bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient development of practically usable thermo-photo sensitive genic male sterile lines in wheat through doubled haploid breeding
Authors: Li Hongsheng , Li Shaoxiang , Abdelkhalik Sedhom , Shahzad Armaghan , Gu Jian , Yang Zhonghui , Ding Mingliang , Liu Kun , Zhao Hong , Yang Mujun
Published: January 2020

Background: Two-line hybrid wheat system using thermo-photo sensitive genic male sterility (TPSGMS) is now a dominant and promising approach of wheat heterosis utilization in China. However, during past twenty years only several TPSGMS lines have been capable of practical application in hybrid wheat breeding and production, which reduced the opportunities and efficiency of creating hybrids with strong heterosis. Introducing doubled haploid (DH) breeding could be a helpful strategy to efficiently develop practically usable TPSGMS lines. Results: F 1 s and selected F 2 and F 3 sterile plants from eight crosses made from two commercial TPSGMS lines were used to produce DH lines by using the wheat × maize system. Twenty four elite sterile lines possessing stable sterility, good outcrossing and yield potential, resistance to yellow rust and powdery mildew, and desirable plant height (50-60 cm) were obtained within 4 years through at least one year evaluation. Twenty from twenty four elite lines showed stable sterility in repeated tests of two or three years, will be selected for hybrid breeding. The percentage of elite lines within total tested DH lines produced from filial generations was in the order of F 2 > F 3 > F 1 in this study. Conclusions: Our study shows that DH breeding is more efficient for the selection of traits controlled by recessive gene(s) compared with conventional breeding, especially for the sterility of TPSGMS wheat. Coupling DH techniques with conventional breeding would be an efficient strategy for developing practically usable wheat TPSGMS lines in respect to number and saving time, which is helpful for further improving the efficiency of wheat hybrid breeding. Producing DHs from F 2 generation appeared to be the better choice considering the balance of shortening breeding time and overall breeding efficiency.
Theory of Mind, emotion recognition, delusions and the quality of the therapeutic relationship in patients with psychosis – a secondary analysis of a randomized-controlled therapy trial.
Authors: Mehl Stephanie , Hesse Klaus , Schmidt Anna-Christine , Landsberg Martin Wilhelm , Soll Daniel , Bechdolf Andreas , Herrlich Jutta , Kircher Tilo , Klingberg Stefan , Mueller Bernhard , Wiedemann Georg , Wittorf Andreas , Woelwer Wolfgang , Wagner Michael
Published: January 2020

Background: Cognitive models of psychosis postulate an important role of Theory of mind (ToM) in the formation and maintenance of delusions, but research on this plausible conjecture has gathered conflicting findings. In addition, it is still an open question whether problems in emotion recognition (ER) are associated with delusions. We examined the association of problems in ToM and ER with different aspects of delusions in a large sample of patients with psychosis enrolled in a therapy trial. This also enabled us to explore the possible impact of ToM and ER on one part of patients’ social life: the quality of their therapeutic relationship. Methods: Patients with psychotic disorders and delusions and/or hallucinations (n=185) and healthy controls (n=48) completed a ToM picture sequencing task and an ER task. Subsequently, patients were enrolled in a randomized-controlled Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) trial (ISRCTN29242879). Patients and therapists rated the quality of the therapeutic relationship during the first five sessions of therapy. Results: In comparison to controls, patients were impaired in both ToM and ER. Patients with deficits in ER experienced more severe delusional distress, whereas ToM problems were not related to delusions. In addition, deficits in ER predicted a less favorable therapeutic relationship and interactional problems viewed by the therapist. Impaired ER also moderated (increased) the negative influence of delusions on the therapeutic relationship and interactional difficulties viewed by the therapist. Conclusions: Cognitive models on the formation and maintenance of delusions should consider ER as a potential candidate that might be related to the formation and maintenance of delusional distress, whereas problems in ToM might not be directly related to delusions and secondary dimensions of delusions. In addition, problems in ER in patients with psychosis might have an impact on the quality of the therapeutic relationship and patients with problems in ER are more likely to be viewed as problematic by their therapists. Nevertheless, training ER might be a way to improve the quality of the therapeutic relationship and potentially the effectiveness of CBT or other interventions for patients with psychosis.
Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on short-term prognosis of 227 pyogenic liver abscess patients after hospitalization
Authors: Du Zhaoqing , Zhou Xinchen , Zhao Junzhou , Bi Jianbin , Ren Yifan , Zhang Jia , Lin Yuxin , Wu Zheng , Lv Yi , Zhang XuFeng , Wu Rongqian
Published: January 2020

Background: Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an inflammatory disease with increasing incidence. When it occurs with diabetes mellitus (DM), risk of recurrence and the mortality may increase. However, the effect of DM on short-term prognosis of PLA patients after hospitalization remained unknown. Methods: 227 PLA patients who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from January 2011 to January 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. They were divided into two groups as DM group (n=61) and Non-DM group (n=166). In the DM group, HbA1C level <7% was considered to be good-control of glycaemia (n=23). The clinical characteristics and overall short-term survivals were analyzed. Results: The proportion of PLA patients with DM was 26.87%. In the DM group, there was a higher incidence of hypertension and Candida spp. infection. Conservative administration and percutaneous drainage were mainly used in patients with good- (60.87%) and poor-control (60.53%) of glycaemia, respectively. During follow-up, 24 (10.57%) died due to uncontrolled systemic infections and other serious complications. Compared with PLA patients without DM, patients in the DM group had significantly increased 6-month mortality rate after discharge (Log-Rank test, P =0.021). Poor-control of glycaemia did not reduce the six-month survival, while the recurrence rate of PLA within three months showed an almost 3-fold increase (13.16% vs. 4.35%). Further multivariate analyses found that DM was the only independent risk factor for the PLA six-month survival (odd ratio [OR]: 0.097, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.018-0.526, P =0.007). However, the blood glucose level had no significant effect on the short-term survival of PLA patients with DM (Log-Rank test, P =0.218). Conclusions: In PLA patients, DM aggravated short-term mortality and blood glucose levels should be well controlled.
Adiposity reduces the risk of osteoporosis in Chinese rural population: the Henan Rural Cohort Study
Authors: Tian Huiling , Pan Jun , Qiao Dou , Dong Xiaokang , Li Ruiying , Wang Yikang , Tu Runqi , Abdulai Tanko , Liu Xiaotian , Hou Jian , Zhang Gongyuan , Wang Chongjian
Published: January 2020

Background: Adiposity plays a crucial role in the risk of osteoporosis. However, the impact of body fat distribution on the skeleton is contentious. The study was designed to explore the association of various adiposity indices on estimated bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of osteoporosis based on body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR), and visceral fat index (VFI).
Methods: A total of 8475 subjects derived from the Henan Rural Cohort Study were analyzed. The estimated BMD of study participants were measured by calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Linear and binary logistic regression was performed to estimate the association of adiposity and the outcomes.
Results: The mean age of the study participants was 55.23 ± 11.09 years and 59.61% were women. The crude and age-standardized prevalence of high risk for osteoporosis was 16.24% and 11.82%. Per unit increment in adiposity indices was associated with 0.005-0.021 g/cm2 increase in estimated BMD. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for high osteoporosis risk in per 1 SD increase of WC, WHR, WHtR, BMI, BFP, and VFI were 0.820 (0.748, 0.898), 0.872 (0.811, 0.938), 0.825 (0.765, 0.891), 0.798 (0.726, 0.878), 0.882 (0.800, 0.972), and 0.807 (0.732, 0.889), respectively. Stratified analyses indicated greater effects on individuals aged 55 years or more.
Conclusions: The adiposity indices have an inverse association with the risk of osteoporosis among Chinese rural population, especially in the elderly.
Keywords: Adiposity; Bone mineral density; Osteoporosis; Rural population
Influence of childcare attendance on the development of two-year-olds in a Brazilian birth cohort study
Authors: Leão Otávio Amaral de Andrade , Silveira Mariângela Freitas da , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues , Murray Joseph , Neumann Nelson Arns , Dalabona Caroline Caus , Mielke Gregore Iven , Dâmaso Andréa Homsi
Published: January 2020

Background: The first years of life are the most important for human development, which is influenced by diverse factors, such as childcare attendance. Yet, little is known about the longitudinal influence of childcare in diverse domains of development. The aim of the present study was to assess the development and to measure potential influences of childcare attendance in two-year-olds from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Methods: The present study used longitudinal data from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Childhood development at two-year-olds was assessed throughout INTER-NDA (INTERGROWTH-21st Neurodevelopment Assessment). Childcare attendance was measured at ages 1 and 2 years old and categorized as: a) never went to childcare; b) attended some childcare (either at 12 or 24 months); c) always attended childcare (both 12 and 24 months). Demographic, socioeconomic, health, and child stimulation variables were considered as confounders. Crude and adjusted analysis of childcare attendance and early childhood development were performed using linear regression. Results: Among the 3,870 infants included in the analyses, around 2/3 never went to childcare. In the crude analyses, any exposure to childcare was positively associated with development, except for in the motor domain. It was also perceived a trend positive association and higher mean values for the always category. In the adjusted analyses only children who always went to childcare had higher development scores in the total (β: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06; 0.28), cognitive (β: 0.10, 95% CI:-0.003; 0.21) and language (β:0.10, 95% CI:-0.003; 0.21) domains, even after adjustment for stimulation variables. Conclusions: This study suggests that childcare may help improve early childhood development. The association was particularly strong for the total global development domain, even after adjusting for stimulation, but there was no association with motor development. Considering the low prevalence of children in childcare, and that it may support child development it is recommended to improve childcare opportunities in early childhood.
The first case of feline cytauxzoonosis in Germany: clinical description and molecular confirmation
Authors: Panait Luciana Catalina , Stock Graham , Globokar Majda , Balzer Jörg , Groth Bernhard , Mihalca Andrei Daniel , Pantchev Nikola
Published: January 2020

Background Cytauxzoonosis is gaining clinical importance in recent years, being described as an emerging tick-borne disease of domestic and wild felids caused by protozoans of the genus Cytauxzoon . While in the Americas the condition is described as a fatal disease, in Europe, reports on the clinical expression of the infection are scarce. This study describes the first case of Cytauxzoon sp. infection in a domestic cat in Germany. Methods Clinical and laboratory findings, and molecular and DNA sequencing results were collected from a domestic cat suspected for cytauxzoonosis after the microscopic examination of a blood smear. Results A 6-year-old male domestic cat living in Saarlouis (Germany) was presented with a history of recent anorexia and weight loss. The cat had an outdoor lifestyle and had not travelled abroad. Serum clinical chemistry analysis revealed azotaemia with markedly increased symmetric dimethylarginine, hypercreatinemia, hyperphosphatemia and hypoalbuminemia. Moreover, a mild non-regenerative anaemia was present. Approximately one year prior these findings, the patient was diagnosed with a FIV infection. These results point toward a decreased glomerular filtration rate, presumably as a result of a kidney dysfunction. Therefore, a glomerulonephropathy was suspected. Round to oval signet-ring shaped intraerythrocytic organisms, morphologically suggestive for a piroplasm, were revealed during blood smear evaluation with a degree of parasitaemia of 32.95%. PCR analyses and sequencing of the partial 18S gene confirmed the presence of a Cytauxzoon sp. infection, with 99-100% nucleotide sequence identity with previously published Cytauxzoon sp. isolates. Conclusion This study provides the first case of molecularly confirmed Cytauxzoon sp. infection in a domestic cat in Germany and describes the clinical picture of the disease in association with FIV infection. These findings suggest that cytauxzoonosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of anaemia in domestic outdoor cats, particularly in areas where wild felid populations are present.
Acupuncture treatment for carotid atherosclerotic plaques: protocol for a randomized, blind clinical trial
Authors: Zhou Junhe , Zhao Lin , Meng Lingcui , Liang Huitao , Zhou Ting , Ye Siting , Qi Zhiqi , Huang Xichang , Zhou Peng , Fu Wenbin
Published: January 2020

Background: Carotid atherosclerosis disease (CAD) is generally associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents. However, CAD has not been taken seriously enough in the clinic, which, coupled with the single treatment and prevention of CAD, has led to a generally low level of patient compliance. Therefore, acupuncture is expected to be a safe and effective therapy that can be maintained in the long term for patients with CAD. Methods: This is a three-arm randomized clinical trial. Three groups (TA, SA and MC) will be randomly allocated at a 1:1:1 ratio. The study will enrol 105 cervical atherosclerosis plaque patients in total on a voluntary basis, with 35 patients in each group. The treatment will last for 12 weeks with 2 treatments per week for 24 treatments in total. Results: Two 3D ultrasound indicators will be measured as the primary outcomes: the total plaque volume (PV) of the carotid artery on each side and the grey-scale median (GSM). The secondary outcomes will include intima-media thickness (IMT), lipid levels, apolipoprotein A-IV level, platelet count (PLT), fibrinogen (FIB) and platelet aggregation rate (PAR). All the outcomes will be assessed before treatment, after treatment and after a 12-week follow-up period. This study will utilize per-protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis principles. Conclusions: This trail is to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of acupuncture in relieving carotid atherosclerotic plaques by establishing acupuncture (TA), sham-acupuncture (SA) and medication (MC) groups.
Transcriptome sequencing and comparative analysis for mining genes related to flower color variation in Iris laevigata Fisch.
Authors: Wang Dan , Yu Song , Yang Juan , Wang Ling
Published: January 2020

Background: Iris laevigata Fisch. (Iridaceae) is an important aquatic plant with dark blue flowers. I. laevigata var. alba Ling Wang, L. Su & F. J. Shang is especially rare, it has white perianths with white anthers with a blue tinge. I. laevigata var. alba provides a good reference material for revealing complex and variations in anthocyanin catabolism networks. Modern molecular biology technology will facilitate the study of the mechanisms underlying metabolite variation. However, molecular research on I. laevigata is limited due to the lack of sequence data.Results: In this study, RNA-Seq was performed on I. laevigata and I. laevigata var. alba at flowering stage. Two libraries were sequenced using Illumina Hiseq 2000 platform. Clean data of each sample reached 7.01 Gb. A total of 64,537 unigenes were obtained afterassembly, including 28,936 unigenes annotated to seven public databases. Then, 143 unigenes were putative homologs to color-related genes, including 1 up-regulated and 12 down-regulated unigenes. Combined with reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR), a number of important color-related genes were tested. In perianths, 5 flavonoids (4 anthocyanins and 1 flavone) were detected using HPLC at flowering stage. Then, the putative anthocyanin metabolic process of flowering stage and differential genes related to flower color variation were put forward. A new hypothesis about the absence of phenotypic color of I. laevigata var. alba was proposed. It was suggested that the loss of anthocyanin was due to the interaction of multiple genes. First, upstream metabolic fluxes were redistributed by up-regulated CHI. Second, synergism of down-regulated genes (F3H/DFR/ANS) and competition for substrates between DFR and FLS resulted in relatively low biological flux and multi-shunt of metabolic pathways. As a result, the anthocyanins content in I. laevigata var. alba is very limited, which leads to the variation of flower color phenotype.Conclusions: This study provides mass sequence data by the deep sequencing of I.laevigata and I. laevigata var. alba for the first time. Combined with the detection and metabolite analysis of flavonoids, it will increase our understanding of the molecular mechanism of the phenotypic variation in I. laevigata var. alba and provide the basis for molecular breeding of unique flower colors.
The prevalence and associated factors on timely initiation of breastfeeding among mothers of children age less than 12 months in Wolaita Sodo City, Wolaita, Ethiopia.
Authors: Gargamo Daniel Baza , Hidoto Kasahun Taffesse , Abiso Temesgen Lera
Published: January 2020

Background : timely initiation of breastfeeding, also known as early initiation, is the provision of a mothers own breast milk to her infant within one hour of birth. In Ethiopia, there is a considerable variation in the timely initiation of breastfeeding practices among different regions. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of timely initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers of infants less than 12 months old in Wolaita Sodo City, Wolaita, Ethiopia. Methods: Community based cross-sectional study design was conducted. Multi stage sampling procedure was used. The study period was from January to March 2019. Data was collected by interviewer administered pretested questionnaire. Both bivariate and multivariate analysis was employed and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was used to declare statistical significance at P- value of less than 0.05.Results: A total of 383 mothers with children less than 12 months age were included in the study making the response rate of 97.7 %. The prevalence of timely initiation of breast feeding within an hour was 80.2% . Being male child was 3.39 times AOR: 3.39, 95% CI: 3.39(1.49, 7.71) more likely to be timely initiated breast feeding within an hour than those who are female children. Those children who live with nuclear family are 3.49 times AOR: 3.49, 95% CI: 3.49 (1.09-11.12) more likely to be timely initiated breast feeding than those who live with extended families. Mothers who were delivered vaginally were 4.67 times more likely AOR: 4.67, 95% CI :( 1.92-11.33) to initiate their child breast feed within an hour than those who were delivered by cesarean section. Likewise mothers who counseled about timely initiation of breast feeding within an hour during ANC were 4.76 times AOR: 4.76, 95% CI (2.06-10.98) more likely to initiate their child breast feeding within an hour than those mothers who were not counseled about timely initiation of breast feeding during ANC visits Conclusion : The finding of this study showed that prevalence timely initiation of breast feeding was relatively good. Keywords : timely initiation of breastfeeding, infants from birth to 12 months, Wolaita Sodo City, Ethiopia.
Subjective Cognitive Complaints and Permanent Work Disability: A Prospective Cohort Study of 7,161 Employees in Primarily Knowledge-intensive Occupations with an up to Eight-Year Follow-up
Authors: Pihlajamäki Minna , Arola Heikki , Ahveninen Heini , Ollikainen Jyrki , Korhonen Mikko , Nummi Tapio , Uitti Jukka , Taimela Simo
Published: January 2020

Background: Work disability (WD) is a medico-legal concept that refers to disability benefits (DB) granted due to diseases. We assessed whether subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) – presenting as self-rated difficulties of concentration, memory, clear thinking and decision making – predict permanent WD in knowledge-intensive occupations. Methods: We combined the SCC questionnaire results with reliable registry data on the DBs of 7,161 professional/managerial employees (46% females). We excluded employees who were on long-term sickness absence (SA) or had received a DB at baseline. The exposure variable was the presence of SCC. Age and SA before the questionnaire as a proxy measure of general health were treated as confounders and the analyses were conducted by gender. The outcome variable was a granted DB. The cumulative incidence function illustrates the difference between SCC categories, and the Fine-Gray model estimates the predictors of WD during the eight-year follow-up. Results: The most common primary reasons for permanent WD were mental (36%) and musculoskeletal (20%) disorders. SCC predicted DB in both genders when controlling for age and prior SA. Hazard ratios were 2.9 with a 95% confidence interval 1.4-6.0 for the females and 3.7 (1.8-7.9) for the males. After eight years, 3.1% of the females and 2.8% of the males in the abnormal SCC category had received a DB, while the respective figures in the reference category were 1.9% and 1.0%. Conclusion: Subjective cognitive complaints predict permanent WD in knowledge-intensive occupations among professional/managerial employees. This finding has implications for supporting work ability among employees with cognitively demanding tasks.
The association between Cardiovascular Diseases and Its risk factors in Levels of Smoking: Results of a Prospective Study on Ravansar Non-Communicable Diseases
Authors: Hamzeh Behrooz , Faramani Roya Safari , Najafi Farid , Pasdar Yahya , Shakiba Ebrahim , Darbandi Mitra
Published: January 2020

Background: smoking is a strong confounder associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and many of the associated risk factors. This study aims to investigate the association between the risk factors of CVD across different level of smoking including former smoker, current smoker and never smokers.Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the first phase data from the Prospective Study of Non-Communicable Diseases in Ravansar (RaNCD), on 10063 adults aged 35 to 65. The smoking status was divided into three groups of current smokers, former smokers, and never smokers, and the smoking intensity was categorized into light, moderate, and heavy. Individuals with a history of myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and coronary artery diseases, or those who took CVD medications were considered as a cardiovascular patient. Covariates were identifies via Logistic regression.Findings: CVD odds in 50-65 age group in current smokers 2.75 times (1.62-4.67:95%CI) the 35-49 age group, in former smokers 1.74(1.04-2.90:95%CI) and in never smokers 2.16(1.83-2.56:95%CI). In women, CVD odds was greater compared to men in current smokers and never smokers. In current smokers, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, increased the odds of CVD by OR=7.87 – P<0.0001, OR=1.47 – P=0.23, and OR=1.81 – P<0.0001, respectively. In former smokers, hypertension (OR=14.15, P<0.0001) and diabetes (OR=2.74, P=0.0001) significantly increased the odds of CVD. On the other hand, vigorous physical activity in former smokers was a protective factor against CVD (OR=0.53, P<0.0001). In heavy smokers, odds of CVD was higher by OR=1.97 – P<0.0001 for those with overweight or obesity. Conclusion: Smoking was significantly association with the risk factors of CVD and the association between smoking and the risk factors of CVD was significantly differ across different levels of smoking.
A school-based educational on-site vaccination intervention for adolescents in an urban area in Germany: Feasibility and psychometric properties of instruments in a pilot study
Authors: Bethke Norma , Gellert Paul , Knoll Nina , Weber Niklas , Seybold Joachim
Published: January 2020

Background: Vaccination rates for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio (Tdap-IPV) are not optimal in German adolescents. Education in combination with easy access vaccination may be a promising approach to improve vaccination rates. In a planned cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT), we aim at improving MMR and Tdap-IPV rates together with knowledge and self-efficacy in a school setting, the present paper describes the pilot study of this trial.Methods: Within this pilot study, 863 students from 41 school classes from four schools were included. Optimization and feasibility of the access to schools, recruitment strategies, intervention, and assessment procedures are examined. The course and content of the educational unit was evaluated with a mixed-methods approach. A pre-post measurement design was applied for the vaccination rate in all schools. Additionally, at two schools improvement on vaccination-related knowledge and perceived self-efficacy were measured pre- (n=287) and post- (n=293) educational unit by questionnaire. The remaining two schools provided data only post intervention. Finally, we evaluated the psychometric properties (i.e., reliability, retest reliability, change rates) of the questionnaire, applying Cronbach’s alpha, factor analyses, Generalized Estimating Equations and Linear Mixed Models.Results: Findings of the pilot study indicated good feasibility. Of the total sample, 437 students (50.9%) brought their vaccination cards to school, 68 students were vaccinated with Tdap-IPV, 11 with MMR. Out of 6 knowledge questions, on average students had M=2.84 (CI 2.69/3.10) correct answers before and M=4.45 (CI 4.26/4.64) after class. Ranging from 1 to 4, self-efficacy scale shown a change of 0.3 points (p <.001) and Cronbach’s alpha was .67 and .76 for pre- and post-educational unit respectively and a one-factor solution was found. Content analysis of the five semi-structured group interviews (n=12, 58.3% female) showed that the length of the intervention was felt by all students to be appropriate. The teaching methods including interactive and social media components were perceived as very good.Conclusion: A school-based educational and on-site vaccination intervention appears to be feasible in terms of procedures and the adequacy of the instruments for the adolescent target group.
Comparison of Healthcare Utilization and Out-of-pocket Expenditure for Severe Disease by Health Security System: based on End-stage Renal Disease in South Korea
Authors: Shin Sun Mi
Published: January 2020

Background: Korea's health security system named National Health Insurance and Medical Aid has revolutionized the nation's mandatory health insurance and continues to reduce excessive copayments. However, few have been studied on healthcare utilization and expenditure according to the health security system in case of severe disease. This study looked at reverse discrimination within End-Stage Renal Disease between National Health Insurance and Medical Aid. Methods: Subjects were a total of 305 diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease in Korea Health Panel from 2008 to 2013. Chi-square, t-test, and ANCOVA were conducted to identify healthcare utilization rate, out-of-pocket expenditure, and catastrophic expenditure rate. Fixed effect panel analysis was used to evaluate total out-of-pocket expenditure over a 6-year trend by National Health Insurance and Medical Aid. Results: There were no significant differences in healthcare utilization rate in emergency-room visits, admission, or out-patient department visits between National Health Insurance and Medical Aid because healthcare service was essential for a serious disease such as End-Stage Renal Disease. Meanwhile, each out-of-pocket expenditure for admission and out-patient department in National Health Insurance was 2.6 and 3.1 times higher than Medical Aid (P<0.05). A total of out-of-pocket expenditure including emergency-room visits, admission, out-patient department visits, and prescribed drug expenditure was 2.9 times higher in National Health Insurance than those of Medical Aid (P<0.001). Over a 6-year trend for a total of out-of-pocket expenditure, subjects with National Health Insurance spent more than those of Medical Aid (P<0.01). If annual household gross income was less than the median and subjects were covered by National Health Insurance, the catastrophic health expenditure rate was 85.9%, but 47.1% in Medical Aid (P<0.001). Conclusion: Serious disease such as End-Stage Renal Disease can result in reverse discrimination depending on the type of health security system. It is necessary to consider those who belong to National Health Insurance but are still poor. Key words: National Health Insurance, Medical Aid, Healthcare utilization, Out-of-pocket expenditure, End-stage Renal Disease, Catastrophic health expenditure
Gene mutation and drug resistance of M. tuberculosis in the patients followed up in the city of Moscow
Authors: Krasnova M. A. , Belilovsky E. M. , Borisov S. E. , Khakhalina A. A. , Mikhaylova Yu. D. , Nosova E. Yu.
Published: January 2020

The article describes a retrospective study of the results of microbiological and molecular genetic tests of 685 M. tuberculosis cultures isolated from 685 adult tuberculosis patients registered for dispensary follow-up in Moscow in 2014.

The following was identified during the study: phenotypic drug resistance (FDR) of MTB to rifampicin, isoniazid, fluoroquinolones, kanamycin, amikacin, and capreomycin in groups of patients with different treatment history; the frequency of FDR to the above anti-tuberculosis drugs in strains with mutations being drug resistance markers; the frequency of various mutations in case of FDR of mycobacteria in the patients from different groups; the relationship of FDR or the presence of a particular mutation with various characteristics of the patients and their treatment history.

The history of previous treatment was determined as statistical significance to provide the greatest influence on the spread of drug resistant MTB: patients undergoing repeated treatment had FDR more often and also a much more pronounced variety of mutations being markers of FDR to certain anti-tuberculosis drugs.

The results of the study showed that the detection of genetic mutations in MBT associated with FDR was a reliable tool for predicting phenotypic resistance and should be used as the main method for selecting anti-tuberculosis drugs when compiling the etiotropic therapy regimen.
Economic losses as a result of premature mortality from tuberculosis among employable population in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
Authors: Zorina S. P. , Kondratieva O. D. , Vinokurova M. K.
Published: January 2020

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18F-FDG PET and PET-CT as Methods of Diagnosis and Efficacy Estimation of Antitumor Treatment
Authors: Smol’yaninova A.K. , Moskalets E.R. , Yatsyk G.A. , Kostina I.E. , Bogolyubskaya A.S. , Gabeeva N.G. , Gemdzhian E.G. , Tatarnikova S.A. , Badmadzhapova D.S. , Zvonkov E.E.
Published: January 2020

Background. Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is a rare malignant tumor. Initial examination aimed at detecting all primary lesions is an indispensable prerequisite for the choice of optimal antitumor treatment. Standard methods of diagnosis (X-ray, CT, and MRI) are not always adequate to measure the real tumor mass. Another well-known characteristic feature of PBL is a challenge in evaluating the effect of its treatment because of residual changes in the bones of most patients. However, the data on using 18F-FDG PET, another method of metabolic imaging, in PBL are rather rare in accessible literature. Aim. To study the specific use of PET with 18F-FDG at initial examination and efficacy estimation of PBL treatment. Materials & Methods. The trial included 21 PBL patients who received PET with 18F-FDG at initial examination and a month after the end of treatment. The results of 18F-FDG PET imaging were compared with the data obtained by means of structural diagnostic methods (CT and MRI) and the analysis of biopsy samples with pathologic lesions. Results. Intensive uptake of 18F-FDG(SUVmax 8.6-40.1, mean SUVmax 23.5), according to PET data, was reported in all patients in those tumor lesions which were identified by the structural diagnostic methods and confirmed by biopsies. Besides, each of 21 cases showed pathologic infiltration of adjacent soft tissues with high metabolic activity. In PET-CT with 18F-FDG 13 further tumor localizations were revealed in 8 (38 %) patients. On completing the therapy, according to CT and MRI data, residual changes were observed in all (n = 21, 100 %) patients. The residual metabolic activity in the involved bones was identified in 13 (62 %) patients (SUVmax 2.91-8.7, mean SUV 4.2). In 4 of them the residual lesions were subjected to biopsy. None of 4 cases was reported to show tumors. Only in 1 out of 13 patients with residual metabolic changes a tumor relapse was detected. Overall 10-year survival in the groups of patients with and without FDG+ residual changes was 91 % and 100 %, respectively, with insignificant differences (p = 0.39). Conclusion. PET-CT with 18F-FDG is a highly sensitive technique for evaluating the primary lesion volumes in PBL patients. In 100 % of bone and soft tissue lesions an intensive uptake of 18F-FDG was observed. At the same time our study showed persistent metabolic activity on completing antitumor treatment in more than a half of patients, and in most of them it was not caused by tumor. Therefore, in our view, ongoing residual metabolic activity in PBL cannot always be regarded as an indication for continued treatment or consolidation radiotherapy.
Crucial Role of BAALC-Expressing Progenitor Cells in Emergence and Development of Post-Transplantation Relapses in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Mamaev Nikolai Nikolaevich , Shakirova A.I. , Barkhatov I.M. , Gudozhnikova Ya.V. , Gindina T.L. , Paina O.V. , Zubarovskaya L.S. , Afanas’ev B.V.
Published: January 2020

This article presents data demonstrating frequent BAALC hyperexpression, also in combination with WT1 hyperexpression, in children and adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Treatment included allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The analysis of serial measurements of BAALC and WT1 expression level in 50 AML patients (37 adults and 13 children) showed that the increased BAALC expression is more common in patients with M1, M2, M4, and M5 FAB variants of AML with equal frequency in adults and children. Furthermore, the increased BAALC expression was rather common in combination with the increased WT1 expression, which predicted poorer prognosis. Since BAALC expression level in AML patients is closely related to AML-producing progenitor cells of leukemia hematopoiesis, a serial study of this phenomenon offers insights into the role of these cells in emergence and development of post-transplantation relapses, which is of both theoretical and practical importance.
Risk Factors for Rehospitalizations after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Drokov Mikhail Yur’evich , Dmitrova A.A. , Kuzmina L.A. , Vasil’eva V.A. , Mikhaltsova E.D. , Koroleva O.M. , Usikova E.V. , Parovichnikova E.N. , Savchenko V.G.
Published: January 2020

Aim. To assess the rehospitalization data of patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), to determine possible risk factors for rehospitalization, and to work out a strategy of post-transplantation follow-up for this category of patients. Materials & Methods. From 2009 to 2019 at the National Research Center for Hematology 418 patients received allo-HSCT. The final analysis included 374 patients who were discharged from hospital after allo-HSCT. The reasons for rehospitalizations of patients with allo-HSCT within 30 days after their hospital discharge were subjected to analysis. Independent risk factors for rehospitalizations were identified by the Cox model. Risk density was visually estimated within 365 days after hospital discharge with the purpose of working out the optimal strategy of post-transplantation follow-up for this category of patients. Results. The probability of rehospitalization within 30 days after hospital discharge was 30.7 % for all patients with allo-HSCT. The data assessment showed that the majority of rehospitalizations (55.7 %) were associated with infectious complications. Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) during the first hospitalization, i.e. immediately after allo-HSCT during the hospital stay, proved to enhance the probability of rehospitalizations within 30 days after hospital discharge by 1.7 times compared with the patients without acute GVHD. Conclusion. The leading cause of rehospitalizations of patients with allo-HSCT within 30 days after hospital discharge was acute GVHD which occurred before, i.e. during the first hospital stay. The data obtained demonstrate the necessity of close monitoring of a patient’s status within the first 120 days after discharge from the hospital where allo-HSCT was performed.
Assessing Skills of Identifying Variables and Formulating Hypotheses Using Scenario-Based Multiple-Choice Questions
Authors: TEMİZ Burak
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the
effectiveness of scenario-based multiple-choice questions to assess students’
science process skills. To achieve this objective, a test with 32 scenario-based
multiple-choice questions evaluating students’ skills in formulating hypotheses
and identifying variables was prepared and administered to 370 high school
freshmen. The questions were involved experiments with two different parts.
Both parts of the experiments had the same dependent variable, and in each part
the effect of a different manipulated variable on the dependent variable was
examined. Therefore, the variables changed roles within the same experiment. In
evaluating the test, questions about the first part of the experiments were
coded A, and questions about the second part of the experiments were coded B.
When the students' scores from the code A and code B items were compared,
statistically significant differences were found. Analysis of the data revealed
that some students were affected by the different roles played by the variables
in the different parts of the experiment.
Applications of endophytic-fungal-isolates from velamen root of wild orchids in floriculture
Authors: Deepthi Azhanthanilkunnathil S. , Ray Joseph G.
Published: January 2020

The velamen roots are quite extensively growing and profusely branched organ of adaptation in epiphytic orchids. The endophytic-fungi in such roots are believed to have growth-promoting influence, especially on the roots itself. However, an application of the same in the cultivation of the ornamental orchids is not yet sufficiently tried. The present report deals with the growth promoting effects of endophytic fungi of the velamen roots of a wild epiphytic orchid Acampe praemorsa on an ornamental orchid, Dendrobium sp. The five endophytic fungal species, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma atroviride, Endomelanconiopsis endophytica and Diaporthe eucalyptorum isolated from the velamen roots of the epiphytic orchid, A. praemorsa were found to be potent producers of the hormone indole-3-acetic-acid (IAA). The endophytic fungi were identified by morphological and molecular methods. The nucleotide sequences of the identified strains were deposited in the GenBank. The growth-promoting influence of them was tested on an ornamental orchid Dendrobium sp. Experimental assessment of nutrient uptake, chlorophyll content, and biomass of the leaves of the treated plants after 45 days of inoculation confirmed the growth promoting effects. The amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the treated plants showed a significant increase from the control. The fungus E. endophytica showed a significant increase in the chlorophyll content in the leaves of treated plants; T. asperellum and D. eucalyptorum showed a significant increase in the fresh-weight of treated plants, whereas T. asperellum and E. endophytica significantly increased the dry weight of leaves in treated plants. Overall, the experiment proved that the endophytic fungal isolates from the wild orchid A. praemorsa synthesize bioactive compounds including IAA that can promote growth in ornamental orchids such as Dendrobium sp. Thus the endophytic fungal isolates from wild orchids are proved significant in orchid floriculture.
Rare clinical case of esophageal atresia in a newborn
Authors: Morozov V. I. , Podshivalin A. A. , Chigvinsev G. E. , Zykova M. A. , Batyrshina L. I. , Bobyleva E. V.
Published: January 2020

Esophageal atresia is a malformation in which the upper and lower segments of the esophagus are separated. In this case, one or both segments may have a connection with the trachea.

Purpose: to familiarize medical practitioners with a rare clinical case of esophageal atresia. The clinical variant of esophageal atresia presented in the publication has not yet been described in the medical literature; according to the clinical characteristics, it is most consistent with type 3B according to the classification of E. Vogt. Diagnosis and treatment of this malformation is carried out according to the previously developed standard protocol for diagnosis and treatment. The key diagnostic method is thoracoscopy, in many cases the malformation is detected intraoperatively (the main diagnostic method).

The history of a sick child, a characteristic of clinical symptoms, data of paraclinical research methods, methods and favorable treatment results are provided.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: experience in pediatric gastroenterology
Authors: Zakharova I. N. , Borzova E. Yu. , Simakova M. A.
Published: January 2020

Human organism is considered as a symbiotic microorganism according to the standpoint of modern science which number of commensal microbes is many times greater than the number of host cells. Normal human microbiota is involved in many physiological processes in the organism, and dysbiosis is associated with the development of a number of diseases. The accumulated knowledge about the composition of the normal microbiome allowed to suggest that its modification can change the course of the disease, and so the study of probiotics was initiated. One of the most studied probiotic strains is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (GG), ATCC 53103, isolated in 1985. Due to the strain’s resistance to acid and bile, good growth characteristics and the ability to adhere to the intestinal epithelial layer, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is most widely used in a variety of commercially available probiotic products. The article provides a review of the literature on the studies of this probiotic in the treatment and prevention of gastroenterological pathology in children, in particular, current evidence of the effectiveness of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, as well as the results of studies in necrotizing enterocolitis, functional disorders of the intestine, in the eradication therapy for infection caused by Helicobacter pylori.
Epidemiology of the syncope in children and adolescents in elite sport (EPISODE-S research)
Authors: Makarov L. M. , Komolyatova V. N. , Kiseleva I. I. , Aksenova N. V. , Besportochnyi D. A. , Balykova L. A. , Parshina T. S.
Published: January 2020

Study purpose.To determine the prevalence of syncope among young elite athletes.

Material and methods.In the course of the study “Epidemiology of the syncope in children and adolsceents in elite sport (EPISODE-S)” ** 1687 young elite athletes 16.3±1.5 years old, members of the Russian National teams from 52 sports discipline were surveyed. Control group was 1732 nonathletes the same age and gender.

Results.113 (6.7%) athletes had syncope (girls – 73.5%). More often, syncope registered in basketball (10.5%), judo (10.3%), rhythmic gymnastics (9.1%), figure skating (8.0%), volleyball (7.4%). According to the results of questioning in schools, syncope was noted in 4.2% of students. In all cases among athletes syncope had neurally mediated (reflex) nature by the results of the additional examination. Four out of 1687 athletes (0.24%) had the long QT syndrome, but they haven’t got syncope.

Conclusions.1. In the young elite athletes prevalence of syncope is 6.7% (4.2% for non-athletes) and significantly more common in girls (11.6% vs. 3.4%). More often, syncope occurs in sports where tall athletes are selected (basketball, volleyball) or strict weight control is required (rhythmic gymnastics, figure skating, judo). The majority of the young athletes has benign neurally mediated nature of syncope and doesn’t need restrict for the sport, but the first of all they require the exclusion of diseases with a high risk of sudden cardiac death.

**Epidemiology of thesyncope in children and adolsceents in elitesport (EPISODE-S)
Markers of genomic instability in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Makarova T. P. , Ilina M. S.
Published: January 2020

Research purpose. To determine the state of the genome instability in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and to assess its dependence on biological (age and sex) and clinical (form and variant of the flow of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, its activity, duration, functional class and serotype of the patient) parameters.

Material and methods: 95 children were surveyed. Among them, 68 (39 girls and 29 boys) – with various forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, 12 – without treatment (at the stage of verification of the diagnosis). The control group consisted of 15 conditionally healthy children aged 3 to 16 years. To assess the genome instability, the method of determination of micronuclei in peripheral blood binuclear lymphocytes under the conditions of a cytochalasin block (in vitro) was used.

Results: All examined children in the active form of the disease showed a significant increase in the level of binuclear lymphocytes with micronuclei in lymphocytes compared with a group of conditionally healthy children. The maximum values of this indicator were observed in the age group from 5 to 10 years and in children with a disease duration of up to 1 year. As the activity of the process increases, the level of binuclear lymphocytes with micronuclei rises. After treatment, a significant decrease in the indicator content was detected in patients with the II degree of disease activity in both cases of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Conclusion. Statistically significant increase in the level of binuclear lymphocytes with micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes may indicate the formation of genome instability in children as a pathogenetic part in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.