bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertension and preserved left ventricle systolic function
Authors: Tlegenova Zh. Sh. , Zholdin B. K. , Kudaiberdieva G. Z. , Abdrakhmanov A. S.
Published: June 2019

The objective of our study was to define factors associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with hypertension (HTN) and preserved left ventricle systolic function.

Material and methods. Overall, 273 consecutive patients with HTN residing in urban area were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the first – 60 patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF (33% men, age 62, 28 (10,02), the second – 213 patients without AF (33% men, age 59,37 (8,27).

Results. Stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated AF presence was associated with alcohol intake ≥ 7 drinks per week (OR 4,12; 95%CI: 1,04–16,35), low physical activity (OR 3,18; 95% CI: 1,32–7,68), higher hip circumference (OR 1,19; 95% CI: 1,08–1,31) and history of HTN (OR 1,10; 95% CI: 1,04–1,17). BMI was not associated with presence of AF (OR 0,75; 95% CI: 0,61–0,91).

Conclusion. Thus in our urban population with hypertension, AF is associated with alcohol intake ≥ 7 drinks per week, low physical activity, increased hip circumference and history of hypertension.AF prevention should include modification of lifestyle.
SOCIOLOGY OF ORGANIZATIONS: POTENTIAL AND CHALLENGES
Authors: Serpa Sandro , Miguel Ferreira Carlos
Published: June 2019

Purpose of this study: Sociology of Organizations, as a specialization, has maintained an indefinite status, competing with other disciplinary areas regarding the study of organizations. This paper seeks to contribute to the reflection about the potential and challenges faced by the Sociology of Organizations.
Methodology: For this purpose, a bibliographical research was carried out on this topic, complemented by our experience as sociologists in teaching and research on the organizational theme in some databases, such as Web of Knowledge, DOAJ, SCIELO, and institutional repositories.
Findings: It is concluded that the Sociology of Organizations can provide tools for the heuristic apprehension of the organizational phenomenon, either by mobilizing instruments of a more general sociology or by fostering a certain interdisciplinarity with other disciplinary areas that deal with this phenomenon.
Implications: However, this potential is generally obscured by greater visibility because it is perceived as more directly linked to the managerial phenomenon and seems to provide more illusorily practical solutions and universal recipes. It is necessary to recognize the complexity of the organizational phenomenon to advance its scientific knowledge.
EVALUATION OF THE BUSINESS EXCELLENT IMPLEMENTATION AMONG HALAL CERTIFIED FOOD MANUFACTURERS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: N.R. Masrom , BAT Daut , Rasi R.Z. Raja Mohd , B. Niraula
Published: June 2019

Purpose of the study: The aim of this study is to highlight the strongest and the weakest aspects of Halal food manufacturing industries in Malaysia based on AT&T criteria. Methodology: This research used survey strategy. Based on this research choice, the data was collected through questionnaire. Main findings: Achievement of the halal certified food manufacturers is 823.7. Halal certified food manufacturers’ performance is at the silver level. Applications of this study: Top management of the halal sector will be able to grasp their strongest point and set goals and strategic plans to improve the key elements that need attention. Use of a self-reported questionnaire in the study can serve as a benchmark for future research in other countries of the world. Novelty/Originality of this study: The study provides new insights in the area of Business Excellence, especially related to halal manufacturing.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOOGLE CLASSROOM AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA: A CASE OF STATE ISLAMIC INSTITUTE OF KENDARI, INDONESIA
Authors: Alim Nur , Linda Wa , Gunawan Fahmi , Md Saad Mohd Shamsuri
Published: June 2019

Purpose: This study aims to explore the effectiveness of Google Classroom in the learning process at the State Islamic Institute of Kendari.

Methodology: The research method used in this study is a qualitative method, in-depth interview. Data collection was done through interview sessions with students from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education.

Main Findings: The findings showed that the use of Google Classroom was effective with various limitations: (1) not all students got an account what was provided by the lecturers because they did not have a smartphone, (2) Wi-Fi availability in the campus was limited and (3) the students did not have enough mobile data plan during the time of online discussion and even some students submitted their assignments using their friends’ account.

Applications of this study: The study will allow future initiatives to take into consideration the issues and challenges related to accessibility, connectivity and affordability among the users of the platform, in this case the students.

Novelty/Originality: This study provides valuable insights into the initiatives taken by the institutions of higher education in Indonesia that lack a proper platform for implementing e-learning. Issues and challenges found in this study contribute to making important strategic decisions when designing and implementing such initiatives in the future.
THE ARTS OF SOCIAL REALITY (RE) CONSTRUCT INDIVIDUAL MINDSET OF POST-INDEPENDENCE COMMUNITY VIA HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY
Authors: Shahizan Ali Mohd Nor , Mohamed Salim Neesa Ameera
Published: June 2019

Purpose of the study: The aim of this study is to analyse the meaning construction of the post-independence communities based on a historical documentary “Big Kitchen (1952)” which focuses on the literacy aspect of how an individual construe, implement and adapt technology in constructing meaning in line with the rapid development of the country.

Methodology: A focus group discussion was conducted which involved twenty-one informants from an Institute of Higher Learning in Malaysia. The discussion focuses on how the post-independence communities collectively construct their institutional knowledge by linking these three main areas; literacy, meaning construction and technology based on the historical documentary which consequently reveals the social reality of the community.

Main Findings: Findings revealed thatthere is a culture change (in Malaysia) due to migration, technological advancement, and rapid urbanization based on the meanings constructed by the post-independence communities. The combination of migration, technological development, and rapid urbanization have caused the informants to not be influenced by media materials that are shown but assess material based on the understanding and withholding long underlying themselves over the years.

Applications of this study: Since the media and communication studies is an established academic discipline in today’s digital era, this study is beneficial in contributing to the development of mass media and communication field specifically in the area of media literacy/ broadcasting literacy as the study covers the art of scientific investigation of the media.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study justifies how media research and the technological shift in the media landscape affects the arts of social reality and the meaning construction of the post-independence communities in Malaysia via the “Big Kitchen (1952)” documentary. Findings revealed in this study contribute to the current debate of the current media issues, and to the development of mass media and communication field.
Understanding the Mutual Partner Dynamic of Intimate Partner Violence: A Review
Authors: Dokkedahl Sarah , Elklit Ask
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Bidirectional violence is not a recent phenomenon. Nonetheless, little attention has been given to the actual dyads of intimate violence. The aim of the present review is therefore to identify and examine research that involves both the male and female partner of couples experiencing problems with intimate partner violence (IPV).

Method

A thorough literature search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed and PsycINFO. This review includes only peer-reviewed articles conducting quantitative data analysis. The key inclusion criteria were the concept of bidirectional violence. Therefore, this review only includes studies where both partners participated in the study. A total of 70 studies were included.

Results

A wide variety of psychological, social, and interaction variables were identified. Especially challenges related to alcohol, attachment, communication, jealousy, mental health and relationship satisfaction were identified. Results sheds light on how conflicts escalate and are important aspects of how IPV patterns are developed.

Discussion

The present review demonstrates the importance of incorporating partner dynamics into our understanding of IPV. By putting less emphasis on the prevalence rates and instead focus more on the dynamics of the relationships, IPV appears to be a symptom of a variety of problems within the dyad. Therefore, it would be beneficial to target preventive efforts and interventions towards both members of the couple to directly address the unhealthy dynamics that are contributing to a pattern of IPV.
Promoting Inclusivity in Intimate Partner Abuse Research: Exploring Gender and Age
Authors: Carthy Nikki L. , Bates Elizabeth A. , Policek Nicoletta
Published: June 2019

Scholarship of intimate partner abuse is heavily dominated by a gendered paradigm that has strongly impacted on the development and delivery of services and treatment programs; however it is not inclusive to all victim and perpetrator groups. The gendered viewpoint of the male abuser and female victim is critiqued by identifying gender differences in intimate partner abuse research, and the impact this has on male victims. A further critique challenges the dominant research trend that has favored working with younger victims and perpetrators, with an analysis of the impact and issues for older adults and their help-seeking. Implications for practice are discussed. The lack of support services for male victims and older adults is identified, as well as the focus of treatment practice on the male abuser. Finally, an argument to support more vulnerable groups such as older men who are absent within intimate partner abuse literature and service development is presented.
PHARMACIST BEHAVIOR OF HALAL LABELIZATION ON PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT
Authors: Syahrir Ach. , Rahem Abdul , Prayoga Adistiar
Published: June 2019

The survey of the research and development center of Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) of Indonesia in 2013 concluded that public awareness to consume halal products was at a high level. Although the government guaranteed halal products for the customer, the implementation is still not fully implemented. “Halal” status of the pharmaceutical product in Indonesia is still in doubt. The indicator is that 90 percent of the pharmaceutical industry's raw materials are imported materials, that have no guaranteed halal system for these products. In particular, pharmacists have an important role in the preparation of halal pharmaceutical products. Therefore, a study conducted to analyze the pharmacists' behavior regarding halal labeling of pharmaceutical products. This study focused on the behavior of pharmacists in Malang City who are members of the Indonesian Pharmacist Association/Ikatan Apoteker Indonesia (IAI) with the survey method. The objective of this study was to obtain an overview of the perception of the pharmacist on halal labeling in pharmaceutical products in Malang City. The research instrument was a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics ware used to analyze data. The results showed that pharmacists in the city of Malang accepted and strongly agree on halal labeling of pharmaceutical products.
Motilitas dan Viabilitas Spermatozoa Sapi Rambon di Desa Kemiren Banyuwangi
Authors: Prastika Zeni , Susilowati Suherni , Agustono Bodhi , Safitri Erma , Fikri Faisal , Prastiya Ragil Angga
Published: June 2019

Sapi Rambon merupakan salah satu sapi lokal Indonesia. Tahun 2017 populasi sapi Rambon mengalami penurunan. Salah satu upaya pelestarian sapi lokal adalah melalui peningkatan populasi sapi dan inseminasi buatan. Faktor penentu keberhasilan perkawinan salah satunya adalah libido tinggi dan kualitas semen. Motilitas spermatozoa dan viabilitas spermatozoa adalah salah satu indikator fertilitas spermatozoa dan kualitas semen. Penelitain ini adalah penelitian deskriptif. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui motilitas dan viabilitas semen segar sapi Rambon di Desa Kemiren Kecamatan Glagah Kabupaten Banyuwangi. Semen pada penelitian ini di tampung menggunakan vagina buatan dari 6 ekor sapi Rambon jantan. Pemeriksaan motilitas spermatozoa dan viabilitas spermatozoa dilakukan di klinik Linawati Banyuwangi. Hasil pada penelitian ini disajikan dalam bentuk tabel. Parameter penelitian ini adalah motilitas dan viabilitas spermatozoa sapi Rambon. Hasil pemeriksaan motilitas spermatozoa sapi Rambon 83,3±4,1% dan viabilitas spermatozoa sapi Rambon 86,7±2,3%. Kesimpulan dari penelitian menunjukan bahwa motilitas dan viabilitas spermatozoa sapi Rambon baik dan memenuhi syarat semen beku untuk inseminasi buatan.
Deteksi Antibodi Brucella pada Sapi Perah di Kecamatan Purwoharjo Kabupaten Banyuwangi dengan Metode Rose Bengal Test (RBT)
Authors: Dwi Welyanto Kurniawan , Tyasningsih Wiwiek , Praja Ratih Novita , Hamid Iwan Sahrial , Sarudji Suryanie , Purnama Muhammad Thohawi Elziyad
Published: June 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui keberadaan antibodi dari bakteri brucella pada sapi perah di Kecamatan Purwoharjo Kabupaten Banyuwangi menggunakan Rose Bengal Test (RBT). Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode analisis diskriptif dengan pendekatan kuantitatif, yaitu metode yang menggambarkan keberadaan antibodi Brucella pada sapi perah dengan cepat. Informasi pendukung diperoleh dari survei peternak dengan teknik wawancara. Sampel ditentukan dengan rumus slovin dengan ukuran sampel sebanyak 75 sampel dari 294 ekor sapi pada populasi sapi perah di Kecamatan Purwoharjo. Hasil penelitian menunjukan 2 sampel dinyatakan positif Brucella dari 75 sampel. Hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa reaktor Brucella ditemukan pada sapi perah di Kecamatan Purwoharjo Kabupaten Banyuwangi yang berpotensi menyebabkan penyakit Brucellosis. Harapan dari penelitian ini adalah data yang diperoleh dapat diuji ulang dan diuji lebih lanjut dalam penelitian selanjutnya sehingga hasil dapat dikonfirmasi.
Efektivitas Ekstrak Daun Afrika (Vernonia amygdalina) Secara Topikal Untuk Reepitelisasi Penyembuhan Luka Insisi Pada Tikus Putih (Rattus novergicus)
Authors: Putrianirma Rizki , Triakoso Nusdianto , Yunita Maya Nurwartanti , Yudaniayanti Ira Sari , Hamid Iwan Sahrial , Fikri Faisal
Published: June 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh dan hubungan konsentrasi pemberian ekstrak daun afrika (Vernonia amygdalina) secara topikal terhadap efektivitas penyembuhan luka dan reepitelisasi penyembuhan luka insisi pada tikus putih. 20 tikus putih jantan di kelompokkan secara acak dibagi dalam 5 kelompok perlakuan yaitu P0 (vaseline + adeps lanae), P1 (povidone iodine), P2 (salep ekstrak daun afrika 16,8 %), P3 (salep ekstrak daun afrika 28 %), dan P4 (salep ekstrak daun afrika 39,20 %). Penelitian ini dilakukan selama 14 hari dengan mengukur dengan skor reepitelisasi pada sediaan histopatologi kulit luka insisi yang telah diberi perlakuan. Hasil penelitian tidak menunjukkan perbedaan yang nyata antara kontrol dengan perlakuan (p>0,05). Perlakuan dengan ekstrak daun afrika (Vernonia amygdalina) tidak menunjukkan reepitelisasi yang berbeda dengan perlakuan kontrol.
Isolasi dan Identifikasi Bakteri Escherichia coli Kontaminan Pada Daging Ayam Broiler Di Rumah Potong Ayam Kabupaten Lamongan
Authors: Kartikasari Anjani Marisa , Hamid Iwan Sahrial , Purnama Muhammad Thohawi Elziyad , Damayanti Ratna , Fikri Faisal , Praja Ratih Novita
Published: June 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengisolasi, dan mengidentifikasi bakteri Escherichia coli yang diambil dari daging ayam di Rumah Potong Ayam (RPA) Kabupaten Lamongan. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah daging ayam broiler yang di potong pada Rumah Potong Ayam Kabupaten Lamongan pada bulan Juli 2018. Daging ayam yang digunakan sebagai sampel adalah Musculus pectoralis seberat 25 gram. Sampel yang digunakan pada penelitian ini berjumlah 26 sampel daging ayam yang diambil di Rumah Potong Ayam Kabupaten Lamongan. Sampel yang telah diambil dilakukan isolasi secara primer untuk menumbuhkan bakteri pada media Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (EMBA) kemudian dilakukan isolasi sekunder pada media Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (EMBA) yang bertujuan untuk memisahkan bakteri terduga Escherichia coli dengan bakteri Coliform lain. Identifikasi bakteri Escherichia coli menggunakan uji biokimia yaitu Uji IMViC yang berguna untuk mengidentifikasi bakteri Enterobacteriaceae terdiri atas Uji Indol, Uji Methyl Red (MR), Uji Voges Proskauer (VP) dan Uji Sitrat. Hasil penelitian yang dilakukan menunjukkan terdapat 3 sampel positif Escherichia coli dari 26 sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Kesimpulan yang didapat dari hasil penelitian adalah sebanyak 3 sampel positif Escherichia coli sedangkan 23 sampel lainnya negatif Escherichia coli dengan persentase sampel positif Escherichia coli adalah 11,5% sedangkan persentase sampel negatif Escherichia coli adalah 88,5%.
Emerging Market or Neighbourhood Country? A Case Study of Aura Light’s Market Expansion Strategy
Authors: Triwastuti Ria , Poulter Robert J.
Published: June 2019

Aura Light, a Swedish lighting company, is currently in a transforming phase from a lighting products company into lighting solution provider. This change requires considerable new investments that resulted in the company’s cash operating cycle longer. However, there are two ambitions to pursue by the management of Aura Light in the next five years. Firstly, expanding market to India and Brazil by selling traditional products that potentially double its revenue in five years. Secondly, focusing on building the transformation and settling up solutions and LED market in Europe. Meanwhile, the long-term goal of Aura Light is to be a leader player of lighting solution and LED in Europe market. With current resources and financial condition, Aura Light can only choose one of those options instead of doing both at the same time. This study is aimed to answer Aura Lights dilemma by providing managerial recommendation based on international business theoretical frameworks.
Wireless Readout of Multiple SAW Temperature Sensors
Authors: Bruckner Gudrun , Bardong Jochen
Published: June 2019

It is since long known, that SAW devices, resonators as well as delay lines, can be used as passive wireless sensors for physical quantities like temperature and pressure as well as gas sensors or ID-Tags. The sensors are robust, work passively without battery, can be applied at high temperatures and provide a high resolution. Nevertheless, if the devices should be readout wirelessly in an industrial environment, several constraints have to be taken into account, especially when more than one quantity or device needs to be measured at the same time. The paper addresses the challenges that have to be tackled when establishing multi-sensor-wireless-readout for industrial applications. Major issues here are the legal ISM-band regulations, as well as sampling time and costs, which impose severe restrictions to any system design. We describe several design approaches and their constraints. We have successfully designed sensors based on reflective delay lines that allow the parallel readout of four independent temperature sensors in the 2.45 GHz ISM-band. These devices have been fabricated, positively tested and demonstrate the applicability of SAW sensors for industrial applications.
The items in the Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Basic discriminate among different severities of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Yan-rong , Ding Yun-Long , Chen Ke-liang , Liu Yan , Wei Can , Zhai Ting-ting , Wang Wen-Juan , Dong Wan-Li
Published: June 2019

Background
To determine whether items of the Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Basic (MoCA-BC) could discriminate among cognitively normal controls (NC), and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and moderate-severe (AD).
Methods

MCI (n=456), mild AD (n=502) and moderate-severe AD (n=102) patients were recruited from the memory clinic, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China. NC (n=329) were recruited from health checkup outpatients. Five MoCA-BC item scores were collected in interviews.
Results
The MoCA-BC orientation test had high sensitivity and specificity for discrimination among MCI, mild AD and moderate-severe AD. The delay recall memory test had high sensitivity and specificity for MCI screening. The verbal fluency test was efficient for detecting MCI and differentiating AD severity.
Conclusions
Various items of the MoCA-BC can identify MCI patients early and identify the severity of dementia.
SMRT Sequencing of a Full-length Transcriptome Reveals Transcript Variants Involved in C18 Unsaturated Fatty Acid Biosynthesis and Metabolism Pathways at Chilling Temperature in Pennisetum giganteum
Authors: Li Qingyuan , Xiang Conglin , Xu Lin , Cui Jinghua , Fu Shao , Chen Baolin , Yang Shoukun , Wang Pan , Xie Yanfeng , Wei Ming , Wang Zhanchang
Published: June 2019

Background

Pennisetum giganteum, an abundant, fast-growing perennial C4 grass that belongs to the genus Pennisetum, family Poaceae, has been developed as a source of biomass for mushroom cultivation and production, as a source of forage for cattle and sheep, and as a tool to remedy soil erosion. However, having a chilling-sensitive nature, P. giganteum seedlings need to be protected while overwintering in most temperate climate regions.

Results

To elucidate the cold stress responses of P. giganteum, we carried out comprehensive full-length transcriptomes from leaf and root tissues under room temperature (RT) and chilling temperature (CT) using PacBio Iso-Seq long reads. We identified 196,124 and 140,766 full-length consensus transcripts in the RT and CT samples, respectively. We then systematically performed functional annotation, transcription factor identification, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) prediction, and simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis of those full-length transcriptomes. Moreover, isoform analysis revealed that alternative splicing events may be induced by cold stress in P. giganteum, and transcript variants may be involved in C18 unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism pathways at chilling temperature in P. giganteum.

Conclusions

We provide the first comprehensive full-length transcriptomic resource for the abundant and fast-growing perennial grass Pennisetum giganteum. Our results provide a useful genomic resource for exploring the biological pathways involved in the cold stress responses of P. giganteum.
Complete genome sequences of Streptomyces spp. isolated from disease-suppressive soils
Authors: Heinsch Stephen C , Hsu Suzie , Otto-Hanson Lindsey , Kinkel Linda , Smanski Michael
Published: June 2019

Background

Bacteria within the genus Streptomyces remain a major source of new natural product discovery and as soil inoculants in agriculture where they promote plant growth and protect from disease. Recently, Streptomyces spp. have been implicated as important members of naturally disease-suppressive soils. To shine more light on the ecology and evolution of disease-suppressive microbial communities, we have sequenced the genome of three Streptomyces strains isolated from disease-suppressive soils and compared them to previously sequenced isolates. Strains selected for sequencing had previously showed strong phenotypes in competition or signaling assays.

Results

Here we present the de novo sequencing of three strains of the genus Streptomyces isolated from disease-suppressive soils to produce high-quality complete genomes. Streptomyces sp. GS93-23, Streptomyces sp. 3211-3, and Streptomyces sp. S3-4 were found to have linear chromosomes of 8.24 Mb, 8.23 Mb, and greater than 7.5 Mb, respectively. In addition, two of the strains were found to have large, linear plasmids. Each strain harbors between 26 and 38 natural product biosynthetic gene clusters, on par with previously sequenced Streptomyces spp.. We compared these newly-sequenced genomes with those of previously sequenced organisms. We see substantial natural product biosynthetic diversity between closely related strains, with the gain/loss of episomal DNA elements being a primary driver of genome evolution.

Conclusions

Long read sequencing data facilitates large contig assembly for high-GC Streptomyces genomes. While the sample number is too small for a definitive conclusion, we do not see evidence that disease suppressive soil isolates are particularly privileged in terms of numbers of BGCs. The strong sequence similarity between GS93-23 and previously isolated Streptomyces lydicus suggests that species recruitment may contribute to the evolution of disease-suppressive microbial communities.
Delayed gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy: comparison between two different pancreatic reconstruction techniques
Authors: Hayama Satoshi , Senmaru N , Hirano Satoshi
Published: June 2019

Background

The association between delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and pancreatic reconstruction technique remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the occurrence of DGE differs between pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) and pancreaticogastrostomy (PG).

Methods

A total of 83 patients who underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was retrospectively analyzed, and the factors associated with clinically relevant DGE were explored. These patients were divided into a PG group and a PJ group according to the pancreatic reconstruction. DGE occurrence and its association with intra-abdominal complications was compared between the two types of pancreatic reconstruction.

Results

The overall incidence of DGE was 27.7%. Intra-abdominal complications including pancreatic fistula were strongly associated with DGE. As to the pancreatic reconstruction, DGE developed more frequently in the PG than in the PJ. In addition, DGE with intra-abdominal complications tended to be more frequent in PG, despite the fact that intra-abdominal complications occurred at a similar frequency in both groups.

Conclusions

Intra-abdominal complications were strongly associated with DGE. As to the pancreatic reconstruction, DGE developed more frequently in the PG than in the PJ. We speculate that intra-abdominal complications affected patients with PG more and resulted in frequent occurrence of DGE.
Comparison of intraocular pressure measured by ocular response analyzer and Goldmann applanation tonometer after corneal refractive surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Hui , Sun Zhengtao , Li Lin , Sun Ran , Zhang Haixia
Published: June 2019

Background: Accurate measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) after corneal refractive surgery is of great significance to clinic, and comparisons among various IOP measuring instruments are not rare, but there is a lack of unified analysis. GAT is currently the internationally recognized gold standard for IOP measurement, while ORA is said to take into account the biomechanical properties of cornea. In this study, we conducted this meta-analysis to systematically assess the differences and similarities of IOP values measured by ORA and GAT in patients after corneal refractive surgery from the perspective of evidence-based medicine.
Methods: The authors searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of science, Cochrane library and Chinese electronic databases of CNKI and Wanfang) from Jan 2005 to Jan 2019, studies describing IOP comparisons measured by GAT and ORA after corneal refractive surgery were included. Quality assessment, subgroup analysis, meta-regression analysis and publication bias analysis were applied in succession.
Results: Among the 273 literatures initially retrieved, 8 literatures (13 groups of data) with a total of 724 eyes were included in the meta-analysis, and all of which were English literatures. In the pooled analysis, the weighted mean difference (WMD) between IOPcc and IOPGAT was 2.67 mmHg (95% CI: 2.20~3.14 mmHg, p < 0.0001), the WMD between IOPg and IOPGAT was -0.27 mmHg (95% CI: -0.70~0.16 mmHg, p = 0.2174). In the subgroup analysis of postoperative IOPcc and IOPGAT, the heterogeneity among the data on surgical procedure was zero, while the heterogeneity of other subgroups was still more than 50%. The comparison of mean-∆IOP is: mean-∆IOPg > mean-∆IOPGAT > mean-∆IOPcc.
Conclusions: IOPcc may be more close to the true IOP after corneal refractive surgery compared with IOPg and IOPGAT, and the recovery of IOPcc after corneal surface refractive surgery may be more stable than that after lamellar refractive surgery.
Keywords: corneal refractive surgery; intraocular pressure; ocular response analyzer; Goldmann applanation tonometer; meta-analysis;
Extensive immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in Fingolimod-associated PML: a case report with 7 Tesla MRI data
Authors: Sinnecker Tim , Hadisurya Jeffrie , Schneider-Hohendorf Tilman , Schwab Nicholas , Wrede Karsten , Gembruch Oliver , Gold Ralf , Hellwig Kerstin , Pilgram-Pastor Sara , Adams Ortwin , Albrecht Philipp , Hartung Hans-Peter , Aktas Orhan , Kraemer Markus
Published: June 2019

Background

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare complication of patients treated with fingolimod.

Case presentation

Routine MRI eventually led to diagnosis of asymptomatic early PML that remained stable after discontinuation of fingolimod. As blood lymphocyte counts normalized, signs of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) and renewed MS activity developed. Both, advanced laboratory and ultrahigh field MRI findings elucidated differences between PML and MS.

Conclusions

In our case, early discontinuation of fingolimod yielded a good outcome, lymphocyte counts reflected immune system activity, and paraclinical findings helped to differentiate between PML-IRIS and MS.
Are We in Agreement? Benchmarking and Reliability Issues between Social Network Analytic Programs
Authors: Murphy Philip J. , Cuenco Karen T. , Wang YuFei
Published: June 2019

Reliability and validity are key concerns for any researcher. We investigate these concerns as they apply to social network analysis programs. Six well-used and trusted programs were compared on four common centrality measures (degree, betweenness, closeness, and eigenvector) under a variety of network topographies. We identify notable inconsistencies between programs that may not be apparent to the average user of these programs. Specifically, each program may have implemented a variant of a given measure without informing the user of its characteristics. This presents an unnecessary obfuscation for analysts seeking measures that are best suited to the idiosyncrasies of their data, and for those comparing results between programs.

Under such a paradigm, the terms in use within the social network analysis community become less precise over time and diverge from the original strength of network analysis: clarity.
Strategic and Genetic Networking: Relational Endowment in a Local Cultural Offer
Authors: Gallelli Andrea
Published: June 2019

The local theatrical offer is the result of all the theatre companies which perform shows in each other’s venues. Theatre hospitality is an inherently relational phenomenon, and besides big national and international tours, it is an important part of the local cultural landscape. Aiming at contributing to the literature on network analysis applied to the inquiry on culture, the research adopts the network perspective to test hypotheses on companies’ relational behaviors and mechanisms of network formation in a local context in Italy. The analyses show that companies which get more public funding tend to host more; there is a homophily effect based on audience levels; companies tend to reciprocate hospitality relations and form clusters of close collaborations.
Assessment of Relative Potencies of Nitrogen Sources on Seedling Root Systems
Authors: Madsen Isaac J. , Pan William L.
Published: June 2019

Banding of N fertilizers below the seed is a common practice in direct seeded wheat dominated dryland agricultural systems, yet the placement of fertilizer below the seed has been shown to decrease yields and damage the root system architecture (RSA) in canola (Brassica napus). However, there is a lack of understanding as to which rates and sources of fertilizers might be safe for seedling root systems. The goal of this study was to compare the effect of three different N sources over a gradient of application rates on canola RSA. The effect of the fertilizer band on RSA has previously been imaged using rhizobox methods. However, the research presented here describes a novel technique for comparing sources and rates simultaneously while using the existing imaging technology. Canola seedlings were exposed to increasing rates of urea, ammonium sulfate (AS), and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) from 0 mg N cm–1 to 40 mg N cm–1 placed 50 mm below the seed row. Canola showed significant changes in RSA as a result of the increasing ammoniacal‐N fertilizer rate. Dose response curves were developed for urea, AS, and UAN, and median lethal doses (LD50s) for tap roots were estimated at 4.7, 9.7, and 20.6 mg N cm–1, respectively. Comparisons between multiple measurements of the dose response curves revealed a consistent ranking of relative potencies among urea, AS, UAN (most to least toxic).

Core Ideas

New assay method for determining the relative potencies and safety ranges of different fertilizer sources as relates to roots system damage.

Banded urea, ammonium sulfate, and urea ammonium nitrate N fertilizer sources all damage canola seedling root systems, but at differing rates.

Dose response analysis was utilized to rank the relative potencies of ammoniacal‐N fertilizers from most toxic (urea) to least toxic (urea ammonium nitrate).
Complete spectrum of quantum integrable lattice models associated to Y(gl(n)) by separation of variables
Authors: Maillet Jean Michel , Niccoli Giuliano
Published: June 2019

We apply our new approach of quantum Separation of Variables (SoV) to
the complete characterization of the transfer matrix spectrum of quantum
integrable lattice models associated to \bm{gl_n}𝐠𝐥𝐧-invariant
\bm{R}𝐑-matrices
in the fundamental representations. We consider lattices with
\bm{N}𝐍-sites
and general quasi-periodic boundary conditions associated to an
arbitrary twist matrix \bm{K}𝐊
having simple spectrum (but not necessarily diagonalizable). In our
approach the SoV basis is constructed in an universal manner starting
from the direct use of the conserved charges of the models, e.g. from
the commuting family of transfer matrices. Using the integrable
structure of the models, incarnated in the hierarchy of transfer
matrices fusion relations, we prove that our SoV basis indeed separates
the spectrum of the corresponding transfer matrices. Moreover, the
combined use of the fusion rules, of the known analytic properties of
the transfer matrices and of the SoV basis allows us to obtain the
complete characterization of the transfer matrix spectrum and to prove
its simplicity. Any transfer matrix eigenvalue is completely
characterized as a solution of a so-called quantum spectral curve
equation that we obtain as a difference functional equation of order
\bm{n}𝐧.
Namely, any eigenvalue satisfies this equation and any solution of this
equation having prescribed properties that we give leads to an
eigenvalue. We construct the associated eigenvector, unique up to
normalization, of the transfer matrices by computing its decomposition
on the SoV basis that is of a factorized form written in terms of the
powers of the corresponding eigenvalues. Finally, if the twist matrix
\bm{K}𝐊
is diagonalizable with simple spectrum we prove that the transfer matrix
is also diagonalizable with simple spectrum. In that case, we give a
construction of the Baxter \bm{Q}𝐐-operator
and show that it satisfies a \bm{T}𝐓-\bm{Q}𝐐
equation of order \bm{n}𝐧,
the quantum spectral curve equation, involving the hierarchy of the
fused transfer matrices.
The Evolution of Southeast Asian Regionalism: Security, Economic Development and Foreign Power Support for Regional Initiatives, 1947-77
Authors: Thompson Sue
Published: June 2019

Policy objectives for Southeast Asian regionalism had been evolving since the end of the Second World War.  Economic development viewed as essential for establishing peace and stability in Southeast Asia and the links between development and security were evident in the elaboration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).  Also evident was the second-line support provided by external powers.  While ASEAN was a regional initiative that came out of the Bangkok talks to end Confrontation, Western governments had been formulating regional cooperation policies in Southeast Asia decades prior.  Economic development viewed as essential for containing communist influence and preventing internal insurgencies in the region.  Growth and prosperity would come through regional development programs with external support.  This would then expand to some form of collective security led by the Southeast Asian nations themselves.  Regionalism viewed as one way of providing economic assistance to newly independent nations without the appearance of foreign interference in regional affairs.  Therefore, the evolution of Southeast Asian regionalism was a combined effort of foreign power support for Asian initiatives throughout the economic development with the aim to provide security during the political transformation of the region from the post-war period into the early years of ASEAN and the aftermath of the war in Vietnam.
Elazığ İlinde Arpalarda Görülen Yaprak Hastalıkları
Authors: SARAÇ İşıl , KARAKAYA Aziz , ÇELİK OĞUZ Arzu
Published: June 2019

2018 yılının Mayıs ve Haziran aylarında Elazığ ilinin
merkez ilçe, Karakoçan, Palu, Arıcak, Kovancılar, Keban, Ağın, Baskil, Sivrice
ve Maden ilçelerinin arpa yetiştirilen alanlarında sürveyler yapılmış ve arpa
bitkilerinde görülen yaprak hastalıkları belirlenmiştir.  Arpa bitkilerinde Drechslera teres f. maculata ve Drechslera teres f. teres tarafından oluşturulan arpa ağbenek hastalığının nokta ve
ağ formları, Rhynchosporium secalis
tarafından oluşturulan arpa yaprak lekesi hastalığı, Erysiphe graminis f. sp.
hordei tarafından oluşturulan külleme hastalığı, Puccinia hordei tarafından oluşturulan kahverengi pas (yaprak pası)
hastalığı ve Drechslera graminea tarafından
oluşturulan arpa çizgili yaprak lekesi hastalığı tespit edilmiştir. Elazığ
ilinde incelenen 42 arpa tarlasının 23’ünde
Drechslera teres f. maculata, 21’inde
Drechslera teres f. teres, 19’unda Rhynchosporium secalis, 9’unda
Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei, 15’
inde Puccinia hordei, 11’inde ise Drechslera graminea etmenleri tarafından
meydana getirilen hastalıklar görülmüştür.
Arpa ağbenek hastalığının nokta formu (Drechslera teres f. maculata) Keban ve Maden ilçeleri dışında incelenen bütün
ilçelerde görülmüştür. Arpa ağbenek hastalığının ağ formu (Drechslera teres f. teres)
Arıcak, Sivrice ve Maden ilçeleri dışında kalan diğer ilçelerde görülmüştür. Rhynchosporium secalis tarafından
oluşturulan arpa yaprak lekesi hastalığı Ağın, Baskil ve Sivrice ilçeleri
dışında kalan bütün ilçelerde görülmüştür. Erysiphe
graminis f. sp. hordei tarafından
meydana getirilen külleme hastalığı Palu, Arıcak ve Sivrice ilçeleri dışındaki
ilçelerde görülmüştür. Puccinia hordei tarafından oluşturulan
arpa kahverengi pası hastalığı Arıcak, Sivrice, Ağın ve Maden ilçeleri
dışındaki ilçelerde görülmüştür. Drechslera graminea tarafından
oluşturulan arpa çizgili yaprak lekesi hastalığı Arıcak, Keban, Ağın, Sivrice
ve Maden ilçeleri dışındaki ilçelerde görülmüştür. Drechslera teres f. maculata tarafından
oluşturulan arpa ağbenek hastalığının nokta formu ve Drechslera teres f. teres tarafından
oluşturulan arpa ağbenek hastalığının ağ formu en fazla tarlada görülen
hastalıklar olurken bunları
Rhynchosporium secalis tarafından oluşturulan arpa yaprak lekesi hastalığı
takip etmiştir. Hastalık görülen tarlalarda hastalıklı bitkilerin görülme
yüzdeleri Drechslera teres f. maculata ve Rhynchosporium secalis için 1-20 arasında, Drechslera teres f. teres için
1-25 arasında, Erysiphe graminis f.
sp. hordei ve Drechslera graminea için 1-30 arasında, Puccinia hordei için ise 1-45 arasında değişmiştir. Hastalık
şiddeti R. secalis tarafından
oluşturulan arpa yaprak lekesi için 3-7 arasında değişirken diğer hastalıklar
için 3-5 arasında değişmiştir. Bu hastalıklara karşı mücadele metotları
geliştirilmelidir.
Educación para la comprensión humana:
Authors: Lorenzon Adriane , Romero Gallardo Michelle
Published: June 2019

El objetivo de este artículo es reflexionar acerca de los conocimientos y reformas estructurales que conlleva en el ámbito universitario la educación para la comprensión humana. Para alcanzar este propósito, se parte de la pregunta detonadora con respecto a: en qué medida es posible o no educar para la comprensión entre personas, a partir del diálogo, la empatía y un nuevo entendimiento del papel de la educación. El texto indaga por qué una educación de este tipo sería o no necesaria y pertinente para la sociedad. El artículo, metodológicamente desarrollado como una investigación documental, ha incorporado en su marco analítico a autores como Edgar Morin y Léa Camargos Anastasiou. El resultado del análisis evalúa que es posible una educación para la comprensión humana con fundamentación en nociones como la reforma del pensamiento, la pedagogía 2.0, prácticas pedagógicas integrativas, con énfasis en el modelo centrado en el aprendizaje, el autoconocimiento y la educación permanente, desde una perspectiva compleja y transdisciplinaria.
Inhibition of Heat Shock Protein 90 as a Novel Platform for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Gao Chang , Peng Ya-Nan , Wang Hai-Zhou , Fang Shi-Lin , Zhang Meng , Zhao Qiu , Liu Jing
Published: June 2019

:

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) plays an essential role in various physiological and pathological processes. It activates client proteins to participate in tumor progression. Blocking Hsp90 could enable effective antitumor effects in many tumor types, such as multiple myeloma and colon cancer. Recently, it has motivated an interest in Hsp90 inhibitors that bind to the N-terminal or C-terminal ATP pocket as antitumor drugs. We reviewed the data from experimental and clinical trials on Hsp90 inhibitors in the treatment of different malignancies to explore and summarize their antitumor mechanisms.
Innovative Solutions for the Control of Leishmaniases: Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Wagner Victoria , Minguez-Menendez Aida , Pena Joan , Fernández-Prada Christopher
Published: June 2019

Background:

Leishmania are sandfly-transmitted protozoan parasites that harbour within the macrophages
of a mammalian host and cause leishmaniasis, a serious zoonotic disease that threatens the lives of millions
worldwide. Its numerous forms (cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral) are currently treated with a sparse
arsenal of drugs, specifically antimonials, amphotericin B, miltefosine, and paromomycin, for which drug resistance
and clinical failure are rampant. Medicine is presently trending towards nanotechnology to aid in the successful
delivery of drugs. Vehicles such as lipid-based nanocarriers, polymer-based nanoparticles, and metal ions
and oxides have been previously demonstrated to improve bioavailability of drugs and decrease toxicity for the
patient. These cutting-edge solutions can be combined with existing active molecules, as well as novel drugs or
plant extracts with promising antileishmanial activity.

Conclusion:

This review explores the current evidence for the treatment of leishmaniases using nanoscale drug
delivery systems (specifically lipid-, polymer- and metal-based systems) and encourages further development of
the aforementioned nanotechnologies for treatment of Leishmania.
Nanoparticles Functionalized with Venom-Derived Peptides and Toxins for Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: dos Santos Ana P. , de Araújo Tamara G. , Rádis-Baptista Gandhi
Published: June 2019

Venom-derived peptides display diverse biological and pharmacological activities, making
them useful in drug discovery platforms and for a wide range of applications in medicine and pharmaceutical
biotechnology. Due to their target specificities, venom peptides have the potential to be developed
into biopharmaceuticals to treat various health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension,
and chronic pain. Despite the high potential for drug development, several limitations preclude the direct
use of peptides as therapeutics and hamper the process of converting venom peptides into pharmaceuticals.
These limitations include, for instance, chemical instability, poor oral absorption, short halflife,
and off-target cytotoxicity. One strategy to overcome these disadvantages relies on the formulation
of bioactive peptides with nanocarriers. A range of biocompatible materials are now available that
can serve as nanocarriers and can improve the bioavailability of therapeutic and venom-derived peptides
for clinical and diagnostic application. Examples of isolated venom peptides and crude animal
venoms that have been encapsulated and formulated with different types of nanomaterials with promising
results are increasingly reported. Based on the current data, a wealth of information can be collected
regarding the utilization of nanocarriers to encapsulate venom peptides and render them bioavailable
for pharmaceutical use. Overall, nanomaterials arise as essential components in the preparation of
biopharmaceuticals that are based on biological and pharmacological active venom-derived peptides.
High Mobility Group Box 1: An Immune-regulatory Protein
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Sun Tianle , Wu Shengdi , Liu Yufeng
Published: June 2019

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) presents in almost all somatic cells as a component of the cell nucleus. It is necessary for transcription regulation during cell development. Recent studies indicate that extracellular HMGB1, coming from necrotic cells or activated immune cells, triggers inflammatory response whereas intracellular HMGB1 controls the balance between autophagy and apoptosis. In addition, reduced HMGB1 can effectively mediate tissue regeneration. HMGB1, therefore, is regarded as a therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarized and discussed the immunomodulatory effect of HMGB1.
New Insight into the Mechanisms of Ginkgo Biloba Extract in Vascular Aging Prevention
Authors: Li Xiaoxue , Lu Liuyi , Chen Jie , Zhang Chao , Chen Hong , Huang Hui
Published: June 2019

Background:

Aging-associated vascular dysfunction promotes cardiovascular diseases.
Recently, Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has attracted considerable attention in the prevention of aged
vasculature.

Methods:

This review discusses the pathophysiological alterations in aged vasculature and the underlying
mechanisms of GBE in vascular aging suppression.

Results:

Both arterial stiffening and endothelial dysfunction are critical aging-related vascular phenotypes
that result in the progression of cardiovascular diseases in the general population. Consistent oxidative
stress and inflammatory reaction lead to vascular dysfunction. GBE ameliorates aging-related
vascular dysfunction, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The main effects of GBE
in aged vasculature might be associated with the longevity signaling pathways. GBE also attenuates the
progression of vascular aging in diabetes mellitus via regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism.

Conclusion:

GBE plays an important role in the prevention of vascular aging process. It is a promising
therapeutic approach to ameliorate aging-related vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.