bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deregulation of BCL2 family genes in glioblastoma cells consequent to poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles treatment
Authors: Taghavi Mahdieh Sadat , Akbarzadeh Azim , Mahdian Reza
Published: June 2019

Brain tumours develop resistance to chemotherapy mainly due to the presence of the blood brain barrier which partially blocks the penetration of drugs into the brain. Poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles have been extensively proposed for delivering drugs into the brain and have shown their ability to cross the blood brain barrier in vitro and in vivo. However, the application of nanoparticles could be limited by their potential side effects. In this study, two glioblastoma cell lines with the poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles were treated at different concentrations. Through MTT assay, the viability of treated cells was quantified. Induction of apoptosis was analysed by flowcytometry as well as quantitative PCR assay for the expression of BCL2 family genes. The results of this study showed that the treatment with poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles induced neither apoptosis nor necrosis in these cells. The quantitative real‐time PCR results showed that poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles treatment caused significant changes in the expression of some BCL2 family members. In conclusion, it seems that poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles treatment at non‐toxic dose can change the expression of some apoptosis‐related genes in glioblastoma cells while has no significant effect on their viability.
Influence of low magnitude plastic strains on residual stress in 7075 aluminium alloy
Authors: Robinson J.S. , Wimpory R.C.
Published: June 2019

The effect of post quench delay on residual stress has been determined by subjecting four rectilinear blocks of quenched 7075, containing large residual stress magnitudes, to small (<1.0%) plastic strains applied by cold compression. One experiment kept the plastic strain the same in all samples (∼0.12%) by cold compressing simultaneously in one pressing. The second pressed the blocks separately to the same strain (∼0.45%). The post quench delays were <10, 60, 120 and 240 min. The residual stresses were characterised using neutron and X-ray diffraction. It was possible to detect the impact of the small plastic strains on all samples, but the diffraction measurement techniques could not conclusively isolate the influence of the post quench delay.
On the Dispersed Composition of Ash and Slag Waste from Boiler-House
Authors: Chebanova S A , Polyakov I V , Strelyaeva A B
Published: June 2019

This work is devoted to the investigation of the dispersed composition of ash and slag wastes of municipal services. Based on the results of the studies, recommendations were developed to improve the methods for calculating the level of negative impact of urban services with storage and disposal yards for ash and slag wastes. The relevance of the study is connected with the assessment of the level of urban air pollution by emissions of fine dust. It has been experimentally proven that the storage and disposal yards for ash and slag wastes are sources of particulate emissions of different diameters, including fine particles less than 10 μm (PM10) and less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5). Recommendations have been developed to improve existing methods of calculation of emissions of solid particles with the subsequent calculation of concentration of fine dust. The results of the approximation are presented in the processing of experimental data on diffraction distribution of the mass of solid particles entering the atmospheric air from storage and disposal yards of ash and slag wastes.
Tax Avoidance and Fiscal Limits: Optimization of Tax Bur-den on Economy with «Non-observed» Sector
Authors: Kakaulina M O
Published: June 2019

The article deal with problem to optimization of the level of tax burden on economy with «non-observed» sector. The methodology of this study is the concept of the Laffer curve. The main method of investigation is the graphical method.

The article presents different variants of graphical interpretation of the Laffer curve under conditions of «shadowing» the economy, revealing the main regularities, highlighting the «non- observed» sector, as well as reflecting the sensitivity of tax revenues to crisis phenomena.

Authors draw the following main conclusions. First, if the economy is on ascending branch of Laffer curve and at the same time the government doesn’t take into account the presence of «non-observed» sector, then an increase in tax rates leads to significantly overstated expected values of tax revenues. Second, if the economy is on descending branch of Laffer curve, then an increase in the tax burden has a deterrent effect on tax revenues - economic effects of tax policy would create an incentive to drop employment and production in the official sector, increase tax evasion. Thirdly, the economy without tax compliance problems is much more sensitive to economic crises than the economy with the illegal sector.

Thus, underestimation of «non-observed» sector of economy and neglect of the effects of income from tax avoidance call into the question the correctness of current fiscal policy.

The obtained results can be used to model the dependence of tax revenues and output on tax burden in economy with «non-observed» sector and to develop a sound fiscal policy.
Employment of Students as a Factor of the Development of Human Capital
Authors: Bannykh G , Myltasova O , Tikhomirova A
Published: June 2019

The article states that the employment of students is one of the factors for the development of human capital. The purpose of the article is to show the influence of student employment on the development of human capital. The theoretical basis was the concepts of secondary employment, a statistical and socio-logical approach to assessing the employment of the unemployed, as well as the theory of the academic revolution.

Research methods: analysis of theoretical literature, foreign and domestic experience, secondary analysis of research data on secondary employment of student youth, authors’ own research using the method of mass questionnaires and focus groups.

Study results. The results of the research prove the influence of student employment on the development of human capital in the Russian Federation. This factor has a multi-valued effect depending on the initial labor motivation, as well as on the nature of the work performed, on the degree of communication between the place of work and the specialization and job placement received in the university. A model that describes the peculiarities of the employment of students of modern Russian universities in the development of human capital is proposed. The article makes the assumption of a change in the proportion of students oriented toward achieving practical and fast results, in the direction of increasing it. This shows a trend towards the transition of employment from the secondary to the basic category, as well as the motivation for labor relations from necessity to the form of consumption.
The Analysis of the Financial Condition of Small Business and the Ways of its Development in the Primorsky Territory
Authors: Levkina E V , Titova N Y
Published: June 2019

Small business is the essence of development of any economy, providing the economic growth of the national economy and the welfare of the population. In the literature, the problems of assessing the financial condition of small businesses are highlighted recently, mainly on the example of countries with developed market economies. In conditions of internal structural reorganization, creation of territories for advanced development, improvement of the institutional environment, involvement of foreign investment in small business, the assessment of the current state of small business in Primorye is particularly significant. The purpose of the research is to study the theoretical, methodological and organizational issues of assessing the financial condition of small businesses in modern conditions and to propose ways of its development. Statistical and graphical methods of investigation are used in the work. Based on the study of methodological approaches for evaluating the financial condition of small business, the research presents a refined approach to a comprehensive reflection of the results of small business at the meso-level. According to the results of the analysis advantages and disadvantages of small business were identified, there was presented the evaluation of dynamics of main indicators characterizing the financial condition of small business in Primorsky region at the meso-level. Identification of factors of development of small business allows to suggest directions of sustainable business development.
The Realization of the Right of Peoples of the Asia-Pacific Region to Self-Determination: the Constitutional Dimension
Authors: Filyanina I M , Garbar A V , Gumenjuk E V
Published: June 2019

The author analyzes the constitutional compatibility of a number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region, namely: the Democratic people’s Republic of Korea, the people’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Japan, and Russia. It is noted that the growth of economic integration between the economies of East Asia does not lead to the elimination of deep strategic mistrust. Russia’s geographical, geopolitical and growing economic presence in the Asia-Pacific region is becoming a reality today. The study is based on the recognition of the identity of the development of each APR state, the legal consequence of which is the registration of statehood as a result of the realization of the right of people to self-determination.The analysis of the norms that have been enshrined at the international level and in the main national acts – Constitutions-is carried out.

The preamble to the Asia-Pacific Declaration is the starting point and has affirmed that all peoples have the fundamental and universally recognized right to self-determination, by virtue of which they freely determine their political status and pursue economic, social and cultural development. It is on the basis of that right that peoples have the right to permanent sovereignty over their natural wealth and resources. Constitutional models and formulas which imperatively fix realization of the right to self-determination by the people of the countries entering the Asia-Pacific region are investigated. The conclusion about the constitutional readiness for dialogue on the platform of the Asia-Pacific region is formulated, which should be included in the Russian integration strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Usage of Means and Methods of Cross-Fit for the Development of Students’ Strength Endurance
Authors: Karas T U , Minka I N , Sherebtsova I V
Published: June 2019

The analysis of the content of the comprehensive program of physical education of students from 1 to 11 grades (authors VI Liakh, A.A Zdanevich) of the section “Elements of martial arts” was conducted. The modern physical culture and sports type of motor activity – cross-fit was studied. The characteristic features of the methodology for conducting cross-class studies are determined cconsidering on the specific choice of means and methods. Complexes of cross-fit exercises were made considering on the level of physical and technical preparedness of students. The methodical features were presented in the preparation and implementation of exercise complexes, as well as methods for their implementation. The introductory and final testing of the level of development of the power dynamic endurance for the boys and girls of the tenth classes was conducted. The results of the study necessitated the implementation of the offered complexes of cross-fit exercises for using in the sectional classes on the section “Elements of single combats". Complexes of exercises were used versatile and varied on different muscle groups, both with burdening of one’s own body, and with the use of weights of external objects. Locomotions of suggested complexes of cross-fit are available, different and allow to scale a content and conditions for motions implementation. Actualized organizational-methodical activities in the process of training sessions of students, due to the process of pedagogical experiment, allowed to solve a number of particular tasks directed to the formation of motor skills, to getting the knowledge of physical culture and sports, and to successfully prepare to implement All-Russian Physical Culture and Sports Complex “Ready for Work and Defense” qualifying standards.
Ethnicity Preservation of Various “Socio-Diversity” Forms as One of the Important Principles of Sustainable Development
Authors: Bashta A I , Shostka V I , Zelentsova M G
Published: June 2019

The contemporary stage of society development is characterized by the inconsistency of two very ambiguous processes – the strengthening of the economy globalization and the growth of its regionalization in the system of interregional relations. The globalization of the economy is manifested by the market, which blurs the boundaries between countries, but regionalization, especially within the boundaries of national economic complexes, develops through the decentralization of management as a special type of economic relations management. The regional policy implementation can be effective only providing a specific objective assessment of the situation in the region, tasks and prospects of its development in the context of national priorities.

For the Republic of Crimea, issues related to interethnic conflicts are relevant within the framework of the conceptual regulations of socio-economic sustainable development. According to mentioned above issues, the analysis of the situation and processes preventing their development in multi-ethnical society are carried out. Sustainable development of the region proves to happen only as a result of ethic society renovation, the formation of a new system of values, new moral imperatives.
Challenges to Waste Management System in the Russian Fed-eration
Authors: Tagaeva T , Kazantseva L
Published: June 2019

According to environmentalists, ecological situation in the Russian Federation persists as a negative trend showing no signs of improvement. Accumulation of industrial and consumption wastes, which tends to increase every year, seems to be the most problematic issue today. The Russian waste treatment technologies considerably lag behind those in the developed countries where about 90% of waste is utilized. This article addresses sectoral and regional aspects of waste management and presents estimated amounts of generated waste calculated with the use of a dynamic model of intersectoral balance. Calculations have shown that to reduce waste generation rate by a factor of two, it is necessary to increase the share of waste processing and neutralization up to 70% (in 2016 it was 59,6%). Catching up with advanced nations does not seem feasible during the projection period. The article focuses on the priority importance of processing industrial waste which storage requires alienation of large areas of agricultural land.
Comparative Analysis of the Infrastructure of the Regional Markets of Tourist Services on the Russian Far East
Authors: Verkhoturov D M
Published: June 2019

The article presents the results of a comparative analysis of the state of the infrastructure of regional markets for tourism services in the Far Eastern region. The thesis is substantiated that a paradoxical situation has emerged in the tourism services market: the growing infrastructure and the number of operators, the profitability of the maintenance of infrastructure falls. The criterion for evaluating efficiency should not be the natural-quantitative indicators, as it has developed now, but value (monetary) meters. The overbending of collective accommodation facilities, distributed on the territory of the region, is achieved not because of the demand, but because of their low capacity and small quantity. Moreover, the typical situation for the region was the situation where instead of one old, physically and morally worn out, but a large hotel in the same territory, two or more hotels are being built, which technically can surpass it by the number of rooms, but significantly concede in class. For example, capsule hotels. In general, the existing infrastructure is built outside the logic of tourism, without linking with points of attraction. Qualitatively, according to expert estimates, the infrastructure has developed its resource by more than 95%.
Business Model of Ecologically Balanced Reproduction of Fuel Resources from Waste
Authors: Vertakova Y V , Babich T N , Plotnikov V A
Published: June 2019

In modern conditions, the problem of waste processing is one of the most difficult and important. Traditionally in Russia, waste is processed by storing at landfills or burning. These methods are environmentally hazardous. The use of waste as raw materials is more promising. This requires new technological and economic developments. The purpose of the study is to form a new business model of ecologically balanced reproduction of fuel resources from waste, and the development of this business model both in technical, and in economic and organizational aspects. This business model will be an element of the development of a green economy. The basis of the research methodology was the concept of sustainable development. The study used methods of environmental, technological and economic analysis, data processing tools, organizational design, business modeling and forecasting. The main results of the research are the new business model of ecologically balanced reproduction of fuel resources from waste and the recommendations of its use at regional and municipal level. Economic and environmental effects were evaluated from the use of the proposed business model. The practical value of the results consists in the possibility of using them: by regional (municipal) authorities - when creating an enabling environment for the life of the population and organizing environmentally balanced waste processing; investors - when launching commercially effective projects of waste recycling.
Basic Principles and Strategy of Integrated Approach to Urban Environment’ Renovation
Authors: Moor V , Erysheva E
Published: June 2019

Humanization of the urban environment is the central problem of the modern stage of Russian architecture, because the current environment is characterized by shortcomings and contradictions. A comprehensive renovation and reconstruction of the existing environment is requiredto solve this problem. An integrated approach ensures effective social and functional reorganization and architectural and artistic improvement of the environment. Certainprinciples lie at the heart of the comprehensive reconstruction, the observance of these principles can ensure the consistent improvement and humanization of the urban environment. The Department of Architecture and Urban Planning of the Far Eastern Federal University has developed several projects for renovation of the urban environment fragments of Vladivostok, based on this approach and the principles of reconstruction.Someof these projects were realized. Projects and practical implementation showed the effectiveness of the basic principles and methodology of urban renovation proposed by the authors.
A Comparison of Three Dressing Methods for Pilonidal Sinus Surgery Wound Healing
Authors: Sadati Leila , Froozesh Robab , Beyrami Alireza , Khaneghah Zahra Nouri , Elahi Seyed Ahmad , Asl Mohammad Faryab , Salehi Tannaz
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of different dressing methods on the wound healing process after pilonidal sinus surgery.

METHODS

In this clinical trial, 60 patients undergoing pilonidal sinus surgery were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In the first group, hydrogel or alginate and hydrocolloid compounds were used as a standard occlusive dressing method. A modified dressing method was used for the second group, in which transparent hydrocolloid films were replaced by Vaseline gauze. The third group was treated using gauze swabs soaked in normal saline. The length and depth of the studied wounds were recorded once a week for a month. During dressing changes, patient pain was recorded using an 11-point numeric rating scale. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in wound length after 2 weeks in all three groups (P< .05), and the pain experienced by the first and second groups was significantly lower than the third group. However, the modified method used for the second group was associated with a lower cost.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the beneficial results of using modern dressings for wound healing and reducing the severity of associated pain, providers may want to consider using modified wound dressings after pilonidal sinus surgery. Study authors recommend that providers receive training on how to use these products.
Assisted Death: A Call to Action to Improve End-of-Life Care
Authors: Booker Reanne
Published: June 2019

Can we do more to address underlying reasons for this irrevocable choice?
Some Young Adult E-Cigarette Users Report Seizures
Authors: Zolot Joan
Published: June 2019

The FDA is investigating nicotine poisoning as a possible cause.
Increase in Reports of Tick-Borne Rickettsial Diseases in the United States
Authors: Binder Alison M. , Armstrong Paige A.
Published: June 2019

New resources for diagnosis and treatment from the CDC.
Biomechanical analysis of pedicle screw density in posterior spine instrumentation
Authors: Vaudreuil Nicholas , Xue Jingbo , Bell Kevin , Dede Ozgur
Published: June 2019

Background:

Posterior spinal fusion using pedicle screw instrumentation is the current standard for surgical management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Decreasing the density of pedicle screw instrumentation is a method of decreasing costs associated with the procedure. Minimal biomechanical data exist evaluating pedicle screw density, and the optimal screw density has not been determined conclusively. This study evaluated the effects of decreasing pedicle screw density using in vitro robotic biomechanical testing of porcine thoracic spines.

Methods:

Eight porcine thoracic spines were dissected to T3-T15. Spines were instrumented with bilateral pedicle screws at levels T4-14 and were attached to a robotic system for biomechanical testing. Full instrumentation (100%) and subsequent constructs of decreased pedicle screw densities (82%, 64%, and 64% with crosslinks [64%+CL]) and noninstrumented spines were tested for total range of motion (ROM) in flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR) using three-dimensional segmental spinal kinematics with an optical tracking system.

Results:

No significant differences in ROM were noted in FE, LB, or AR when comparing full instrumentation (100%) to constructs of decreasing pedicle screw density (82% and 64%). The addition of crosslinks in the 64%+CL construct decreased ROM in AR (P=0.0634) as compared to the 64% construct.

Conclusions:

Decreasing pedicle screw density in biomechanical testing of nondeformed porcine thoracic spines does not result in any significant changes to ROM when comparing constructs with greater than 60% density. The addition of crosslinks may confer added stability to AR in patients with decreased density constructs.
Second Place Award: Residents or hip surgeons for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures? A 10-year survivorship rate analysis
Authors: Diaz Dilernia Fernando , García Mansilla Agustin , Llano Lionel , Buljubasich Martín , Oñativia Jose Ignacio , Buttaro Martin Alejandro
Published: June 2019

Background:

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most common surgical procedures taught in every medical residency program in orthopaedics. However, publications comparing long-term outcomes between hip surgeons and orthopaedic residents remain scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze the 10-year clinical outcomes, complications, and survivorship rates of patients who had THA for displaced femoral neck fractures operated either by hip surgeons or third or fourth year orthopaedic residents.

Methods:

We retrospectively studied 205 displaced femoral neck fractures operated between 2004-2008. We compared 95 patients treated by hip surgeons (group A) with 110 patients treated by orthopaedic residents (group B). The median follow-up of groups A and B were 10 (IQR, 8,5-11) and 10 (IQR, 9-12) years, respectively (P=0.11). The median age of groups A and B were 79 yr (IQR, 74-83) and 79 yr (IQR, 73-83), respectively (P=0.97). A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between performing surgeons and variables found statistically significant from univariate analysis.

Results:

The median Merle D’Aubigné and Postel (MDA) score was 15 (IQR, 10-18) for group A and 17 (IQR, 10-18) for group B (P=0.33). We found 43 overall complications in group A and 45 in group B (P=0.53). We found one patient with multiple episodes of dislocation in group A and eight in group B (P=0.03). Regarding the mortality registry, 15 patients died in group A, and 35 patients died in group B (P=0.008). At 125 mo of follow-up, implant survivorship was 96.84% and 94.55% for the hip surgeon group and orthopaedic resident group, respectively (P=0.42). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between mortality rate and the orthopaedic resident group (P=0.009).

Conclusions:

In this series we found that patients treated surgically by orthopaedic residents were more than two times more likely to die compared to the ones treated by hip surgeons with no other association found between complications and performing surgeon.
Histopathology of Cutaneous Aging
Authors: Fernandez-Flores Angel , Saeb-Lima Marcela
Published: June 2019

Aging is (so far) an inexorable and irreversible path in all species and organisms. In human beings, aging involving the skin has a special meaning because our appearance has become crucial for our social life in the modern world. Knowledge of the morphologic changes that happen during the aging process is crucial for understanding its pathogenesis, which in turn is necessary to approach it and even revert it. Skin aging happens because of 2 main sets of changes. Many —although not all—are the cause of exposure to external agents (extrinsic aging), of which the most important is solar exposure (also known as photoaging). In addition, skin also degenerates by mechanisms linked to genetically programed information (intrinsic aging). In this article, the histopathologic changes evident in exposed and nonexposed skin are examined.
Clinical value of MLH1-negative circulating tumor cells in lung cancer patients
Authors: Liang Jin-Yan , Yang Qi-Fan , Zeng Yu-Lan , Liu Yang-Yang , Liu Yu-Ting , Gu Fei-Fei , Hu Yue , Zhang Kai , Zhong Hao , Liu Li
Published: June 2019

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) serve as valuable biomarkers. However, MutL homolog 1 (MLH1)-negative CTCs and their clinical significance in lung cancer are nearly unknown.

Here, bioinformatic analysis of MLH1 expression and its clinical significance was conducted using the Oncomine, Ualcan, and Kaplan–Meier plotter websites. Size-based isolation and RNA in situ hybridization assays were used to identify CTCs and evaluate MLH1 and mesenchymal marker expression in CTCs. MLH1 was downregulated in lung cancer patients. Patients with lower MLH1 expression levels had worse prognoses. In a cohort of 32 randomly selected patients with lung cancer, the patients with poorer treatment responses had more MLH1-negative CTCs. The total CTCs, MLH1-negative CTCs and mesenchymal markers-expressing CTCs levels were negatively correlated with prognosis in the lung cancer patients.

Our data showed the clinical significance of MLH1 expression in lung cancer tissues. The characterization and numeration of CTCs based on the expression of MLH1 and mesenchymal markers may be a convenient approach for predicting treatment response and prognosis in lung cancer.
Communicating health risk in Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Wogu Joseph Oluchukwu , Chukwu Christiana Ogeri , Orekyeh Emeka Samuel Shawn , Anorue Luke Ifeanyi , Nwokedi Ozioma , Chukwu Loveth Chinyere
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate the media coverage of viral hepatitis in Southeast Nigeria and the implication it has on health communication. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the level of awareness of viral hepatitis disease in Southeast Nigeria; and the extent of media coverage of hepatitis disease.

Cross-sectional survey study was carried out in the 5 states of Southeast Nigeria while structured questionnaire was used to generate data. A representative sample of 500 respondents was selected from the capital cities of the 5 states in the Southeast zone of Nigeria. The data generated were analyzed using mean, percentage (%), and analysis of variance tests of between-subjects effects in SPSS, version 20. Results were considered significant at P ≤ .05.

Even though majority of the people are consumers of media products, only a few of the respondents were aware of viral hepatitis, its symptoms, mode of transmission, and curative measures. Inappropriate timing and scanty or limited scheduling of media health programs were significant hindrances to media campaign against viral hepatitis in Southeast Nigeria.

Regular media campaign programs against the disease are required to build more awareness as well as appropriate timing of media programs such as Sunday evenings and news hours, and media interactive forum with phone-in programs. Further research on the nature and impact of funding, support, and policy on media campaigns on this health risk are also recommended.
Meta-analysis on allopurinol preventive intervention on contrast-induced acute kidney injury with random controlled trials
Authors: Ma Guang , Wang Guoliang , Xiao Dongbin , Teng Wei , Hui Xuezhi , Ma Guang
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

The objective of this meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials is to evaluate whether the administration of allopurinol with or without hydration will reduce contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients undergoing contrast exposure.

Background:

The efficacy of allopurinol in the prevention of CI-AKI after cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is significantly related to the heterogeneous results.

Methods:

Two investigators independently searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry, the China Wanfang Data, the China Biological Medicine Database and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing allopurinol with placebo or no allopurinol for the prevention of CI-AKI in patients from their inception to July 31, 2018. The primary outcome was the incidence of CI-AKI, and the secondary outcomes were the differences of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels between groups after contrast media exposure. We used fixed-effects or random-effects models according to I2 statistics. The meta-analytic procedures were completed by Review Manager, version 5.3.

Achievements:

Eight random controlled trials with 1141 patients were included for this analysis. Compared with the control, allopurinol was associated with a reduced risk of CI-AKI (Relatives Risk (RR) 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20,0.74, P = .004) and only a intend for decrease a post-procedure uric acid levels compared with the controlled ones at 48 hours (standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.72, 95% CI −1.44, 0.01, P = .05). But the difference of post-procedure uric acid levels was not statistically significant in allopurinol groups compared with controlled groups. There were lower post-procedure Scr and BUN levels in allopurinol groups than those in controlled groups (SMD −0.50, 95% CI −0.79,−0.21, P = .0009; SMD −0.40, 95% CI −0.60,−0.20, P < .0001;respectively). There were higher post-procedure eGFR levels in allopurinol groups than those in controlled groups (SMD 0.65, 95% CI 0.48, 0.83, P < .0001).

Conclusion:

The main findings of this meta-analysis are focus on allopurinol may cause reduces in the incidence of CI-AKI in patients undergoing interventional coronary procedures. Further researches are still required for confirmation.
Combination of three-dimensional arterial spin labeling and stretched-exponential model in grading of gliomas
Authors: Qu Yuan , Zhou Lisui , Jiang Jie , Quan Guangnan , Wei Xiaocheng
Published: June 2019

To evaluate the diagnostic value of combining 3D arterial spin labeling (ASL) and stretched-exponential diffusion model in grading of gliomas.

A total of 72 patients with histo-pathology proved gliomas (34 low-grade, 38 high-grade) were included in this study. 3D ASL and multi-bdiffusion weighted imaging (DWI) images were retrospectively analyzed. The ASL and DWI parameters—tumor blood flow (TBF), distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC), and diffusion heterogeneityαwere compared between high-grade and low-grade groups andP < .05 was regarded as statistically significant. TBF was also normalized to the corresponding values in contralateral mirror regions of interest (ROI) (M-TBF), normal grey matter (G-TBF), and white matter (W-TBF) and were compared between high and low-grade tumors.

TBF values were significantly higher in high-grade gliomas (P < .001). In stretched-exponential model, theαvalue of low-grade gliomas showed significant higher than high-grade gliomas group (P < .001), but there was no difference of DDC (P > .05). When TBF values were normalized to contralateral mirror ROI, normal grey matter and white matter, G-TBF showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for differentiation high-grade and low-grade gliomas. The area under area under curve (AUC) of G-TBF andαfor glioma grading were 0.926 and 0.892, respectively. The area under AUC of the G-TBF combination withαwas 0.960 and corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 94.1% and 98.7%.

The combination of 3D ASL and stretched-exponential model parameters can be used to differentiate high-grade and low-grade gliomas. Combination G-TBF andαvalue can obtain best diagnostic performance.
Exercise vs metformin for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pascual-Morena Carlos , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Álvarez-Bueno Celia , Pozuelo-Carrascosa Diana P. , Notario-Pacheco Blanca , Saz-Lara Alicia , Fernández-Rodriguez Rubén , Cavero-Redondo Iván
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

The purpose of this protocol is to provide a network meta-analysis methodology that compares the effects of metformin and physical exercise in the prevention and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its associated fetal and maternal morbidity.

Methods and analysis:

This protocol conforms to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook. An electronic search will be conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library, from the inception until July 2019. There will be no language restrictions. The Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias (RoB2) and the quality assessment tool for quantitative studies will be used. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation scale will be used to evaluate the strength of the evidence. A Bayesian network meta-analysis will be carried out, which allows direct and indirect comparison of the interventions, for the risk of GDM, prematurity, caesarean section, macrosomia, hypertensive disorders, insulin requirement, and differences in basal glucose, maternal weight, and weight of the newborn.

Discussion:

With this protocol, a methodology is established that resolves the limitations of previous meta-analysis. It will be possible to determine the difference of effect between physical exercise and metformin in the main outcomes of the GDM, as well as the type and intensity of the exercise, and the dose of metformin, more effective.

Ethics and dissemination:

The data included in the network meta-analysis will be obtained from trials that meet accepted ethical standards and the Declaration of Helsinki. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The evidence obtained could be included in the guidelines of clinical practice in pregnancy.

Strengths and limitations:

A comprehensive methodology is established for the analysis, through network meta-analysis, of the comparative efficacy of metformin and physical exercise in gestational diabetes mellitus. The results obtained could help medical professionals by establishing the best evidence-based interventions which may be recommended for these population groups.

Registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42019121715
Therapies of varicose veins
Authors: Ding Jie , Mu XiaoFei , Yuan Yuan , Tang LiYao , Wei KongXi , Zhao XiYun , Qing LiNa , Liu Cai
Published: June 2019

Background:

Many pairwise meta-analyses (MAs) related to therapies of varicose veins have been published, but their reporting and methodological quality remain unclear. The present study was designed to assess the overall quality of pairwise MAs related to therapies of varicose veins.

Methods:

We will systematically search 4 electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Database, to identify pairwise MAs related to therapies of varicose veins. The search time-span was set from inception to March 2019. The pairwise MAs related to therapies of varicose veins will be included in our overview. The reporting and methodological quality of included MAs will be assessed using preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis and a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews 2, respectively. Meanwhile, we will extract some general characteristics of included MAs, including first author; published year, journal, sample size, number of studies, number of randomized controlled trials and intervention details, and so on. All literatures screening, quality assessment, and data extraction will be independently completed by 2 of all reviewers, and any disagreement will be resolved by discussion. Besides, an increasingly popular method – evidence mapping, will be used to present the whole evidence landscape related to therapies of varicose veins. The assessment results will be presented as percentage and event/total. The Excel 2016 will be used to manage and analyze data.

Results:

The results of the overview will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Conclusion:

This overview will summarize the overall reporting and methodological quality related to therapies of varicose veins.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42019126722.
Nutritional supplementation of vitamin A and health-related outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nunes Ana Clara de França , Piuvezam Grasiela
Published: June 2019

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune mediated disease which affects the central nervous system (CNS), having a substantial financial, functional, and quality of life (QOL) impact on these people. The vitamin A supplementation has been studied as a therapeutic possibility for in MS. Therefore, the objective of this protocol is to build an outline for a future systematic review, which will provide up-to-date available evidence about the clinical impact of nutritional supplementation of vitamin A in the outcomes related to the symptoms in patients with this pathology.

Methods:

The search will be performed in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, cinahl, Scielo, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and Science Direct, randomized clinical trials published until May 2019 that evaluate the relationship of the supplementation of vitamin A and health-related outcomes in patients with MS will be included. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) will be used to outline the protocol, and PRISMA to the systematic review. Undergraduate handbook of quality of evidence and strength of recommendations for decision making in health (GRADE) will be used to assess the quality of evidence and the strength of the recommendation, and the JADAD scale to assess the internal validity of selected studies. For the extraction of all the data found a database in Microsoft Excel will be created. For the summary of the findings the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook recommendations will be used, and for the meta-analysis standard statistical techniques the RevMan software will be used.

Results:

In this study, we hope to find a considerable number of articles presenting evidence about the effectiveness of vitamin A supplementation in patients with MS.

Conclusion:

Currently, many lines of evidence have been produced when it comes to the use of food supplements. This systematic review proposal might provide recent, important, and trusted information for better treatment of patients.

Record of systematic review:

This review was recorded in the International Register of Prospective Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on the January 30, 2019 (registration: CRD42019121757). Available at: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019121757.
Application of a Tabu search-based Bayesian network in identifying factors related to hypertension
Authors: Pan Jinhua , Rao Huaxiang , Zhang Xuelei , Li Wenhan , Wei Zhen , Zhang Zhuang , Ren Hao , Song Weimei , Hou Yuying , Qiu Lixia
Published: June 2019

The study aimed to study the related factors of hypertension using multivariate logistic regression analysis and tabu search-based Bayesian Networks (BNs). A cluster random sampling method was adopted to obtain samples of the general population aged 15 years or above. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that gender, age, cultural level, body mass index (BMI), central obesity, drinking, diabetes mellitus, Myocardial infarction, Coronary heart disease, Stroke are associated with hypertension. While BNs found connections between those related factors and hypertension were established by complex network structure, age, smoking, occupation, cultural level, BMI, central obesity, drinking, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, nephropathy, stroke were direct connection with hypertension, gender was indirectly linked to hypertension through drinking. The results showed that BNs can not only find out the correlative factors of hypertension but also analyze how these factors affect hypertension and their interrelationships, which is consistent with practical theory better than logistic regression and has a better application prospects.
Sorafenib with concurrent multiple-line therapies improves overall survival in advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hsiao Pojen , Hsieh Kun-Chou , Chen Yaw-Sen , Hsu Chia-Chang , Lo Gin-Ho , Li Yu-Chan , Hsieh Pei-Min , Lin Hung-Yu , Wu Tsung-Chin , Yeh Jen-Hao , Lin Chih-Wen
Published: June 2019

The efficacy of sorafenib in combination with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or multiple-line therapies in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the overall survival (OS) of patients with advanced HCC in response to different combination therapies.

We analyzed the treatment and OS of 401 patients with Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage C HCC between 2012 and 2017. Mortality was analyzed using multivariate Cox regression, and OS was analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method.

The mean age was 59 years and males were predominant. During a median follow-up time of 8.6 months (range, 1–80 months), 346 (86.2%) patients died. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, primary tumor size ≥5 cm, serum alpha-fetoprotein ≥200, and serum albumin ≥3.5 were significantly associated with mortality. In addition, compared with sorafenib alone, multiple-line treatments with sorafenib and multiple-line treatments without sorafenib yielded significantly decreased mortality. In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, sorafenib with TACE, multiple-line treatments with sorafenib, third-line treatments with sorafenib, and multiple-line treatments without sorafenib yielded a significantly better median OS than sorafenib alone.

Sorafenib with concurrent multiple-line therapies significantly improved OS. These combination therapies will provide important information for immunotherapy combination with locoregional therapies in advanced HCC.
Effects of comfort care on symptoms, gastric motility, and mental state of patients with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Xiong Yu , Xing Hui , Hu Lingzhi , Xie Jinzhi , Liu Yuan , Hu Deying
Published: June 2019

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common upper gastrointestinal disorder globally, but the current treatments for FD are still unsatisfactory. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of comfort care on symptoms, gastric motility, and mental state of patients with FD.

One hundred consecutive patients with FD treated at the Wuhan Union Hospital (Wuhan, China) between 03/2016 and 02/2018 were randomized to routine nursing and comfort care on the basis of routine nursing (50 patients/group), all for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was FD symptom score. The secondary endpoint included gastric emptying rate, gastric motility parameters, and depression and anxiety scores. The endpoints were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks.

There were no significant differences between the 2 groups for gender, age, body mass index, types of FD, and course of disease (P > .05). The symptom score in the comfort care group at week 8 was lower than in the routine nursing group (8.3 ± 2.4 vs 10.2 ± 2.4, P < .001). The gastric emptying rate in the comfort care group at week 8 was higher than in the routine nursing group (28.6 ± 5.1 vs 24.3 ± 5.5, P < .001). The fasting and postprandial dominant frequencies of electrogastrogram in the comfort care group at week 8 were higher than in the routine nursing group (1.9 ± 0.9 vs 1.8 ± 1.0, P = .004; 3.1 ± 1.0 vs 2.1 ± 0.9, P < .001). The postprandial dominant power of electrogastrogram in the comfort care group at week 8 was higher than in the routine nursing group (55.7 ± 11.5 vs 42.3 ± 12.5, P < .001). The cases of abnormal electrogastrogram rhythm in the comfort care group at week 8 were significantly less than in the routine nursing group (P = .003). The self-rating depression scale and self-rating anxiety scale in the comfort care group at week 8 were significantly lower than in the routine nursing group (42.5 ± 6.9 vs 47.3 ± 6.4, P = .001; 41.1 ± 7.2 vs 46.3 ± 6.9, P < .001).

Comfort care reduces the symptoms of patients with FD, increases gastric emptying rate, improves gastric motility, relieves patient's depression and anxiety, and promotes the rehabilitation of the disease.
Proteomics analysis identified serum biomarkers for occupational benzene exposure and chronic benzene poisoning
Authors: Li Peimao , Wu Yuanru , Zhang Zhimin , Lin Dafeng , Wang Dianpeng , Huang Xianqing , Zhang Yanfang
Published: June 2019

The study aimed to find novel effect biomarkers for occupational benzene exposure and chronic benzene poisoning (CBP), which might also provide clues to the mechanism of benzene toxicity.

We performed a comparative serological proteome analysis between healthy control workers with no benzene exposure, workers with short-term benzene exposure, workers with long-term benzene exposure, and CBP patients using 2D-DIGE and MALDI-TOF-MS. Two of the differentially expressed proteins were then selected to be validated by immune turbidimetric analysis.

A total of 10 proteins were found to be significantly altered between different groups. The identified deferentially expressed proteins were classified according to their molecular functions, biological processes, and protein classes. The alteration of 2 important serum proteins among them, apolipoprotein A-I and transthyretin, were further confirmed.

Our findings suggest that the identified differential proteins could be used as biomarkers for occupational benzene exposure and CBP, and they may also help elucidate the mechanisms of benzene toxicity.