bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roots and Wings: Indonesia´s way to improvements of women´s health care
Authors: Meerpohl Hans-Gerd
Published: February 2020

Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous nation and the largest economy in Southeast Asia. The World Bank recently classified Indonesia as an emerging middle-income country. Enormous gains have been made in poverty reduction, cutting the poverty rate to more than half since 1999, to 9.8% in 2018.(1) However, based on March 2017 data, approximately 20 % of the entire population remain vulnerable of falling into poverty, as their income hover marginally above the national poverty line.(2) Unique challenges for Indonesia´s health care system reflects the fact that approximately 250 million inhabitants from more than 300 ethnic groups spread over 17.000 islands. Indonesia has set itself an ambitious goal of establishing universal health care by 2019, a move commended by the United Nations as part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.(SDGs)  Women´s health care, including women’s empowerment and gender equality, is concerned as an especially important issue because - on a global scale- it is one area in which performance has been seen by many to be slow. (3) While Indonesia has experienced greater success in its efforts to reduce the under five mortality rate (27 per 1.000 live births in 2015), efforts to tackle maternal mortality has been less effective as rates have continued to persist above 125 per 100.000 live births over the past decade (6) Having some of those facts in my mind I started my visit to Indonesia and to Surabaya in October 2018 with the desire to understand in the end the country, the people and their health system challenges a bit better.
Моделирование переноса протонов в веществе
Authors: Марков Михаил Борисович , Markov Mikhail Borisovich , Подоляко Сергей Викторович , Podolyako Sergei Viktorovich
Published: February 2020

Рассмотрена математическая модель переноса протонов в веществе. Взаимодействие протонов с электронной подсистемой атомов среды моделируется в приближении средних потерь энергии при ионизационном рассеянии. Ядерные взаимодействия рассмотрены в модели индивидуальных соударений. Разработан алгоритм моделирования переноса протонов в кусочно-однородных средах, сочетающий приближение непрерывного замедления при взаимодействии с электронами с прямым моделированием упругого и неупругого рассеяния на ядрах. Представлены расчеты, демонстрирующие влияние ядерных эффектов на распределение энергии, выделяемой протонами при рассеянии.
Optical properties of dye DN-F01 as sensitizer
Authors: Ramadhani Febrina , Supriyanto Agus , Ahmad Mohd Khairul Bin , Diyanahesa Nadiyah El-Haq , Saputri Diani Galih
Published: February 2020

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) is a solar cell made from organic material that works with an electrochemical photo system to convert solar energy into electrical energy. The components of DSSC consist of transparent conductive substrates, dyes, semiconductors, electrolytes and counter electrodes. Dye as a sensitizer is has an important role in DSSC performance improvement. This study aims to obtain optical characterization such as absorbance spectrum and transmittance from DSSC using dye DN-F01 with concentration 2x10-3 M. Optical characterization has been tested using a UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Shimadzu UV-1800. The test results show that the absorbance spectrum of the dye is at a wavelength of 400-500 nm. Band gap energy of DN-F01 has obtained  from its absorbance and transmittance value is about 2,46 eV.
Comparison of the superconducting rectangular critical fields with the same area at κ = 1.5
Authors: Anwar Fuad , Cari C , Ilmi Alqaan Maqbullah
Published: February 2020

The Time Dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) equation can be used to study the characteristics of superconductors in the evolution of time to reach equilibrium. This study uses the ѰU method to numerically calculate critical field values more easily. Previous research has been carried out on size variations, kappa variations, proximity effects and so on. In this study, a comparison between squares and rectangles with the same size of area for type II superconductor , then it is found that the critical field Hc3 is the same value for each of the same area.
Students' Level of Financial Support Satisfaction Towards Their Daily Allowance
Authors: Jerald Moneva , Marijune Tuñacao
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to determine the association on the students' level of financial support satisfaction and their daily allowance. The study used a quantitative approach-descriptive correlation using a self-made questionnaire that was answered by the senior high school student. The questionnaire mainly indicates the different ranges of school allowances and factors that influence the students' satisfaction. The weighted mean was used for computing the mean of the level of financial support satisfaction that students feel towards their daily allowance. It used the chi-square (x²) showing a significant association between students' financial support satisfaction and school allowance. Students' financial support satisfaction depends on the level of their daily allowance. Most of the students have the ranges forty-one to fifty pesos as their daily allowance. With this, students are satisfied with their daily school allowances. The students seem to have a peaceful mind in their financial life because of meeting financial obligations with fewer debts and liabilities. A student who manages well a financial resource leads to lesser debts and liabilities which tend to increase the level of financial support satisfaction. Furthermore, a financial support satisfied student is more confident, tolerant and less prone to stress for having improved individual well-being. In order to enhance budgeting skills and increased level of financial support satisfaction, this study suggests exploring more on the students who are making debts at an early age.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RECIPROCAL TEACHING IN READING CLASS
Authors: M.Pd. Irene Trisiska
Published: February 2020

This research was conducted to find out how the application of reciprocal teaching can improve student’s understanding in reading subject. The application of Reciprocal Teaching can help university students as prospective educators to be able to improve their creativity. This research used Classroom Action Research (CAR) which had four steps of research procedures namely planning, implementing, observing, and analyzing. The subjects of this study were fourth semester students of Kanjuruhan University of Malang who took critical reading course. To achieve the criteria for success, researchers took two cycles by adopting theories from Kemmis and Taggart. In the first cycle, students who achieved success criteria were 43.47%. However, the success criteria targeted by researchers were75%. In the second cycle the success rate of students reached 82.60%. The conclusion of this study is that teaching reading using reciprocal can increase student motivation and increase student interaction. Because interaction with other students and with lecturer increases, motivation to learn and confidence also increases, it can also improve student learning outcomes. Positive competitiveness is also shown by students bravely expressing their ideas quickly. The application of reciprocal teaching in the class has problems including controlling classroom situations, there are some students who rely on their friends in doing work, and there are some students who are a bit selfish and feel that working together in working on problems makes them slow because they have to explain their opinions and then put forward in front of the class.

Keywords:  Creativity, Reciprocal Teaching, CAR
Pengaruh penambahan pati talas lokal (colocasia esculenta) sebagai stabilizer terhadap total padatan terlarut Dan kadar air yogurt pada suhu pasteurisasi 90°C
Authors: Kusumawati Aju Tjatur Nugroho , Hadiani Dimas Pratidina Puri , Fila Maria Meryana
Published: February 2020

Penelitian ini dilakukan di Laboratorium Terpadu Fakultas Peternakan, Universitas Kanjuruhan Malang dan Laboratorium Teknologi Pangan Universitas Brawijaya Malang, pada tanggal 30 Oktober sampai tanggal 31 November 2016. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh penambahan pati talas (Colocasia esculenta) terhadap total padatan terlarut dan kadar air yogurt pada suhu pasteurisasi 90°C. Materi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah susu sapi segar, susu skim 2%, starter bakteri Lactobacillus bulgaricus dan Streptococcus thermophillus 2%, dan pati talas. Metode yang digunakan adalah percobaan Laboratorium dengan menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) yang terdiri dari 4 perlakuan yaitu penambahan pati talas P0=0%, P1=0,5%, P2=1%, P3=1,5%, masing-masing perlakuan diulang sebanyak 3 kali. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis dengan analisis ragam, apabila terdapat perbedaan maka dilanjutkan dengan uji Beda Nyata Terkecil (BNT). Variabel yang diamati meliputi total padatan terlarut dan kadar air yogurt. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penambahan level pati talas (Colocasia esculenta) memberikan perbedaan yang sangat nyata (P<0,01) terhadap total padatan terlarut dan kadar air yogurt. Nilai total padatan terlarut yogurttertinggi pada penambahan pati talas 1,5% sebesar 21,96% kemudian berturut-turut level pati 1%, 0,5%, 0% sebesar19,69%, 18,33% dan 17,35%. Nilai kadar air yogurt pada penambahan pati talas 1,5% menghasilkan nilai terendah sebesar 77,36% kemudian berturut-turut level pati1%=80,50%, 0,5%= 81,56% dan 0% = 83,35%.

Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa penambahan pati talas sebagai stabilizer sebesar 1,5% menghasilkan kualitas yogurt yang optimal ditinjau dari total padatan terlarut dan kadar air yogurt pada suhu pasteurisasi 90°C. Disarankan adanya penelitian lanjutan untuk mengetahui kualitas yogurt dengan penambahan pati talas diatas 1,5%.
Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan terhadap Kepuasan Konsumen Pasien pada Rumah Sakit Fatma Medika Kabupaten Gresik
Authors: Putri Dian Islamiyah
Published: February 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh kualitas pelayanan dan fasilitas terhadap kepuasan konsumen pada Rumah Sakit Fatma Medika Gresik. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian kuantitatif. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah non probabillity sampling. Penelitian ini menggunkan 50 (lima puluh) responden. Teknik pengujian instrumen dalam penelitian ini adalah uji validitas dan uji reliabillitas, sedangkan teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif, analisis linear berganda, dan uji asumsi klasik.
Reducing the Impact of the Frequency Change on the Formation of Orthogonal Components of the Relay Protection Input Signals
Authors: Romaniuk E. A. , Rumiantsev V. Yu. , Rumiantsev Yu. V. , Dziaruhina A. A.
Published: February 2020

Digital filters made with the use of discrete Fourier Transform are applied in most microprocessor protections produced both in the home country and abroad. When the input signal frequency deviates from the value to which these filters are configured, a signal is generated at their output with oscillation amplitude that is proportional to the deviation of the signal frequency from the specified one. The article proposes an algorithm for compensating the oscillations of orthogonal components of the output signals of digital filters implemented on the basis of a discrete Fourier transform, when the input signal frequency deviates from the nominal one. A mathematical model of the proposed digital filter with an algorithm for compensating the oscillations of its orthogonal components, as well as a signal model for reproducing input effects, is implemented in the MatLab-Simulink dynamic modeling environment. The digital filter model is provided with two channels, viz. a current channel and a voltage channel, which makes it possible to simulate their operation in relation to protections that use one or two input values, for example, for current and remote protection. Verification of the functioning of the digital filter model with compensation for fluctuations in its output signal was carried out with the use of two types of test effects, viz. a sinusoidal signal with a frequency of 48–51 Hz (idealized effect), and the effects that are close to the real secondary signals of measuring current transformers and voltage transformers in case of short circuits accompanied by a decrease in frequency. The conducted computational experiments with deviation of frequency from the nominal one, revealed the presence of undamped oscillations at the output of standard digital Fourier filters and their almost complete absence in the proposed digital filters. This makes us possible to recommend digital filters based on a discrete Fourier transform supplemented by an algorithm for compensation of fluctuations in the amplitudes of the output signals for the use in microprocessor protection.
Ensuring the safety of the surface of calibrated rolled products in the conditions of small-grade wire mill 370/150 OJSC «BSW – Management Company of the Holding «BMC»
Authors: Kovaleva I. A. , Bazuyev I. V. , Prybytkov Yu. V. , Khodosovskaya N. A.
Published: February 2020

One of the important tasks is to deliver to the consumer a calibrated high-quality metal in a saleable condition, which requires protection from atmospheric corrosion and adverse climatic factors, protection from contamination and mechanical damage for the period of transportation to the consumer by motor transport, and storage at intermediate warehouses before going into production. A comprehensive system approach is needed to preserve the quality and appearance of the products on the way from the manufacturer to the consumer. The use of modern packaging materials, such as paper with corrosion inhibitor and polypropylene fabric reinforcement, will allow to obtain permanent guaranteed protection of the rolled surface and expands the possibilities of transportation and sales markets of metal products. The testing stage of the corrosion inhibitor included the determination of its protective properties. It is established that the advantage of packaging of rolled products in anticorrosive paper is that it, combining the functions of packaging means and means of preservation, allows you to completely abandon the expensive and time-consuming preservation of metal products with oils and greases. The use of a volatile corrosion inhibitor in the composition of the paper provides full protection of rolled products.
Comparing Fuel Consumption and Emission Levels of Hybrid Powertrain Configurations and a Conventional Powertrain in Varied Drive Cycles and Degree of Hybridization
Authors: Maddumage W. U. , Abeyasighe K. Y. , Perera M. S. M. , Attalage R. A. , Kelly P.
Published: February 2020

Hybrid electric powertrains in automotive applications aim to improve emissions and fuel economy with respect to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Variety of design scenarios need to be addressed in designing a hybrid electric vehicle to achieve desired design objectives such as fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions. The work in this paper presents an analysis of the design objectives for an automobile powertrain with respect to different design scenarios, i. e. target drive cycle and degree of hybridization. Toward these ends, four powertrain configuration models (i. e. internal combustion engine, series, parallel and complex hybrid powertrain configurations) of a small vehicle (motorized three wheeler) are developed using Model Advisor software and simulated with varied drive cycles and degrees of hybridization. Firstly, the impact of vehicle power control strategy and operational characteristics of the different powertrain configurations are investigated with respect to exhaust gas emissions and fuel consumption. Secondly, the drive cycles are scaled according to kinetic intensity and the relationship between fuel consumption and drive cycles is assessed. Thirdly, three fuel consumption models are developed so that fuel consumption values for a real-world drive cycle may be predicted in regard to each powertrain configuration. The results show that when compared with a conventional powertrain fuel consumption is lower in hybrid vehicles. This work led to the surprisingly result showing higher CO emission levels with hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, fuel consumption of all four powertrains showed a strong correlation with kinetic intensity values of selected drive cycles. It was found that with varied drive cycles the average fuel advantage for each was: series 23 %, parallel 21 %, and complex hybrids 33 %, compared to an IC engine powertrain. The study reveals that performance of hybrid configurations vary significantly with drive cycle and degree of hybridization. The paper also suggests future areas of study.
Comparative analysis of ChIP-exo peak-callers: impact of data quality, read duplication and binding subtypes
Authors: Sharma Vasudha , MAJUMDAR Sharmistha
Published: February 2020

Background: ChIP (Chromatin immunoprecipitation)-exo has emerged as an important and versatile improvement over conventional ChIP-seq as it reduces the level of noise, maps the transcription factor (TF) binding location in a very precise manner, upto single base-pair resolution, and enables binding mode prediction. Availability of numerous peak-callers for analyzing ChIP-exo reads has motivated the need to assess their performance and report which tool executes reasonably well for the task. Results: This study has focussed on comparing peak-callers that report direct binding events with those that report indirect binding events. The effect of strandedness of reads and duplication of data on the performance of peak-callers has been investigated. The number of peaks reported by each peak-caller is compared followed by a comparison of the annotated motifs present in the reported peaks. The significance of peaks is assessed based on the presence of a motif in top peaks. Indirect binding tools have been compared on the basis of their ability to identify annotated motifs and predict mode of protein-DNA interaction. Conclusion: By studying the output of the peak-callers investigated in this study, it is concluded that the tools that use self-learning algorithms, i.e. the tools that estimate all the essential parameters from the aligned reads, perform better than the algorithms which require formation of peak-pairs. The latest tools that account for indirect binding of TFs appear to be an upgrade over the available tools, as they are able to reveal valuable information about the mode of binding in addition to direct binding. Furthermore, the quality of ChIP-exo reads have important consequences on the output of data analysis.
The Association between Parental Migration and Early Childhood Nutrition of Left-behind Children in Rural China
Authors: Shi Huifeng , Zhang Jingxu , Du Yufeng , Zhao Chunxia , Huang Xiaona , Wang Xiaoli
Published: February 2020

Background: More than one-third of children under 3 years old are left behind at home due to parental migration in rural China, and we know very little about early childhood nutrition of left-behind children (LBC) because of the dearth of research. This study examined the association between parental migration and early childhood nutrition of LBC in rural China.
Methods: We used repeated cross-sectional data of rural children aged 6–35 months who participated in two surveys in six counties of northern and southern China in 2013 and 2016 respectively. The length, weight, and hemoglobin concentration were measured by trained health‑care workers blinded to parental migration status. Stunting, underweight, wasting, and anemia were identified with the standards recommended by WHO. Generalized linear regressions and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to explore the association between parental migration and these nutritional outcomes at each time point.
Results: 2,336 and 2,210 children aged 6–35 months were enrolled in 2013 and 2016, respectively. The results show a reduction of the risks of stunting, underweight, and wasting from 2013 (16.4%, 8.5%, and 3.5%, respectively) to 2016 (12.1%, 4.0%, and 1.5%, respectively) but highlight a constantly and alarmingly high risk of anemia among these children (44.8% in 2013 and 43.8% in 2016). Children with migrant fathers performed as well as or better than those with non-migrants on these indicators. Children with migrant parents performed slightly worse in 2013, but equal or slightly superior in 2016 on these indicators compared with children with non-migrants and migrant fathers. Children aged 6–17 months with migrant parents had a significantly lower risk of anemia than those living with their mothers or with both parents (43.1% vs . 63.6% and 61.5 in 2013, and 42.5 vs . 60.1% and 66.2% in 2016), even after controlling for children’s sociodemographic characteristics.
Conclusions: Parental migration may be not detrimental and even beneficial to early childhood nutrition of LBC in rural China. Continued nutritional support is needed for all rural children, especially interventions for preventing micronutrient deficiency. Programs for LBC are recommended to continue to focus on nutrition but pay more attention to other important health issues.
Dispensation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications in patients receiving opioid agonist therapy; a national prospective cohort study in Norway from 2015 to 2017
Authors: Vold Jørn Henrik , Aas Christer , Skurtveit Svetlana , Odsbu Ingvild , Chalabianloo Fatemeh , Halmøy Anne , Johansson Kjell Arne , Fadnes Lars Thore
Published: February 2020

Background
It is estimated that up to a third of patients on opioid agonist therapy (OAT) have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment by ADHD medication, including a centrally acting stimulant (CAS) or atomoxetine is one of the essential approaches. This study evaluates the use of dispensed ADHD medications in the Norwegian OAT population in the period from 2015 to 2017. Types and doses of ADHD medications, co-dispensations of other potentially addictive drugs like benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics, gabapentinoids, and non-OAT opioids, as well as direct-acting antivirals (DAA) against hepatitis C infection, are investigated.

Methods
Information about all dispensed ADHD medication, OAT opioids, and the defined potentially addictive drugs were recorded from the Norwegian Prescription Database. Dispensation rates, the types, and the doses of dispensed ADHD medications were estimated by summarizing the number of dispensations, and the dispensed doses. Logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the associations between ADHD medication, and OAT opioid use, and dispensations of other potentially addictive drugs and DAAs against hepatitis C infection.

Results
A total of 9,235 OAT patients were included. The proportion of patients who were dispensed ADHD medication increased from 3.5% to 4.6% throughout the study period. The three most dispensed CAS were short-acting methylphenidate (55%), lisdexamphetamine (24%), and dexamphetamine (17%) in 2017. Buprenorphine, rather than methadone, as OAT opioid (adjusted odds ratio: 1.6, CI: 1.2-2.1) was associated with being dispensed ADHD medication. Among patients who received CAS and OAT opioids each calendar year, the dispensed doses of methylphenidate increased from 63 mg/day in 2015 to 76 mg/day in 2017 (p = 0.01). Sixty percent of patients receiving ADHD medications were also dispensed other addictive drugs concomitantly in 2017. Similar results were found in 2015 and 2016.

Conclusion
Co-prescription of ADHD medications was low among patients on OAT in Norway, considering a high prevalence of ADHD in this patient group. On the other hand, concurrent dispensations of multiple addictive drugs were common in this population. Understanding the underlying reasons for such prescribing is essential, and research on how to optimize ADHD medication of patients with ADHD receiving OAT is needed.
A novel virtual barcode strategy for accurate panel-wide variant calling in circulating tumor DNA
Authors: wu leilei , Deng Qinfang , Xu Ze , Zhou Songwen , Li Chao , Li yixue
Published: February 2020

Background Hybrid capture-based next-generation sequencing of DNA has been widely applied in the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Various methods have been proposed for ctDNA detection, but low-allelic-fraction (AF) variants are still a great challenge. In addition, no panel-wide calling algorithm is available, which hiders the full usage of ctDNA based ‘liquid biopsy’. Thus, we developed the VBCALAVD (Virtual Barcode-based Calling Algorithm for Low Allelic Variant Detection) i n silico to overcome these limitations. Results Based on the understanding of the nature of ctDNA fragmentation, a novel platform-independent virtual barcode strategy was established to eliminate random sequencing errors by clustering sequencing reads into virtual families.Stereotypical mutant-family-level background artifacts were polished by constructing AF distributions. Three additional robust fine-tuning filters were obtained to eliminate stochastic mutant-family-level noises. The performance of our algorithm was validated using cell-free DNA reference standard samples (cfDNA RSDs) and normal healthy cfDNA samples (cfDNA controls). For the RSDs with AFs of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1% and 5%, the mean F1 scores were 0.43 (0.25~0.56), 0.77, 0.92, 0.926 (0.86~1.0) and 0.89 (0.75~1.0), respectively, which indicates that the proposed approach significantly outperforms the published algorithms. Among controls, no false positives were detected. Meanwhile, characteristics of mutant-family-level noise and quantitative determinants of divergence between mutant-family-level noises from controls and RSDs were clearly depicted. Conclusions Due to its good performance in the detection of low-AF variants, our algorithm will greatly facilitate the noninvasive panel-wide detection of ctDNA in research and clinical settings. The whole pipeline is available at https://github.com/zhaodalv/VBCALAVD.
Efficacy and timing of gastrografin administration after ileus tube insertion in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction
Authors: Tamura Yu , Esaki Mitsuru , Ichijima Ryoji , Suzuki Sho , Iwamoto Maho , Moriyama Mitsuhiko , Gotoda Takuji
Published: February 2020

Background: Gastrointestinal decompression through ileus tube is useful for the treatment of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO). Gastrografin administration through the ileus tube is performed if decompression therapy fails to relieve obstruction. However, the efficacy and appropriate timing of gastrografin administration are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of gastrografin administration within 48 h after admission.
Methods: This retrospective study used the data of patients with ASBO admitted to our hospital between January 2014 and August 2018 and included those who underwent ileus tube intubation but did not achieve obstruction relief for over 24 h after admission. The patients were classified into the following two groups: those treated with gastrografin administration within 48 h after admission (EGA group) and those treated without gastrografin administration within 48 h after admission (non-EGA [NEGA] group). Propensity-score matching was performed to compensate for confounding differences between the groups. The short-term outcomes including the rate of successful conservative management without surgery, the period until the first stool, the period of ileus tube intubation, the total period of hospital admission, and adverse events due to gastrografin administration were evaluated and compared between the two groups.
Results: This study included 152 patients: 67 in the EGA group and 85 in the NEGA group. Fifty-five pairs were matched with similar background characteristics. After matching, the rates of successful conservative management were 89.1% (49/55) and 94.5% (52/55) in the matched EGA and NEGA groups, respectively (P=0.49). Although the median insertion days of ileus tube in the NEGA group were significantly lesser than those in the EGA group (7 [5–9] vs. 5 [4.5–7], P=0.017), other therapeutic outcomes did not differ significantly. In the NEGA group, 5.5% (3/55) achieved obstruction relief without gastrografin administration. Aspiration pneumonia occurred in one patients of EGA group.
Conclusions: Gastrografin administration with ileus tube achieved a high rate of successful conservative management. Follow-up by decompression with ileus tube for at least 48 h after admission is required in patients with ASBO, which may avoid unnecessary gastrografin administration and consequently reduce the total cost of treatment.
HOXB4 promotes the malignant progression of ovarian cancer via DHDDS
Authors: Li Na , Xiong Jiao , Li Zhengyu
Published: February 2020

Background : Homeobox B4 (HOXB4) is correlated with poor prognosis of various cancer types. However, how HOXB4 promotes ovarian cancer (OV) progression remains unclear. Methods : The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database indicated that a high level of HOXB4 in OV was correlated with poor prognosis. The biological functions of HOXB4 were confirmed by colony formation, migration, and invasion assays. The effect of HOXB4 on the expression of EMT cell markers was determined. The transcriptional target of HOXB4 was DHDDS, which was detected by a ChIP assay. A xenograft tumor model was generated in nude mice to detect the role of HOXB4 in tumor proliferation and metastasis. Results : The results showed that HOXB4 protein levels were higher in OV tissues than in normal tissues and correlated with poor prognosis of OV. HOXB4 reduction inhibited the proliferation and invasion ability of OV cells in vitro. Conversely, these effects were enhanced by the upregulation of HOXB4 in OV cells. The binding of HOXB4 to two DNA motifs regulated DHDDS expression and contributed to the malignant progression of OV. The role of HOXB4 in contributing to tumor development in vivo was verified in mice. Further results indicated that HOXB4 induced Snail and Zeb1 expression. Conclusion : Overall, HOXB4 overexpression was remarkably correlated with poor prognosis of OV. Mechanistically, HOXB4 enhances the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells by activating DHDDS, thereby promoting the malignant progression of OV.
Therapeutic efficacy of Schistosoma japonicum cystatin on sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy in a mouse model
Authors: Gao Shifang , Li Huihui , Xie Hong , Wu Shili , Yuan Yuan , Chu Liang , Sun Siying , Yang Huijuan , Wu Lingqin , Bai Yongsheng , Zhou Qiao , Wang Xin , Zhan Bin , Cui Hu , Yang Xiaodi
Published: February 2020

Background Myocardial dysfunction is one of the most common complications of multiple organ failure in septic shock and significantly increases mortality in patients with sepsis. In spite of many studies have confirmed that helminth-derived proteins have strong immunomodulatory functions and could be used to treat inflammatory diseases, there is no report on the therapeutic effect of Schistosoma japonicum -produced cystatin ( Sj- Cys) on the sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction. Methods A model of sepsis-induced myocardial injury was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mouse. Upon CLP operation, each mouse was intraperitoneally treated with 10 µg of recombinant Sj -Cys (r Sj -Cys). Twelve hours after CLP operation, the systolic and diastolic functions of left ventricular were examined by echocardiography. The levels of myoglobin (Mb), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in sera and the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in cardiac tissues were examined as biomarkers for heart injury. The heart tissue was collected for checking pathological changes, macrophages and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. To address the signaling pathway involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of r Sj -Cys, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) was determined by Western blot in heart tissue of mice with sepsis and LPS-stimulated H9C2 cardiomyocyte cells. In addition, the therapeutic effects of r Sj -Cys on LPS-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis were also detected in H9C2 cells.The levels of M1 biomarker iNOS and M2 biomarker Arg-1 were detected in heart tissue. The pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 and regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β were measured in sera and their mRNA levels in heart tissue of r Sj -Cys-treated mice. Results After being treated with r Sj -Cys, the sepsis-induced heart malfunction was largely improved. The inflammation and injury of heart tissue were also significantly alleviated characterized by significantly decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells in cardiac tissues and fiber swelling, reduced levels of Mb, cTnI and NT-proBNP in sera and MPO activity in heart tissue. The therapeutic efficacy of r Sj -Cys is associated with down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) , as well as the decreased M1 macrophages and increased M2 macrophages, possibly through inhibiting LPS-MyD88 signal pathway. Conclusions Recombinant Sj -Cys significantly reduced sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy and could be considered as be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of sepsis associated cardiac dysfunction.
Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Dressing in Total Joint Arthroplasty: what is the evidence? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wei Wen-Xing , Zeng Yi , Liu Yuan , Li Ming-Yang , Wu Yuan-gang , Shen Bin
Published: February 2020

Background The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether incisional negative pressure therapy dressing (iNPWT) has an advantage over conventional wound dressing (CWD) on wound healing for patients with total joint arthroplasty (TJA) Methods We searched the electronic databases including PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE via Ovid SP, Medline via Ovid SP, to screening published randomized controlled trials and high-quality cohort studies reported that incisional negative pressure therapy dressing applied in hip and knee arthroplasty. We analyzed the overall complications, major and minor complications, dressing changes, infection rate, and the rate of reoperation. The relevant data was analyzed by RevMan5.3. Results Six studies met our criteria, and included 1405 incisions in 971 participants with total joint arthroplasty which were randomized either to incisional negative pressure therapy dressing group (n=578) or to conventional wound dressing group (n=827) .The risk for developing a minor complication between two groups was not significantly different (risk ratio [RR] 0.58, p =0.40) and for major complication was also not significantly different (RR 0.71, p =0.39). In terms of dressing changes, the iNPWT was fewer than the control group ( P <0.05). The effect of rate of infection and reoperation was not significantly different (RR 0.65, p =0.27). Conclusions For patients underwent TJA, applying iNPWT may be associated with fewer dressing change, which maybe mean less exudation. There was no significant difference on the rate of infection and reoperation, and experiencing either minor or major complications between participants in whom iNPWT versus CWD were used for wound. However, more high-quality randomized or non-randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and cost-effectiveness analysis are required.
Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score predicts worse outcomes in Chinese cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Yang Yan , Zhang Pei , Zhou Hua , Yang Min
Published: February 2020

Background & Aims: Nutritional and immunological status was assessed by the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score calculated from serum albumin, total cholesterol and total peripheral lymphocyte count. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic impact of the CONUT score on patients underwent cardiac surgery.Methods: This is a single-center retrospective observational study in cardiac surgery patients. Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and laboratory data were collected. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were postoperative complications including acute kidney injury (AKI), transient ischemic attack or stroke, reoperation for bleeding. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were performed to investigate the association between confounding factors and outcomes. The cut-off value of CONUT score was accessed by the receiving operating characteristic curve. We used the Kaplan-Meier curve to compare the outcomes according to the cut-off CONUT score. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to test discriminative power of CONUT score and relevant clinical parameters. Results: A total of 408 patients were enrolled in this study. During a median follow-up period of 72.12 months, 28 (6.9%) patients died and 43 (10.5%) patients occurred postoperative complications. The rate of all-cause mortality and postoperative complications was higher in the high CONUT score (>3) group than in the low CONUT score group (p=0.002, p=0.02). High CONUT score (hazard ratio [HR] =2.367, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.072 to 5.266, P=0.033) was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality. The AUC of the joint probability of CONUT score, age, and hypertension in predicting all-cause mortality was 0.744 (95% CI: 0.687–0.775). The high CONUT score was still an independent risk factor of secondary outcomes (HR=2.316, 95%CI=1.122 to 4.780, P=0.023).Conclusion: The CONUT score was independently associated with all-cause mortality and postoperative complications in patients underwent cardiac surgery.
Secular trend in dietary patterns of Iranian adults from 2006 to 2017: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Aghayan Maryam , Asghari Golaleh , Yuzbashian Emad , Mahdavi Maryam , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: February 2020

Background: by focusing on nutrition transition in the Middle East and North Africa, this study aim to investigate the general structure and secular trend of dietary patterns extracted from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) and adherence to these dietary patterns among Iranian population from 2006 till 2017.Methods: We investigated on four examination surveys of TLGS including survey 1 (2006-2008), survey 2 (2009-2011), survey 3 (2012-2014), and survey 4 (2015-2017). The dietary intakes was gathered by a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire. Generalized Estimating Equations was used to assess secular trends in anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary variables across the study period. To identify general structure and secular trend of dietary patterns during each survey, principle component analysis (PCA) and K-mean cluster analysis were used, respectively.Results: After adjusting for potential confounders including age, sex, body mass index, and total energy intake, the carbohydrate and protein intake gradually increased and the total fat intake decreased during study period (P-value<0.001); however total energy intake remained stable. During the study period, participants consumed notable less refined grain, solid fat, dairy products, and simple sugar. Snack and dessert consumption increased and meat intake had no significant changes during a decade (all P-values<0.001). Three dietary patterns were extracted buy using PCA including: Healthy dietary pattern characterized by higher intake of vegetable, fruit, dairy products, liquid oil, nuts and seeds, and honey and jam, Western dietary pattern featured by refined grain, solid fat, meat, snack and dessert, potato, and soft drink, and the Mixed dietary pattern highlighted by tea and coffee, and simple sugar. Based on cluster analysis, 27.8% of participants in survey 4 followed a Western dietary pattern, and 34.1% followed the Mixed dietary pattern. The Healthy dietary pattern was stable among study population during the last decade.Conclusions: The structure and the type of foods that population have chosen to eat had changed since 2006. And a new secular trend in dietary patterns including a stability of Healthy dietary pattern, a decline of the Western dietary pattern and an increase in the Mixed dietary pattern was presented in our investigation.
Orthogonal Approach to Independent Component Analysis Using Quaternionic Factorization
Authors: Borowicz Adam
Published: February 2020

Independent component analysis (ICA) is a popular technique for demixing multi-channel data. The performance of typical ICA algorithm strongly depends on many factors such as the presence of additive noise, the actual distribution of source signals, and the estimated number of non-Gaussian components. Often a linear mixing model is assumed and the source signals are extracted by proceeding data whitening followed by a sequence of plane (Jacobi) rotations. In this article, we develop a four-unit, symmetric algorithm, based on the quaternionic factorization of the rotation matrices and the Newton-Raphson iterative scheme. Unlike conventional rotational techniques such as the JADE algorithm, our method exploits 4 x 4 rotation matrices and uses negentropy approximation as a contrast function. Consequently, the proposed method can be adapted to a given data distribution (e.g. super-Gaussians) by selecting the appropriate non-linear function that approximates the negentropy. Compared to the widely used, symmetric FastICA algorithm, the proposed method does not require an orthogonalization step and offers better numerical stability in the presence of multiple Gaussian sources.
Expression of ST6GalNAc1 and sialyl-Tn antigen enhances endometrial receptivity
Authors: Choi Hee-Jung , Chung Tae-Wook , Kim Jihyun , Kim Bo-Sung , Park Mi-Ju , Kim Keuk-Jun , Joo JongKil , Kim Cheorl-Ho , Jun Jin Hyun , Ryu Dongryeol , Ha KiTae
Published: February 2020

BackgroundTo characterize molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of sialylated glycan expression and its roles for endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. Here, we characterized the role of a truncated form of sialylated O-glycan, sialyl-Tn, for endometrial receptivity.MethodsThe transcriptomes of human endometrium at mid-secretory phase were analyzed by Bioinformatics. Changes in gene expression, protein, and signal pathway were measured using RT-PCR and Western blot. The cell adhesion assay was visualized using a fluorescent microscope. In peri-implantation phase of mice, the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and sialyl-Tn were confirmed using immunohistochemistry and immnofluorescence analysis. The effect of sialy-Tn expression on embryo implantation was estimated by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer using mice.ResultsIn in silico analysis, expression of O-glycosylation genes, especially ST6GalNAc1, was significantly increased in the human uterus of mid-secretory phase. Overexpression of the ST6GalNAc1 gene in non-receptive human endometrial AN3CA cells enhances the attachment of trophoblastic JAr cells. In an animal study, the results clearly indicated that sialyl-Tn was expressed on the surface of the mid-secretory uterus. In addition, blockade of the receptor using free sialyl-Tn epitope diminished the implantation rates of intrauterine transferred murine embryos.ConclusionFrom these results, here we suggest that sialyl-Tn expression might be a novel factor regulating the endometrial receptivity for successful embryo implantation.
Strain pattern of each ligamentous band of the superficial deltoid ligament
Authors: Takao Masato , Ozeki Satoru , Oliva Xavier Martin , Inokuchi Ryota , Yamazaki Takayuki , Takeuchi Yoshitaka , Kubo Maya , Lowe Danielle , Matsui Kentaro , Katakura Mai , Glazebrook Mark
Published: February 2020

Background There are few reports in terms of detailed biomechanics of the deltoid ligament, and no reports have measured the biomechanics of each ligamentous band, due to the difficulty in inserting sensors into the narrow ligaments. This study aims to measure the strain pattern of the deltoid ligament bands using a miniaturization ligament performance probe (MLPP) system. Methods The MLPP was sutured into the ligamentous bands of the deltoid ligament in 6 fresh-frozen lower extremity cadaveric specimens. The strain was measured using a round metal disk (clock) fixed on the plantar aspect of the foot. The ankle was manually moved from 15° of dorsiflexion to 30° plantar flexion, and a 1.2-N-m force was applied to the ankle and subtalar joint complex. The clock was then rotated every 30° to measure the strain of each ligamentous band at each endpoint. Results The tibionavicular ligament (TNL) begins to tense at 10° plantar flexion and the tension becomes stronger as the angle increases; the TNL works most effectively in plantar flex-abduction. The tibiospring ligament (TSL) begins to tense gradually at 15° plantar flexion and the tension becomes stronger as the angle increases. The TSL works most effectively in the abduction. The tibiocalcaneal ligament (TCL) begins to tense gradually at 0° dorsiflexion, and the tension becomes stronger as the angle increases. The TCL works most effectively in pronation (dorsiflexion-abduction). The superficial posterior tibiotalar ligament (SPTTL) begins to tense gradually at 0° dorsiflexion, and the tension becomes stronger as the angle increases, with the SPTTL working most effectively in dorsiflexion. Conclusion Our results provide a better understanding of the biomechanical function of the superficial deltoid ligament and could help in improving repair and reconstruction procedures.
The clinical prediction factors of nonculprit lesions progression in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: wang jian , WANG Xue-Jie
Published: February 2020

Objective :To investigate the relationship between the clinical features and progression of nonculprit lesions in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methods: A total of 192 patients (57.1 ± 9.2 years) with STEMI who underwent PPCI from January 2016 to December 2017 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent PPCI as treatment for culprit lesions.Clinical and angiographic follow-up were performed in 12 months. All patients were divided into Nonculprit lesions(NCL) progression group ( 82 cases) and the control group (110 cases) according to angiographic follow-up outcome in 12 months. The clinical and angiographic features were analyzed.Results: Levels of body mass index（BMI）,serum creatinine（Scr）,fasting blood glucose（FBG）,glycated serum albumin（GSA）,glycated hemoglobin(GHb) and homocysteine (Hcy) in NCL progression group were significantly higher than those in the control group( P < 0. 05,respectively).Logistic regression showed that FBG( odds ratio = 1. 274,95% confidence interval: 1. 077-1. 505,P = 0. 005) and Scr ( odds ratio =1. 020,95% confidence interval:1. 002-1. 038,P=0. 027) were independent predictors of NCL progression.Partial correlation analysis showed that FBG was positively correlated with NCL progression( r = 0. 231,P = 0. 001) .Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve showed that the boundary point of FBG to predict NCL progression was 5. 715 mmol /L, the sensitivity was 74. 4% and the specificity was 46. 4%.Conclusion: FBG is an valuable predictor for NCL progression in patients with STEMI after PPCI.