclusion: The deployment of the endogenous promoters of the D. suzukii U6 and hsp70 genes to drive the expression of gRNA and Cas9, respectively, enabled the effective application of helper plasmid co-injections instead of preformed ribonucleoproteins used in previous reports for HDR-based genome editing. The sperm-marking system should help to monitor the success of pest control campaigns in the context of the Sterile Insect Technique and provides a tool for basic research in reproductive biology of this invasive pest. Furthermore, the promoter of the β2t gene can be used in developing novel transgenic pest control approaches. The CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used as an additional tool for the modification of previously established transgenes.
A comparative study of mothers of infants hospitalized in an open ward neonatal intensive care unit and a combined pod and single-family room design
Authors: Feeley Nancy , Robins Stephanie , Genest Christine , Stremler Robyn , Zelkowitz Phyllis , Charbonneau Lyne
Published: November 2019

Background: The well-being of mothers of infants requiring Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) hospitalization may be affected by the architectural design of the unit. A few recent studies suggest there may be some drawbacks of single-family rooms (SFRs) for infants and their mothers, such as isolation of mothers and reduced exposure to auditory stimulation for infants. Purpose: To compare NICU-stress, symptoms of depression, perceptions of nurse-parent support and family-centered care, sleep disturbances, breastfeeding self-efficacy and readiness for discharge in mothers of infants cared for in an open ward (OW) to those cared for in a unit that includes both pods and SFRs. Methods: A pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted in a Canadian level 3 unit before and after transitioning to a new unit of 6-bed pods and SFRs. OW data were collected in 2014 and pod/SFR data one year after the transition in 2017 to 2018. Mothers of infants hospitalized for at least 2 weeks completed questionnaires about stress, depressive symptoms, support, family-centered care, and sleep disturbances. In the week prior to discharge, they responded to breastfeeding self-efficacy and readiness for discharge questionnaires. They described their presence in the NICU at enrolment and again prior to discharge. Results: Pod/SFR mothers reported significantly less overall NICU-stress compared to OW mothers. OW mothers had greater sights and sounds stress and felt more restricted in their parental role. Pod/SFR mothers reported greater respect from staff. Controlling for maternal education, pod/SFR mothers perceived their infant’s readiness for discharge to be greater than OW mothers. There were no significant differences between groups in depressive symptoms, nurse-parent support, sleep disturbances, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. At enrolment and again in the weeks preceding discharge, pod/SFR mothers were present significantly more hours per week than OW mothers, controlling for maternal education. Conclusions: Further study of small pods is indicated as these units may be less stressful for parents, and enhance family-centered care, as well as maternal presence, compared to OWs.
Inhibition of Type I Interferon Signaling Abrogates Early Mycobacterium bovis Infection
Authors: Wang Jie , Hussain Tariq , Zhang Kai , Liao Yi , Yao Jiao , Song Yinjuan , Sabir Naveed , Cheng Guangyu , Dong Haodi , Li Miaoxuan , Ni Jiamin , Mangi Mazhar Hussain , Zhao Deming , Zhou Xiangmei
Published: November 2019

Background: Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is the principal causative agent of bovine tuberculosis; however, it may also cause serious infection in human being. Type I IFN is a key factor in reducing viral multiplication and modulating host immune response against viral infection. However, the regulatory pathways of Type I IFN signaling during M. bovis infection are not yet fully explored. Here, we investigate the role of Type I IFN signaling in the pathogenesis of M. bovis infection in mice.
Methods: C57BL/6 mice were treated with IFNAR1-blocking antibody or Isotype control 24 hour before M. bovis infection. After 21 and 84 days of infection, mice were sacrificed and the role of Type I IFN signaling in the pathogenesis of M. bovis was investigated. ELISA and qRT-PCR were performed to detect the expression of Type I IFNs and related genes. Lung lesions induced by M. bovis were assessed by histopathological examination.Viable bacterial count was determined by CFU assay.
Results: We observed an abundant expression of Type I IFNs in the serum and lung tissues of M. bovis infected mice. In vivo blockade of Type I IFN signaling reduced the recruitment of neutrophils to the lung tissue, mediated the activation of macrophages leading to an increased pro-inflammatory profile and regulated the inflammatory cytokine production. However, no impact was observed on T cell activation and recruitment in the early acute phase of infection. Additionally, blocking of type I IFN signaling reduced bacterial burden in the infected mice as compared to untreated infected mice.
Conclusions: Altogether, our results reveal that Type I IFN mediates a balance between M. bovis-mediated inflammatory reaction and host defense mechanism. Thus, modulating Type I IFN signaling could be exploited as a therapeutic strategy against a large repertoire of inflammatory disorders including tuberculosis.
Women’s empowerment is associated with maternal nutrition and low birth weight: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey
Authors: Kabir Alamgir , Rashid Md Mahbubur , Hossain Kamal , Khan Md Arifuzzaman , Shikder Shegufta Shefa , Gidding Heather F
Published: November 2019

Background
The burden of maternal undernutrition and low birth weight (LBW) incurs enormous economic costs due to their adverse consequences. Women’s empowerment is believed to be one of the key factors for attaining maternal and child health and nutritional goals. Our objective was to investigate the association of women’s empowerment with maternal undernutrition and LBW.
Methods
We used nationally representative data from the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey for 2011 and 2014. We analysed 27,357 women and 9,234 mother-child pairs. A women’s empowerment index (WEI) was constructed using principal component analysis. We estimated odds ratios as the measure of association between the WEI and the outcome measures using generalized estimating equations to account for the cluster level correlation.
Results
The overall prevalence of maternal undernutrition was 20% and LBW was 18%. The WEI was significantly associated with both maternal undernutrition and LBW with a dose-response relationship. The adjusted odds of having a LBW baby was 32% [AOR (95% CI):0.68 (0.57, 0.82)] lower in the highest quartile of the WEI relative to the lowest quartile. Household wealth significantly modified the effect of the WEI on maternal nutrition.; in the highest wealth quintile, the odds of maternal undernutrition was 54% [AOR (95% CI): 0.46 (0.33, 0.64)] lower while in the lowest wealth quintile the odds of undernutrition was only 18% [AOR (95% CI): 0.82 (0.67, 1.00)] lower comparing the highest WEI quartile with the lowest WEI quartile. However, the absolute differences in prevalence of undernutrition between the highest and lowest WEI quartiles were similar across wealth quintiles (6-8%).
Conclusions
This study used a comprehensive measure of women’s empowerment and provides strong evidence that low levels of women’s empowerment is associated with maternal undernutrition as well as with delivering LBW babies in Bangladesh. Therefore, policies to increase empowerment of women would contribute to improved public health.
Youth Working in Tobacco Farming: Effects on Smoking Behavior and Association with Health Status
Authors: Alderete Ethel , Livaudais-Toman Jennifer , Kaplan Celia , Gregorich Steven E. , Mejía Raúl , Perez-stable Eliseo J
Published: November 2019

Background Cultivation of tobacco raises concerns about detrimental health and social consequences for youth, but tobacco producing countries only highlight economic benefits. We compared sociodemographic and health-related characteristics of school-age youth who worked and did not work in tobacco farming and assessed the effects on smoking behavior and health at one year.Methods We used existing data collected in the province of Jujuy, Argentina where 3188 youth 13 to 17 years of age from a random middle school sample responded to longitudinal questionnaires in 2005 and 2006. Multivariate logistic regression models predicted association of tobacco farming work with health status and smoking behavior at one year.Results 22.8% of youth in the tobacco growing areas of the province were involved in tobacco farming. The mean age of initiation to tobacco farming was 12.6 years. Youth working in farming had higher rates of fair or poor versus good or excellent self-perceived health (30.3% vs. 19.0%), having a serious injury (48.5% vs. 38.5%), being injured accidentally by someone else (7.5% vs. 4.6%), being assaulted (5.5% vs. 2.6%), and being poisoned by exposure to chemicals (2.5% vs. 0.7%). Youth working in tobacco farming also had higher prevalence of ever (67.9% vs. 55.2%), current (48.0% vs. 32.6%) and established smoking (17.8% vs. 9.9%). In multivariate logistic regression models tobacco farming in 2005 was associated with significant increased reporting of serious injury (OR=1.4; 95%CI 1.1-2.0), accidental injury by someone else (OR=1.5; 95% 1.0-2.1), assault (OR=2.2; 95% CI 1.3-3.8), and poisoning by exposure to chemicals (OR=2.5; 95% CI 1.2-5.4). Tobacco farming in 2005 predicted established smoking one year later (OR=1.5; 95% CI 1.1-2.0).Conclusion Youth who work in tobacco faming face a challenging burden of adversities that increase their vulnerability. Risk assessments should guide public policies to protect underage youth working in tobacco farming. (298 words)
Factors associated with the self-management practices of Type 2 diabetes among the middle-aged population of rural area of Pakistan
Authors: Ansari Rashid M , Harris Mark , Hosseinzadeh Hassan , Zwar Nicholas
Published: November 2019

Background: This study is aimed at identifying the factors associated with the self-management practices of type 2 diabetes among the middle-aged population of rural area of Pakistan. . Methods: The sample of participants was purposively recruited from the medical clinic of rural area of Pakistan. The participants (n=200) recruited were asked to complete the questionnaire following their informed consents. The study questionnaire consisted of three main sections: socio-demographics, the Urdu-version of Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities (U-SDSCA), and the extended version of U-SDSCA. In addition, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level results were obtained from the medical clinic. The study explored the factors associated with the self-management practices of type 2 diabetes among the middle-aged population of rural area of Pakistan. Results: The current study has demonstrated that self-management activities level among the patients of type 2 diabetes in the rural area of Pakistan was not achieved in majority of patients, and that glycemic control was unsatisfactory. The medications sub-scale mean (Mean: 6.17 ± 1.18 SD) was the highest among all the U-SDSCA instrument sub-scales. The results of blood glucose monitoring subscale revealed that longer duration of diabetes ≥8 years) was associated significantly with poor glycemic control (Diff= -.299; p = .120). The multivariate regression analysis revealed that the participants’ characteristics accounted for 21% of the variability in the total self-management score (R²=0.211). In addition, women were more inclined to undertake appropriate diabetes self-management activities (β .302; p = .001). Conclusion: This study has identified the factors associated with the self-management activities among the patients with type 2 diabetes in rural area of Pakistan. In order to overcome the influence of these factors, healthcare professionals should pay special attention to the patients of middle-aged population of rural area of Pakistan and provide them educational programme that emphasizes lifestyle modification with importance of adherence to treatment and encourage them to make diabetes self-management activities as part of their day to day life.
Maternal H. pylori seropositivity is associated with gestational hypertension but is irrelevant to fetal growth and development in early childhood
Authors: Lai Fu-Ping , Tu Yi-Fang , Sheu Bor-Shyang , Yang Yao-Jong
Published: November 2019

Background Helicobacter pylori infection is known to alter growth-related hormones and affect growth in young children. However, it is still unknown whether maternal H. pylori infection has an impact on the levels of cord blood growth-related hormones and whether this can predict intrauterine growth restriction and poor physical and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. This study aimed to examine associations between maternal H. pylori infection and pregnancy-related adverse events, fetal growth and early childhood development. Methods In this prospective cohort study, we recruited singleton pregnant women without major medical illnesses from January 2014 to January 2015. Seropositivity for H. pylori was defined as >12 U/ml of anti-H. pylori IgG in maternal serum. Demographic data and pregnancy-related medical issues of the cohort were documented. Cord blood levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), insulin, and ghrelin were determined using ELISA. The growth of the included neonates was monitored annually for up to 3 years, and cognitive development was assessed using the comprehensive developmental inventory for infants and toddlers (CDIIT) test 3 years after birth. Results Of the 106 enrolled women, 25 (23.6%) were H. pylori-seropositive. Maternal H. pylori seropositivity was correlated with a higher risk of developing gestational hypertension (GH) (12% vs. 1.2%, p=0.04) and lower cord blood levels of IGF-1 (<35 ng/ml, 70.0% vs. 40.7%, p=0.02) and IGFBP-3 (<1120 ng/ml, 100.0% vs. 76.3%, p=0.02) compared with the seronegative women. No significant impacts on birth weight, childhood growth and cognitive development were found to be correlated with maternal H. pylori seropositivity during pregnancy. Conclusions Maternal H. pylori infection during pregnancy was more likely to lead to thedevelopment of GH, but was not correlated with fetal and childhood growth and development. In addition to close monitoring of hypertension, H. pylori eradication can be considered for mothers withH. pyloriinfection.
2019IL-33 and its decoy sST2 in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Saresella Marina , Marventano Ivana , Piancone Federica , Rosa Francesca La , Galimberti Daniela , Fenoglio Chiara , Scarpini Elio , Clerici Mario
Published: November 2019

Background: Interleukin-33 is a cytokine endowed with pro- and anti-inflammatory properties that plays a still poorly defined role in the pathogenesis of a number of central nervous system (CNS) conditions including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We analyzed this cytokine and its decoy receptor sST2 in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Method: IL-33 and sST2 were analyzed in serum and CSF of AD and MCI patients, comparing the results to those obtained in age-matched healthy controls (HC). Because of the ambiguous role of IL-33 in inflammation, the concentration of both inflammatory (IL-1ß and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines was analyzed as well in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the same individuals. Finally, the effect of IL-33 in an in vitro system of Aß42-stimulated monocytes was examined. Results: As compared to HC: 1) IL-33 was significantly decreased in serum and CSF of AD and MCI; 2) sST2 was increased in serum of AD and MCI but was undetectable in CSF; 3) serum and CSF IL-1ß concentration was significantly increased and that of IL-10 was reduced in AD and MCI whereas no differences were observed in IL-6. In vitro addition of IL-33 to LPS+Aß 42-stimulated monocytes down regulated IL-1b generation in AD, MCI and HC and stimulated IL-10 production in HC alone. IL-33 addition also resulted in a significant reduction of NF-kB nuclear translocation in LPS+Aß42-stimulated monocytes of HC alone. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that IL-33 plays a complex anti-inflammatory role that is lost in AD- and MCI-associated neuroinflammation; results herein also suggest a possible use of IL-33 as a novel therapeutic approach in AD and MCI.