bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF MICRO INSURANCE MODELS FOR FISHERMANS (STUDY IN SUKABUMI AND PANGANDARAN PORT)
Authors: Rimawati Rimawati , Kurnia Tuti , Alhifni Anas
Published: May 2020

This study aims to determine the response of fishermen to insurance, so it can be seen how the right insurance model for fishermen in order to support the accessibility of capital to financial institutions such as LKMS. The determination of the insurance model in this study uses the Analytic Network Process (ANP) method, where the decision is made by considering and validating empirical experience. The results of this study indicate that the most appropriate insurance model is Partner Agent with a value of 0.4774. Partners who are invited to work together in this regard are KUD Fishermen. The most appropriate insurance product is a Health Insurance product with a weight of 0.4878. Based on these results the researchers made several alternative microinsurance models in accordance with each category of fishermen including, the KUDN Partner Model for Small Fishermen, the Micro-ABK Model for Workers Fishermen, and the Full Service Insurance Company (LPPA) Model for Fishermen employer.
Review of the catalog «Ulchi» from the collection
of the Khabarovsk Regional Museum n.a. N.I. Grodekov
Authors: Glebova E.V.
Published: May 2020

The article presents the analysis of the catalog «Ulchi» by the Khabarovsk Regional Museum n.a. N.I. Gro-dekov. The performance of the local museum is considered in the context of all-Russian experience of cataloging of the museum collections, which is of a particular importance for historical science. The author examines the program of scientific cataloging of the museum collections, featuring the traditional culture of almost all indigenous peoples of the Russian Far East. We conclude that the series of ethnographic catalogues of the museum has made a significant contribution to the Far East museum studies and ethnography. The new catalog «Ulchi» pre-sents the largest ethnographic collection of the museum, which characterizes the material and spiritual culture of one of the eight indigenous populations of the Lower Amur River Region — the Ulchi. The catalog includes 808 ethnographic artifacts — household items, clothes, fishing and hunting equipment, items of ritual culture, shaman-ism and family relations of the Ulchi (19th–21st c.). Specific sections include more than 300 photographs and nega-tives (19th–20th c.), as well as detailed background information. Some artifacts, such as ritual sculptures, shaman clothing and attributes, utensils for ritual rites, ancient devices for fishing etc., are published for the first time. The catalog was prepared by a large team of authors involving Ulchi craftsmen and linguists. The catalog «Ulchi» introduces new materials into scientific discourse, and it can serve as a source for comparative ethnographic, historical and museum studies analysis. It has been emphasized that the newly published catalog of the Kha-barovsk Regional Museum n.a. N.I. Grodekov allows representatives of this people to connect with their own cul-tural heritage; it contributes to the formation of their historical memory and identity.
Soviet experience of development of the Soviet Arctic in view of modern problems.
Review of Zubkov K.I., Karpov V.P. Development of the Russian Arctic: Soviet experience
in the context of current national strategy (on the example of the Ural Far North
and Western Siberia). Moscow: Political encyclopedia, 2019. 367 p.
Authors: Agapov M.G.
Published: May 2020

Discussed in this review are the results of the research presented in the monograph of specialists in North-ern studies K.I. Zubkov and V.P. Karpov «Development of the Russian Arctic: Soviet experience in the context of current national strategy (on the example of the Ural Far North and Western Siberia)». The reviewer notes that, in general, the study follows the pattern of state-centrism, teleologism and geopolitical alarmism typical for modern Russian Arctic historiography. Among the most important theses of the authors of this peer-reviewed monograph, are the following ones: (1) the transport and economic development was the basis of the Russian / Soviet Arctic exploration program; (2) the Soviet strategy of the Far North development dictated mainly the technocratic and commodity character of the territory exploitation; (3) modern Russia inherits the definition of the priorities of the state policy in the Arctic Region from the Soviet Union and relies on the territorial and production complexes cre-ated back in the USSR. The reviewer expresses serious doubts about the scientific productivity of the classic geopolitical paradigm used by the authors of the monograph: geared towards large-scale generalizations, it is simply unable to capture the full range of contradictions arising in the process of exploration of the Arctic Region. Hence the authors’ tendency to present the entire process of Arctic Region exploration as predetermined, while in reality the history of the Russian Arctic Region colonization is full of collisions; it is more intermittent than consis-tent. In particular, draws attention the constant reproduction of the same topoi in the rhetoric of Arctic Region ex-ploration. For example, from age to age, it has been repeated that the Northern Sea Route is just about to be-come the largest transnational waterway. The reviewer notes the ambiguity of practical recommendations of the authors. Thus, repeatedly expressing the idea of Russia’s interest in the international cooperation in the develop-ment of the Arctic, the authors are concerned to the same extent that foreign partners may force Russia out of the region. The review is aimed at opening a debate on approaches to understanding the Soviet experience in the Arctic Region development.
On Symmetrical Deformation of Toroidal Shell with Circular Cross-Section
Authors: Sun Bohua
Published: May 2020

By introducing a variable transformation $\xi=\frac{1}{2}(\sin \theta+1)$, the symmetrical deformation equation of elastic toroidal shells is successfully transferred into a well-known equation, namely Heun's equation of ordinary differential equation, whose exact solution is obtained in terms of Heun's functions. The computation of the problem can be carried out by symbolic software that is able to with the Heun's function, such as Maple. The Gauss curvature of the elastic toroidal shells shows that the internal portion of the toroidal shells has better bending capacity than the outer portion, which might be useful for the design of metamaterials with toroidal shells cells. Through numerical comparison study, the mechanics of elastic toroidal shells is sensitive to the radius ratio. By slightly adjustment of the ratio might get a desired high performance shell structure.
PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN HAND SANITIZER PERASAAN BUAH JERUK NIPIS BAGI GURU, SISWA SISWI SMA DAN SMK MUTIARA 17 AGUSTUS KELURAHAN TELUK PUCUNG BEKASI UTARA
Authors: Lestari Pramulani Mulya , Pahriyani Ani
Published: May 2020

Hand sanitizer (antiseptik tangan) adalah produk kesehatan yang secara instant dapat mematikan kuman tanpa menggunakan air, dapat digunakan kapan saja dan  dimana saja, misalnya setelah memegang uang, sebelum makan, setelah dari toilet dan setelah membuang sampah. Tujuan dari kegiatan pengabdian ini dapat menghasilkan suatu produk kesehatan yang dapat dimanfaatkan baik untuk diri sendiri, keluarga dan masyarakat sekitarnya. Metode yang digunakan berupa ceramah berisi penjelasan materi dan praktek pembuatan hand sanitizer. Hasil dari pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah pemahaman peserta tentang pembuatan hand sanitizer dari bahan alam beserta fungsinya
Pengembangan Desa melalui Optimalisasi Literasi, Pariwisata, Kesehatan, dan Sosial di Kecamatan Riung, Ngada, NTT
Authors: Hadi Syamsul , Ariawan Dody , Arifin Zainal
Published: May 2020

Kelurahan Nangamese merupakan salah satu Kelurahan di Kecamatan Riung Kabupaten Ngada Nusa Tenggara Timur dimana sebagian besar penduduknya merupakan nelayan. Bidang pendidikan yang masih terlambat karena terbatasnya sumber daya pengajar dan bidang pariwisata yang belum digali yang sehingga belum banyak dikenali oleh masyarakat di Indonesia meski banyak potensi wisata alam yang sangat indah merupakan permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh masyarakat Nangamese. Pelaksanaan Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) di Kelurahan Nangamese ini bertujuan untuk memberikan informasi mengenai peningkatan dalam bidang pendidikan, pariwisata, kesehatan, dan sosial. Potensi wisata alam dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai penghasilan pendapatan masyarakat lokal dengan ditambah membuat produksi oleh-oleh agar semakin dikenal oleh masyarakat di Indonesia, dan dalam bidang pendidikan dapat mulai dikenalkan dengan bahasa asing sejak dini, bidang kesehatan yaitu melatih masyarakat setempat untuk menjadi kader kesehatan. Seluruh kegiatan yang diadakan oleh Tim KKN UNS di Kelurahan Nangamese disambut dan diikuti secara antusias oleh masyarakat yang ditunjukkan dengan semangat dari seluruh peserta yang mengikuti kegiatan. Kegiatan pada bidang pendidikan non-formal juga mendapat respon yang cukup positif dimana Tim KKN memberikan pendidikan dan keterampilan untuk siswa sekolah dasar penyuluhan dan pelatihan menanam tanaman vertikal dan kaderisasi kesehatan untuk ibu-ibu. Selain itu adapula kegiatan pekan kreativitas, bimbingan belajar, dan peringatan Hari Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia yang diikuti sangat antusias oleh anak-anak di Kelurahan Nangamese. Dapat disimpulkan kegiatan KKN UNS di Kelurahan Nangamese terlaksana dengan baik. Seluruh rencana program kerja terlaksana dan direspon positif oleh masyarakat meskipun ada beberapa kendala yang dihadapi
İRAN-HİZBULLAH İLİŞKİLERİ (1980-1995): ULUS-AŞIRILAŞAN ŞİDDET
Authors: Yetim Mustafa
Published: May 2020

Bu çalışma son dönemde daha yoğun nitelik kazanan İran
ile Ortadoğu bölgesindeki en etkili silahlı devlet dışı aktörlerden (armed non-state actors) Hizbullah
arasındaki ilişkilerin kuruluş ve gelişme aşamasını şiddetin ulus-aşırılaşması
çerçevesinde değerlendirmektedir. Bu iki aktör arasındaki kültürel, politik,
siyasal ve ekonomik yoğun ilişkiyi değerlendiren yeterince çalışma mevcuttur.
Diğer taraftan Hizbullah oluşumunun kuruluş ve erken dönemlerinde başvurduğu
terörizm boyutuna yaklaşan şiddet eylemlerinde İran’ın konumu büyük oranda
tartışma konusu olmasına rağmen bu ilişkiyi uluslararası hukuk çerçevesinde
değerlendiren çalışmalar sınırlıdır. Bu çerçevede uluslararası hukukun ve
uluslararası ilişkilerin de önemli gündemi olmaya başlayan silahlı devlet dışı
aktörlerin bazı zamanlar terörizm boyutuna varan ve ulus-aşırı etkileşimi
barındıran eylemlerini İran-Hizbullah ilişkileri çerçevesinde somutlaştırma
kayda değer bir girişim olarak değerlendirilmektedir.
CZYNNIKI KSZTAŁTUJĄCE OBRAZ CIAŁA U OSÓB Z WYBRANYMI CHOROBAMI DERMATOLOGICZNYMI
Authors: Zarek Aleksandra
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The aim of this work was to examine the relationship between body concept and personality, and sociodemographic, physical and medical factors in dermatological patients with skin lesions localized in socially visible body areas.Material and methods: The study was carried out in 160 dermatological patients (80 females and 80 males) aged 30–60 years (mean = 48.26; SD = 9.15) whose skin lesions were localized in the area of the face/head and/or hands. Body image was measured with the Body Image Questionnaire based on the Body Cathexis Scale of P.F. Secord and S.J. Jourard. The self concept was measured with the Adjective Check List of H.G. Gough and A.B. Heilbrun, and The Wheel Questionnaire of Ben Shalit.Conclusions: Body self image of dermatological patients was influenced mostly by personality traits.
THE NORMAL RANGE AND THE DECISION INTERVAL
Authors: Dutkiewicz Tomasz
Published: May 2020

The concept of the decision interval which replaces the normal range in medical decision‑making in the contemporary setting of evidence‑ and procedure‑based medicine is presented. The definition and some properties of the decision interval are discussed.
ZAGROŻENIA KORUPCYJNE W RELACJACH MIĘDZY LEKARZEM A PACJENTEM
Authors: Kolwitz Marcin , Gąsiorowski Jakub
Published: May 2020

The article describes the problem of corruption occurring in the relationship between doctor and patient. The doctor–patient relationship, including the provision of health services, is one of several potential areas of corruption in the health care system. Among the reasons for the existence of corruption in these relationships are the need to obtain better health care for the patient, and higher earnings in the case of a doctor. Indications of corruption are utilitarian (action for personal advantage without ethical aspects), but may also be (actually or in the patient’s opinion) the only way to obtain services and save health and even life. Corruption between the doctor and the patient can be limited by better organization of the health care system, including the financing of benefits and education of medical personnel and patients, as well as traditional legal measures, such as prevention or the application of criminal sanctions.
ZMIANY MASY CIAŁA I STĘŻENIA LIPIDÓW PACJENTÓW PODDANYCH RESTRYKCJOM KALORYCZNYM – DONIESIENIE WSTĘPNE
Authors: Gawęcka Alicja , Ryterska Karina , Wysokiński Paweł , Ficek Krzysztof , Wilk Krzysztof , Banaszczak Marcin , Jakubczyk Karolina , Piotrowski Jakub , Czerwińska Maja , Hołowko Joanna , Maciejewska Dominika , Jamioł-Milc Dominika , Stachowska Ewa
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Caloric restriction is the only well‍‑documented nutritional intervention prolonging the life of mammals. This method modifies the lipid levels in blood, controlling obesity and delaying the onset of many medical conditions associated with metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative analysis of lipid profile in patients on Mediterranean or CRON (Caloric Restriction with Optimal Nutrition) diets, before and after six weeks of dieting.Material and methods: The following parameters were compared: total cholesterol, total lipids, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and BMI. Additionally, we measured the levels of insulin, HOMA score, and anthropometric parameters. The comparative analysis demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between mild caloric restriction and blood lipid profile.Results from studies on patients who underwent six­‍‑week dietetic intervention indicated statistically significant changes in biochemical parameters due to caloric restrictions. Such changes were not found in subjects following the Mediterranean diet. The greatest decrease in the blood level of triglycerides was found in subjects on the CRON diet, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and total lipid levels also decreased. No significant changes if biochemical parameters were found in patients on the Mediterranean diet.Conclusions: A comparative analysis of all parameters demonstrated that the use of mild caloric restrictions with ensured supply of all necessary nutrients seems to be the most effective solution for reducing fatty tissue.
ZASTOSOWANIE KONCEPCJI TENSEGRACJI STRUKTURALNEJ W MANIPULACJACH POWIĘZIOWYCH© WEDŁUG STECCO
Authors: Mikołajczyk Anna , Kocięcki Marek , Zaklukiewicz Aleksandra , Listewnik Mariusz , Gębska Magdalena
Published: May 2020

Low therapeutic efficacy in a number of cases involving the musculoskeletal system may be caused by a wrong diagnosis, the misunderstanding of the essence of the problem, pathogen or improper treatment. Therapy may be applied to the wrong area (at the site of pain) or may cover an area that is too small. The paper presents the theory of structural tensegrity (along with the anatomical and physiological grounds), which is based on a number of modern holistic therapies. One such method is the method of fascial manipulation by Stecco, described in outline in this article. This article also describes the structure and functions of the fascia since understanding of this structure was the cause of the emergence of new concepts and therapies.
THE EVALUATION OF PROCEDURE AND TREATMENT OUTCOME IN PATIENTS WITH TENSION PNEUMOTHORAX
Authors: Lorkowski Jacek , Teul Iwona , Hładki Waldemar , Kotela Ireneusz
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Tension pneumothorax is a directly critical illness condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of tension pneumothorax treatment in trauma patients.Material and methods: We assessed the results of treatment of 22 patients hospitalized for trauma in 2000–2010, in whom at the time of admission tension pneumothorax symptoms were found. This constituted 18% of trauma patients who at the time of admission to the hospital, during the initial examination, were diagnosed with pneumothorax. In the study group there were 17 men and 5 women. The patients’ ages ranged from 21 to 85 years (mean 48.8). In 19 cases tension pneumothorax was associated with polytrauma. Traffic accidents were the cause of most cases. Injury to one or both lungs was observed in 16 patients. Typical paradoxical breathing occurred in 2 patients. The number of fractured ribs averaged 6.3 per patient. In each of the patients, immediately on admission, after diagnosis based on clinical symptoms, tension pneumothorax decompression was performed by pleural drainage. Lung decompression and improvement of the clinical condition of the patient were obtained in a few minutes after pleural drainage. Then, further diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were continued. Full time of hospitalization due to polytrauma injury was on average 58.6 days. Two patients died during treatment for polytrauma. Pneumothorax was not the cause of death in either of the patients.Conclusion: In summary, the therapeutic standard ordering of tension pneumothorax decompression, directly on admission to the hospital, allows the patient to survive in spite of the grave nature of the injury.
Iatrogenic nerve injuries following surgery for paediatric distal humeral epiphyseal fractures – a report of 2 cases
Authors: Żyluk Andrzej , Puchalski Piotr , Szlosser Zbigniew
Published: May 2020

Two cases of paediatric radial and ulnar nerve injuries occurring at operative treatment of distal humeral epiphyseal fractures. In one case, the nerve laceration was associated with a defect, requiring reconstruction by nerve grafting. In a 2nd case, the nerve was compressed and partially damaged by implanting, followed by entrapment in the scar; release of the nerve from the scar resulted in recovery of its function. The importance of being familiar with the nerves’ course at the distal end of the humerus, as well as proper and prompt reaction to symptoms of nerve dysfunction occurring immediately after the operation was emphasised.
Loneliness as a risk factor for frailty transition among Chinese old people
Authors: SHA SHA , Yuebin Xu , Lin Chen
Published: May 2020

Background: previous literature has reported that loneliness is a strong predictor of frailty risk, yet less is known about the role of loneliness in frailty transition types. In this study, we examined whether and how loneliness is related to frailty transition among Chinese old people. Methods: our study used participants (aged>=60) from 2008/2009, 2011/2012 and 2014 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Loneliness was assessed by a single question asking how often the respondent feels lonely and grouped into three levels: never, seldom, and often. FRAIL Scale was created to measure physical frailty for our study, and frailty was also assessed by a broader definition of frailty index. Frailty transition as an outcome variable has been designed as two types according to the measurement of frailty.Results: greater loneliness at baseline reduced the possibility of remaining robust or prefrail physical frailty state after adjusting for confounding variables (3-year period: OR=0.78, p<0.001;6-year period: OR=0.84, p<0.05). Greater loneliness was associated with an increased risk of worsening physical frailty after years: compared with those who had never felt lonely, the odds ratios for people who often felt lonely were 1.19 (p<0.01) after 3 years and 1.34 (p<0.001) after 6 years, adjusted for confounding variables. The association between loneliness and change in the frailty index differed in survey periods: often loneliness at baselines was found to reduce the possibility of participants remaining nonfrail (OR= 0.83, p<0.05) and increase the possibility of participants remaining in frailty (seldom loneliness: OR= 1.78, p<0.001; often loneliness: OR= 1.74, p<0.001) after 6 years. Besides, loneliness at baselines was significantly associated with frailty transition at follow-up among males, even after adjusting for all potential confounding variables. However, a similar association was not observed among females.Conclusion: old people with a high level of loneliness tend to be frail in the future, and greater loneliness is related to increased risk of worsening frailty and remaining frail. Male elderly with a high level of loneliness were more likely to suffer from frailty transition than female elderly in China.
Japanese Nurse Practitioners’ Legal Liability Ambiguity Regarding their Medical Practice: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sugiyama Shoko , Asakura Kyoko , Takada Nozomu
Published: May 2020

Background: Nurse practitioners’ role is always expanding. The Japanese Nurse Practitioner (JNP) system was initiated in 2015 to shift some aspects of doctors’ work to various other healthcare professionals, including nurses. JNPs’ fulfillment of their roles was shown to have a certain degree of efficacy and provide positive outcomes for patients (e.g., shortening hospitalization period). Nurse practitioners are considered legally liable for their medical practices because they are performed on doctors’ behalf; however, in real life, there is ambiguity regarding such practice. It is necessary to clarify nurse practitioners’ legal liability in order to ensure the safety of their medical practice and protect them in medical procedures performed on physicians’ behalf. This study aimed to clarify how JNPs understand their own legal liability in medical practice.Methods: A qualitative, inductive research design was adopted to record participants’ opinions. The survey was conducted from October 2017 to February 2018. Participants were nurses working as JNPs at general hospitals in eastern Japan. We recruited participants via snowball sampling.Results: With regard to JNPs’ legal liability in their medical practice, three themes understanding were observed: “determining whether the JNP has the ability to perform the assigned medical procedure,” “exercising caution when performing medical procedures on a doctor’s behalf” and “an urge to follow up with appropriate medical practice until the end of care.”Conclusions: We demonstrated that JNPs recognized their own legal liability in medical practice. They had to protect themselves because their legal position was ambiguous. Furthermore, JNPs accepted that diagnosis and drug prescription could be performed (even if not within the 38 procedures JNPs are qualified to perform) on behalf of doctors if trusting relationships had been previously established.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of heterocyclic 1,2,4-Triazole scaffolds as promising pharmacological agents
Authors: Kumari Mukesh , Tahlan Sumit , Narasimhan Balasubramanian , Ramasamy Kalavathy , Lim Siong Meng , Shah Syed Adnan Ali , Mani Vasudevan , Kakkar Saloni
Published: May 2020

Background: Triazole is an important heterocyclic moiety that occupies a unique position in heterocyclic chemistry, due to its large number of biological activities. It exists in two isomeric forms i.e. 1,2,4-triazole and 1,2,3-triazole and is used as core molecule for the design and synthesis of many medicinal compounds. 1,2,4-Triazole possess broad spectrum of therapeutically interesting drug candidates such as analgesic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-urease, anti-inflammatory, diuretics, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic and antimigraine agents.Methods: The structures of all synthesized compounds were characterized by physicochemical properties and spectral means (IR and NMR). The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (B. subtilis), Gram-negative (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) bacterial and fungal (C. albicans and A. niger) strains by tube dilution method using ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin and fluconazole as standards. In-vitro antioxidant and anti-urease screening was done by DPPH assay and indophenol method, respectively. The in-vitro anticancer evaluation was carried out against MCF-7 and HCT116 cancer cell lines using 5-FU and cisplatin as standards.Results, discussion and conclusion: The biological screening results reveal that the compoundsT5 (MICBS,EC= 24.7µM, MICPA, CA = 12.3 µM) and T17 (MICAN = 27.1µM) exhibited potent antimicrobial activity as comparable to standards ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin (MICCipro= 18.1µM, MICAmo = 17.1µM) and fluconazole (MICFlu = 20.4µM), respectively. The antioxidant evaluation showed that compounds T2 (IC50 = 34.83 µg/ml) and T3 (IC50 = 34.38 µg/ml) showed significant antioxidant activity and comparable to ascorbic acid (IC50 = 35.44 µg/ml). Compounds T3 (IC50 = 54.01µg/ml) was the most potent urease inhibitor amongst the synthesized compounds and compared to standard thiourea (IC50 = 54.25 µg/ml).The most potent anticancer activity was shown by compounds T2 (IC50 = 3.84μM) and T7 (IC50 = 3.25μM) against HCT116 cell lines as compared to standard 5-FU (IC50 = 25.36μM).
Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality attributable to loneliness in older Swedish men and women.
Authors: Novak Masuma , waern Margda , Johansson Lena , Zettergren Anna , Ryden Lina , Wetterberg Hanna , Gudmundsson Pia , Skoog Ingmar
Published: May 2020

Background. This study examined whether loneliness predicts cardiovascular- and all-cause mortality in older men and women. Methods. Baseline data from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies, collected during 2000 on 70-year-olds born 1930 and living in Gothenburg were used for analysis (n=524). Mortality data were analyzed until 2012 through Swedish national registers. Results. Perceived loneliness was reported by 17.1% of the men and 30.9% of the women in a face-to-face interview with mental health professional. A total of 142 participants died during the 12-year follow-up period, with 5 334 person-years at risk, corresponding to 26.6 deaths/1000 person-years. Cardiovascular disease accounted for 59.2% of all deaths. The cumulative rates/1000 person-years for cardiovascular mortality were 20.8 (men) and 11.5 (women), and for all-cause mortality 33.8 (men) and 20.5 (women), respectively. In Cox regression models, no significant increased risk of mortality was seen for men with loneliness compared to men without loneliness (cardiovascular mortality HR 1.52, 95% CI 0.78 - 2.96; all-cause HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.77 - 2.28). Increased risk of cardiovascular mortality was observed in women with loneliness compared to those without (HR 2.25 95% CI 1.14 - 4.45), and the risk remained significant in a multivariable-adjusted model (HR 2.42 95% CI 1.04 - 5.65). Conclusions. Loneliness was shown to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in women. We found no evidence to indicate that loneliness was associated with an increased risk of either cardiovascular- or all-cause mortality in men.
Predictors of Poor Postoperative Outcomes in Pediatric Surgery Patients in Rural Ghana
Authors: Peiffer Sarah , Ssentongo Anna E. , Keeney Laura , Amponsah-Manu Forster , Yeboako Richard , Ofosu-Akromah Richard , Arkorful Temitope Ebenezer , Agyemang Eric , Tsai Anthony , Oh John , Ssentongo Paddy
Published: May 2020

Background/Purpose: Perioperative complications cause significant pediatric morbidity and mortality in low- and lower middle -income countries. This study investigates factors associated with prolonged length of stay, 90-day readmission and in-hospital mortality among pediatric patients at Eastern Regional Hospital (ERH) in Ghana. Methods: This is a retrospective review of perioperative morbidity and mortality in children <18 years at ERH in Koforidua, Ghana. All pediatric surgeries performed between January 2015 and December 2017 were included in this study . Univariate analysis was performed using Pearson’s chi-square tests or Fisher’s exact tests. Variables that were significant on univariate analysis were included in multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender.Results: We analyzed 468 patients <18 years of age with a median length of stay (LOS) of 3 days. The 90-day readmission and in-hospital mortality rates were 138 and 17 per 1000 patients, respectively. The most common procedures were herniorrhaphy (19%) and appendectomy (15%). Gastrointestinal surgery, surgical trauma, surgical infection and lack of insurance were significantly associated with prolonged LOS. Young age and female gender were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. Malaria was significantly associated with 90-day readmission. Conclusions: Malaria infection is a significant risk factor for readmission, which should be investigated and treated in pediatric surgical patients in rural Ghana. Ensuring that all patients have insurance may result in shorter hospital stays. Provision of laparoscopic equipment may reduce hospital stays for patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Expansion of the surgical work force, particularly pediatric surgeons, could improve perioperative survival in the very young population.
Osteopontin promoter polymorphisms and risk of urolithiasis: a candidate gene association and meta-analysis study
Authors: Amar Ali , Afzal Ayesha , Hameed Athar , Ahmad Mumtaz , Khan Abdul Rafay , Najma Humaira , Abid Aiysha , Khaliq Shagufta
Published: May 2020

Background: Urolithiasis is a worldwide urological problem with significant contribution of genetic factors. Pakistan, which resides within the Afro-Asian stone belt, has a high reported prevalence (12%) of urolithiasis. Osteopontin (SPP1) is a urinary macromolecule with a suggested critical role in modulating renal stone formation, genetic polymorphisms of which may determine individual risk of developing urolithiasis. However, results of previous studies regarding SPP1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to urolithiasis have apparent inconsistencies with no data available for local population. Methods: A total of 235 urolithiasis patients and 243 healthy controls, all of Pakistani ancestry, underwent genotyping for six SPP1 genetic polymorphisms in an effort to investigate potential association with urolithiasis using indigenous candidate gene association study design. Further, a comprehensive meta-analysis following a systematic literature search was also done to ascertain an evidence based account of any existent association regarding SPP1 promoter polymorphisms and risk of developing urolithiasis.Results: Three SPP1 promoter polymorphisms, rs2853744:G>T, rs11730582:T>C and rs11439060:delG>G, were found to be significantly associated with risk of urolithiasis in indigenous genetic association study (OR = 3.14; p = 0.006, OR = 1.78; p = 0.006 and OR = 1.60; p = 0.012, respectively). We also observed a 1.68-fold positive association of a tri-allelic haplotype of these SPP1 promoter polymorphisms (G-C-dG) with risk of urolithiasis (OR = 1.68; p = 0.0079). However, no association was evident when data were stratified according to gender, age at first presentation, stone recurrence, stone multiplicity, parental consanguinity and family history of urolithiasis. The overall results from meta-analysis, which included 4 studies, suggested a significant association of SPP1 rs2853744:G>T polymorphism with susceptibility of urolithiasis (OR = 1.37; p = 0.004), but not for other SPP1 polymorphic variants analyzed. Conclusions: In conclusion, we report significant association of 3 SPP1 polymorphisms with urolithiasis for the first time from South Asia, however, this association persisted only for SPP1 rs2853744:G>T polymorphism after meta-analysis of pooled studies. Further studies with a larger sample size will be required to validate this association and assess any potential usefulness in diagnosis and prognosis of renal stone disease.
Exploiting bacterial outer membrane vesicles as a cross-protective vaccine candidate against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC)
Authors: Hu Rujiu , Li Jing , Zhao Yuezhen , Lin Hua , Liang Liu , Wang Mimi , Liu Haojing , Min Yuna , Gao Yupeng , Yang Mingming
Published: May 2020

Background: The well-known fact that avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is harder to prevent due to its numerous serogroups has promoted the development of biological immunostimulatory materials as new vaccine candidates in poultry farms. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), known as spherical nanovesicles enriched with various immunostimulants, are naturally secreted by Gram-negative bacteria, and have gained much attention for developing effective vaccine candidates. Recent report has demonstrated that OMVs of APEC O78 can induce protective immunity in chickens. Here, a novel multi-serogroup OMVs (MOMVs) vaccine was developed to achieve cross-protection against APEC infection in broiler chickens.Results: In this study, OMVs produced by three APEC strains were isolated, purified and prepared into MOMVs by mixing these three OMVs. By using SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS, 159 proteins were identified in MOMVs and the subcellular location and biological functions of 20 most abundant proteins were analyzed. The immunogenicity of MOMVs was evaluated, and the results showed that MOMVs could elicit innate immune responses, including internalization by chicken macrophage and production of immunomodulatory cytokines. Vaccination with MOMVs induced specific broad-spectrum antibodies as well as Th1 and Th17 immune responses. The animal experiment has confirmed that immunization with an appropriate dose of MOMVs could not cause any adverse effect and was able to reduce bacteria loads and pro-inflammatory cytokines production, thus providing eﬀective cross-protection against lethal infections induced by multi-serogroup APEC strains in chickens. Further experiments indicated that, although vesicular proteins were able to induce stronger protective efficiency than lipopolysaccharide, both vesicular proteins and lipopolysaccharide are crucial in MOMVs-mediated protection. Conclusions: The multi-serogroup nanovesicles produced by APEC strains will open up a new way for the development of next generation vaccines with low toxicity and broad protection in the treatment and control of APEC infection.
GPSeq reveals the radial organization of chromatin in the cell nucleus
Authors: Custodio Joaquin , Kallas Tomasz , Girelli Gabriele , Agostini Federico , Wernersson Erik , Spanjaard Bastiaan , Mota Ana , Kolbeinsdottir Solrun , Gelali Eleni , Crosetto Nicola , Bienko Magda
Published: May 2020

With the exception of lamina-associated domains, the radial organization of chromatin in mammalian cells remains largely unexplored. Here, we describe genomic loci positioning by sequencing (GPSeq), a genome-wide method for inferring distances to the nuclear lamina all along the nuclear radius that works by gradual enzymatic restriction of chromatin from the nuclear lamina towards the nucleus center, followed by sequencing of the generated cut sites. Using GPSeq, we mapped the radial organization of the human genome at 100 kb resolution, which revealed radial patterns of genomic and epigenomic features, gene expression, as well as A/B subcompartments. By combining radial information with chromosome contact frequencies measured by Hi-C, we substantially improved the accuracy of whole-genome structure modeling. Finally, we charted the radial topography of DNA double-strand breaks, germline variants and cancer mutations, and found that they have distinctive radial arrangements in A/B subcompartments. We conclude that GPSeq can reveal fundamental aspects of genome architecture.
Newborn Behavioral Observation, maternal stress, depressive symptoms and the mother-infant relationship: Results from the Northern Babies Longitudinal Study (NorBaby).
Authors: Høifødt Ragnhild Sørensen , Nordahl Dag , Landsem Inger Pauline , Csifcsák Gábor , Bohne Agnes , Pfuhl Gerit , Rognmo Kamilla , Braarud Hanne C. , Goksøyr Arnold , Moe Vibeke , Slinning Kari , Wang Catharina Elisabeth Arfwedson
Published: May 2020

Background: Families can experience the postpartum period as overwhelming and many report a special need for support. The Newborn Behavioral Observation (NBO) aims to promote a positive parent-infant relationship by sensitising parents to the infant’s signals. This article evaluates the NBO as a universal preventive intervention within the regular well-baby clinic service on measures of maternal depressive symptoms, parental stress, the mother-infant relationship and satisfaction/benefit of the postpartum follow-up.Methods : This investigation is part of a larger longitudinal study comprising 220 women and 130 of their partners recruited between 2015 and 2017. The study had a non-randomised cluster-controlled design with 6 measurement points. This article is based on a sample of 196 women using data from T1 (gestational weeks 13-39), T4 (5-15 weeks postpartum) and T5 (3-9 months postpartum). Participants were allocated to a group receiving the NBO (n=82) and a care as usual comparison group (n=114). We measured maternal depressive symptoms and parental stress using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Parenting Stress Index (PSI). The mother-infant relationship was assessed with the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ), the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (MPAS) and the Maternal Confidence Questionnaire (MCQ). Participants also answered questions about satisfaction/benefit of the postpartum follow-up. Results: A Mann-Whitney U test indicated that participants in the NBO-group learned significantly more than the comparison group from the follow-up about the baby’s signals in relation to sleep/sleep patterns, social interaction and crying/fuzziness. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA) and repeated measures ANCOVA found no significant differences between the groups for the mother-infant relationship domains and few differences in depressive symptoms and parental stress. The repeated measures ANCOVA found that participants in the NBO-group scored slightly higher on parental stress, although the difference was small. Conclusions: The results indicate that the NBO-group learned more than the comparison group about reading their child’s signals in important everyday situations. However, the benefits of the NBO were limited for depressive symptoms, parental stress and self-reported mother-infant relationship. The study sample was generally well-functioning, and the results indicate that the benefits of the NBO may be limited within a well-functioning sample.
Tickborne disease awareness and protective practices among U.S. Forest Service employees from the Upper Midwest, USA
Authors: Schotthoefer Anna , Stinebaugh Kathryn , Martin Michael , Munoz-Zanzi Claudia
Published: May 2020

Background: People with occupations that require them to spend time working outdoors in suitable tick habitats are predicted to be at an increased risk for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). However, few studies have assessed the risks of outdoor employees.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to collect data on exposure to ticks and TBD infections among U.S. Forest Service employees in a high TBD incidence region of northern Wisconsin, and to examine employee knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding TBDs to help guide future education and prevention programs. Chi-square contingency tables, calculations of odds ratios, and logistic regression models were used to identify associations among self-reported employee factors, and the proportion of correctly answered knowledge questions, their ranked concern for TBDs, practicing preventive behaviors, and willingness to pay for protective measures. Results: Ninety-five employees completed the survey. Nearly all respondents (97%) reported recent tick exposure, with 27% reporting encountering 10 or more ticks per week during peak tick season. Employee knowledge of TBD was high (median score: 80% correct). Fifty-nine percent of respondents had high concern for TBDs, and there was high adherence to conducting body checks for ticks (83% reported always doing them), but only moderate use of tick repellents (24% reported always and 60% reported occasionally using). High concern (OR = 3.4 [1.33- 8.91]) and a history of TBD (OR = 4.66 [1.21 – 17.89]) were positively associated with high practice adherence. Respondents suggested they would be willing to pay for personal protective methods and get a hypothetical vaccine for Lyme disease, but not community-wide efforts to control ticks. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that U.S. Forest Service employees in Wisconsin represent a high risk group for TBD, and despite relatively high TBD knowledge and engagement in tick protection activities, efforts are needed to reduce their risks for tick bites. More generally, our findings suggest that studies to better understand the factors related to the adoption and effectiveness of public health interventions are needed.
Microstructural changes in the trigeminal nerve of patients with episodic migraine assessed using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mungoven Tiffani J. , Meylakh Noemi , Marciszewski Kasia , Macefield Vaughan G. , Macey Paul M. , Henderson Luke
Published: May 2020

Background: There is histological evidence of microstructural changes in the zygomaticotemporal branch of the trigeminal nerve in migraineurs. This raises the possibility that altered trigeminal nerve properties contribute to migraine pathophysiology. Whilst it is not possible to explore the anatomy of small trigeminal nerve branches it is possible to explore the anatomy of the trigeminal root entry zone using magnetic resonance imaging in humans. The aim of this investigation is to assess the microstructure of the trigeminal nerve in vivo to determine if nerve alterations occur in individuals with episodic migraine. Methods: In 39 migraineurs and 39 matched controls, T1-weighted anatomical images were used to calculate the volume (mm3) and maximal cross-sectional area of the trigeminal nerve root entry zone; diffusion tensor images were used to calculate fractional anisotropy, mean diffusion, axial diffusion and radial diffusion. Results: There were significant differences between the left and right nerve of controls and migraineurs with respect to volume and not cross-sectional area. Migraineurs displayed reduced axial diffusion in the right nerve compared to the left nerve and reduced fractional anisotropy in the left nerve compared to left controls. Furthermore, although there were no differences in mean diffusion or radial diffusion, regional analysis of the nerve revealed significantly greater radial diffusion in the rostral portion of the left trigeminal nerve in migraineurs compared with controls. Conclusions: Migraine pathophysiology is associated with microstructural abnormalities within the trigeminal nerve that are consistent with histological evidence of altered myelin and/or organization. These peripheral nerve changes may provide further insight into migraine pathophysiology and enable a greater understanding for targeted treatments of pain alleviation.
Distinct Type 2-high Inflammation Associated Molecular Signatures of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps with Comorbid Asthma
Authors: Wang Ming , Bu Xiangting , Luan Ge , Lin Liqing , Wang Yang , Jin Jianmin , Zhang Luo , Wang Chengshuo
Published: May 2020

Background: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and comorbid asthma have more severe disease and are difficult to treat. However, the molecular endotypes associated with CRSwNP with comorbid asthma (CRSwNP+AS) are not clear. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of type 2 inflammation and the molecular signatures associated with CRSwNP+AS. Methods: A total of 195 subjects; including 65 CRSwNP+AS patients, 99 patients with CRSwNP-alone, and 31 healthy control subjects; were enrolled in the study. Nasal tissues from patients with CRSwNP+AS, CRSwNP-alone and control subjects were assessed for infiltration of inflammatory cells and concentrations of total IgE. Whole-transcriptome sequencing was performed and differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their associated pathways were analyzed. The correlations between type 2 cytokines and local eosinophils, tissue IgE, and transcriptome signatures were evaluated. Results: Significantly higher local eosinophil infiltration and higher levels of total IgE were found in nasal tissues from CRSwNP+AS patients than in nasal tissues from CRSwNP-alone patients. Furthermore, atopy and recurrence were significantly more frequent in patients with CRSwNP+AS than in patients with CRSwNP-alone (62.5% vs 28.6% and 66.7% vs 26.9%, respectively). RNA sequencing analysis identified 1988 common DE-mRNAs, and 176 common DE-lncRNAs shared by CRSwNP+AS versus control and CRSwNP-alone versus control. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) identified LINC01146 as hub lncRNA dysregulated in both subtypes of CRSwNP. Overall, 968 DE-mRNAs and 312 DE-lncRNAs were identified between CRSwNP+AS and CRSwNP-alone. Both pathway enrichment analysis and WGCNA indicated that the phenotypic traits of CRSwNP+AS were mainly associated with higher activities of arachidonic acid metabolism, type 2 cytokines related pathway and fibrinolysis pathway, and lower activity of IL-17 signalling pathway. Furthermore, the expression of type 2 cytokines; IL5 and IL13, was positively correlated with local eosinophil infiltration, tissue IgE level, and the expression of DE-mRNAs that related to arachidonic acid metabolism. Moreover, WGCNA identified HK3-006 as hub lncRNA in yellow module that most positively correlated with phenotypic traits of CRSwNP+AS. Conclusions: Patients with CRSwNP+AS have distinct type 2-high inflammation-associated molecular signatures in nasal tissues compared to patients with CRSwNP-alone.
Comparative gene expression profiling of mouse ovaries upon stimulation with native equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and tethered recombinant-eCG
Authors: Min Kwan-Sik , Park Jong-Ju , Lee So-Yun , Byambaragchaa Munkhzaya , Kang Myung-Hwa
Published: May 2020

Background: Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) induces super-ovulation in laboratory animals. Notwithstanding its extensive usage, limited information is available regarding the differences between the in vivo effects of native eCG and recombinant eCG (rec-eCG). This study aimed to investigate the gene expression profiles of mouse ovaries upon stimulation with native eCG and rec-eCG produced from CHO-suspension (CHO-S) cells. eCG and rec-eCG were cloned and transfected into CHO-S cells and quantified. Thereafter, we determined the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of native eCG and rec-eCG up to 24 h after intravenous administration through the tail vein and identified differentially expressed genes in both ovarian tissues, via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).Results: Rec-eCG was markedly up-regulated initially after transfection and maintained until recovery on day 9. Oligosaccharide chains were substantially modified in rec-eCG protein produced from CHO-S cells and eliminated through PNGase F treatment. The MCR was slightly lower for rec-eCG than for eCG, and no significant difference was observed after 60 min. Notwithstanding their low concentration, rec-eCG and native eCG were detected in the blood at 24h post-injection. Microarray analysis of ovarian tissue revealed that 20 of 12,816 genes assessed therein were significantly up-regulated and 43 genes were down-regulated by >2-fold in the group receiving rec-eCG (63 [0.49%] differentially regulated genes in total). The microarray results were concurrent with and hence validated by those of RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, and IHC analyses.Conclusions: The present results indicate that rec-eCG can be adequately produced through a cell-based expression system through post-translational modification of eCG and can induce ovulation in vivo. These results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the up- or down-regulation of specific ovarian genes and the production of rec-eCG with enhanced biological activity in vivo.