bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Calixarene as A Phase Transfer Catalyst in Vanilin Synthesis from Eugenol
Authors: Utomo Suryadi Budi , Setiati Tresni
Published: January 2020

This study aims to synthesize the compound of C-2,8,14,20-tetradodecylcalix[4]arene-4,6,10,12,16,18,22,14-octol and test it as a phase transfer catalyst. The calixarene compound was prepared by reacting 1,3-dihydroxybenzene with dodecanal under acid-catalyzed. The desired calixarene was then tested for its ability as a phase transfer catalyst for oxidation of isoeugenol with KMnO4 to obtain vanillin products. The results showed that C-2,8,14,20-tetradodecylcalix[4]arene-4,6,10,12,16,18,22,14-octol can be synthesized from 1,3-dihydroxybenzene with a yield of 89.5%. The compound able to work as a phase transfer catalyst which is marked by the oxidation of isoeugenol to produce as much as 12.15% of vanillin. The vanillin product obtained was analyzed by an IR spectrometer that indicating the presence of the most important group namely aldehyde. The results of the analysis with the H-NMR spectrometer showed absorption at 3.9 ppm chemical shift with singlet appearance i.e. protons from –OCH3 (methoxy), uptake in chemical shifts 7.0 and 7.4 ppm with multiplet appearance i.e. protons from aromatic rings, uptake in chemical shifts of 9.8 ppm with singlet appearance i.e. protons from –CHO (aldehyde).
Analisis Kebijakan Penyerahan Prasarana, Sarana Dan Utilitas Di Kabupaten Sidoarjo
Authors: Supriyanto Bambang
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the implementation of policies and strategies in the delivery of infrastructure, facilities and housing utilities in Sidoarjo from a legal standpoint, as well as the development perspective. Date analysis technique used is descriptive qualitative models. The results showed that the implementation of policy implementation of policies and strategies in the delivery of infrastructure, facilities and utilities housing in Sidoarjo influenced by several aspects, including regulatory aspects are not full ownership documents owned by the developer, negligence developer obligations, lack of coordination at each institution, and also belummempunyai complete data base regarding the infrastructure, facilities and utilities. In addition to regulatory aspects of the procedure is still considered berbilit-Sukau, inconsistent and inadequate. Given the purpose and role of each - each party must be done consistently in the submission process infrastructure, facilities and utilities, both the Government of Sidoarjo regency and the developer, so that the resulting synergies that can create the infrastructure, facilities and utilities are in short supply, both quantity and quality for the benefit of society. Alternative strategies that can be done is by setting short-term goals, medium term and long term.
Faktor-Faktor Yang Berhubungan dengan Motivasi Petani Menanam Mangrove Di Desa Mayangan Kecamatan Gumukmas Kabupaten Jember, Jawa Timur
Authors: Wahyudi Ridlo , Widjayanthi Lenny , Subekti Sri
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this research is to find out factors related to farmer's motivation to grow mangrove in Mayangan Village, Gumukmas Sub-district, Jember District. The method used in this study uses descriptive and correlational methods. The result of the analysis shows that the variables of experience, formal education and non-formal education have a relationship with the motivation of farmers to plant mangrove while other variables such as age and number of family members have no relationship, at 95% confidence level.
La portada del convento de san Lorenzo de Montilla (Córdoba): Nuevas aportaciones sobre su definición arquitectónica y análisis iconográfico
Authors: Bellido Vela Elena
Published: January 2020

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo el estudio de la portada del desaparecido convento de San Lorenzo de Montilla (Córdoba) desde un punto de vista arquitectónico y de sus elementos artísticos, correspondiente al período renacentista. Para ello se ha realizado un seguimiento de su configuración constructiva a través de modelos de la Antigüedad Clásica y de los tratados de Diego de Sagredo y Hernán Ruiz II. El estudio iconográfico planteado demuestra la armonía entre elementos cristianos con otros de raigambre clásica. Como conclusión, esta portada manifiesta la plena asimilación del pensamiento humanista mediante la utilización de un lenguaje arquitectónico y plástico que sigue modelos del renacimiento, exaltando la identidad de la II marquesa de Priego a través de la utilización de motivos de reconocida firmeza imperial.
Sex-specific impact of patterns of imageable tumor growth on survival of primary glioblastoma patients
Authors: Whitmire Paula , Rickertsen Cassandra R , Hawkins-Daarud Andrea , Carrasco Eduardo , Lorence Julia , De Leon Gustavo , Curtin Lee , Bayless Spencer , Clark-Swanson Kamala , Peeri Noah , Corpuz Christina , Angeles Christine Paula Lewis-de los , Bendok Bernard , Gonzalez-Cuyar Luis , Vora Sujay , Mrugala Maciej M , Hu Leland , Wang Lei , Porter Alyx , Kumthekar Priya , Johnston Sandra , Egan Kathleen , Gatenby Robert , Canoll Peter , Rubin Joshua , Swanson Kristin
Published: January 2020

Background : Sex is recognized as a significant determinant of outcome among glioblastoma patients, but the relative prognostic importance of glioblastoma features has not been thoroughly explored for sex differences.
Methods : Combining multi-modal MR images, biomathematical models, and patient clinical information, this investigation assesses which pretreatment variables have a sex-specific impact on the survival of glioblastoma patients (299 males and 195 females).
Results : Among males, tumor (T1Gd) radius was a predictor of overall survival (HR=1.027, p=0.044). Among females, higher tumor cell net invasion rate was a significant detriment to overall survival (HR=1.011, p<0.001). Female extreme survivors had significantly smaller tumors (T1Gd) (p=0.010 t-test), but tumor size was not correlated with female overall survival (p=0.955 CPH). Both male and female extreme survivors had significantly lower tumor cell net proliferation rates than other patients (M p=0.004, F p=0.001, t-test).
Conclusion : Despite similar distributions of the MR imaging parameters between males and females, there was a sex-specific difference in how these parameters related to outcomes.
RNA-Seq reveals differential expression profiles and functional annotation of genes involved in retinal degeneration in Pde6c mutant Danio rerio
Authors: Saddala Madhu Sudhana , Lennikov Anton , Bouras Adam , Huang Hu
Published: January 2020

Background: Retinal degenerative diseases affect millions of people and represent the leading cause of vision loss around the world. Retinal degeneration has been attributed to a wide variety of causes, such as disruption of genes involved in phototransduction, biosynthesis, folding of the rhodopsin molecule, and the structural support of the retina. The molecular pathogenesis of the biological events in retinal degeneration is unclear; however, the molecular basis of the retinal pathological defect can be potentially determined by gene-expression profiling of the whole retina. In the present study, we analyzed the differential gene expression profile of the retina from a wild-type zebrafish and phosphodiesterase 6c (pde6c) mutant. Results: The datasets were downloaded from the Sequence Read Archive (SRA), and adaptors and unbiased bases were removed, and sequences were checked to ensure the quality. The reads were further aligned to the reference genome of zebrafish, and the gene expression was calculated. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were filtered based on the false discovery rate (FDR) (±4) and p-values (p < 0.001). We performed gene annotation (molecular function [MF], biological process [BP], cellular component [CC]), and determined the functional pathways Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway for the DEGs. Our result showed 216 upregulated and 3,527 downregulated genes between normal and pde6c mutant zebrafish. These DEGs are involved in various KEGG pathways, such as the phototransduction (12 genes), mRNA surveillance (17 genes), phagosome (25 genes), glycolysis/gluconeogenesis (15 genes), adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes (29 genes), ribosome (20 genes), the citrate cycle (TCA cycle; 8 genes), insulin signaling (24 genes), oxidative phosphorylation (20 genes), and RNA transport (22 genes) pathways. Many more of all the pathway genes were downregulated, while fewer were upregulated in the retina of mutant zebrafish. Conclusions: Our data strongly indicate that, among these genes, the above-mentioned pathways’ genes as well as calcium-binding, neural damage, peptidase, immunological, and apoptosis proteins are mostly involved in the retinal and neural degeneration that cause abnormalities in photoreceptors or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells.
Acceptance of mHealth among Health Professionals: A Case Study on Anesthesia Practitioners
Authors: Carvalho Hugo , Verdonck Michael , Forget Patrice , Poelaert Jan
Published: January 2020

Background: mHealth, the practice of medicine aided by mobile devices is a growing market. Although the offer on Anesthesia applications (Apps) is quite prolific, representative formal assessments on the views of anesthesia practitioners on its use and potential place in daily practice is lacking. This survey aimed thus to cross-assess the Belgian anesthesia population on the use of smartphone Apps and peripherals.Methods: The survey was exclusively distributed as an online anonymous questionnaire. Sharing took place via hyperlink forwarding by the Belgian Society for Anesthesia and Reanimation (BSAR) and by the Belgian Association for Regional Anesthesia (BARA) to all registered members. The first answer took place on 5 September 2018, the last on 22 January 2019. Results: 349 answers were obtained (26.9% corresponding to trainees, 73.1% to specialists). Anesthesiologists were positively confident that Apps and peripherals could help improve anesthesia care (57.0% and 47.9%, respectively, scored 4 or 5, in a scale from 0 - 5). Trainees were significantly more confident than specialists on both mobile Apps (71.2% and 51.8%, respectively; p = 0.001) and peripherals (77.7% and 45.1%, respectively; p = 0.09).The usefulness of Apps and Peripherals was rated 1 or below (on a 0 to 5 scale), respectively, by 9.5% and 14.6% of the total surveyed population, being specialists proportionally less confident in Smartphone peripherals than trainees (p = 0.008). Mobile apps are actively used by a significantly higher proportional number of trainees (67.0% vs. 37.3%, respectively; p = 0.000001).The preferred category of mobile Apps was dose-calculating applications (39.15%), followed by digital books (21.1%) and Apps for active perioperative monitoring (20.0%).Conclusions: Belgian Anesthesia practitioners show a global positive attitude towards smartphone Apps and Peripherals, with trainees trending to be more confident than specialists.
No association between the Ser9Gly polymorphism of the dopamine receptor D3 gene and schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of family-based association studies
Authors: Li Xiao-na , Zheng Ji-long , Wei Xiao-han , Wang Bao-jie , Yao Jun
Published: January 2020

Background : Ser9Gly (rs6280) is a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the human dopamine receptor D3 gene ( DRD3 ) that may be involved in the occurrence of schizophrenia. We performed a meta-analysis of family-based studies to explore the role of Ser9Gly in the etiology of schizophrenia. Methods : The published family-based association studies were retrieved from the relevant literature databases according to the established inclusion criteria. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the strength of the relationship between Ser9Gly SNP and the occurrence of schizophrenia. Results : We finally pooled up 13 family-based association studies between Ser9Gly SNP and schizophrenia. It contained 11 transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) studies with 1219 informative meiosis and 5 haplotype-based haplotype relative risk (HHRR) studies. There was no statistical significance for the heterogeneity in TDT and HHRR studies. Therefore, the fixed effect model was used to measure the pooled effect size. The results showed that neither of the associations between Ser9Gly and the risk of schizophrenia were observed in TDT (1219 samples, OR=1.005, 95% CI = 0.898-1.125, Z-value = 0.086, p = 0.932) and HHRR studies (1704 samples, OR=0.869, 95% CI = 0.713-1.059, Z-value = -1.395, p = 0.163), except for the significantly preferential transmission of DRD3 Ser9 allele in East Asian in TDT studies (204 samples, OR=0.744, 95% CI = 0.564-0.980, Z-value = -2.104, p = 0.035). Conclusions : Our meta-analysis found no association between DRD3 gene Ser9Gly polymorphism and the risk of schizophrenia. These data provide possible avenues for future family-based studies related to schizophrenia.
Perceptions and experiences with District Health Information System software to collect and utilize health data in Bangladesh: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Begum Tahmina , Khan Shaan Muberra , Adamou Bridgit , Ferdous Jannatul , Parvez Muhammad Masud , Islam Mohammad Saiful , Kumkum Feroza Akhter , Rahman Aminur , Anwar Iqbal
Published: January 2020

Background: Accurate and high-quality data are important for improving program effectiveness and informing policy. Bangladesh’s health management information system adopted the District Health Information Software, Version 2 (DHIS2) in 2009 to capture real-time health service utilization data. However, routinely collected data are being underused because of poor data quality. We aimed to understand the facilitators and barriers of implementing DHIS2 as a way to retrieve meaningful and accurate data for reproductive, maternal and child health (RMCAH) services. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in two districts of Bangladesh from September 2017 to 2018. Data collection included key informant interviews (n=11), in-depth interviews (n=23), and focus group discussions (n=2). The study participants were individuals involved with DHIS2 implementation from the community level to the national level. The data were analyzed thematically.Results: DHIS2 could improve the timeliness and completeness of data reporting over time. The reported facilitating factors were strong government commitment, extensive donor support, and positive attitudes toward the technology among staffs. Quality checks and feedback loops at multiple levels of data gathering points were helpful to minimize data errors. Introducing a dashboard makes DHIS2 compatible to use as monitoring tool. However, the barriers to effective DHIS2 implementation were lack of human resources, slow Internet connectivity, frequent changes to of DHIS2 versions, and maintaining both manual and electronic system side-by-side. Data in DHIS2 remains incomplete because it does not capture data from private health facilities. Having two parallel management information systems reporting the same RMNCAH indicators threatens data quality and increases the reporting workload. Conclusion: The overall insights from this study are expected to contribute to the development of effective strategies for successful DHIS2 implementation and building responsive health management information system. Focused strategic direction is needed to sustain the achievements of digital data culture. Periodic refresher trainings, incentives for increased performance, and an automated single reporting system for multiple stakeholders could make the system more user-friendly. A national electronic health strategy and implementation framework can facilitate creating a culture of DHIS2 use for planning, setting priorities, and decision making among stakeholder groups.
Recombinant cold shock domain containing protein is a potential antigen to detect specific antibody during early and late infections of Haemonchus contortus in goat
Authors: Naqvi Muhammad Ali-ul-Husnain , Aimulajiang KaLiBiXiaTi , Memon Muhammad Ali , Hasan Muhammad Waqqas , Naqvi Sana Zahra , Lakho Shakeel Ahmed , Chu Wen , Xu Lixin , Song Xiaokai , Li XiangRui , Yan RuoFeng
Published: January 2020

Background : Haemonchus contortus ( H. contortus ) is one of the most important parasites that cause huge economic losses to small ruminant industry worldwide. Effective prognosis and treatment depend upon the early diagnosis of H. contortus infection. To date, no widely-approved methods for the identification of prepatent H. contortus infection are available to identify prepatent H. contortus infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of recombinant cold shock H. contortus protein (rHc-CS) during early and late infections of H. contortus in goat.
Results : Purified rHc-CS exhibited a clear band, with a molecular weight about 38 kDa. H. contortus eggs were not detected by fecal egg count technique from feces collected at 0 to 14 days post infection (D.P.I). However, eggs were detected at 21, 28 and 35 D.P.I. Hence, results of immunoblotting assay showed specific anti rHc-CS antibody detection in all goat sera collected at early stage (14 D.P.I) and late stage (21-103 D.P.I) of H. contortus infection. Furthermore, no cross reactivity was observed against Trichinella spiralis , Fasciola hepatica and Toxoplasma gondii or uninfected goats. Among several evaluated rHc-CS indirect-ELISA format variables, favorable antigen coating concentration was found 0.28μg/well at 37℃ 1h and overnight at 4°C. Moreover, optimum dilution ratio of serum and rabbit anti-goat IgG was recorded as 1:100 and 1:4000, respectively. The best blocking buffer was 5% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) while the best time for blocking, serum incubation and TMB reaction were recorded as 60, 120 and 10 min, respectively. The cut-off value for positive and negative interpretation was determined as 0.352 (OD 450 ). The diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of the rHc-CS, both were recorded as 100%.
Conclusion : These results validated that rHc-CS is a potential immunodiagnostic antigen to detect the specific antibodies during early and late H. contortus infections in goat.
Qualitative investigation of the factors that generate ambivalent feelings in women who give birth after receiving negative results from non-invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Yotsumoto Junko , Sekizawa Akihiko , Inoue Satomi , Suzumori Nobuhiro , Samura Osamu , Yamada Takahiro , Miura Kiyonori , Masuzaki Hideaki , Sawai Hideaki , Murotsuki Jun , Hamanoue Haruka , Kamei Yoshimasa , Endo Toshiaki , Fukushima Akimune , Katagiri Yukiko , Takeshita Naoki , Ogawa Masaki , Nishizawa Haruki , Okamoto Yoko , Tairaku Shinya , Kaji Takashi , Maeda Kazuhisa , Matsubara Keiichi , Ogawa Masanobu , Osada Hisao , Ohba Takashi , Kawano Yukie , Sasaki Aiko , Sago Haruhiko
Published: January 2020

Background: Women who receive negative results from non-invasive prenatal genetic testing (NIPT) may find that they later have mixed or ambivalent feelings, for example, feelings of accepting NIPT and regretting undergoing the test. This study aimed to investigate the factors generating ambivalent feelings among women who gave birth after having received negative results from NIPT.Methods: A questionnaire was sent to women who received a negative NIPT result, and a contents analysis was conducted focusing on ambivalent expressions for those 1562 women who responded the questionnaire. The qualitative data gathered from the questionnaire were analyzed using the N-Vivo software package.Results: Environmental factors, genetic counseling-related factors, and increased anticipatory anxiety, affected the feeling of ambivalence among pregnant women. Furthermore, pregnant women desired more information regarding the detailed prognosis for individuals with Down syndrome and living with them and/or termination, assuming the possibility that they were positive.Conclusions: Three major interrelated factors affected the feeling of ambivalence in women. Highlighting and discussing such factors during genetic counseling may resolve some of these ambivalences, thereby enhancing the quality of decisions made by pregnant women.
Institutional Strategies as a Mechanism to Rationalize the Negative Effects of the Judicialization of Access to Medicine in Brazil
Authors: Chagas Virginia Oliveira , Provin Mércia Pandolfo , Mota Pedro Augusto Prado , Guimarães Rafael Alves , Amaral Rita Goreti
Published: January 2020

Background Recently, the Executive Branch and Judiciary in Brazil increased spending due to larger numbers of lawsuits that forced the State to provide health goods and services. This phenomenon, known as health judicialization, has created challenges and required the Executive Branch and Judiciary to create institutional strategies such as technical chambers and departments to reduce the social, economic and political distortions caused by this phenomenon. This study aims to evaluate the effects of two institutional strategies deployed by a Brazilian municipality in order to cope with the economic, social and political distortions caused by the phenomenon of health judicialization regarding access to medicines. Methods A longitudinal study was carried out in a capital in the Central-West Region of Brazil. A sample of 511 lawsuits was analyzed. The variables were placed into three groups: the sociodemographic characteristics and the plaintiffs’ disease, the characteristics of the claimed medical products and the institutional strategies. To analyze the effect of the interventions on the total cost of the medicines in the lawsuits, bivariate and multivariate linear regressions with variance were performed. For the categorical outcomes, Poisson regressions were performed with robust variance, using a significance level of 5%. Results A reduction in the costs of medicines in the lawsuits and of the requests for medicines within the SUS formulary was verified after the deployment of the Department of Assessment of Nonstandardized Medicines (DAMNP) and the Technical Chamber of Health Assessment (CATS); an increase in processed prescriptions from the Brazilian Universal Health System was observed after the deployment of the CATS; and an increase in medicines outside the SUS formulary without a therapeutic alternative was verified after the CATS. Conclusion The institutional strategies deployed were important tools to reduce the high costs of the medicines in the lawsuits. In addition, they represented a step forward for the State, provided a benefit to society and indicated a potential path for the health and justice systems of other countries that also face problems caused by the judicialization of health.
Activating the interleukin-6-Gp130-STAT3 pathway ameliorates ventricular electrical stability in myocardial infarction rats by modulating neurotransmitters in the paraventricular nucleus
Authors: Gao Meng , Yin Dechun , Chen Jugang , Qu Xiufen
Published: January 2020

Background: Malignant ventricular arrhythmia (VA) is the most common cause of death associated with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Recent studies have revealed direct involvement of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in the occurrence of VA. However, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated changes in the interleukin-6 (IL-6)-glycoprotein 130-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway in the PVN during acute MI and the effects of this pathway on ventricular stability. Methods: Rats were divided into a control group, a MI group, a PVN-injected anti-IL-6 antibody group and a PVN-injected SC144 group to observe how IL-6 and its downstream glycoprotein 130-STAT3 pathway in the PVN affect ventricular stability. The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated to induce MI. After that, an anti-IL-6 antibody and SC144 were injected into the PVNs of rats. All data are expressed as the mean ± SE and were analysed by ANOVA with a post hoc LSD test. p<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: After MI, the concentration of the inflammatory factor IL-6 increased, and its downstream glycoprotein 130-STAT3 pathway was activated in the PVN. After injection of MI rat PVNs with the anti-IL-6 antibody or glycoprotein 130 inhibitor (SC144), glutamate levels increased and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels decreased in the PVN. Plasma norepinephrine concentrations also increased after treatment, which increased the vulnerability to VA. Conclusions: In summary, IL-6 in the PVN exerts a protective effect in MI rats, and the glycoprotein 130-STAT3 pathway plays a key role in this process. We anticipate that our findings will provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of arrhythmia after MI.
Determinants of incomplete immunization among children age 12-23 months in Southwest, Ethiopia: Case Control Study
Authors: G/Mariam Meseret , Ayele Gistane , Shegaze Mulugeta , Wassihun biresaw
Published: January 2020

Background Vaccination is recognized as an important immunization tool which is used in preventing and eradicating communicable diseases. Even though increase in global vaccination coverage, many children in the world particularly in low resource countries still are left unvaccinated and it remains to be a public health problem. So the main objective of this study was to identify determinants of incomplete vaccination among children 12-23 months of age in Semen Bench district, Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia, 2018. Methods A community based unmatched case-control study was undertaken among randomly selected children aged 12 to 23 months and with a total sample size of 312 (104 cases and 208 controls). Simple random sampling was used to get representative cases and controls. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was entered into Epi Inof version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 21 statistical software. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were done to identify independent factors for incomplete immunization status of children. P values <0.05 with 95% confidence level were used to declare statistical significance Results From the total selected 104 cases and 208 controls, all of the cases and controls participated in the study with a response rate of 100% .The multivariable analysis indicated that respondents having no antenatal visit [AOR=8.3(95%CI; 1.87-36.91], giving birth in home [AOR=4.5(95%CI; 1.411-14.27], respondents having no postnatal visit [AOR=4.2(95%CI; 1.67-10.41], and respondent having inconvenient appointment time [AOR=3.44(95% CI:1.65-7.16)] were some of the variables continued to have statistically significant factors of incomplete vaccination. Conclusion This study was identified some of the factors associated with incomplete vaccination. In order to decrease neonatal mortality resulted from communicable diseases Strengthen antenatal care visit and promoting postnatal care service utilization and institutional delivery and providing convenient and appropriates appointment time is very important in addition to this it is crucial that, local programmatic intervention should be strengthened to promote awareness of the community on the importance of Vaccination.
The Effect of TRX vs. Aquatic Exercises on Self-Reported Knee Instability and Affected Factors in Women with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Asar Shirin , Gandomi Farzaneh , Mozafari Mahsa , Sohaili Freshteh
Published: January 2020

Background: Knee Instability (KI) is described as a sense of knee buckling, shifting, or giving way during the weight bearing activities. High prevalence (60-80%) has been reported for KI amongst the patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). In this line, the present study targeted the effect of two interventions on self-reported KI and affected factors. Methods: In this single blind, randomized, and controlled trial, 36 patients with radiographic grading (Kellgren–Lawrence ≥ II) of KOA were selected. Patients were divided into three groups namely, aquatic (n=12), Total Resistance exercises (TRX) (n=12) and control (n=12) by random. Then both 8-week TRX and aquatic exercises were carried out by experimental groups. The following measure were taken before and after interventions: Pain by visual analog scale (VAS), balance by Berg Balance Scale (BBS), quadriceps strength by dynamometer, knee flexion range of motion (ROM) by inclinometer, knee stiffness with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC), and self-reported KI with Felson's questionnaire. Results: The results demonstrated that KI, VAS, BBS improved over time both in TRX and aquatic groups significantly (p<0.05), but WOMAC (stiffness) , knee flexion ROM, and quadriceps strength were significantly improved over time only for TRX (p<0.05). Post hoc test, also, showed that there were significant differences between interventions and control groups (p<0.05) for the VAS, KI, BBS, but for WOMAC (stiffness), a significant difference was observed only between TRX and control groups (p=0.05). Conclusions: Although TRX and aquatic interventions had a similar effect on the patients’ balance, pain and KI, TRX had more effect on WOMAC (stiffness) , quadriceps strength, and knee flexion ROM than aquatic exercises. Trial registration: This study was registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Center with the number IRCT20181222042070N1, http://www.irct.ir/trial/36221 , registered 02 February 2019. Keywords: self-reported knee instability, Osteoarthritis, TRX, Aquatic Exercises.
Access to health care for people with disabilities in rural Malawi: what are the barriers?
Authors: Harrison Josephine , Thomson Rachael , Banda Hastings T. , Mbera Grace B. , Gregorius Stefanie , Stenberg Berthe , Marshall Tim
Published: January 2020

Background People with disabilities experience significant health inequalities. In Malawi, where most individuals live in low-income rural settings, many of these inequalities are exacerbated by restricted access to health care services. This qualitative study explores the barriers to health care access experienced by individuals with a mobility or sensory impairment, or both, living in rural villages in Dowa district, central Malawi. In addition, the impact of a chronic lung condition, alongside a mobility or sensory impairment, on health care accessibility is explored. Methods Using data from survey responses obtained through the Research for Equity And Community Health (REACH) Trust’s randomised control trial in Malawi, 12 adult participants, with scores of either 3 or 4 in the Washington Group Short Set (WGSS) questions, were recruited. The WGSS questions concern a person’s ability in core functional domains (including seeing, hearing and moving), and a score of 3 indicates ‘a lot of difficulty’ whilst 4 means ‘cannot do at all’. People with cognitive impairments were not included in this study. All who were selected for the study participated in an individual in-depth interview and full recordings of these were then transcribed and translated. Results Through thematic analysis of the transcripts, three main barriers to timely and adequate health care were identified: 1) Cost of transport, drugs and services, 2) Insufficient health care resources, and 3) Dependence on others. Attitudinal factors were explored and, whilst unfavourable health seeking behaviour was found to act as an access barrier for some participants, community and health care workers’ attitudes towards disability were not reported to influence health care accessibility in this study. Conclusions This study finds that health care access for people with disabilities in rural Malawi is hindered by closely interconnected financial, practical and social barriers. There is a clear requirement for policy makers to consider the challenges identified here, and in similar studies, and to address them through improved social security systems and health system infrastructure, including outreach services, in a drive for equitable health care access and provision.
Endoscopic treatment of early leaks and strictures after laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass
Authors: Younis Fadi , Shnell Mati , Gluck Nathan , Abu-Abeid Subhi , Eldar Shai , Fishman Sigal
Published: January 2020

Background: Laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass has become a prominent bariatric procedure. Yet, early and late complications, primarily leaks and strictures, are not uncommon. This study summarizes our experience with endoscopic treatment of laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass complications. Methods: This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients referred to our hospital from 2015 to 2017 with post laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass complications. Therapy was tailored to each case, including fully covered self-expandable metal stents, fibrin glue, septotomy, internal drainage with pigtail stents, through-the-scope and pneumatic dilation. Success was defined as resuming oral nutrition without enteral or parenteral support or further surgical intervention. Results : Nine patients presented with acute or early leaks: 5 (56%) had staple-line leaks, 3 (33%) had anastomotic leaks and 1 (11%) had both. All were treated with stents. Adjunctive endoscopic drainage was applied in 4 patients (44%). Overall 5 patients (56%) with acute/ early leaks recovered completely, including all 3 patients with anastomotic leak and the patient with both leaks but only 1/5 with staple line leak (20%). Complication rate in the leak group reached 22%. Eight patients presented with strictures, 7 at the anastomosis and one due to remnant stomach misalignment. All anastomotic strictures were dilated successfully. However, the patient with the pouch stricture required conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after 3 failed attempts of dilation. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatments of laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass complications are relatively effective and safe. Anastomosis-related complications are more amenable to endoscopic treatment compared to staple line leaks.
Trypanosome Infection Rate in Glossina tachinoides: Infested Rivers of Limmu Kosa District Jimma Zone, Western Ethiopia
Authors: meharenet behablom , Alemu Dereje
Published: January 2020

Objective : Trypanosomosis is a disease of domestic animals and humans resulting from infection with parasitaemic protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma transmitted primarily by tsetse flies. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January-March 2018, to estimate the infection rate of trypanosome in Glossina tachinoides , their distribution, magnitude and involved trypanosome species in Limmu Kosa District of Jimma zone.
Methodology and result : Study methodology involved entomological survey using monoconical traps to study the magnitude of Fly density Flay/Trap/Day (FTD) and tsetse fly dissection to estimate infection rate of trypanosome in vector flies. The study result indicated that there was only one species of Tsetse fly Glossina tachinoides detected with FTD=4.45. From total of (n=284) dissected Glossina tachinoides flies only (n= 5) positive for Trypanosome resulting in 1.76% Infection Rate. Peak trypanosome infections were observed in female tsetse 2.04%, n=4 and 1.14%, n=1 in males. Furthermore, 1.06% Glossina tachinoides were infected by Trypanosome vivax and the remaining 0.70% was Trypanosome congolense .
Keywords : Limmu Kosa District, Trypanosome, Infection Rate, Glossina tachinoides
The University of Limerick Education and Research Network for General Practice (ULEARN-GP): practice characteristics and general practitioner perspectives
Authors: O'Regan Andrew , Hayes Peter , O'Connor Ray , Casey Monica , O'Dwyer Patrick , Culhane Aidan , O'Donnell Patrick , Stack Gary , Cuddihy John , O'Connell Billy , O'Flynn Jerry , Cullen Walter , O'Doherty Jane , O'Connell Maurice , Glynn Liam
Published: January 2020

Background A well-functioning general practice sector that has a strong research component is recognised as a key foundation of any modern health system. General practitioners (GPs) are more likely to collaborate in research if they are part of an established research network. The primary aims of this study are to describe Ireland’s newest general practice-based research network and to analyse the perspectives of the network’s members on research engagement. Method A survey was sent to all GPs participating in the network in order to document practice characteristics so that this research network’s profile could be compared to other national profiles of Irish general practice. In depth interviews were then conducted and analysed thematically to explore the experiences and views of a selection of these GPs on research engagement. Results All 134 GPs responded to the survey. Practices have similar characteristics to the national profile in terms of location, size, computerisation, type of premises and out of hours arrangements. Twenty-two GPs were interviewed and the resulting data was categorised into subthemes and four related overarching themes: GPs described catalysts for research in their practices, the need for coherence in how research is understood in this context, systems failures, whereby the current health system design is prohibitive of GP participation and aspirations for a better future. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that the research network under examination is representative of current trends in Irish general practice. It has elucidated a better understanding of factors that need to be addressed in order to encourage more GPs to engage in the research process.
Do partial AZFc deletions affect the sperm retrieval rate in non-mosaic Klinefelter patients undergoing microdissection testicular sperm extraction?
Authors: Huang I-Shen , Fantus Richard J , Chen Wei-Jen , Wren James , Kao Wei-Tang , Huang Eric Yi-Hsiu , Bennett Nelson E , Brannigan Robert E , Huang William J
Published: January 2020

Background The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prognostic factors for sperm retrieval and determine if Y chromosome deletion is associated with deleterious effects. Whether Y chromosome deletion determines the sperm retrieval rate in non-mosaic Klinefelter patients has not yet been addressed. Methods We retrospectively collected medical records of azoospermic patients from Sep 2009 to Dec 2018, and enrolled 66 non-mosaic 47, XXY patients who were receiving mTESE. The predictive values of patients age, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, prolactin, estradiol and Y chromosome deletion were assessed for successful sperm recovery. Results Testicular sperm recovery was successful in 24 (36.4%) of 66 men. The mean age (36.0 vs. 36.6 years), and levels of FSH (30.0 vs 36.9 IU/L), LH (17.7 vs 21.9 IU/L), testosterone (2.4 vs. 2.1 ng/ml), prolactin (9.1 vs. 8.8 ng/ml), and estradiol (19.4 vs. 22.3 pg/ml) did not show any significant difference when comparing patients with and without successful sperm retrieval. Partial deletion of azoospermic factor c (AZFc) was noted in 5 (20.8%) of 24 patients with successful sperm retrieval, including three b2/b3 and two gr/gr deletion cases, whereas 4 (9.5%) of 42 patients with unsuccessful sperm retrieval were noted to have AZFc partial deletion (one b2/b3 , one sY1206 and two gr/gr deletion), though the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.27) Conclusion According to present results, age and AZFc partial deletion status should not be a deterrent for azoospermic males with non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome to undergo mTESE.
Integrative analysis of outer membrane vesicles proteomics and whole-cell transcriptome analysis of eravacycline induced Acinetobacter baumannii strains
Authors: Kesavan DineshKumar , Vasudevan Aparna , Wu Liang , Chen Jianguo , Su Zhaoliang , Wang Shengjun , Xu Huaxi
Published: January 2020

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant (MDR) hazardous bacterium with very high antimicrobial resistance profiles. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) help directly and/or indirectly towards antibiotic resistance in these organisms. The present study aims to look on the proteomic profile of OMV as well as on the bacterial transcriptome upon exposure and induction with eravacycline, a new synthetic fluorocycline. RNA sequencing analysis of whole-cell and LC-MS/MS proteomic profiling of OMV proteome abundance were done to identify the differential expression among the eravacycline-induced A. baumannii ATCC 19606 and A. baumannii clinical strain JU0126. Results: The differentially expressed genes from the RNA sequencing were analysed using R package and bioinformatics software and tools. Genes encoding drug efflux and membrane transport were upregulated among the DEGs from both ATCC 19606 and JU0126 strains. As evident with the induction of eravacycline resistance, ribosomal proteins were upregulated in both the strains in the transcriptome profiles and also resistance pumps, such as MFS, RND, MATE and ABC transporters. High expression of stress and survival proteins were predominant in the OMVs proteome with ribosomal proteins, chaperons, OMPs OmpA, Omp38 upregulated in ATCC 19606 strain and ribosomal proteins, toluene tolerance protein, siderophore receptor and peptidases in the JU0126 strain. The induction of resistance to eravacycline was supported by the presence of upregulation of ribosomal proteins, resistance-conferring factors and stress proteins in both the strains of A. baumannii ATCC 19606 and JU0126, with the whole-cell gene transcriptome towards both resistance and stress genes while the OMVs proteome enriched more with survival proteins. Conclusion: The induction of resistance to eravacycline in the strains were evident with the increased expression of ribosomal and transcription related genes/proteins. Apart from this resistance-conferring efflux pumps, outer membrane proteins and stress-related proteins were also an essential part of the upregulated DEGs. However, the expression profiles of OMVs proteome in the study was independent with respect to the whole-cell RNA expression profiles with low to no correlation. This indicates the possible role of OMVs to be more of back-up additional protection to the existing bacterial cell defence during the antibacterial stress.
Objective evaluation of postoperative changes in real-life activity levels in the postoperative course of lumbar spinal surgery using wearable trackers
Authors: Inoue Masahiro , Orita Sumihis , Inage Kazuhide , Suzuki Miyako , Fujimoto Kazuki , Shiga Yasuhiro , Kanamoto Hirohito , Abe Koki , Kinoshita Hideyuki , Norimoto Masaki , Umimura Tomotaka , Sato Takashi , Sato Masashi , Suzuki Masahiro , Enomoto Keigo , Eguchi Yawara , Akazawa Tsutomu , Aoki Yasuchika , Kawasaki Yohei , Ohtori Seiji
Published: January 2020

Background: Lumbar spinal disease causes disabilities in performing daily activities. Operative treatments are aimed at pain relief and rapid return to routine activity. Patient-based outcome measures are used to evaluate pathologies and therapeutic effects associated with lumbar spinal disease. Nevertheless, it remains unknown as to how much such treatment improves activity levels. The purpose of the current study was to measure changes in activity levels before and after lumbar spinal surgery using a wearable activity tracker and to analyze the differences between results and patient-based outcomes. Methods: Sixty patients who underwent lumbar surgery were studied. The physical activity of participants was objectively evaluated using a wearable Micro-Motion logger system (Actigraph). We measured the amount of activity before and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery to evaluate postoperative changes. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and visual analog scale were used to assess patient-based outcomes of pain and activities of daily living-related scores; we analyzed the relationships between scores and actual activity levels. Results: The amount of actual activity decreased significantly 1 month after the surgery compared to that during the preoperative period, which then improved after 3 months postoperatively ( p <0.01). Furthermore, there was a significant improvement 6 months after the surgery compared to that during the preoperative period ( p < 0.05). The changes in activity for each period were strongly correlated, regardless of the period. In contrast, a significant improvement was observed at 1 month after the surgery in almost all items of the patient-based questionnaires ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: The objective activity tracker demonstrated that lumbar surgery results in the amount of activity decreasing 1 month just after surgery followed by gradual postoperative recovery within 3 months. By contrast, patient-based outcomes showed improvement in 1 month that was significantly different from the change in actual activity, indicating a gap between patient-oriented clinical scores and their actual activities.
Low red/far-red ratio as a signal promotes carbon assimilation of soybean seedlings by increasing the photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Yang Feng , Liu Qinlin , Cheng Yajiao , Feng Lingyang , Wu Xiaoling , Fan Yuanfang , Raza Muhammad Ali , Wang Xiaochun , Yong Taiwen , Liu Weiguo , Liu Jiang , Du Junbo , Shu Kai , Yang Wenyu
Published: January 2020

Background: Shading includes low light intensity and varying quality. However, a low red/far-red (R/Fr) ratio of light is a signal that affects plant growth in intercropping and close- planting systems. Thus, the low R/Fr ratio uncoupling from shading conditions was assessed to identify the effect of light quality on photosynthesis and CO2 assimilation. Soybean plants were grown in a growth chamber with natural solar radiation under four treatments, that is, normal (N, sunlight), N+Fr, Low (L) +Fr, and L light.

Results: Low R/Fr ratio significantly increased the total biomass, leaf area, starch and sucrose contents, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and quantum efficiency of the photosystem II compared with normal R/Fr ratio under the same light level (P < 0.05). Proteomic analysis of soybean leaves under different treatments was performed to quantify the changes in photosynthesis and CO2 assimilation in the chloroplast. Among the 7834 proteins quantified, 12 showed a > 1.3-fold change in abundance, of which 1 was related to porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, 2 were involved in photosystem I (PS I), 4 were associated with PS II, 3 proteins participated in photosynthetic electron transport, and 2 were involved in starch and sucrose metabolism. The dynamic change in these proteins indicates that photosynthesis and CO2 assimilation were maintained in the L treatment by up-regulating the component protein levels compared with those in N treatment. Although low R/Fr ratio increased the photosynthetic CO2 assimilation parameters, the differences in most protein expression levels in N+Fr and L+Fr treatments compared with those in N treatment were insignificant. Similar trends were found in gene expression through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction excluding the gene expression of sucrose synthase possible because light environment is one of the factors affecting carbon assimilation.

Conclusions: Low R/Fr ratio (high Fr light) can increase the photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in the same light intensity by improving the photosynthetic efficiency of the photosystems.