bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelo multiparche y multigrupo para la transmisión de la malaria
Authors: Gómez Hernández Enith Amanda , Ibargüen Mondragón Eduardo , Salazar Jurado Edwin Hernando , Prieto Moreno Kernel Enrique
Published: March 2020

La malaria es una enfermedad potencialmente mortal causada por parásitos transmitidos a los humanos por la picadura de mosquitos hembra infectados del género anopheles. Analizar el efecto de la movilidad y el hecho de que existen individuos que responden de manera diferente a la enfermedad puede aportar en la planeación de estrategias para evitar la propagación. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior se propone estudiar la dinámica de la malaria considerando que los individuos pertenecen a un grupo determinado y se distribuyen en parcelas disyuntas que están conectadas de algún modo. Para esto, se plantea un modelo multiparche y multigrupo utilizando como base el modelo de Ross-Macdonald, en el cual se incorpora la movilidad desde el enfoque lagrangiano donde todos los individuos pertenecen a un grupo específico pero pasan parte de su tiempo en un número arbitrario de parches. El análisis cualitativo se realiza con base en el número reproductivo básico dando como resultado que la movilidad de las poblaciones de humanos y mosquitos divididas en grupos cambia la dinámica de la enfermedad.
Water Physicochemical Variables In The Rancheria River Delta, La Guajira, Colombia
Authors: Molina-Bolívar Geomar Enrique , Nava Ferrer Mario Lester , Jiménez Pitre Iris Agustina
Published: March 2020

The spatial-temporal dynamic of physical-chemical variables of the water was characterized and monitored in the Ranchería River in the Colombian Guajira. Five sampling stations were chosen, three in the arm The Riíto: Desembocadura (DB), El Mirador (EM) and Villa Fatima (VF), and two stations in the arm Calancalá: Cangrejito (CG) and Valle de los Cangrejos (VC), monthly measurements for one year were made of temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, turbidity, alkalinity, total hardness, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, phosphorus and N/P relationship. The results indicate that the arms have a different dynamics between them. The salinity increased during the study period; it was higher in the stations of the Calancalá; the highest average was recorded in CG with 46.72±13.56 ups., the dissolved oxygen showed a different pattern in both arms, decreased from the rainy season (3.19-4.40 mg./L.) to dry (2.04-3.01 mg./L.) in the Riíto, while the opposite occurred in the arm Calancalá. The pH tended to be higher in the Calancalá with respect to Riito, being significantly different in both arms in the two seasons studied; alkalinity was statistically different in the dry season for both arms. The waters of the Riíto were more turbid (61.39 -81.71 ntu.) with regard to the Calancalá (30.02-30.17 ntu.) in the rainy season. The nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus showed little variability, becoming more notorious during the dry season. A great spatio-temporal variability of the physicochemical variables was evidenced, which distinguishes the two arms of the Ranchería River Delta, as a result of climatic factors and specific features of each arm, which generates an environmental heterogeneity, mainly during the dry season.
Actividad Fosfolipasa, Hemolítica y Bactericida preliminar del Veneno de la Serpiente de cascabel del Tolima
Authors: Solano Godoy Jennifer Alexandra , Molano Cardona Emerson David , Bernal Bautista Manuel Hernando , Murillo Arango Walter
Published: March 2020

En el departamento del Tolima no hay estudios que permitan precisar con certeza la magnitud del accidente ofídico causado por Crotalus durissus, existiendo la necesidad de generar información sobre el perfil proteico, como forma de aproximación a la compresión de algunas actividades biológicas relacionadas con la toxicidad del veneno, así como su potencial biotecnológico. En este trabajo se analizó el perfil electroforético por SDS-PAGE del veneno crudo extraído de individuos colectados en el municipio de Natagaima (Tolima) y la asociación con actividades fosfolipasa, hemolítica directa e indirecta y bactericida sobre Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus y Pseudomona aeuroginosa. El veneno crudo presentó bandas de peso molecular 26.6 kDa., 17, 14.2, 6.5, 3.5 y 1.06 kDa., correspondientes con otros reportes previos del veneno para la especie. Se presentaron niveles considerables de actividades hemolítica (200 µg) y fosfolipasa (1.25 UA/mg. ± 0.88) dependientes de Calcio, y el efecto bactericida del veneno crudo fue diferencial sobre los microorganismos evaluados, presentando actividad moderada sobre Escherichia coli. Los resultados constituyen datos valiosos que confieren un acercamiento hacia el conocimiento del potencial tóxico del veneno de Crotalus durissus (cascabel) de la zonade Natagaima-Tolima, así como de la capacidad bactericida y posibles aplicaciones futuras en campos de investigación relacionados con la búsqueda de nuevos agentes antimicrobianos.
Penentuan Kadar Lipid dan Nitrogen Total dari Biji Kopi Robusta Petik Merah dan Petik Merah Hitam Hasil Olah Basah dan Olah Kering
Authors: Adi Winata I Nyoman , Oktavianawati Ika , Sholihah Sovia MW , Zhentya Bella J
Published: March 2020

Penelitian ini mempelajari hubungan antara tingkat kematangan dan proses pengolahan buah kopi terhadap kadar lipid dan Nitrogen Total dalam buah kopi Robusta dari daerah lereng pegunungan Argopuro Jember. Tingkat kematangan buah kopi dibagi menjadi dua, yaitu buah kopi petik merah dan buah kopi petik merah hitam. Sementara pengolahan buah kopinya melalui proses basah dan proses kering. Hasil yang diperoleh menunjukkan bahwa buah kopi petik merah olah basah (MOB), buah kopi petik merah olah kering (MOK), buah kopi petik merah hitam olah basah (HOB), dan buah kopi petik merah hitam olah kering (HOK) memiliki kadar lipid berturut-turut adalah 12,775: 11,751; 11,603; dan 13,483 % b/b. Sementara kadar Nitrogen Totalnya berturut-turut adalah 2,169; 2,019; 2,103; dan 1,888 % b/b. Buah kopi yang diolah cara basah memiliki kadar Nitrogen total lebih tinggi dari buah kopi yang diolah cara kering. Bila kadar Nitrogen total dikaitkan dengan tingkat kematangan buah kopi, MOB memiliki kadar Nitrogen total tertinggi dan kadar terendah pada HOK. Bila tingkat kematangan dan cara pengolahan buah kopi dikaitkan dengan kadar lipid akan terlihat pola yang kurang teratur. HOK memiliki kadar lipid paling tinggi dan HOB paling rendah.
Peningkatan Stabilitas Busa dengan Nanofluida Silika Untuk Meningkatkan Produksi Gas Alam
Authors: Ajiz Hendrix Abdul , Mawarani Lizda Johar , Widiyastuti Widiyastuti , Setyawan Heru
Published: March 2020

Pemanfaatan gas alam sebagai sumber energi alternatif masih belum optimal karena masalah beban cairan pada sumur gas, surfaktan merupakan solusi yang menjanjikan untuk mengatasi masalah tersebut, namun dengan kondisi sumur gas yang ekstrem diperlukan stabilizer untuk meningkatkan stabilitasnya. Penelitian ini mempelajari pengaruh pencampuran surfaktan dan stabilizer berupa silika (SiO2) nanopartikel yang disintesa dari sodium silikat (Na2SiO3) untuk mendapatkan kondisi optimum nanofluida SiO2 terhadap waktu paruh busa yang menunjukkan kestabilannya. Silika nanopartikel disintesa dengan metode sol-gel dan dipertahankan dalam fase koloid stabil yang kemudian didispersikan ke dalam larutan surfaktan tanpa perlu penambahan bahan penyambung. Nanofluida SiO2 kemudian dimatangkan dengan variasi waktu dan konsentrasi silika. Dari hasil yang diperoleh menunjukkan bahwa peningkatan waktu pematangan dan konsentrasi silika memengaruhi nilai tegangan permukaan yang berakibat menurunkan waktu paruh busa. Penurunan kestabilan busa terjadi karena peristiwa adsorbsi fisik molekul surfaktan oleh silika nanopartikel yang ditunjukkan oleh nilai tegangan permukaan, karena silika yang bersifat hidrofilik akan membentuk ikatan fisik dengan surfaktan, semakin meningkatnya waktu pematangan dan konsentrasi silika yang didispersikan kedalam larutan akan meningkatkan adsorbsi molekul surfaktan pada permukaan silika dan menyebabkan terjadinya peningkatan nilai tegangan permukaan nanofluida. Stabilitas busa terbaik diperoleh pada sampel dengan waktu pematangan selama 6 jam dan konsentrasi silika 0,001% menghasilkan waktu paruh selama 1170 menit yang jika dibandingkan dengan surfaktan tanpa penambahan silika nanopartikel hanya memeroleh waktu paruh selama 90 menit, sehingga penggunaan silika nanopartikel sebagai stabilizer memberikan efek yang signifikan terhadap kestabilan busa.
Mass or Energy? On Charge of Gravity
Authors: Wang Zhong-Yue
Published: March 2020

The gravitational charge should be the energy instead of mass. This modification will lead to some different results and the experiments to test are also presented. Especially, we propose a scheme to achieve the negative energy and gravitational repulsive force in the lab.
Permainan Ular Tangga Berbasis Arduino UNO dan RFID Guna Mengembangkan Ilmu Pengetahuan Anak Sekolah Dasar dalam Mengenal Jenis Tanaman
Authors: Nusyirwan Deny , Guntara Aldo , Perdana Prasetya Perwira Putra
Published: March 2020

Anak sekolah dasar kurang ingin memainkan sebuah permaianan yang menurutnya membosankan dan tertuju pada pemikiran yang menguras fikiran mereka, sebagai contohnya yaitu permainan hitung dan soal jawaban sebagai simulasi kecerdasan mereka, namun dari solusi tersebut ketertarikan mereka menurun, disebabkan karena belum adanya jawaban dari permasalahan yang membuat mereka tertarik akan permainan ilmu pengetahuan. Pada penelitian yang dilakukan oleh Samuel Gandang Gunanto seorang Mahasiswa Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta, yang di terbitkan oleh Journal of animation and games studies pada Oktober 2016. Penciptaan karya ini dikembangkan segi imersif dari sebuah game yang nyata. Pembelajaran pendidikan karakter, secara khusus tentang sikap kepedulian terhadap kebersihan lingkungan. Dengan inovasi sebelumna, maka dapat dibandingkan dengan inovasi permaianan ular tangga, yang dikembangkan melalui permaianan manual berbasis digital. Cara kerjanya menggunakan RFID sebagai sarana pendeteksi jawaban jenis tanaman yang akan meningkatkan ilmu pengetahuan tentang tanaman. Penelitian dimulai dengan pendekatan Double Diamand yang diperkenalkan oleh British Design Council, yaitu memulai proses perancangan dengan social research yang di integrasikan dengan  design thinking untuk dapat menghasilkan inovasi berbasis teknologi yang bermanfaat bagi masyarakat setempat. Setelah mendapatkan solusi utama, maka akan dilanjutkan dengan pembuatan sederhana yang akan dipergunakan untuk uji fungsi dan manfaat bersama calon pengguna.
Penentuan Kriteria dan Strategi Dalam Menghadapi Peperangan Kepulauan dengan Pendekatan Dematel - ANP
Authors: Herdiawan Didit , Ahmadi Ahmadi , Wibowo Haryanto
Published: March 2020

TNI Angkatan Laut merupakan salah satu komponen pertahan Negara di laut. Dihadapkan dengan dinamika lingkungan strategis maka TNI AL harus mampu untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pertahanan untuk dapat mengatasi ancaman peperangan permukaan, peperangan amfibi, peperangan khusus (anti nubika, anti teror dan lawan sabotase bawah air), serta kemampuan Anglamil (Angkutan Laut Militer). Melihat kondisi geografis Indonesia yang merupakan Negara Kepulauan dengan beraneka ragam konfigurasi geografi yang dimiliki, maka TNI AL dapat menjadikan kondisi geografis ini sebagai strategi dalam pertempuran yaitu Peperangan Kepulauan. Berdasarkan latarbelakang tersebut maka perlu adanya penentuan kriteria yang secara objektif dapat mempengaruhi dari model strategi TNI AL dalam usaha untuk memenangkan Peperangan Kepulauan. Sehingga diperoleh pilihan strategi yang tepat untuk melaksanakan Peperangan Kepulauan. Untuk membahas permasalahan tersebut digunakan pendekatan DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) untuk melihat hubungan keterkaitan antar kriteria dan subkriteria. Kriteria utama yang diperoleh adalah Konstelasi Geografi, Taktik Peperangan Kepulauan, Postur Kekuatan TNI AL, Kekuatan Negara Ancaman dan Peran Dawilhanla. Kemudian dilakukan perancangan model dalam pemilihan strategi Peperangan Kepulauan dengan pendekatan ANP (Analytic Network Process). Hasil dari pengolahan data yang dilakukan diperoleh bobot prioritas alternatif yang terpilih yaitu Decisive Battle (0,06369), Blockade (0,06120) dan Fleet in Being (0,04800). Selain itu dilaksanakan analisis BOCR (Benefit, Opportunity, Cost and Risk) diperoleh hasil berdasarkan skenario standar Fleet in Being dengan bobot 0,56233, skenario pesimis terpilih alternatif Decisive Battle dengan bobot 0,09169 dan skenario realistis terpilih alternatif Decisive Battle dengan bobot 0,02237.Kata Kunci:      DEMATEL, ANP, Peperangan Kepulauan, Analisis BOCR (Benefit, Opportunity, Cost and Risk).
Klasifikasi Penyakit Tiroid Menggunakan Algoritma C4.5 (Studi Kasus : Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah (RSUD) Hasanuddin Damrah Manna)
Authors: Sartika Devi , Yupianti Yupianti
Published: March 2020

Tiroid adalah merupakan salah satu bagian tubuh yang sangat penting bagi manusia, tiroid berbentuk kelenjar dan letaknya di bawah jakun pada leher. Penyakit gondok disebabkan oleh gangguan pada kelenjar tiroid. Berdasarkan data histori penderita yang disebabkan oleh kelenjar tiroid dapat dibuat rekomendasi prediksi penyakit tiroid yang membantu tenaga kesehatan. Klasifikasi merupakansalah satu teknik dari data mining yang dapat digunakan untuk membuat prediksi. Klasifikasi dapat dilakukan dengan decision tree salah satunya dengan algoritma C4.5. Penelitian ini bertujuan membuat klasifikasi data penyakait yang disebabkan oleh gejala kelenjar tiroid dan menerapkannya dalam pembangunan sistem. Implementasi sistem menggunakan bahasa pemrograman Visual Basic 2010 dan metode penelitian yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah metode waterfall.metode waterfall mampu melakukan analisa kebutuhan yang digunakan untuk mengetahui dari kelemahan sistem yang lama, kemudian membuat desain dari rancangan tersebut dan dilanjutkan dengan pembuatan rancangan sistem baru. Hasil dari penelitian adalah menghasilkan rule yang dapat membantu tenaga kesehatan di RSUD Hasanuddin Damrah Manna dalam mendiagnosa penyakit yang disebabkan oleh kelenjar tiroid.
Effect of climatic factors on the seasonal fluctuation of human brucellosis in Yulin, Northern China
Authors: Liu Kun , Yang Zurong , Liang Weifeng , Guo Tianci , Long Yong , Shao Zhongjun
Published: March 2020

Background: Brucellosis is a serious public health problem primarily affecting livestock workers. The strong seasonality of the disease indicates that climatic factors may play important roles in the transmission of the disease. However, the associations between climatic variability and human brucellosis are still poorly understood. Methods: Data for a 14-year series of human brucellosis cases and seven climatic factors were collected in Yulin City from 2005 to 2018, one of the most endemic areas in northern China. Using cross-correlation analysis, the Granger causality test, and a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM), we assessed the quantitative relationships and exposure-lag-response effects between monthly climatic factors and human brucellosis. Results: A total of 7,103 cases of human brucellosis were reported from 2005 to 2018 in Yulin City with a distinct peak between April and July each year. Seasonal fluctuations in the transmission of human brucellosis were significantly affected by temperature, sunshine duration, and evaporation. The effects of climatic factors were non-linear over the 6-month period, and higher values of these factors usually increased disease incidence. The maximum separate relative risk (RR) was 1.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.81) at a temperature of 17.4 °C, 1.12 (95% CI, 1.03–1.22) with 311 hours of sunshine, and 1.18 (95% CI, 0.94–1.48) with 314 mm of evaporation. In addition, the effects of these three climatic factors were cumulative, with the highest RRs of 2.27 (95% CI, 1.09–4.57), 1.54 (95% CI, 1.10–2.18), and 1.27 (95% CI, 0.73–2.14), respectively. Conclusions: In Yulin, northern China , variations in climatic factors, especially temperature, sunshine duration, and evaporation, contributed significantly to seasonal fluctuations of human brucellosis within 6 months. The key determinants of brucellosis transmission and the identified complex associations are useful references for developing strategies to reduce the disease burden.
Ups and downs of drug rehab among women: a qualitative study
Authors: boroumandfar zahra , kianpour masoud , afshari maryam
Published: March 2020

Background: due to the increasing importance of addicted women and the need to pay particular attention to this vulnerable group, and more awareness of women-specific addiction prevention and rehab programs among authorities. Objectives: In this content analysis of qualitative study we explored experiences of the women’s experience of the ups and downs of drug rehab Methods: 30 participants (addicted women) were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling until data saturation. Data collection was conducted through semi structured interviews. Conventional content analysis was utilized to analyze the transcribed interviews. Results: Based on analysis of the obtained results, the experience of women from the ups and downs of leaving the drug abuse yielded two themes and nine sub-themes. The themes were “the need for emancipation” and “Sinking factors”. Conclusions: It is concluded that addiction rehab strategies can only lead the addicted women to a brighter life when, along with open-hearted assistance by the families, women-specific rehab centers are established to help them meet their specific needs. Keywords: Substance Use, Lived Experience, Addiction disorders, Women's Health, qualitative study
Who were the tuberculosis patients who died precociously due to the disease in southern Brazil? A retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Santos Danielle Talita dos , Alves Luana Seles , New Luiz Henrique Arroyo , Crispim Juliane Almeida , Alves Josilene Dália , Ramos Denisse Andrea Cartagena , Alonso Jonas Bodini , Assis Ivaneliza Simionato de , Ramos Antonio Vieira , Dessunti Elma Mathias , Pinto Ione Carvalho , Palha Pedro Fredemir , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre , Nunes Carla
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND: A diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) does not necessarily mean that the disease will be treated successfully, as death still occurs among those who are diagnosed by health services. The study aimed to identify the TB patients who died precociously due to the disease and associated factors in southern Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, where all deaths from TB were gathered, including cases of TB/HIV coinfection (ICD A15.0-A15.9 and ICD B20.0), which occurred between 2008 and 2015 in southern Brazil. After bivariate analysis, techniques for survival analysis were applied, including the Kaplan-Meier test and Cox’s regression, from which the mean, median and CI95% of survival (in days) were estimated; the hazard ratio (HR) was obtained and the associated causative factors were identified. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients were analysed: 83 (58%) of them had a diagnosis of TB (ICD A15.0 to A19) and 60 (42%) were diagnosed with TB/HIV (ICD B20.0) in basic death cause. The first group (only TB) had a median survival of 21 days, and the second group (TB/HIV) had a median survival of 34 days; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The median survival for the whole sample was 23 days; 82 (57.3%) of the patients died within 30 days after diagnosis, and 101 (71.3%) died within 60 days after diagnosis (minimum survival 2 day; maximum 349 days; standard deviation (SD) = 69.5 and mean = 52.1 days). Additionally, the alcohol use alcohol use (HR=1.65, CI95%=1.03-2.68) and other comorbidities (HR=1.79, CI95%=1.13 - 2.84) were related precocious deaths. CONCLUSION: Most of the deaths occurred precociously (within two or one months), which indicates that the diagnosis was made too late, when the disease was already at an advanced stage. The use of alcohol and other comorbidities were related with precocious deaths. Although diagnosis and treatment are free in Brazil and the patients had received a diagnosis, they died. Early, sensitive diagnosis, with social support and comprehensive care might reduce early mortality among patients with addiction problems.
Post-hospital medical respite care for homeless people in Denmark: A randomized controlled trial and cost-utility analysis.
Authors: Bring Camilla Nygaard , Kruse Marie , Ankarfeldt Mikkel , Brünés Nina , Pedersen Maja , Petersen Janne , Andersen Ove
Published: March 2020

Background : Being homeless entails higher mortality, morbidity, and prevalence of psychiatric diseases. This can lead to more frequent and expensive use of health care services. Medical respite care enables an opportunity to recuperate after a hospitalization and has shown a positive effect on readmissions, but little is known about the cost-effectiveness of medical respite care for homeless people discharged from acute hospitalization. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of a 2-week stay in post-hospital medical respite care.

Methods : A randomized controlled trial and cost-utility analysis, from a societal perspective, was conducted between April 2014 and December 2015. Homeless people aged >18 years with an acute admission were included from 10 different hospitals in the Capital Region of Denmark. The intervention group (n=53) was offered a 2-week medical respite care stay at a Red Cross facility and the control group (n=43) was discharged without any extra help (usual care), but with the opportunity to seek help in shelters and from street nurses and doctors in the municipalities. The primary outcome was the difference in health care costs 3 months following inclusion in the study. Secondary outcomes were change in health-related quality of life and health care costs 6 months following inclusion in the study. Data were collected through Danish registries, financial management systems in the municipalities and at the Red Cross, and by using the EQ-5D questionnaire.

Results : After 3 and 6 months, the intervention group had €4,761 (p=0.10) and €8,515 (p=0.04) lower costs than the control group, respectively. The higher costs in the control group were mainly related to acute admissions. Both groups had minor quality-adjusted life year gains.

Conclusions : This is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the cost-effectiveness of a 2-week medical respite care stay for homeless people after hospitalization. The study showed that a medical respite care stay for homeless people is cost-effective. Furthermore, this study illustrates that it is possible to perform research with satisfying follow-up with a target group that is hard to reach.

Trial registration : ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02649595
The hospice as a learning environment: A follow-up study of a death education intervention that involved high-school students and the community
Authors: Testoni Ines , Sblano Fabio Vito , Palazzo Lorenza , Pompele Sara , Wieser Michael Alexander
Published: March 2020

Background

The theme of death in Western society has been removed from everyday life and replaced with specialized medical language. Such censorship does not reduce the fear of death, especially among young people, and it limits the possibility to elaborate on experiences linked to death, generating negative effects, especially in cases of traumatic grief. The objective of this follow-up study was to detect how and if experiences of death education changed the relationship between the community and a local hospice. Furthermore, it was stressed the theme of representation of death, in order to see whether participants were able to remind any possible attitude change following the project. Finally, it was analysed how they considered how they remembered the effect of the elaboration of the trauma caused by the suicide of a student.

Methods

This was a qualitative research study based on semi-structured interviews with palliative care professionals and teachers of students who had taken part in a death education intervention 3 years earlier. The interviews were examined through thematic analysis.

Results

The results confirmed the efficacy of the death education intervention initiated 3 years earlier. The education initiative contributed to modifying the students’ and teachers’ perspectives of end-of-life professionals and their understanding of the structures within which palliative care is implemented. It also modified the participants’ perspectives on the representation of death and promoted a new outlook on life. The hospice staff also perceived a change in the attitudes of the community, and this change had a positive impact on their everyday work.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the usefulness of creating continuity between a hospice and the community through a school education initiative. The death education project provided an educational space in which it was possible to elaborate on experiences linked to death and to re-evaluate and appreciate the structures of end-of-life care and the professionals who work in the area.

Keywords: Hospice, Palliative care, Death education, Adolescents, Suicide.
The interaction between serum uric acid and triglycerides level on blood The interaction between serum uric acid and triglycerides level on blood pressure in middle-aged and elderly individuals in China: result from a large national cohort study
Authors: Zhang Lin , Li Jin-long , Guo Lei-lei , Li Hong , Li Dan , xu guang
Published: March 2020

Background: The purpose of the research was to explore the extent of interaction between triglycerides (TG) and serum uric acid (SUA) level with blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged and elderly individuals in China.
Methods: Data were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a cross-sectional study. 3345(46.99%) men with average ages of 60.24 ± 9.24 years and 3774 (53.01%) women with average ages of 59.91 ± 9.95 years were included in the study. Differences between gender, or between categories of blood pressure levels were evaluated by t-test or chi-square test. The adjusted associations between various characteristics and BP status were first compared using linear regression models, as appropriate. Then, A general linear model adjusted for confounding factors(socio-demographic characteristics, health behaviors , medical history) metabolic measures [C-reactive protein(CRP), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose(FPG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR), body mass index(BMI)]) was used to examine the synergistic effect of SUA and TG level on BP in middle-aged and elderly individuals in China.
Results: Age-adjusted partial Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed that SUA and TG level positively correlated with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in both men and women. Multiple linear regression analysis showed the TG level was significantly and positively associated with SBP and DBP in both men (SBP: β =0.068, P =0.001; DBP: β =0.064, P=0.002) and women (SBP: β =0.061, P =0.002; DBP: β =0.084, P=0.000), but SUA were significantly and positively associated with SBP in both men (SBP: β =0.047, P =0.013) and women (SBP: β =0.040, P =0.028), regardless of other confounding factors. After adjusting for related potential confounders, evidence of interaction between SUA and TG level on SBP (men: β =-1.090, P =0.726; women: β =-0.692, P=0.861) and DBP (men: β=-1.026, P =0.572; women: β =-0.794, P =0.842) was not observed.
Conclusion: The interaction effect of SUA and TG level on BP was not observed in our study. Moreover, high SUA level was significantly associated with DBP, while high TG level was strongly related to both DBP and SBP.
Production and characterization of avian crypt-villus enteroids and the effect of chemicals
Authors: Acharya Mohan , Arsi Komala , Donoghue Annie , Liyanage Rohana , Rath Narayan C
Published: March 2020

Background: Three-dimensional models of cell culture such as organoids and mini organs accord better advantage over regular cell culture because of their ability to simulate organ functions hence, used for disease modeling, metabolic research, and the development of therapeutics strategies. However, most advances in this area are limited to mammalian species with little progress in others such as poultry where it can be deployed to study problems of agricultural importance. In the course of enterocyte culture in chicken, we observed that intestinal mucosal villus-crypts self-repair and form spheroid-like structures which appear to be useful as ex vivo models to study enteric physiology and diseases. Results: The villus-crypts harvested from chicken intestinal mucosa were cultured to generate enteroids, purified by filtration then re cultured with different chemicals and growth factors to assess their response based on their morphological dispositions. Histochemical analyses using marker antibodies and probes showed the enteroids consisting different cell types such as epithelial, goblet, and enteroendocrine cells typical to villi and retain functional characteristics of intestinal mucosa.Conclusions: We present a simple procedure to generate avian crypt-villous enteroids containing different cell types. Because the absorptive cells are functionally positioned outwards, similar to the luminal enterocytes, the cells have better advantages to interact with the factors present in the culture medium. Thus, the enteroids have the potential to study the physiology, metabolism, and pathology of the intestinal villi and can be useful for preliminary screenings of the factors that may affect gut health in a cost-effective manner and reduce the use of live animals.
Real-world questions and concerns about disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): a retrospective analysis of questions to a medicine call center
Authors: Masri Hiba EL , Hollingworth Samantha , Driel Mieke van , Benham Helen , McGuire Treasure
Published: March 2020

Background Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have transformed the treatment of numerous autoimmune and inflammatory diseases but their perceived risk of harm be a barrier to use.Methods In a retrospective mixed-methods study, we analysed conventional (c) and biologic (b) DMARDs-related calls and compared them with rest of calls (ROC) from consumers to an Australian national medicine call center operated by clinical pharmacists from September 2002 to June 2010. This includes the period where bDMARDs became available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the government-subsidized prescription medicines formulary. We compared caller and patient demographics, enquiry types and motivation to information-seek for both cDMARDs and bDMARDs with ROC, using a t-test for continuous data and a chi-square test for categorical data. We explored call narratives to identify common themes.Results There were 1,547 calls involving at least one DMARD. The top three cDMARD enquiry types were side effects (27.2%), interactions (21.9%), and risk versus benefit (11.7%). For bDMARDs, the most common queries involved availability and subsidized access (18%), mechanism and profile (15.8%), and side effects (15.1%). The main consumer motivations to information-seek were largely independent of medicines type and included: inadequate information (44%), wanting a second opinion (23.6%), concern about a worrying symptom (18.8%), conflicting information (6.9%), or information overload (2.3%). Question themes common to conventional and biological DMARDs were caller overemphasis on medication risk and the need for reassurance. Callers seeking information about bDMARDs generally overestimated effectiveness and focused their attention on availability, cost, storage, and medicine handling.Conclusion Consumers have considerable uncertainty regarding DMARDs and may overemphasise risk. Patients cautiously assess the benefits and risks of their DMARDs but when new treatments emerge, they tend to overestimate their effectiveness.
Study on the relationship between Cardio-cerebrovascular events and the level of Atherosclerosis evaluated by Heart-brain Integrated CTA
Authors: Author) Huan Yu(Former Corresponding , Zhang Yue , Zhu Dong , Author) Kuai Duan(New Corresponding , Hu Yi , Song Chunhua
Published: March 2020

Background: To establish a one-stop cardio-cerebral vascular scanning technique based on double-source helical CT by analyzing the relationship between the nature of coronary artery, extracranial and extracranial vascular plaque, the degree of lumen stenosis and the occurrence and development of cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCVD). Methods: the plaque properties, vascular stenosis degree, and plaque quantitative analysis results of coronary artery, extracranial and intracranial segments of coronary artery, extracranial and intracranial carotid artery in 39 patients who underwent combined heart-brain CTA scanning were analyzed. The correlation between the load degree of cardio-cerebrovascular plaque and cardio-cerebrovascular events was analyzed comprehensively. Results ：there were significant differences in age, high-density lipoprotein, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, plaque nature, plaque location, plaque composition and NIHSS score between the two groups. Conclusion: the combination of heart and brain CTA can help to establish the best clinical predictive model to prevent and stop the occurrence and development of coronary heart disease and stroke in time.
Correlation between reticulum ribosome-binding protein 1 (RRBP1) overexpression and prognosis in cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Jiaqi , Zhao Ruixue , Xu Wei , Ma Jing , Ning Xin , Ma Rong , Meng Fanling
Published: March 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum ribosomal binding protein 1 (RRBP1) expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues and its poor prognosis. RRBP1 is a nascent transporter on the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Its function is to regulate the transport and secretion of proteins in cells, and to relieve endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, thereby promoting tumor cell proliferation.Methods: The expression levels of RRBP1 in 96 cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to compare the expression levels of RRBP1 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues and normal cervical tissues. Then the chi-square test was used to analyze the results of immunohistochemistry. Finally, the Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the results by log-rank test and Cox regression (proportional risk model).Result: The overexpression of RRBP1 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues was related to FIGO stage (P=0.030), tissue differentiation (P=0.047), lymph node metastasis (P=0.031), and was not related to the patient age (P=0.667). Univariate survival analysis showed that the prognosis was associated to the expression level of RRBP1 (P=0.045) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.001). Analysis of multi-factor survival cox model proved that RRBP1 was an independent prognostic factor. Conclusion: RRBP1 was overexpressed in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues, indicating that RRBP1 may be a new tumor marker for early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma, and it will provide help for individualized treatment and prognosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma in the future.
Technical Tips for Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy: a three-step maneuver for puncture and early clinical experience
Authors: Liang Ze Yan , Chen Shao Xiong , Wang Rui , Chen Chunmei
Published: March 2020

Background: With respect to percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED), safe and accurate needle puncture is a key element for determining the difficulty of surgery and can also influence clinical outcomes. The transforaminal puncture method currently employed in PTED depends on a constant distance from the midline and estimated angles in anteroposterior and craniocaudal directions. TSMP is an alternative concept of puncture based on Kambin’s triangle. TSMP references the natural anatomy of patients to progressively advance the needle to target. We herein discribed a three-step maneuver for puncture (TSMP) in PTED, which is possible to introduce the needle more safely and gain easy access to the herniated disc.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 30 patients who underwent PTED using TSMP for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and met inclusion criteria from January 2018 to September 2018. The primary outcome, leg or back pain, was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patient surgical satisfaction was measured at 12 months post surgery using a five-point Likert scale. Potential prognostic factors measured were demographic characteristics, duration of symptom (DOS), and involved levels. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test and t-test..Results: Preoperative mean VAS was 7.6 ± 1.19, which decreased to 1.4 ± 0.97 at12 months following treatment (P < .0001). Rates of surgical satisfaction per Likert scale were as follows: very satisfied and satisfied in 26 patients (86.7%). VAS scores at 12 months varied significantly between L4-L5 level surgery and L5-S1 level surgery groups (P < .01).Conclusion: TSMP is a reliable technique for puncture into the intervertebral foramen.
Serum homocysteine may related to colorectal adenoma number: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Jing-Wei , Wang Ya-Dan , Wu Jing , Dong Feng-Xiao , Lin Lin , Liu Hong
Published: March 2020

BackgroundEarly detection of high-risk adenomas is crucial for the prevention of colorectal cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of serum biomarkers in characterizing the histological features of colon adenomas and predicting the progression of high-risk adenomas to colorectal cancer.MethodsPatients diagnosed with colorectal adenoma in Beijing Shijitan Hospital between Jan 2013 and Dec 2015 were recruited to the study. Patients were classified into low-, moderate-, and high-risk according to the adenoma scores. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), clinical biochemistry, serum homocysteine (HCY) levels, and serum tumor markers were determined. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression. The correlation between the serum biomarkers and basic characteristic of the adenomas was analyzed.ResultsThe serum levels of HCY (OR=0.06, 95% CI 0.01-1.52), CA724 (OR=0.03, 95% CI 0.00-0.97), and ESR (OR=0.01, 95% CI 0.00-0.44) were positively correlated with the risk of colon adenomas developing into colorectal cancers. High serum level of HCY was related with the development of multiple (>3) adenomas (OR=0.25, 95% CI 0.11-0.56). Higher ESR was related to the occurrence of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (OR=0.06, 95% CI 0.00-0.73) and villous adenomas (OR=0.20, 95% CI 0.04-0.98).ConclusionSerum levels of HCY, ESR and CA724 may be valuable indicators for predicting the risk of colon adenomas, among them, ESR may be more related to specific pathology types, HCY is more related to the number of adenomas and development of colorectal cancer.
Policy changes and impact rises: Erythropoietin Payment Policy on Cardiovascular Outcomes of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Lai I-Chun , Hou Ying-Hui , Lin Shih-Pi , Wan Thomas T.H. , Yang Feng-Jung , Chang Ray-E
Published: March 2020

Background and Purposes The change in reimbursement policy of erythropoietin application to peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients by Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) system provided a natural experimental venue to examine whether cardiovascular risk differs while keeping hematocrit (Hct) below 30% or over 30%. This study intended to analyze the impact of loosening erythropoietin payment criteria for PD patients on their cardiovascular outcomes. Methods Two cohorts of incident PD patients before and after the relaxation of NHI’s erythropoietin payment criteria were identified as Cohort 1 and Cohort 2, respectively, and further matched by propensity scores and then followed up for cardiovascular events. There were 1,759 patients in Cohort 1 and 2,981 patients in Cohort 2. After propensity score matching, 1,754 subjects were selected from each cohort. The outcome measures were cardiovascular events and were analyzed through Cox regressions. Findings and Conclusion For the composite cardiovascular endpoint, Cohort 2 patients had significantly lower risk than Cohort 1. The risk reduction was observed only in diabetic patients. After loosening erythropoietin payment criteria, less cardiovascular risks were observed, particularly for diabetic patients. It is concluded that for diabetic PD patients, maintaining a Hct level higher than 30% is crucial for reducing the cardiovascular risk.
A improved posterior approaches in treating benign primary spinal tumor: a preliminary retrospective report.
Authors: Li Ping , Cao Yong , Deng Zhansheng , Rong Zijie
Published: March 2020

Background: Primary spine tumors are rare, accounting for fewer than 5% of all tumors of the spine. Unlike metastatic spine tumors, primary tumors localized to a single location offer the potential for true cure, so a minority of the primary benign lesions will require surgical treatment. Although the development of surgical techniques and instrumentation, few literatures had reported transpedicluar lateral debridement ,bone grafting ,and posterior instrumentation for primary spinal tumors. In the current study, we evaluate the efficacy of posterior instrumentation after transpedicular lateral debridement and bone grafting in patients with primary spinal tumors at a single institution.Methods: 21 patients (13 males and 8 females; average age 30 years) with primary spinal benign tumor underwent transpedicular lateral debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation. The average follow-up period was 29.5 months (range 12–48months). The medical records and radiographic findings of the patients were reviewed.Results: all patients who had involvement of one vertebra. Before surgery, there were one patients with Frankel grade B, three with grade C, six with grade D, and eleven with grade E. During the last follow-up examination, in ten patients with neurological deficit, one patients improved one grade, seven patients improved two grades, and the neurologic status remained unchanged in two patients. Stable bone union was observed in all cases and the average time required for fusion was 6.5 months. The kyphosis Cobb angle improved from the preoperative average of 18.61 (range 0–48) to a average of 3.9(range 13 to 0) during the follow-up period. During the follow-up period, there were no grafts or instrumentation-related stabilization problems. There was no other recurrence of tumorsConclusions: transpedicluar lateral debridement ,bone grafting ,and posterior instrumentation are safe and effective methods in the surgical management of primary spine benign tumors.
SLC16A1 SNPs and leisure-time physical activity in young Brazilian adults
Authors: Hartwig Fernando Pires , Martins Rafaela , Horta Bernardo Lessa , Rombaldi Airton , Ekelund Ulf , Gigante Denise Petrucci , Hallal Pedro Curi
Published: March 2020

Background: Physical inactivity is a pandemic risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Investigating its determinants is critical to inform effective interventions. However, little is known about genetic determinants of physical activity. Methods: Adults from 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort were investigated. Five SLC16A1 SNPs were assessed for association with physical activity measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: At a mean age of 22.8 years, rs1049434-AT and TT genotypes (compared to AA) were associated with 4.9 (95% CI: -32.8; 41.5) and 20.6 (-29.1; 69.4) more minutes per week of self-reported leisure-time physical activity in males, respectively. rs3849174-AT and TT males reported 7.9 (95% CI: -43.1; 27.3) and 41.6 (95% CI: -111.5; 28.2) less minutes per week compared to AA, respectively. At a mean age of 30.2 years, the results for the rs1049434 in males were very similar. Effect estimates of 22.6 (95% CI: 53.8; 8.6) and 28.7 (95% CI: -90.8; 33.4) less minutes were observed for rs3849174-TG and GG males, respectively. Results were inconsistent for the rs17493313 SNP and for females. Conclusion: Our results suggest that rs1049434 and rs3849174 SNPs may be genetic determinants of physical activity. However, our findings need replication in larger samples with more precise measures of physical activity.
Perceptions and barriers toward sexual reproductive health services accessibility, availability and quality among adolescents in selected cities of Rwanda
Authors: Ndayishimiye Pacifique , Dine Roseline Dzekem , Dukuze Aline , Kubwimana Isabelle , Nyandwi Jean Baptiste , Biracyaza Emmanuel
Published: March 2020

Background: A fifth of the global population is made up of adolescents. Sexual reproductive health needs for young people is largely ignored by existing health, education and other social programs. In Rwanda, there is still an increase in teen pregnancies, HIV/ STIs as well as reports on the lack of access to accurate SRH information. The study aimed to explore the perceptions and barriers toward sexual reproductive health services accessibility, availability and quality among adolescents in the second cities of Rwanda.Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in six selected cities of Rwanda. In-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires among 121 adolescents aged 10-19 years old living in six selected cities.Results : Majority of the participants were female 62.8% and aged between 15-17 years old 32.8%. Females adolescents were more aware, and adolescents with primary school level 62.5% were not aware about SRH services provision at health facilities. Adolescents were mostly aware about the availability of HIV testing and circumcision services at 102 ( 86.4%). Results indicate that utilization of SRH services remains low (34.7%) among adolescents. A recent utilization of a particular service was linked to a use in the past: “I am aware of my HIV status because I was tested when I was going to receive a transfusion at a hospital” (Female participant, Rwamagana). Family, socio-cultural, religious influences and lack of privacy, high costs for the services, unavailability of some services at private facilities as well as lack of comfortable separated rooms, were the barriers reported by adolescents that prevented them from utilising SRH services.Conclusion : Accessibility to SRH services for adolescents remains low and SRH services provision doesn’t offer confidentiality to adolescents who seek services at health facilities. Family influences, socio-cultural stigma and religious barriers remain a burden to adolescents’ SRH services utilization. Increasing community outreach and adolescent’s engagement is needed to enable access to accurate SRH information. Multidisciplinary stakeholders should collaborate and cooperate to address the stigma associated with access to SRH services for adolescents.