bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of vitamin D and FGF23 with serum Ferritin in hypoparathyroid thalassemia: A case control study
Authors: Saki Forough , Salehifar Azita , Kassaee Seyed Reza , omrani gholamhossein Ranjbar
Published: December 2019

Background FGF23 controls serum l,25(OH) 2 D 3 levels and phosphate homeostasis. This study evaluates the effects of Ferritin on intact PTH, FGF23 and l,25(OH) 2 D 3 in patients with major thalassemia. It also evaluates FGF23 changes in patients with hypoparathyroidism to clarify the interaction between FGF23 and PTH in the absence of proper PTH function in human.Methods In this case-control study, 25 patients with major-beta thalassemia with hypoparathyroidism and their age- and gender-matched patients with major-beta thalassemia having normal parathyroid function were enrolled. Biochemical studies assessed the serum calcium, albumin phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, PTH, FGF23, 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D3, Ferritin and Fractional excretion of phosphorous.Results FGF23 was higher in the patients with hypoparathyroidism compared to the controls (p=0.002). Fractional excretion of phosphorous was lower in patients with hypoparathyroidism, despite the high level of FGF23(p=0.001). There was a correlation between serum1, 25(OH)2D3, and FGF23 with ferritin in the controls ( P =<0.001and P =<0.001, respectively).Conclusions The present study showed a strong positive correlation between serum ferritin and FGF23 and 1,25(OH)2D3. We hypothesized that ferritin could have stimulatory effect on production of 1,25(OH)2D3. Also, rise in FGF23 in patients with thalassemia, might be associated with either stimulating effect of PTH and 1,25(OH)2D3, or might be related to direct stimulating effect of ferritin.
Proportion of NAFLD patients with normal ALT value in overall NAFLD patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Xuefeng , Liu Shousheng , Zhang Jie , Dong Mengzhen , Wang Yifen , Wang Mengke , Yongning Xin
Published: December 2019

Background ALT value is often used to reflect hepatic inflammation and injury in NAFLD patients, but many studies suggested that ALT values are normal in many NAFLD patients. The aim of this study was to identify the summarized proportion of NAFLD patients with normal ALT value in the overall NAFLD patients.Methods Electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library were searched for potential studies published from January 1, 2000, to September 30, 2019. We included studies that have reported the number of NAFLD or NASH patients with normal and abnormal ALT to allow our calculation. Abstracts, reviews, case reports, and letters were excluded.Results A total of 11 studies with 4084 patients were included for calculating the summarized proportion of NAFLD patients with normal ALT in overall NAFLD patients. As the results shown, the summarized proportion of NAFLD patients with normal ALT value in overall NAFLD patients was 25% (95%CI: 20% - 31%) according to the calculation by random-effects model. The summarized proportion of NASH patients with normal ALT value in overall NASH patients was 19% (95%CI: 13% - 27%). Subgroup analysis include region, type of study, diagnostic method, and group size were conducted to investigate the resource of heterogeneity in the summarized proportion of NAFLD and NASH patients with normal ALT value.Conclusions 25% NAFLD patients and 19% NASH patients possess the normal ALT value in the clinical manifestation. The value of ALT in the clinical diagnosis of NAFLD and NASH remains need be further testified.
A novel approach to conducting clinical trials in the community setting: Utilizing patient-driven platforms and social media to drive web-based patient recruitment
Authors: Applequist Janelle , Burroughs Cristina , Ramirez Artemio , Merkel Peter A. , Rothenberg Marc E. , Trapnell Bruce , Desnick Robert J. , Sahin Mustafa , Krischer Jeffrey P.
Published: December 2019

Background: Participant recruitment for clinical research studies remains a significant challenge for researchers. Novel approaches to recruitment are necessary to ensure that populations are easier to reach. In the context of rare diseases, social media provides a unique opportunity for connecting with patient groups that have representatively lower diagnosis rates when compared with more common maladies. We describe the implementation of designing a patient-centered approach to message design for the purposes of recruiting patients for clinical research studies for rare disease populations. Methods: Using an iterative research approach, we analyzed our previous experience of using web-based direct-to-patient recruitment methods to compare these online strategies with traditional center of excellence recruitment strategies. After choosing six research studies for inclusion in the previous study, in-depth, online interviews ( n = 37) were conducted with patients represented in each disease category to develop and test recruitment message strategies for social media and a Web-based platform for patients to access study information and pre-screen. Finally, relationships were established with Patient Advocacy Groups representing each rare disease category to ensure further dissemination of recruitment materials via their own social media networks. Results: Guided by social marketing theory, we created and tested various recruitment message designs. Three key message concepts preferred by patients emerged: (1) infographic; (2) positive emotional messages; and (3) educational information for sharing. A base study website that was created and edited based on qualitative user-testing. This website includes the option for potential participants to pre-screen and determine their eligibility for the study. Conclusions: Study participants report wanting to be involved in the design and implementation of recruitment approaches for clinical research studies. The application of the aforementioned methods could aide in the evolution of clinical research practices for the recruitment of both rare and common diseases, where patient-centric approaches can help to create targeted messages designs that participants pre-test and support.
A new decellularized tendon scaffold for rotator cuff tear – Evaluation in Rabbits
Authors: Santos Alex de Lima , Silva Camila Gonzaga da , Barreto Leticia Siqueira de Sá , Leite Katia Ramos Moreira , Tamaoki Marcel Jun Sugawara , Ferreira Lydia Massako , Almeida Fernando Gonçalves de , Faloppa Flavio
Published: December 2019

Background Scaffolds have shown considerable progress in recent years. In orthopaedic surgery, scaffolds have been used as grafts in procedures involving tendon and ligament reconstruction. This paper aims to produce and evaluate decellularized tendon scaffolds from biomechanical, microscopic, macroscopic and in vivo perspectives.Methods Bilateral gastrocnemius muscle tendons from 18 (eighteen) adult New Zealand rabbits were collected. Of these 36 (thirty-six) tendons, 11 (eleven) were used as controls (Group A), and 25 (twenty-five) were used in the decellularization protocol (Group B). The groups were subjected to histological, biomechanical and macroscopic analyseis, and group B was subjected to an additional in vivo evaluation. Regarding the decellularization protocol, we used a combination of aprotinin, EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, 0,1% w/v), SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) and Triton X-100 (t-octyl-phenoxypolyethoxyethanol) for six days. During the six days, the scaffold was kept at room temperature on a shaker with constant rotation.Results The decellularized tendon scaffold showed an increased cross-sectional area and inter-fascicular distance, without changing parallelism or matrix organization. The nuclear material was not organized in the decellularized tendon scaffolds, as it was in the control. In the biomechanical analysis, a significant difference was not found between the groups after analysis of ultimate tensile load, stiffness, and elongation at the ultimate tensile load. During the in vivo evaluation, infiltration of mononuclear cells was noted.Conclusions The evaluated decellularization protocol efficiently made a decellularized tendon scaffold, maintained the most important biomechanical characteristics and permitted cell infiltration.
Data Quality on Expanded Programme on Immunization in Pertussis Outbreak Affected District: The Case of Dara Malo woreda, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Argaw Mesele Damte , Desta Binyam Fekadu , Tsegaye Zergu Taffesse , Mitiku Aychiluhim Damtew , Atsa Afework Ayele , Tefera Bekele Belayihun , Rogers Deirdre , Teferi Ephrem , Abera Wondwosen Shiferaw , Ali Ismael , Kora Zelalem Abera , Setegn Sisay , Anara Amare Assefa , Sinamo Tadelech , Muloiwa Rudzani
Published: December 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of immunization data and monitoring system in the Dara Malo district (woreda) of Gamo Administrative Zone, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia. Method: a cross-sectional study was conducted from August 4 to September 27, 2019 in Dara Malo District. The district was purposively selected during the management of a pertussis outbreak based on the hypothesis ‘there is no difference in reported and recounted immunization status of children 7 to 23 months in Dara Malo District of Ethiopia’. A quality index (QI) and proportions of completeness, timeliness and accuracy ratio of the first and third doses of pentavalent vaccines and the first dose of measles-containing vaccines (MCV) were made. Results: in this study 336 month-facility data were extracted. In addition, 595 children aged 7 - 23 months, with a response rate of 94.3%, were assessed and compared for immunization status using register and immunization cards or caretakers’ oral report through the household survey. The ratio of vaccination data compared using tallies against the reports showed evidences of over reporting with 50.8%, 45.1% and 46.5% for first pentavalent, third pentavalent and first dose of measles vaccinations, respectively. Completeness of third dose of pentavalent vaccinations were 95.3%, 956% and 100.0% at health posts, health centers and at the district health office, respectively. The QI scores ranged between 61.0% and 80.5% for all five categories, namely, 73.0% for recording, 71.4% for archiving and reporting, 70.4% for demographic information, 69.7% for core outputs and 70.4% for data uses and were assessed as suboptimal at all levels. Conclusion: The immunization data completeness was found to be optimal. However, in the study area, the accuracy, consistency, timeliness and quality of monitoring system were found to be sub-optimal. Therefore, poor data quality has led to wrong decision making during the reported pertussis outbreak management. Enhancing the capacity of healthcare providers on planning, recording, archiving and reporting, analyzing, and use of immunization data for evidence-based decision making is recommended.
Independent Prognostic Indicators in the Elderly with Pneumonia: A Single-Center Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Surme Serkan , Balkan Ilker Inanc , Bayramlar Osman Faruk , Ali Ritvan Kara , Mete Bilgul , Can Gunay , Tabak Fehmi , Saltoglu Nese
Published: December 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate poor prognostic indicators in the elderly with pneumonia. Methods: In this prospective observational study, the patients with pneumonia were stratified into younger (18-64 years) and older (≥65 years) groups. The poor prognostic indicators were determined and compared. Results: There were 184 pneumonia episodes in 155 patients. The median age of the cases was 72 (range, 18-104) of whom 127 (69%) were ≥65 years old and 110 (59.8%) were male. Mental status changes were more common in the elderly group (p=0.04). Multivariate regression analysis determined three variables that could be potential independent risk factors for poor prognosis in the elderly: dyspnea at the onset (OR:5.85, CI:5.18-6.52, p=0.01), previous antibiotic use within the last 3 months (OR:2.97, CI:2.51-3.43, p=0.02), acute renal failure (OR:2.51, CI:2.06-2.96, p=0.04). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the area under the curves (AUC) of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein (CRP) as indicators of poor prognosis in the elderly were 0.846 (p<0.001) and 0.650 (p=0.008) respectively. In addition, mental status changes (p<0.001), the confusion, blood urea nitrogen, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and age ≥65 years (CURB-65) score (p<0.001), and the pneumonia severity index (PSI) (p<0.001) were associated with poor prognosis. Conclusion: Dyspnea at the onset, previous antibiotic use within the last 3 months, acute renal failure, serum CRP and procalcitonin levels along with the PSI and the CURB-65 scores should be carefully evaluated in terms of hospitalization, the need for intensive care unit admission and the initial antimicrobial therapy.
Amygdalin promotes the activity of T cells to suppress the progression of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Ruoyu , Zhang Dong , Sun Kewei , Peng Jianping , Zhu Wenfang , Yin Sihan , Tang Dan , Wu Yunan
Published: December 2019

Purpose Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a high-risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cellular immune responses are essential for HCC development, and the CD4+ and CD8+ T subtypes are identified as the primary anti-tumor immune cells. In the study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of amygdalin in the cellular immune response in HBV-related HCC and HCC progression.Methods The cell proliferation was examined by MTT analysis. Cells metastasis ability was detected by Invasion and migration assays. Quantification of apoptotic cells was performed with Flow cytometer assay. The protein levels of p-STAT3, STAT3, p-JAK2, and JAK2 were detected by performing immunoblotting assays.Results We demonstrate that amygdalin treatment could rescue the HBV-T cell viability and IFN-γ and TNF-αproduction. In HBV-T cells, the MFI levels of CD8+ are lower than that in NC-T cells. Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of STAT3 and JAK2 are higher in HBV-T cells, compared to those in NC-T cells, and then reduced by amygdalin treatment. Co-culture with HBV-T cells could reduce IFN-γ and TNF-α, production while increase IL-6 and IL-10 production in HepG2.2.15 cells; these alterations could be partially reversed by amygdalin pretreatment. Finally, co-culture with HBV-T cells significantly promoted the cell viability, inhibited the apoptosis, and promoted the migration of HepG2.2.15 cells, and these alterations could be partially reversed by amygdalin treatment.Conclusion Our findings provide a rationale for further studies on the functions and mechanism of amygdalin inhibiting HBV-related HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration via T cell-mediated tumor immunity.
Phosphate starvation enhances phagocytosis of Mycobacterium bovis/BCG by macrophages.
Authors: Espinosa-Cueto Patricia , Magallanes-Puebla Alejandro , Mancilla Raul
Published: December 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important health problem worldwide. The only available TB vaccine is Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin, a saprophytic mycobacterium that activates the innate and the acquired immune system after being phagocytosed by macrophages and dendritic cells. BCG vaccination fails to prevent adult pulmonary TB although it may have a protective effect in childhood TB. Understanding how BCG interacts with macrophages and other immunocompetent cells is crucial to develop new vaccines. In this study we showed that macrophages phagocytose Mycobacterium bovis/BCG bacilli with higher efficiency when they are cultured without phosphate. The increased phagocytosis is associated with diminished phagosome acidification. We isolated mycobacterial cell wall and membranes to search for mycobacterial molecules that could be involved in these processes; by immunoblot, it was found that the plasma membranes of phosphate-deprived bacilli express the adhesins PstS-1, LpqH, LprG, and the APA antigen. These proteins are not detected in membranes of bacilli grown with usual amounts of phosphate. The interest of our observations is to show that under the metabolic stress implied in phosphate deprivation, mycobacteria respond upregulating adhesins that could improve their capacity to infect macrophages. These observations are relevant to understand how M. bovis/BCG induces protective immunity.
Construction of ceRNA co-expression network and screening of molecular targets in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhao Hui , Wang Zhanwei , Yang Xi , Liu Jin , Zhuang Jing , Han Shuwen
Published: December 2019

Objective to screen some RNAs that correlated with colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods Differentially expressed miRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs between cancer tissues and normal tissues in CRC were identified using data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were performed to do the functioal enrichment analysis. And a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed wich correlated with CRC. RNAs in this network were subjecte to analyze the relationship with the patient prognosis.Results A total of 688, 241, and 103 differentially expressed genes (diff-mRNA), diff-lncRNA, and diff-miRNA were obtained. between cancer tissues and normal tissues. A total of 315 edges were obtained in the ceRNA network. lncRNA RP11-108K3.2 and mRNA ONECUT2 correlated with prognosis.Conclusion The identified RNAs and constructed ceRNA network could provide great sources for the reasearches of therapy the CRC. And the lncRNA RP11-108K3.2 and mRNA ONECUT2 may serve novel prognostic predictor of CRC.
Avian leukosis virus subgroup J infection influencing composition of probiotics within chicken gut microbiota
Authors: Chen Yuan , Ni Jiajia , Li Hongwei
Published: December 2019

Background: Avian leukosis virus (ALV) is one of the major causes of disease in poultry. Probiotics play a critical role in animal health maintenance. Studies have indicated that viral infection can alter the composition of chicken gut flora. We hypothesized that the ALV-J infection could alter Probiotics composition in chicken fecal bacterial microbiome. To test is, we performed high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and evaluated gut flora proﬁles from the feces of ALV-J infected and healthy chickens. Results: Relative abundance at the phylum and species levels was calculated. The phylum Proteobacteria was expressed in higher abundance in ALV-J infected chickens than in healthy chickens. Additionally, the abundance of the opportunistic pathogen, Propionibacterium acnes, significantly increased in ALV-J infected chickens. Interestingly, ALV-J infection tended to be significantly decreased by the probiotics Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus reuteri. Conclusions: The study indicated ALV-J infection significantly altered the gut microbiota distribution in chickens. It also showed that ALV-J infection significantly influenced composition of the probiotics including Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus reuteri in chicken gut, which implied that to relieve avian leucosis subgroup J, microbiota-targeted therapies such as probiotic supplements are required.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards viral haemorrhagic fevers amongst healthcare workers in urban and rural public healthcare facilities in the N’zérékoré Prefecture, Guinea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Raab Manuel , Pfadenhauer Lisa M. , Millimouno Tamba Jacques , Hoelscher Michael , Froeschl Guenter
Published: December 2019

Introduction: The 2013-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa began in Guinea’s Forest region, a region now considered to be at high risk for future epidemics of viral haemorrhagic fevers. Good knowledge, attitudes and practices towards viral haemorrhagic fevers amongst healthcare workers in such regions are a central pillar of infection prevention and control. To inform future training in infection prevention and control, this study assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards viral haemorrhagic fevers amongst healthcare workers in public healthcare facilities in the most populated prefecture in Forest Guinea, and compares results from urban and rural areas. Methods: In June and July 2019, we interviewed 102 healthcare workers in the main urban and rural public healthcare facilities in the N’zérékoré prefecture in Forest Guinea. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from validated KAP surveys. Results: The great majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge and favourable attitudes towards viral haemorrhagic fevers. However, respondents reported considerable gaps in preventive practices, a shortage of protective medical equipment used in everyday clinical work in both urban and rural healthcare facilities and a lack of training in infection control and prevention, especially in rural healthcare facilities. Conclusions: Three years after the end of the Ebola epidemic, our findings suggest that public healthcare facilities in the N’zérékoré prefecture in Forest Guinea still lack essential protective equipment and adequate training in viral haemorrhagic fever infection prevention and control. Especially rural areas seem to be affected of this lack. To minimize the risk of future viral haemorrhagic fever epidemics and other outbreaks of infectious diseases in the region, current efforts to strengthen the public healthcare system in Guinea should supply enough protective medical equipment and ensure that regular IPC trainings have a positive impact and that preventive practices are followed in everyday clinical work.
The epidemiology of heart failure in the general Australian community - Study of Heart failure in the Australian Primary carE setting (SHAPE): methods
Authors: Parsons Richard Whaddon , Liew Danny , Neville A Munro , Audehm Ralph G , Haikerwal Deepak , Piazza Peter , Lim Kevin , Sindone Andrew P
Published: December 2019

Background: There is a paucity of information on the epidemiology of heart failure (HF) in Australia. The Study of Heart failure in the Australian Primary carE setting (SHAPE) study aims to estimate the prevalence and annual incidence of HF in the general Australian community and to describe the demographic and key clinical profile of Australians with HF. Methods: We undertook a retrospective cohort study based on analysis of non-identifiable medical records of adult patients cared for at 43 general practices between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2018. Data were extracted from coded (diagnosis, pathology and prescription fields) and uncoded fields (clinical notes) in the medical records. The latter searches of free text looked for common synonyms relevant to HF. The population was stratified into three groups based on a hierarchy of selection criteria: (1) definite HF, (2) probable HF and (3) possible HF. The prevalence and annual incidence of HF were calculated, along with 95% confidence intervals. Results: The practices provided care to 2.3 million individual patients over the five-year study period, of whom 1.93 million were aged 18 years and above. Of these patients 16,930 were classified as having ‘definite HF’, 4873 as having ‘probable HF’ and 36,517 as having ‘possible HF’. A further 40,992 were identified as having an aetiological condition associated with HF. These estimates accord with findings in similar populations from other countries. Among ‘active patients’ (regular attenders of a practice), the crude prevalence of HF was 1.813% (95%CI:1.79–1.84%), and the age-standardised prevalence was 2.199% (95%CI:2.168-2.23%). The annual incidence was 0.291% (95%CI:0.286–0.296%), and the age-standardised annual incidence was 0.348% (95%CI:0.342–0.354%). The estimates of prevalence and incidence suggest that almost 420,000 people were living with HF in Australia in 2017, and over 66,000 new cases of HF occurred that year. Conclusions: This novel approach to undertaking retrospective research of primary care data successfully analysed a combination of coded and uncoded data from the electronic medical records of patients routinely managed in the GP setting. SHAPE is the first real-world study of the epidemiology of HF in the general Australian community setting.
Work related low back pain and associated factors among hairdressers in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; cross-sectional study.
Authors: Tsegay Gebrerufael Solomon , Gebremeskel Berihu Fisseha , Gezahegn Selam Desalegn , Teklemichael Desalegn Massa
Published: December 2019

Background Low back pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions and the most common cause of disability. Hairdressers are one of the high-risk professionals for work-related musculoskeletal disorders like low back pain. However, studies on the prevalence and associated factors of low back pain among hairdressers are scarce. The objective of the current study is to assess the magnitude and associated factors of work related low back pain among hairdressers working in female beauty salons.Method An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed from January 05 up to February 28, 2018. The sample (n=344) hairdressers were selected randomly from all-female beauty salons of Mekelle city. A structured questionnaire adapted from a standardized Nordic questionnaire and other similar studies was used. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with low back pain. The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was estimated to show the strength of association. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.Result A total of 314 hairdressers participated, with a 91.3% response rate. The study found that the self-reported 12 months prevalence of work related low back pain was (47.5%) with 95%CI (41.8- 53.1). Awkward way working posture [AOR: 2.6, 95%CI (1.41- 4.62)], working greater than 4 days in a week [AOR: 7.98, 95%CI (2.54-25.09], hair washing job category [AOR: 4.35, 95%CI (1.87-10.12)], having adjustable washing basin [AOR: 0.30, 95%CI (0.151-0.587)] and job stress [AOR: 2.75, 95%CI (1.61-4.72)] were factors that shows a statically significant association with low back pain.Conclusion This study found that work-related low back pain is a major health problem among hairdressers.Working in awkward postures, more working days per week, hair washing job category and job stress show strong association with work related low back pain, whereas using adjustable height washing basin has a protective effect for low back pain. Responsible bodies need to give attention to prevent low back pain among hairdressers by giving on job training related to comfortable working posture and utilization of ergonomically designed tools.
Factors contributing to health care utilization and health care costs in the long term after stroke. Secondary results from the Life After Stroke (LAST) study, a pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Døhl Øystein , Halsteinli Vidar , Askim Torun , Gunnes Mari , Hansen Hege Ihle , Indredavik Bent , Langhammer Birgitta , Phan Ailan , Magnussen Jon
Published: December 2019

Background The result from the Life After Stroke (LAST) study showed that an 18-month follow up program as part of the primary health care, did not improve maintenance of motor function for stroke survivors. In this study we evaluated whether the follow-up program could lead to a reduction in the use of health care compared to standard care. Furthermore, we analyse to what extent differences in health care costs for stroke patients could be explained by individual need factors (such as physical disability, cognitive impairment, age, gender and marital status), and we tested whether a generic health related quality of life (HRQoL) is able to predict the utilisation of health care services for patients post-stroke as well as more disease specific indexes. Methods The Last study was a multicentre, pragmatic, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Adults (age ≥18 years) with first-ever or recurrent stroke, community dwelling, with modified Rankin Scale <5. The study included 380 persons recruited 10 to 16 weeks post-stroke, randomly assigned to individualized coaching for 18 months (n=186) or standard care (n=194). Individual need was measured by the Motor assessment scale (MAS), Barthel Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Gait speed. HRQoL was measured by EQ-5D-5L. Health care costs were estimated for each person based on individual information of health care use. Multivariate regression analysis was used to analyse cost differences between the groups and the relationship between individual costs and determinants of health care utilisation. Results There were higher total costs in the intervention group. MAS, Gait speed, HADS and mRS were significant identifiers of costs post-stroke, as was EQ-5D-5L. Conclusion Long term, regular individualized coaching did not reduce health care costs compared to standard care. We found that MAS, Gait speed, HADS and mRS were significant predictors for future health care use. The generic EQ-5D-5L performed equally well as the more detailed battery of outcome measures, suggesting that HRQoL measures may be a simple and efficient way of identifying patients in need of health care after stroke and targeting groups for interventions. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01467206.
Microbial community dynamics in the recirculating nutrient solution of tomato plug seedlings cultivated under ebb-and-flow system
Authors: Dong Chun-Juan , Li Qian , Wang Ling-Ling , Shang Qing-Mao
Published: December 2019

Background: The ebb-and-flow system has ability to recirculate water and nutrients, and offers a good method to control nutrient leaching from greenhouses into the environment. However, the potential for the rapid spread of bacterial and fungal pathogens is the main hindrance for its adoption in vegetable seedlings production. Natural microflora has often shown a certain ability to suppress diseases.Results: Here, through 16S rRNA- and ITS1-targeted Illumina sequencing, the dynamic changes in bacterial and fungal communities in the recirculating nutrient solution were characterized for tomato plug seedlings cultivated in an ebb-and-flow system in summer and winter. Both bacterial number and microbial diversity in the nutrient solution increased with recirculating irrigation, and these changes differed between summer and winter. Pseudomonas was among the most predominant bacterial genera in the nutrient solution; its relative abundance gradually increased with recycling in summer but decreased dramatically in winter. In summer, the predominant bacteria also included Comamonas and Sediminibacterium , whose relative abundances in the nutrient solution decreased and increased, respectively. In winter, the nutrient solution was also colonized by Sphingomonas , predominantly at the late stage of irrigation. Among fungi, Amanita and Trichoderma were predominant in both summer and winter. Amanita gradually increased in summer but decreased rapidly after the first irrigation cycle in winter, whereas Trichoderma accumulated rapidly at the late stage of irrigation in both summer and winter. Alternaria and Fusarium were predominant in the nutrient solution only in summer, with the former decreased and the latter increased with recirculating irrigation. Moreover, Pseudomonas mediterranea , a potentially pathogenic bacterium, and Fusarium oxysporum , a fungal pathogen were present predominantly in winter and summer, respectively. Some potentially beneficial microbes functioning in plant-growth promotion and water self-purification, such as Sphingobium xenophagum , Trichoderma harzianum , and T. virens , were identified to be increased in the recirculating nutrient solution.Conclusions: The present data elucidate the bacterial and fungal dynamics in an ebb-and-flow system and provide useful information for pathogen control during tomato seedling production.
Adaptive Information Assimilation using Convolutional Neural Network for Forecast of Breast Cancer from Electronic Health Records
Authors: J Senthil Kumar Kumar , K Kamala Devi , J Raja Sekar
Published: December 2019

Purpose Data acquired from cancer based Electronic Health Records (EHRs) shows key statistics on cancer affected persons. To estimate the impact of the cancer on those persons, we need to extract vital information from those pathology health records. It is an exhaustive procedure to carry out because of large volume of records and data acquired for a continuous period of time.Methods This research portrays, the investigation of convolutional neural network (CNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) techniques for extracting topographic codes from the pathology reports of breast cancer. Investigations are carried out using conventional frequency vector space method and the deep learning techniques such as CNN. The learning experience of those algorithms were absorbed on a set of 730 pathology reports.Results We perceived that the CNN technique reliably outperformed the conventional frequency vector methods. It is also observed that it causes the micro and macro average performance to increase up to 0.119, and 0.101, while considering the populated class labels for the CNN model. Unambiguously, the top performing CNN approach attained a micro-F score of 0.821 over the considered topography codes.Conclusion These promising outcomes reveals the prospective of deep learning approaches, particularly CNN for estimating the impact of the cancer from the pathology reports compared to conventional SVM approach. More advanced and accurate approaches to effectively improve the accuracy in information extraction are needed.
Utility and safety of cobalt chromium needles for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Uchimura Keigo , Yamasaki Kei , Hara Sachika , Tachiwada Takashi , Kawanami Toshinori , Kisohara Akira , Yatera Kazuhiro
Published: December 2019

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a standard method for obtaining specimens of mediastinal and hilar lesions, and several types of needle of various sizes and materials are available. This study aimed to compare the utility and safety of two needles, cobalt chromium (CC) and stainless steel (SS), for EBUS-TBNA.
Methods: This retrospective study included data of patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA with a 22-gauge needle made from either SS (38 patients, 121 punctures) or CC (39 patients, 145 punctures), and procedure time, histological data, complication rates were compared.
Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in the baseline characteristics of the patients or lesions or in the complication rates. Although diagnostic yields in each patient who underwent EBUS-TBNA with the two needle types were similar, significantly shorter procedure time (22 min vs. 26 min, p = 0.007), diagnostic histologic sampling yield in each sample (71.0% vs. 58.7%, p = 0.039), fewer samples with cartilage alone (1.4% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.047) and fewer samples containing cartilage (7.6% vs. 16.5%, p = 0.034) were seen in the CC group compared with that in SS needle group.
Conclusion: Compared with SS needles, CC needle for EBUS-TBNA showed significant shorter procedure time and higher ratio of getting diagnostic histological specimens in each sample. This might be because of better ability of CC needle to puncture through the trachea and bronchial cartilage to get appropriate lymph node sampling.
Computed tomography-guided cutting needle biopsy for lung nodules: when the biopsy-based benign results are real benign
Authors: Hui Hui , Yin Hai-Tao , Zhou Yun , Xie Xiao-Mei , Wang-Yang Yu-Fan , Li Xing , Wang Tao
Published: December 2019

Background: Computed tomography (CT)-guided cutting needle biopsy (CNB) has been widely used for the diagnosis of lung nodules (LNs). The false-negative rate of CT-guided lung biopsy is reported to be up to 16%. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of true-negative results in LNs with CNB-based benign results.
Methods: From January 2011 to December 2015, 96 patients with CNB-based non-specific benign results were included in this study as the training group to detect predictors of true-negative results. From January 2016 to December 2018, an additional 57 patients were included as a validation group to test the reliability of the predictors.
Results: In the training group, a total of 96 patients underwent CT-guided CNB for 96 LNs. The CNB-based results were true-negatives for 82 LNs and false-negatives for 14 LNs. The negative predictive value of the CNB-based benign results was 85.4% (82/96). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that CNB-based chronic inflammation with fibroplasias (P = 0.013, hazard ratio = 0.110, 95% confidential interval = 0.019–0.625) was the independent predictor of true-negative results. The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.697 (P = 0.019). In the validation group, biopsy results for 47 patients were true-negative and 10 were false-negative. When the predictor was used on the validation group, the area under the ROC curve was 0.759 (P = 0.011).
Conclusions: Most of the CNB-based benign results were true-negatives, and CNB-based chronic inflammation with fibroplasias could be considered a predictor of true-negative results.
Impact of GTF2H1 and RAD54L2 gene polymorphisms on the non-small cell lung cancer with Platinum chemotherapy in high altitude areas
Authors: Li Miao , Chen Rong , Ji Baoyan , Fan Chunmei , Wang Guanying , Yue Chenli , Jin Guoquan
Published: December 2019

Background Repair pathway genes are closely related to the sensitivity of tumor patients to drugs. It is particularly important to study the correlation between non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and DNA repair gene (GTF2H1 and RAD54L2) in high altitude areas.Materials and methods Four SNPs on RAD54L2 and five SNPs on GTF2H1 were genotyped via the Agena MassARRAY in 506 age-and gender-matched patients with NSCLC and 510 healthy controls. The influence of GTF2H1 and RAD54L2 on lung cancer was assessed by logistic regression analysis. The effects of polymorphisms of these two genes on the efficacy and side effects of NSCLC patients with platinum-based chemotherapy were further evaluated.Results RAD54L2 rs9864693 GC heterozygote genotype was increased the risk of NSCLC (OR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.01 – 1.77, p = 0.045). Stratified analysis found that GTF2H1 rs4150667 promoted the risk of lung cancer in individuals younger than 59 years group (OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.00 – 1.75, p = 0.048). However, the individuals with GTF2H1 rs3802967 CT-TT reduced the risk of the lung squamous cell carcinoma by 32% (OR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.46 – 0.99, p = 0.045). The patients with GTF2H1 rs3802967 TT genotypes showed a significantly higher curative effect (OR = 2.65, 95%CI: 1.14 - 6.15, p = 0.023); patients with GTF2H1 rs3802967 TT genotypes showed a significantly lower risk of side effects (OR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.10 - 0.98, p = 0.047).Conclusion Our study indicated that RAD54L2 and GTF2H1 gene was associated with NSCLC susceptibility.
Anxiety Affect Aliens and Other Non-Paranoid Performances Against Capitalism
Authors: Tamler Cory
Published: December 2019

In 2014, the Institute for Precarious Consciousness published a number of propositions on the relationship between anxiety, precarity, and neoliberal capitalism. IPC argues that anxiety is the dominant affect of neoliberal capitalism and proposes consciousness-raising circles as a technique for combating anxiety, exposing anxiety as a “public secret,” and ushering in the new anxiety-fighting machine. Heeding the roots of consciousness-raising in feminist movements, this paper puts the IPC’s proposed approach in conversation with affect theory. What is the relationship between neoliberal capitalism and anxiety, and how can anxiety be brought, through performance, into a political phenomenology of the emotions in order to combat capitalism as the dominant ideology? Following Judith Butler’s use of Hannah Arendt’s view of action and simultaneous resistance to Arendt’s division of mind and body in her conception of public and private spheres, I ask: how can embodied techniques (in approaches such as Brechtian alienation and situational choreography) be used in conjunction with speech acts to address precarity’s effects on mind and body? Rather than seeking to subdue anxiety, I argue that breaking the cycle of affect production requires a praxis-based use of alienation, and the supplementation of paranoid approaches to criticism and activism with reparative approaches.
Categorizing Urban Form for the Largest Metro Regions in the U.S. Using the Excessive Commuting Framework
Authors: Schleith D. , Widener M. J. , Kim C. , Horner M. W.
Published: December 2019

The degree to which U.S. cities, metro regions, and general urbanized areas have distinct centres of economic activity has been a matter of debate for many decades. In the jobs–housing literature, there is related debate about whether having many distinct mixed-use centres in
cities leads to longer or shorter commutes. The excess commuting framework has been increasingly refined and applied to assess urban areas' jobs–housing balance. The framework has expanded over the years but an issue in the present research is whether its various theoretical measurements
and efficiency calculations might be used to assess the degree of poly- or mono-centricity of a region, thereby contributing to debates about what kind of urban form facilitates shorter commutes. In this paper, a suite of excess commuting (EC) measures are calculated for fifty-three of the
largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the U.S. From there a hierarchical clustering approach is developed and applied to demonstrate which of these metrics are most useful in describing urban form. We examine how these metrics perform for particular built environments, which gives
further insights into commuting and land use trends. Results of the research show how various urban forms have specific commuting outcomes: specifically, that polycentric urban forms have shorter average commute distances than sprawling ones. This should inform policy questions about the most
effective land-use planning strategies to pursue in efforts to manage travel demand via built environment interventions.
Comparación in vitro de la resistencia erosiva ácida a diferentes tiempos de dos ionómeros de restauración
Authors: Cosio Herbert , García Gladys , Lazo Liceth
Published: December 2019

Objetivo: Fue determinar in vitro la resistencia erosiva acida de dos ionómeros de restauración. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de tipo explicativo, experimental y longitudinal. Se prepararon 40 muestras de ionómeros de vidrio de restauración, distribuidos en dos grupos de a 20 para el Ionómero Ketac Molar y 20 para el Ionómero Fuji II.Se definió la variable resistencia erosiva acida a la capacidad de resistir que tiene el material de restauración, cuando es sometido a la erosión con ácido cítrico al 3%. Se usó el paquete estadístico SPSS 22 en español y se analizó la variable con pruebas de diferencia de grupo. Resultados: El ionómero Ketac molar tuvo una erosión acida del 10,8% en promedio y el ionómero Fuji II tuvo una erosión acidad de 18,6%. Se obtuvo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa con la prueba t de Student. Conclusiones: El ionómero de vidrio Ketac molar presenta una mayor resistencia a la erosión acida comparado con el ionómero Fuji II.
Capital structure construct: a new approach to behavioral finance
Authors: Anselmo Perez Reyes Jose , Reyna Miranda Montserrat , Vera-Martínez Jorge
Published: December 2019

Within the framework of behavioral finance, this research shows that financial behavior can be assessed as a cognitive construct. Using certain variables, a multidimensional “cognitive finance” construct can thus be established. Through a technological – psychometric type design with descriptive data analysis, a factor analysis is presented to determine which latent variables tend to charge significantly in order to assess the validity of the dimensions comprising the construct of capital structure and explore its dimensions in relation to financial theory. A 44-item questionnaire is adapted and applied to a sample of chief financial officers from diverse public and nonpublic companies in Mexico. The analysis reveals the existence of four construct dimensions consistent with corporate financial theory. The model helps to explain how decision-makers react to uncertainty and environmental conditions, directly affecting the valuation of firm’s losses or earnings. As evidenced by the results, application of the Item Response Theory to the field of behavioral finance could open up new avenues to the study of cognitive biases, involved in the financial decision-making process. Thus, this implies that behavioral finance can also be treated as “cognitive finance.”
Aleksandr Mikhaylovich Lila: «Treatment with genetically engineered biological preparations is a research project».
Authors: Golovina L.
Published: December 2019

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Authors: Hayat Al
Published: December 2019

latar belakang
INVENTARISASI TANAMAN BAMBU YANG TERDAPAT DI BALAI KEBUN RAYA BATURRADEN BANYUMAS JAWA TENGAH
Authors: Sukma Melisa Oktaviani , Lianah Lianah
Published: December 2019

Baturraden Botanical Garden (KRB) is a conservation area both ex-situ and in-situ of various plants in the Slamet Mountain area. KRB plays a role in saving various types of plants, one of which is the type of bamboo in the area is rarely updated data. This study aims to inventory which is used in evaluating data on the number and types of bamboo that are in the KRB collection. The study uses descriptive qualitative methods which include exploration, morphological observation, and measurement of environmental factors. Based on field data collection, 40 bamboo specimens were obtained in 17 species, of which there were 7 specimens from 5 species that have not been identified while 33 other specimens belong to 12 different species and 8 genera. The eight clans are Bambusa, Cephalostachyu, Chimonobambus, Dinochloa, Gigantochloa, Melocanna, Schizostachyum, and Semiarundinaria. Schizostachyum caudatum Backer ex K. Hene, Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz, Bambusa multiplex (Lour.) Raeusch. ex Schult. is the most commonly found bamboo. Morphological observations included roots, reeds, leaves and midribs. Environmental factors of the Baturraden Botanical Gardens in VAK III.B.I and VAK III.B.II meet the requirements for the growth and propagation of bamboo collections.