bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jacopo F. Falà, Irene Zavattero (eds.), Divine Ideas in Franciscan Thought (XIIIth–XIVth Century), Aracne, Roma 2018 (Flumen sapientiae. Studi sul pensiero medievale, 8).
Authors: Sorichetti Emanuele
Published: June 2020

Review of: Jacopo F. Falà, Irene Zavattero (eds.), Divine Ideas in Franciscan Thought (XIIIth–XIVth), Aracne, Roma 2018 (Flumen Sapientiae. Studi sul pensiero medievale, 8), XXVIII + 504 pp., ISBN 9788825521917.
DO REGULATION, MAQASID SHARIAH AND INSTITUTIONAL PARAMETER IMPROVE ISLAMIC BANK EFFICIENCY?
Authors: Wan Ibrahim Wan Hakimah , Ismail Abdul Ghafar
Published: June 2020

We use a new dataset on Islamic banks to link regulation and bank efficiency. Specifically, we examine how bank efficiency is influenced by: (i) bank regulation, (ii) institutional variables, (iii) economic freedom, and (iv) Shariah law parameters. Our hypothesis attempts to prove that better regulation will produce a higher level ofefficiency. We will also try to prove that the Shariah law parameter will promote better efficiency among Islamic banks. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is used to measure efficiency, while the panel data method is used to analyse the data. Specifically, our results suggest that a significant relationship exists between bank efficiency and greater restrictions on Islamic bank activities. The results also show that regulatory quality hasa positive and significant impact on bank efficiency. The negative coefficient of the economic freedom indicates that Islamic banks have a greater ability to enter into the banking industry and obtain an easy licence, create products and services, and close the business. All would dampen bank efficiency. Overall, our findings support the argument that regulation should be adapted to the risk and size level of the Islamic banks that are being regulated.
Telisik Determinan Kinerja Karyawan
Authors: Yaqinah Anies Khaqul , Santoso Aprih
Published: June 2020

Permasalahan dalam penelitian ini dimana karyawan telemarketing Bank Sinar Mas Cabang Semarang tidak mampu mencapai target yang telah ditetapkan oleh Bank Sinar Mas Cabang Semarang dan penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis faktor etos kerja, keterampilan, kompetensi dan komunikasi terhadap terhadap kinerja karyawan telemarketing Bank Sinar Mas Cabang Semarang. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh karyawan telemarketing Bank SinarMas Cabang Semarang yang berjumlah 66 karyawan sedangkan teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah teknik sensus dan alat analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variabel etos kerja, keterampilan, kompetensi dan komunikasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan telemarketing Bank Sinar Mas Cabang Semarang serta hasil nilai adjusted R-square pada model regresi diperoleh sebesar 0,551 yang artinya 55,1 persen variabel kinerja karyawan dapat dijelaskan oleh variabel etos kerja, keterampilan, kompetensi dan komunikasi sedangkan sisanya sebesar 44,9 persen dijelaskan oleh variabel lain diluar penelitian ini.
Pengaruh Kepemimpinan, Disiplin dan Motivasi Terhadap Kinerja Pegawai Dinas Tarukim Labura
Authors: Syahputra Mohammad Edi , Bahri Syaiful , Rambe Muis Fauzi
Published: June 2020

Sumber daya manusia merupakan faktor penggerak utama dari seluruh aktivitas perusahaan, karena peranan itulah tenaga kerja hendaknya mendapatkan perhatian yang lebih serius dari pihak perusahaan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh kepemimpinan, disiplin kerja dan motivasi kerja terhadap kinerja pegawai di dinas perumahan dan kawasan pemukiman kabupaten labuhan batu utara. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh pegawai yang bekerja pada dinas perumahan dan dan kawasan pemukiman kab. Labuhan batu utara sebanyak 31 pegawai dan sampel yang dipakai adalah seluruh pegawai yang ada. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini yaitu dokumentasi dan daftar angket (kuisioner). Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis regresi linier berganda, uji asumsi klasik uji t, uji f dan koefisien determinasi. Pengolahan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan program Software SPSS 22.00 for Windows. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang dilakukan, dari pengujian parsial kepemimpinan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja pegawai. Pengujian parsial pengaruh disiplin kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja pegawai. Pengujian parsial motivasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja pegawai. Dan pengujian secara simultan pengaruh kepemimpinan, disiplin dan motivasi terhadap kinerja pegawai Menunjukkan bahwa kepemimpinan, disiplin kerja dan motivasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja pegawai.
Pengaruh Profitabilitas Terhadap Harga Saham Pada PT Bank Mandiri Tbk.
Authors: Hartono Toni , Wulandari Wulandari
Published: June 2020

Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh profitabilitas yang diukur dari aspek Earning per Share (EPS) dan Return on Asset (ROA) terhadap harga saham pada PT. Bank Mandiri Tbk. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu, Uji asumsi klasik, Regresi linear berganda, uji hipotesis (F), uji parsial (T), koefisien korelasi, dan koefisien determinasi. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian asumsi klasik menujukan data dalam penelitian ini berdistribusi normal. Secara simultan earning per share dan return on asset berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap harga saham, Fhitung (6,639) Ftabel (4.74). Sedangkan hipotesis secara parsial earning per share (eps) dan rerurn on asset (roa) berpengaruh signifikan terhadap harga saham, thitung (2,617) ttabel (2.446) dan nilai ROA thitung (-3,640) ttabel (2.446). Kesimpulannya,analisis variable EPS (X1) dan ROA (X2) berpengaruh signifikan terhadap harga saham (Y) pada PT. Bank Mandiri Tbk. Periode 2010-2018.
Comparison of the Effect of Two Methods of Breastfeeding and Oral Glucose 10% on the Severity of Venipuncture-Induced Pain and Physiological Indicators in Hospitalized Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study
Authors: nejad Mozhgan Saeid , Nematollahi monirsadat , Abazari Farokh , Mortazavi Abdoali
Published: June 2020

Background: The incidence of pain in ill infants hospitalized in the neonatal ward is unavoidable.. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two methods of breastfeeding and oral glucose 10% on the severity of venipuncture-induced pain and physiological indicators in infants hospitalized in the neonatal ward of Seyyed Al-Shohada Hospital in Kerman in 2019.Methods: The present study is a clinical trial study with three groups and with a pre-test and a post-test. It was conducted on 120 neonates who met the inclusion criteria. Infants were selected by a convenient sampling method, and they were randomly divided into three groups. The study instruments included a neonatal demographic questionnaire, and neonatal infant pain scale and a checklist for recording physiological indicators. Then, the data were analyzed using SPSS25 software.Results: The results of the study showed that the mean score of pain severity before the intervention was the same and zero in the three groups (P > 0.05), but during venipuncture and after that, a statistically significant difference was observed among three groups (P < 0.05). The highest mean pain during venipuncture was observed in the control group (86.95) and the lowest mean pain was observed in the breastfeeding intervention group (35.91). After venipuncture, the lowest mean pain was observed in the breastfeeding intervention group (40.40). Also, there was no significant difference between the mean physiological indicators (temperature and heart rate) in different stages of the venipuncture (before, during, and after) in three groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, breastfeeding is more effective than oral glucose 10% in reducing the severity of infant pain during venipuncture. Breastfeeding is an easy and inexpensive and available method that can be easily implemented with proper training for the mother and it can be used as a method of reducing infant pain by nurses in neonatal intensive care units to ensure the normal growth and development of the infant and prevent the physical effects and discomfort of infants.
Time spent on provision of Antenatal Care and associated factors among public and private health facilities in Axum town, North Ethiopia: Comparative cross sectional study
Authors: Nerea Nigusse Gebremedhn , Alema Haileselasie Berhane , Tesfay Mulubirhan Tirfe
Published: June 2020

Background

In most developing countries the contact time among antenatal care attendees and care providers have effects on quality of antenatal services and health outcomes. Effectiveness of focused antenatal care relies on standard time spent provisions. Hence this study evaluated the time spent and associated factors on provision of antenatal care in public and private health facilities in Axum Town, Northern Ethiopia.
Methods

Institutional based comparative cross-sectional mixed quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Data were collected through exit interviews from 456 antenatal care attendees. Qualitative data were also collected using an in-depth interview with providers. The collected data were entered using EPI info version 3.5.1 software then exported to SPSS version 21 software for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify determinant factors of time spent on antenatal care provision at p-value < 0.05.
Results

Majority, 378 (84.8%) of pregnant woman were served below the mean standard time in both public and private health facilities. The mean (± SD) time spent for first antenatal care provision in private was 19.7 (± 8.5) minutes, which is higher than public health facilities with mean time spent (± SD) of 13.2 (± 3.8) minutes. The mean time spent on antenatal care was significantly different in public and private health facilities. Factors that significantly affect time spent on provision of antenatal care were: type of health facilities [AOR = 2.60; 95% CI, 1.07–6.33], frequency of antenatal care visit [AOR = 3.50; 95% CI, 1.92–6.36] and language similarity with provider [AOR = 2.74; 95% CI, 1.23–6.12].
Conclusions

The mean time spent for first and revisit of ANC at both health facilities were lower than the WHO standards. Type of health facilities, frequency of antenatal care visit and language similarity with provider were predictors for time spent on ANC provision. Efforts should be targeted on standard provision of antenatal care.
4-phenylbutyric acid alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mouse via inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Yang Yun , Cui Deyue , Bi Hui , He Qian , Ge Yunqi , Zhang Qiudi , Zhou Jun , Qiu Hui
Published: June 2020

Background: 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) is a chemical chaperone that may aid the folding of proteins and alleviate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by inhibiting the unfolded protein response (UPR). This study explores the effects of 4-PBA on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) using a murine model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis.Methods: Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by intratracheal injection of BLM. Sixty mice were randomly allocated into three groups: BLM group (n=20), BLM+4-PBA group (n=20), and control group (n=20). Lung tissues and lung function were analyzed to evaluate the degree of pulmonary fibrosis and the survival of the mice was noted. The expression levels of the ER stress markers activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP) were analyzed in lung tissues from IPF patients and healthy controls as well as the mice.Results: Lung tissues from IPF patients expressed significantly higher levels of ATF6 and CHOP compared to those from healthy controls. BLM induced significant collagen deposition in the lungs of the mice, which was prevented by 4-PBA. 4-PBA also dramatically improved pulmonary function and increased the survival rate in the BLM+4-PBA group compared to that in the BLM group. Both the protein and mRNA expression levels of ATF6 and CHOP were significantly reduced in mouse lung tissue after 2 weeks of 4-PBA treatment.Conclusions: This study demonstrated that 4-PBA treatment could alleviate BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via the attenuation of ER stress.
Isolation and characterization of Salmonella paratyphi phage and its lytic spectrum that correlation with pili
Authors: Jiang Liming , Zheng Rui
Published: June 2020

Background

Prevention and control of Salmonella biofilm have great importance for economic point and medical. Phages and their derivatives are ideal candidates for replacing or compensating of antibiotic problems in the future.
Results

In this study, the phage KM16 was isolated from slaughterhouse sump samples. It belonged to the Myoviridae family and optimal growth temperature was 42 ℃, the pH of optimal preservation buffer was 6 ~ 7, optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 0.0001 and the genome size was 170,126 bp. The phage KM16 has the ability to lytic most clinical strains of Salmonella paratyphi A and Salmonella paratyphi B. Phylogenetic analysis found that the 16S rRNA, crispr 1 and fimA genes of Salmonella paratyphi have a high similarity and correlation with lytic spectrum of phage KM16, but not correlated with the genes of invA, isrK and luxS. Above all, the lytic spectrum of phage KM16 correlation with tertiary structure of Salmonella pili, the pili of Salmonella was the recognition site for phage adsorption. Collaboration of phage KM16 and antibiotics have better anti-biofilm effect than alone of phage or antibiotics in low concentration of bacteria culture and phage have better anti-biofilm effect than antibiotics in a high concentration of bacteria culture.
Conclusions

The data of this study provided a new perspective to understand the relationship between phage lytic spectrum and difference of host strains.
An Immunohistochemical Analysis on The Human Cerebellar Dopaminergic System
Authors: Flace Paolo , Livrea Paolo , Galletta Diana , Bizzoca Antonella , Basile Gianpaolo , Branca Jacopo Junio Valerio , Gulisano Massimo , Cacciola Alberto , Gennarini Gianfranco , Milardi Demetrio , Anastasi Giuseppe , Bramanti Alessia
Published: June 2020

Background

The cerebellum now it has not considered a dopaminergic region. Despite, is traditionally reported only the presence of dopaminergic afferents to the cerebellum. Currently, studies attribute to the cerebellum a critical role in motor and cognitive functions and suggest a cerebellar involvement in dopamine related neurologic and psychiatric disorders. In several studies has been demonstrated mainly in the cerebellum of rodents a widely distribution of all dopaminergic receptor subtypes (DRD1-DRD5), a poor number of dopaminergic Purkinje neurons, and the presence of several dopaminergic neurons in the deep cerebellar nuclei. Data on an intrinsic dopaminergic neuronal system in the human cerebellum are lacking.
Methods

The aim of the present study of chemical neuroanatomy was to investigate in human cerebellum on the presence of a dopaminergic neuronal system, through an immunohistochemical approach based on the use of specific antibodies against the dopamine membrane transporter (DAT) and the dopamine receptor subtype 2 (DRD2).
Results

The immunoreactions revealed the presence of DAT and DRD2 positive neuronal cell bodies and processes of all the layers of the cerebellar cortex and in the dentate nucleus. These results are in agreement with previous studies, and suggest which the intrinsic cerebellar neuronal dopaminergic system may be involved in intrinsic and extrinsic (projective) cerebellar circuits.
Conclusions

This study open a new scenario on the interpretation of the cerebellar role in dopaminergic related brain disorders. Finally, this study may be an innovative critical element for the development of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapeutic strategies for neurologic and psychiatric disorders related to dopamine.
Use of an Appreciative Inquiry Approach to Enhance Quality Improvement in Management of Patient Care
Authors: Luhalima Takalani Rhoda , Mulaudzi Fhumulani Mavis , Phethlu Rene Deliwe
Published: June 2020

Background

Different approaches are available to facilitate employees’ motivation, involving them in decision making and participating in different activities. Due to changes and the widespread of dissatisfaction with the management of the current South African health system, various approaches to enhance quality improvement in management have emerged. However, their effects on the quality of care have been unsatisfactory. This article describes how an appreciative inquiry was used to facilitate motivation and promote organisational quality improvement in the management of patient care.
Methods

The AI approach which comprise of an appreciative topic and acting on this theme through the 5-D cycle: namely Definition of the affirmative topic, Discovery, Dream, Design and Destiny was used.
Results

An appreciative inquiry approach offered employees an opportunity to reflect on the existing strengths within their practice situation, leading them to discover what is important and enhance quality improvement in the management of patient care in South Africa. Furthermore, AI is reported to have significant transformational as it has shifted the focus form problems to be solved to discovering and building on what works well within an organisation and used that as the starting point for implementing change.
Conclusions

New approaches such as AI have the potential to improve patient care and enhance individual and group motivation by changing the way participants think about, approach, and imagine the future.
A Novel Missense Mutation in the Gene Encoding Major Intrinsic Protein (MIP) in a Giant Panda with Cataracts
Authors: Bai Chao , You Yuyan , Liu Xuefeng , Xia Maohua , Wang Wei , Jia Ting , Pu Tianchun , Lu Yan , Zhang Chenglin , Li Xiaoguang , Yin Yanqiang , Liqin Wang , Zhou Jun , Niu Lili
Published: June 2020

Background : Cataracts are defects of the lens that cause progressive visual impairment and ultimately blindness in many vertebrate species. Most cataracts are age-related, but up to one third have an underlying genetic cause. Cataracts are common in captive zoo animals, but it is often unclear whether these are congenital or sporadic (age-related) lesions.Results: Here we used a functional candidate gene-screening approach to identify mutations associated with cataracts in a captive giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ). We identified a novel missense mutation ( c.686G>A) in the MIP gene encoding major intrinsic protein, which is expressed in the lens and normally accumulates in the plasma membrane of lens fiber cells, where it plays an important role in fluid transport and cell adhesion. The mutation causes the replacement of serine with asparagine ( p.229S>N ) in the C-terminal tail of the protein, and modeling revealed that mutation-induced conformational changes may interfere with lens permeability and cell–cell interactions.Conclusions: The mutation was not found in healthy pandas, suggesting it could serve as a new informative marker to predict the risk of congenital cataracts in captive giant pandas.
Near and Distance Stereoacuity in Hyperopic Anisometropic Amblyopia Patients Treated after 6 Years of Age
Authors: Hayashi Rijo , Hayashi Shimmin , Machida Shigeki
Published: June 2020

Background Hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia is considered to have worse prognosis in stereoacuity especially when the treatment is begun at late childhood. The present study investigated both near and distance stereoacuity in hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia patients who began treatment after 6 years of age and had good visual acuity in the amblyopic eye. Methods Ten hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia patients who began their treatment after 6 years of age and improved the visual acuity of their amblyopic eye to over 0.9 were included. The age at which a patient started wearing spectacles corresponded to the age of treatment onset, whereas the number of months required to reach the best corrected visual acuity was considered as the period of treatment. Near and distance stereoacuity were measured. We performed correlational analyses between stereoacuity scores and several other variables, such as the age at which stereoacuity was measured, the binocular refractions differences, the age of treatment onset, and the period of treatment. Results The age of treatment onset ranged from 6 to 8 years. With the exception of two patients, all subjects obtained near stereoacuity better than 100 sec and distance stereoacuity better than 120 sec following treatment. Stereoacuity scores did not significantly correlate with the age of treatment onset or with the binocular refraction differences. Stereoacuity scores (both near and distance) significantly positively correlated with the period of treatment. Conclusion The stereoacuity of our patients reached normal levels following treatment. These findings suggested that anisometropic amblyopia should be treated aggressively even in patients older than 6 years of age.
A Key Management Scheme in Opportunistic Networks Based on Distributed Storage
Authors: Liu Ziwen , Zhou Jian , Ma Lifan
Published: June 2020

Aiming at the difficulty of key distribution and identity authentication in the opportunistic network, this paper proposes a self-organized public key management scheme. This solution solves the problem of nodes in the opportunistic network through distributed storage of public keys and public key strengthening mechanisms. The problem of difficult key distribution caused by poor connectivity. Simulation experiments show that the scheme can effectively guarantee secure communication and has good anti-attack ability.
Therapeutic Potential of Salvia Bucharica for Dyslipidemia and Vascular Dysfunction Induced through Two Different Pathways
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Ishfaq , Alamgeer  , Asif Hira , Irfan Hafiz Muhammad , Alotaibi Nasser Hadal , Alharbi Khalid Saad , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas
Published: June 2020

Background: The present study was endeavored to validate the antihyperlipidemic potential of Salvia bucharica (Lamiaceae) in lipofundin induced hyperlipidemia in rabbits and fructose treated hyperlipidemic rats. Method: Extract of Salvia bucharica and atorvastation (10 mg/kg) were given to the animals through oral route. At the end of study period, blood samples were taken for determination of lipid profile. Furthermore, thoracic aorta and liver were studied for vasorexalation and histopathological changes respectively. Results: Salvia bucharica has shown dose dependent antihyperlipidemic activity with a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglycerides in both models. In addition, Studies performed on the isolated thoracic aorta and histolopathological studies on liver demonstrated that Salvia bucharica has endothelial dependent vasoprotective and hepatoprotective activity respectively as compared to fructose fed rats. The toxicity studies of Salvia bucharica revealed that plant extract is safer for oral use. Conclusion Hence, it was suggested that Salvia bucharica has the therapeutic potential against dyslipidemia and vascular dysfunction.
Epidemiology of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Bloodstream Infections from 2013-2017 at Chiang Mai University: What Changes Occurred from 2007-2011?
Authors: Krasaewes Kawisara , Yasri Saowaluck , Khamnoi Phadungkiat , Chaiwarith Romanee
Published: June 2020

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an established pathogen that causes hospital- acquired infections worldwide. Bloodstream infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We conducted a study aimed at describing the epidemiology of MRSA bloodstream infections, to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antibiotic vancomycin among MRSA isolates, and to determine the rate and risk factors of mortality.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among patients aged ≥ 18 years whose blood culture grew MRSA at Chiang Mai University from January 2013 to December 2017Results: The annual prevalence of MRSA in S.aureus bloodstream infections from 2013 to 2017 were 32.8, 23.1, 26.8, 19.2 and 15.4%, respectively. This prevalence showed a non-significant decrease (p = 0.086). Eighty-four patients with 84 episodes of MRSA bloodstream infections were enrolled. Fifty-three patients (63.1%) were male, and the median age was 68.5 years (IQR 56, 79). Fifty-eight patients (69%) had bloodstream infections with other sites of infection: pneumonia (28 episodes, 43.1%), skin and soft tissue infections (16 episodes, 24.6%), osteomyelitis (7 episodes, 10.8%), infective endocarditis (4 episodes, 6.2%), septic arthritis (4 episodes, 6.2%), arterial graft infections (4 episodes, 6.2%), and urinary tract infections (2 episodes, 3.1%). Percentage of patients with vancomycin MICs ≥ 1.5 mg/L were 68.2%, 62.5%, 47.4%, 26.7%, and 75% from 2013 to 2017, respectively. (p = 0.325). The mortality rate was 64.3%. There was no significant difference in mortality rate between those infected with MRSA with a MIC of vancomycin < 1.5 and ≥ 1.5 mg/L (p = 0.172). Factors associated with mortality included age ≥ 40 years old (OR 11.35; 95% CI: 1.35–95.78, p = 0.026), presence of alteration of consciousness (OR 11.19; 95% CI: 2.83–44.18, p = 0.001) and concurrent pneumonia (OR 4.44; 95% CI: 1.09–18.14, p = 0.038).Conclusions: Methicillin-resistance among Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections showed a non-significant decrease of 50%, from 32.88% and 15.4%, between 2013 and 2017. Concurrent infection with pneumonia increased mortality. Although the vancomycin MIC was unchanged from 2013 to 2017, the mean MICs were > 1.0 mg/L. Careful monitoring of vancomycin MIC creep is crucial for the selection of the appropriate antibiotic dosage to prevent treatment failure.
Improving awareness and help seeking for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in ethnic minority youth
Authors: Jones Gazal , Jassi Amita , Thomas-Smith Kike
Published: June 2020

Background: Inequalities in access, and use of, mental health services by ethnic minorities have been consistently reported for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Mental health promotion may improve knowledge and help seeking. The present study trialled two methods of mental health promotion interventions for ethnic minority youth with OCD.Methods: Community organisations within an ethnically diverse area of London UK, were contacted; information stalls and teaching events on OCD were delivered as interventions. Participants completed questionnaires before and after the information stalls and teaching events. The questionnaires assessed knowledge of OCD, knowledge of identifying OCD in ethnic minorities and perceived help seeking. Participant questionnaire data collected through information stalls (N = 240) consisted predominantly of youth aged 18 years and under (51.2%) and of Black (39.0%) ethnicity. Participant questionnaire data collected at teaching events (N = 350) consisted predominantly of school staff (51.1%) where student ethnicity representation within the schools was 29.9% White, 34% Black, 13.5% South East Asian or Asian and 16.6% Mixed.Results: There were significant increases in knowledge of OCD, perceived help seeking or knowing how to seek help ratings pre to post information stalls and teaching events. Participants also rated their knowledge of identifying OCD in ethnic minority youth as higher after teaching events.Conclusions: Information stalls and teaching events may be useful in mental health promotion interventions in ethnic minority youth with OCD. Further research is needed to determine whether increase in knowledge and perceived help seeking led to increased referrals to mental health services.
A Network Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Empagliflozin at Different Doses in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Based on Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wu Qian , Liao Chen , He Mengyu , Li Can , Zou Fang , Hu Lei , Wei Yiping , Zhang Wenxiong
Published: June 2020

Background and objective: As an oral hypoglycemic drug that significantly reduces cardiovascular risk, empagliflozin is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the dosage and administration of empagliflozin are still controversial clinically. To determine the appropriate treatment, we performed this network meta-analysis.Methods: We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about empagliflozin from databases including PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Scopus and Google Scholar. We analyzed the pharmacodynamics, adverse effects (AEs), and pharmacokinetics of empagliflozin at different doses.Results: We identified 8264 articles, of which 26 RCTs with 11796 patients were included. Regarding hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high doses (10, 25, 50 mg) were significantly better than low doses (1, 2.5, 5 mg). For total AEs, there was a dose-response trend in which safety decreased with increasing doses. According to SUCRA sequencing, the order for lowering HbA1c was 25 > 50 > 10 > 2.5 > 5 > 1 mg, for lowering FPG was 50 > 25 > 10 > 5 > 2.5 > 1 mg and for safety was 1 > 2.5 > 5 > 25 > 10 > 50 mg. When considering HbA1c, FPG and total AEs, we performed a hierarchical cluster analysis and network meta-analysis to find that 25 mg performed best among different doses, which was more significant after long-term use (≥ 12 weeks). Pharmacokinetic parameters exhibited significant dose-response relationships .Conclusions: High doses (10, 25, 50 mg) had better efficacy than low doses (1, 2.5, 5 mg). When considering HbA1c, FPG and total AEs, 25 mg performed best among the different doses. More RCTs exploring unconventional doses are needed to confirm these conclusions.
The Synaptic Vesicle Protein 2a Interacts With Key Pathogenic Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease: Implications for Treatment
Authors: Kong Yanyan , Huang Lin , Liu Xuanting , Zhou Yinping , Liu Cuipin , Zhang Chencheng , Sun Bomin , Wang Jiao , Guan Yihui
Published: June 2020

Background:Alzheimer’s Disease(AD), a serious neurodegenerative disease,is pathologicallycharacterized by synaptic loss and dysfunction.Synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) is an indispensable vesicular protein specifically expressed in synapses and can be used as a biomarker for synaptic density. Nevertheless, the involvement of SV2A in the pathogenesis and development of ADand its relation to other hallmarks of AD pathology, such as amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-amyloid (Aβ), and tau protein are not fully understood.Methods:We first examined and compared the mRNA levels of SV2A in the hippocampus of AD patients and non-AD subject in the Allen Brain database,thenwe constructed SV2A knockout mouse model.Using PET imagingwe compared the expression of Aβ in SV2A knockout mice and WT mice, analyze the relationship between SV2A and AD related proteins by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting and ELISA.Results:Our results showed thatthe expression of SV2A was downregulated in the hippocampus of AD patients.In addition,SV2A colocalized with APPandwas downregulated at Aβ deposition. Moreover, we used APPswe293T cells lines to either silence or overexpress SV2A and found that SV2A deficiency leads to a simultaneous increase in Aβand Tau hyperphosphorylation,whileSV2A overexpression was associated with down-regulation of BACE1 and APOE. In addition, evidence gained in the study points PI3K signaling pathway as a possible mediator in SV2A regulation influencing the incidence and development of AD. Conclusions:Our research demonstrated that SV2A is an important regulator of AD, close interplay between SV2A and AD related proteins demonstrated in our studyprovide novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities of AD. This study provides guidelines and information regarding the mechanism of SV2A influence in the regulation of AD and possible future research of neurological diseases.
Does inflammation mediate the effect of pessimism on coronary heart disease? A ten-year follow-up study
Authors: Pänkäläinen Mikko , Kerola Tuomas , Kampman Olli , Kauppi Markku , Sarkkinen Hannu , Lappalainen Erja , Hintikka Jukka
Published: June 2020

BackgroundCoronary heart disease (CHD) is a notable cause of mortality worldwide. Psychosocial factors have been confirmed to have an effect on the risk for cardiovascular diseases and gradually pessimism has also been recognized as a risk factor for CHD. The mechanism by which pessimism elevates the risk for CHD is unknown. According to one theory pessimism increases low-level inflammation and an elevated inflammation level has in turn been connected with an increased risk for CHD. However, the theory of inflammation working as a mediator between pessimism and the onset of CHD has yet to be proven.MethodsWe conducted a ten-year prospective cohort study on a regional sample of three cohorts aged 52–56, 62–66, and 72–76 years at baseline (N=2,815). A revised version of the Life Orientation Test was used at baseline to define the levels of dispositional optimism and pessimism. The level of inflammation was determined by measuring the level of C-reactive protein using high sensitivity assays. These results and the data of new cases of CHD during the follow-up were used in the statistical analyses. The mediation effect of C-reactive protein between pessimism and new cases of CHD was calculated.ResultsStudy subjects with a new case of CHD during the follow-up were more pessimistic and had higher C-reactive protein values at baseline than other study subjects. The pessimism score and C-reactive protein value correlated statistically significantly. We found that the connection between pessimism and developing CHD during the study period was partially mediated via the level of C-reactive protein.ConclusionPessimism seemed to be a substantial risk factor for developing CHD. Pessimism was connected with the level of inflammation. The theory that elevated inflammation level mediates indirectly the connection between pessimism and the risk for CHD could be proved partially. Consequently, other mediators between pessimism and CHD remain unclear.
Evaluation of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios as Reliable Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Perforated Acute Appendicitis: A Retrospective case control study
Authors: Zhou Hui , Xu Jinling , Han JianTao , Xie Xingwang , Xu HanBing
Published: June 2020

Background

To investigate the relationship among neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR),platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) of patients with perforated acute appendicitis and its clinical significance༎
Methods

The present study selected 243 patients who underwent appendectomy presented with acute appendicitis from January 2013 and December 2015༎All patients were confirmed by pathology༎AA patients were divided into Perforated acute appendicitis(PAA)group and Non-perforated acute appendicitis༈NPAA༉ group༎The routine blood test results were collected pre-operation and calculated the NLR and PLR༎To analyze the relationship among the NLR,PLR, Age, Gender, WBC count, Operation approach in PAA group and NPAA group.
Results

The NLR and PLR of PAA group were significantly higher than that of the NPAA group (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.039);Cut-off value NLR (≥ 8.96) and PLR (≥ 173.03) of were PAA group were significantly higher than that of the NPAA group (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.012). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified NLR as independent variables.
Conclusions

We suggest that the preoperative NLR and PLR are useful parameters to differentiate among PAA and NPAA.
High serum Fetuin-B levels are associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome in women: a case-controlled study and interventional studies
Authors: Xue Shiyao , Ren Yuqian , Yang Mengliu , Zhan Bin , Yang Gangyi , Geng Shan , Deng Wuquan , Liu Hua , Liu Dongfang , Li Ling
Published: June 2020

Background: Previous studies have investigated circulating fetuin-B and its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the variation and regulatory factors of serum fetuin-B levels in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have not been explained. This study evaluated circulating fetuin-B concentrations in newly diagnosed individuals with MetS and analyzed the impacts of blood glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) treatment on circulating fetuin-B in vivo.Methods: A total of 377 women (192 MetS and 185 healthy subjects) were recruited for cross-sectional study. The euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were implemented in healthy women and those with MetS. Serum fetuin-B were examined by an ELISA kit. For the GLP-1RA intervention experiment, twenty-four women with MetS were treated with Liraglutide for 6 months. Results: Serum fetuin-B levels were markedly higher in women with MetS as compared to healthy women. Circulating fetuin-B reflected a positive correlation with body mass index, waist hip ratio (WHR), the percentage of fat in vivo (FAT%), triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, 2-hour blood glucose after glucose overload, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting plasma insulin, 2-hour plasma insulin after glucose overload, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), and lipid accumulation product (LAP). Multivariate linear regression analyses demonstrated that triglyceride and WHR were independently related factors of serum fetuin-B. Serum fetuin-B levels were related to MetS by binary logistic regression analysis. In fact, serum fetuin-B was markedly elevated in healthy women after glucose loading and in MetS women during the EHC. After six months of GLP-1RA intervention, serum fetuin-B levels in MetS subjects decreased following improvement of metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: Serum fetuin-B levels were associated with MetS and its components and regulated by glucose and insulin. GLP-1RA treatment can reduce serum fetuin-B levels in women with MetS. Clinical Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR-OCS-13003185. Registered 02/01 2016, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=6374
Identifying the determinants of health insurance coverage among Peruvian women of reproductive age: an assessment based on the national Peruvian demographic survey of 2017
Authors: Rosas Eduardo Ramos , Winkler Volker , Brenner Stephan , De Allegri Manuela
Published: June 2020

Background: Like many other Latin America- and Caribbean countries, Peru has introduced a tax-financed health insurance scheme called “Sistema Integral de Salud (SIS)” to foster progress towards Universal Health Coverage. The scheme explicitly targets the poorest sections of the population. Our study explores levels of health insurance coverage and their determinants among Peruvian women following the introduction of SIS. We wish to determine the extent to which the introduction of SIS has effectively closed gaps in insurance coverage and for whom. Methods: Relying on the 2017 round of ENDES (Encuesta Nacional Demográfica y de Salud Familiar) survey, we analyzed data for 33168 women aged 15-49. We used multinomial logistic regression to explore the association between health insurance coverage (defined as No Insurance, SIS, Standard Insurance) and women’s socio-demographic and economic characteristics. Results: Out of the 33168 women, 25.3% did not have any insurance coverage, 45.5% were covered by SIS and 29.2% were covered by a Standard Insurance scheme. Women in the SIS group were found to have lower educational levels, live in rural areas and more likely to be poorer. Women in the Standard insurance group were found to be more educated, more likely to be “Spanish”, and to be wealthier. Most uninsured women appeared to belong to a middle class, not poor enough to be eligible for SIS, but also not eligible for standard insurance. Conclusions: Our study confirms that SIS has been effective in increasing coverage among vulnerable women, with coverage rates comparable with those observed among men. Nevertheless, on its own, it has proven to be insufficient to ensure universal coverage among women. Further reforms are needed to ensure that coverage is extended to all population groups.
Mental distress among frontline healthcare workers outside the central epidemic area during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China:A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu YaYun , Liu XinSheng , Gao Bai , Li chengzhong , Liang xuesong
Published: June 2020

Background and aim:At the initial stage of the fight against COVID-19, a large number of medical staff and materials were dispatched to Wuhan City and Hubei Province to contain the outbreak quickly and effectively. The national infection prevention and control strategy posed a challenge to the physical and psychological resilience of frontline healthcare workers(HCWs) outside the central epidemic area.This study aims to survey frontline HCWs outside the central epidemic area in China to understand their levels of perceived stress, anxiety, and depression during the initial stage of the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: From February 11 to February14, 2020, an online survey was conducted in Jinzhong, Shanxi Province using snowball sampling techniques. The survey consisted of two parts, namely, demographic data and psychological screening. Demographic information included gender, age, hospital classification, working department, profession type, and working experience. Perceived stress was assessed by Chinese simple Perceived Stress Scale 10, general anxiety was assessed by the General Anxiety Disorder Scale, and depression was evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results: A total of 1,315 HCWs were included, of which 646(49.1%) reported a moderate to severe stress (scores≥14), 141(10.7%) reported moderate to severe anxiety (score≥10), and 164(12.4%) reported a major depression (score≥10). Female gender was significantly associated with high levels of perceived stress, anxiety, and depression (P<0.05), and working time was negatively correlated with the level of perceived stress, anxiety, and depression (P<0.05). Statistical difference was observed in perceived stress score among different age groups, levels of hospital group, and working departments (P<0.05). Conclusion: During the initial stage of the fight against COVID-19 in China, more than half of the frontline HCWs outside the central epidemic area rated perceived stress as moderate to severe, and nearly 23% of them reported moderate to severe anxiety or depression. Female gender, low hospital level, and emergency department were associated with a high level of perceived stress.
Performance Test on a 5kw Sofc System Under High Fuel Utility With Practical Syngas Feeding
Authors: xu ming , Wang Hanlin , Liu Mingxian , Zhao Jianning , Zhang Yuqiong , Li Pingping , Shi Mingliang , Gong Siqi , Zhang Zhaohuan , Li Chufu
Published: June 2020

With increasing demand of green energy supply with high efficiency and low CO2 emission, Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has been intensively developed in recent years. And the integration of gasification with fuel cell (IGFC) shows potential in large scale power generation to further increase the system efficiency. Reliable design of multi-stacks for large system and long term stability of stacks with practical fuel gas from industrial equipment are the key for commercial application of IGFC. In this work, a test rig of 5kW SOFC system was fabricated using practical syngas from industrial gasifiers as fuel and long term test under high fuel utility was conducted to investigate the system performance. The results show that the maximum steady output power of system is 5700W for hydrogen case and 5660W for syngas case, and the maximum steady electrical efficiency is 61.24% while the fuel utility efficiency is 89.25%. The test lasted for more than 500h as the fuel utility efficiency was larger than 83%. The performances of each stack tower are almost identical at both initial stage and after long term operation. After 500h operation, the performances of stack towers just slight decrease under lower current and almost not change under higher current. Therefore, the results illustrate that the reliability of multi-stacks design and the prospect of SOFC power generation system for further enlarging its application in a MWth demonstration.
Serum level of salusin β as an indicator of metabolic disorders in Acute Lymphoblastic Leucaemia and Wilms Tumour survivors
Authors: Janecka Aleksandra , Stefanowicz Joanna , Owczarzak Anna , Rapala Malgorzata , Adamkiewicz-Drożyńska Elżbieta
Published: June 2020

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of long-term side effects of the childhood cancers treatment. Salusin β is an indicator of developing atherosclerosis. Aim To assess the prevalence of established risk factors for CVD and the assessment of new indicator for CVD risk - salusin β in long-term acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALLs) and Wilms tumour (WTs) survivors. Methods 37 ALLs and 11 WTs at least 5 years after the end of oncological treatment undergone physical examination and laboratory tests after an overnight fast. Laboratory tests included lipid profile, serum level of glucose, renal parameters and salusin β. Results The both groups didn’t vary in age, time from the end of the treatment, number of obese persons, BP, lipid profile, serum creatinine and glucose level. ALLs had higher weight and greater waist circumference. Serum cystatin was higher and cystatin-based eGFR lower among WTs. Salusin β was higher in group WTs, but the result was not statistically significant. Conclusions ALLs and WTs differ in types of long-term side effects. ALLs present rather metabolic problems, WTs - lower eGFR. Salusin β seems to implicate development of hypertension rather than metabolic disorders like obesity. Further investigations are necessary to confirm this statement.