bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of PfHRP2 and PfPLDH Rapid Diagnostics Test for Diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum in Assosa Zone, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Gezahegn Solomon , Lopez Karen , Dieng Cheikh , Lo Eugenia , Janies Daniel , Golassa Lemu
Published: January 2020

Background Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease particularly due to Plasmodium falciparum (P.falciparum ). Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-Rich Protein 2 (PfHRP-2) and Plasmodium falciparum specific Lactate Dehydrogenase (PfPLDH) based rapid diagnostic test are commonly used for malaria diagnosis in malaria endemic countries where microscopic examination is scarce. However, there is limited information on the performance of malaria RDT in rural and semi urban area of Assosa zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the performance of PfHRP2 and PfPLDH RDT for diagnosis of falciparum malaria against microscopy as reference method. Methods Health-facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Assosa zone, Northwest Ethiopia from November to December 2018. A total of four hundred and six malaria-suspected participants attending Bambasi, Sherkole, Kurmuk and Assosa health-centers were tested. Finger-prick blood samples were collected for microscopy blood film preparation, RDTs and molecular diagnosis. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. Results Of the total study participants, 26.4% (107/406) were microscope confirmed P. falciparum positive. Using PfHRP2 and PfPLDH RDT, 30.3% (123/406) and 24.1% (98/406) were positive for P. falciparum, respectively. The sensitivity of PfHRP2 and PfPLDH was 96% and 89%, respectively, against microscope. The corresponding specificity rates of PfHRP2 and PfPLDH were 93% and 99%, respectively. Similarly, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value of PfHRP2 and PfPLDH RDT were 84%, 97%, 99% and 96%, respectively. There was an agreement between RDTs (PfPLDH and PfHRP2) and reference microscopy method with a kappa value of 0.86 and 0.90, respectively. Compared to qPCR, the specificity of PfHRP2 (93%) and PfPLDH RDT (98%) were high, though the respective sensitivity of PfHRP2(77%) and PfPLDH RDT(70%) were low. Conclusion PfHRP2 and PfPLDH showed reasonable agreement in detecting P. falciparum infections. Hence, currently used national malaria RDT kit can be continue to be used in certain malaria endemic areas in Ethiopia. However, Continuous monitoring the performance of PfHRP-2 RDT associated with false negative results is important to consider an alternative malaria RDT like PfPLDH RDT to support control and elimination of malaria in Ethiopia
Comprehensive Analysis of Imaging Features, Immunohistochemistry and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Xu Xi , Gan Qingxin , Zhang Lieguang , Huang Deyang , Yu Chengcheng , Liu Jinxin , Luo Liangping
Published: January 2020

Background: This study aims to provide clues for the preoperative and prognostic assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by comparing the imaging characteristics, immunohistochemistry and prognosis of HCC patients with and without HIV infection.Methods: The study reviewed two databases, one for HIV-HCC patients and the other for HCC patients who were not infected with HIV. The inclusion criteria were surgically resected and pathologically diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma patients from October 2013 to August 2016. This study collected 11 HIV-HCC patients (11 men; median age 45 years old, age range 33~71 years) and 11 HCC patients without HIV infection (11 men; median age 50 years old, age range 42~61 years). The image characteristics of HCC were analysed by computed tomography (CT) imaging. In addition, samples were obtained from resected specimens for immunohistochemical analysis, and the expression of glypican-3 (GPC-3), CD34 and Ki-67 were measured. The independent-samples t test, Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon test were used for comparisons. Kaplan-Meier plots were used for postoperative recurrence-free survival analysis.Results: The median diameter of the largest nodule was significantly larger in the HIV-HCC patients than in the HCC group (P=0.027). In addition, the HIV-HCC patients presented significantly higher CD34 and GPC-3 expression than the HCC patients (P=0.031, 0.007, respectively). Moreover, the postoperative recurrence-free survival time was significantly shorter in the HIV-HCC patients than in the HCC patients (Log-Rank test, c2=6.076, P=0.014), with respective median durations of 4 months and 28 months, respectively. Multivariate Cox model analysis revealed that GPC-3 expression and tumour size were independent prognosis factors in the HCC patients (HR = 4.506, 95% CI :1.247-16.278, P= 0.022; HR = 1.479, 95% CI :1.137-1.923, P = 0.022, respectively).Conclusion: Compared to HCC patients with non-HIV infection, HIV-HCC patients frequently present a larger tumour size and high expression of CD34 and GPC-3, which result in shorter postoperative recurrence-free survival. Observing the tumour expression of CD34, GPC-3, and Ki-67 and imaging characteristics could be helpful in providing a basis for the choice of treatment strategies and the prognosis evaluation of patients.
Expression of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Related Markers in Plasmacytoid Urothelial Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Nomura Shunichiro , Suzuki Yasutomo , Akatsuka Jun , Endo Yuki , Shimizu Akira , Hamasaki Tsutomu , Kimura Go , Kondo Yukihiro
Published: January 2020

Background Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma (PUC) of the urinary bladder is a variant of urothelial carcinoma that carries a poor prognosis. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been demonstrated to contribute to tumor progression. As the cause of the increased aggressiveness of PUC is unknown, we investigated PUC and EMT-related marker expression. the proportion of plasmacytoid variant histology Materials and Methods A total of 633 bladder carcinoma cases diagnosed from 2006 to 2014 at the Nippon Medical School Hospital were analyzed. Twelve patients were found to have plasmacytoid histology and diagnosed with PUC. Slides were evaluated for percentage of plasmacytoid variant, and stained for E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Fibronectin and Snail expression. Results The incidence of PUC was 1.9% (12/633). The median patient age at diagnosis was 71 years (range, 60–80 years) and the male-female ratio was 11:1. All but three patients had stage T2b or higher. The median overall survival was 10 months. In 10/12 cases, Snail and N-cadherin were positive. Vimentin was positive in 9/12 cases. Fibronectin was positive in 8/12 cases. While E-cadherin was negative in 10/12 cases. Nine cases showed >10% plasmacytoid component. Eight of the nine patients (88.9%) with >10% plasmacytoid component died. Conclusions The results indicate that PUC may induce EMT and may be associated with high invasion.
Model of Goal Directed Behavior for Limiting Latino Preschoolers’ Television Viewing: Validity and Reliability
Authors: Ogren Marissa , Baranowski Tom , Lowry Sarah J , Mendoza Jason
Published: January 2020

Background: Accurately measuring parents’ attitudes and beliefs regarding limiting their children’s TV viewing is important to inform the design and evaluation of effective interventions. This manuscript assesses the internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and construct validity of the Model of Goal Directed Behavior (MGDB) scales among parents of Latino preschoolers to characterize Latino parents’ attitudes and beliefs toward limiting their preschoolers’ TV viewing. Method: Participants included parents of Latino preschoolers in the United States, 3-5 years old (n=186). Parents completed a socio-demographic survey and the 105-item MGDB questionnaire (Attitudes, Perceived Positive/Negative Behavioral Control, Subjective Norms, Positive and Negative Anticipated Emotions, Habits, Self-Efficacy, Desires, and Intentions surrounding their child’s TV viewing) which was used to measure internal consistency reliability and construct validity. A subsample of participants completed the questionnaire twice to measure test-retest reliability. Further, parents completed a 7-day TV viewing diary for their preschooler, and a TV parenting practices questionnaire as measures of convergent validity. Results: Internal consistency reliability was generally acceptable for the MGDB scales (Cronbach’s alphas>0.7), except for the Desires scale, which was revealed to have two factors and the Attitudes and Perceived Behavioral Control scales. Test-retest reliability over 2 months had negligible to moderate correlations (r ’s=0.28 to 0.61). Two structural equation models were conducted. One yielded acceptable model fit ( (97)=113.65, p =.119) and the other had questionable model fit ( (97)=125.39; p =.028). Testing convergent validity, only two MGDB scales (Habits and Self-Efficacy) were positively correlated with the TV parenting practices questionnaire (r ’s= 0.33 to 0.51), and none were meaningfully correlated with preschoolers’ mean daily TV viewing. Conclusions: Initial reliability and validity for some of the MGDB scales appear acceptable among parents of Latino preschoolers. Refinement of the instrument and testing among larger samples is necessary to fully evaluate psychometric properties. This instrument may be useful for characterizing Latino parents’ attitudes and beliefs toward limiting their preschoolers’ TV viewing and informing future TV reduction interventions. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials NCT01216306 Registered October 6, 2010 Keywords: Model of Goal Directed Behavior, TV viewing, Parenting, Child Health, Health Behavior, Theory of Planned Behavior, Preschoolers
Antimalarial combination therapies increase gastric ulcers through an imbalance of basic antioxidative-oxidative enzymes in male Wistar rats
Authors: Kalange Muhamudu , Nansunga Miriam , Kasozi Keneth Iceland , Kasolo Josephine , Namuleme Jackline , Atusiimirwe Jovile Kasande , Ayikobua Emmanuel Tiyo , Ssempijja Fred , Munanura Edson Ireeta , Matama Kevin , Ssemuyaba Ibrahim , Zirintunda Gerald , Okpanachi Alfred Omachonu
Published: January 2020

Objective: Antimalarials are globally used against plasmodium infections, however, information on the safety of new antimalarial combination therapies on the gastric mucosa is scarce. The aim of the study was to establish the effects of Artesunate-Amodiaquine and Artemether-Lumefantrine on gastric ulcers, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and identify major histological changes in male Wistar rats. Gastric ulcers were induced using Indomethacin in four groups and group 1 was administered Artesunate, group 2 received Artesunate-Amodiaquine, group 3 received Artemether-Lumefantrine, and group 4 was a positive control (normal saline). Group five was the negative control consisting of healthy rats. Results: Antimalarial combination therapies were associated with a high gastric ulcer index than a single antimalarial agent, Artesunate. In addition, levels of MDA were significantly higher in the combination of therapies while levels of GSH were lower in comparison to Artesunate and the negative control. Microscopically, antimalarial combination therapies were associated with severe inflammation and tissue damage than Artesunate in the gastric mucosa showing that antimalarial combination therapies exert their toxic effects through oxidative stress mechanisms, and this leads to apoptosis. Findings in this study demonstrate a new to revisit information on the pharmacodynamics of major circulating antimalarial agents in developing countries.
Extrastriatal 123I-FP-CIT SPECT impairment in Parkinson’s disease – the PPMI cohort
Authors: Nicastro Nicolas , GARIBOTTO Valentina , BURKHARD Pierre R.
Published: January 2020

Background: Neuropathological data and nuclear medicine imaging show extensive serotonergic impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We aimed at undertaking a case-controlled analysis of 123I-FP-CIT SPECT images to measure extrastriatal serotonergic transporters (SERT) in PD using the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort. Methods: We included all PD (n=154) and Control subjects (n=62) with available 123I-FP-CIT SPECT imaging and high-resolution T1-weighted MRI for coregistration (PD: mean age 61.6 years, 62% male, disease duration 26 months, MDS-UPDRS III score 22). 123I-FP-CIT SPECT images were processed with PETPVE12 using an exploratory voxel-wise analysis including partial-volume effect correction. Linear regressions were performed in the PD group to assess correlations between region of interest 123I-FP-CIT uptake and clinical motor and non-motor impairment.Results: Compared to Controls, PD exhibited an uptake reduction in bilateral caudate nucleus, putamen, insula, amygdala and right pallidum (family-wise error (FWE)-corrected p<0.05). While lower contralateral putaminal uptake was associated with higher MDS-UPDRS III score (p=0.022), we found a trend association between higher geriatric depression scale and lower pallidum uptake (p=0.09). Higher SCOPA-AUT gastrointestinal subscore was associated with lower uptake in mean putamen and caudate nucleus (p=0.01 to 0.03), whereas urological subscore was inversely correlated with mean caudate nucleus, putamen, and pallidum uptake (p=0.002 to 0.03). No significant association was found for Montreal Cognitive Assessment (all p>0.45). Conclusions: In addition to the well-established striatal deficit, this study provides evidence of a major extrastriatal 123I-FP-CIT impairment, and therefore of an altered serotonergic transmission in early PD.
Scabies outbreak investigation among madrasahs in Sinana district, Bale Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, May 2019
Authors: Badeso Mohammed Hasen , Ferede Henok Asefa , Kalil Falaho Sani
Published: January 2020

Background: Scabies is neglected parasitic disease and major public health problem worldwide, particularly in resource-poor regions including Ethiopia. It has been estimated about 300 million cases reported yearly and causes more than 1.5 million Disability Adjusted Life Years for all age. The study conducted in Ethiopia, among ‘Yekolo-Temari’ revealed 22.5% scabies prevalence. On March 9, 2019, the Sinana district surveillance office reported a scabies outbreak in five madrasahs. We investigate to determine its magnitude, identify risk factors and provide intervention and recommendation.Methods: We conducted a (1:2) unmatched case-control study. The scabies case-patient was any student of madrasahs in Sinana district with signs and symptoms consistent with scabies (superficial burrows, intense itching especially at night, generalized rash and secondary infection) from March 11 to April 30, 2019. We reviewed the line list and conducted active case finding. Participants were recruited from all madrasahs (five) proportional to the number of students in each madrasah (56 cases-patients and 111 controls) and interviewed with structured questionnaires. We use OR, P-value and 95% CI to measure the strength of association in multivariable logistic regression. Result: We identified 815 (6 crusted) scabies cases-patients (100% male) with the attack rate 143 per 1000 population (815/5,689) and no death and the mean age was 14 years (range 8-28 years). Sharing bed with scabies case (AOR=3.9, [95% CI=1.5-10.3], travel history to scabies area (AOR=3.87, [95% CI=1.19-12.56], showering more than a week interval (AOR= 2.74, [95% CI=1.04-7.21] were statistically associated with illness.Conclusion: Sharing bed with scabies case, travel history to scabies area and showering more than a week interval was associated with a high frequency of scabies infestation. All patients and contacts treated, additionally, at two madrasahs mass drug administration conducted with permethrin, and cloxacillin for secondary infection. We recommend health education about the transmission, prevention and control of scabies disease to the students.
Bile acid synthesis disorders in Japan: long-term outcome and chenodeoxycholic acid treatment
Authors: Kimura Akihiko , Mizuochi Tatsuki , Takei Hajime , Ohtake Akira , Mori Jun , Shinoda Kunihiro , Hashimoto Takuji , Kasahara Mureo , Togawa Takao , Murai Tsuyoshi , Iida Takashi , Nittono Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

Background: We encountered 7 Japanese patients with bile acid synthesis disorders (BASD) over 21 years between 1996 and 2017. Diagnoses were made by bile acid and genetic analyses. We gave low-dose, long-term chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) treatment to 5 of the patients, who had 3β-hydroxy-Δ 5 -C 27 -steroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3β-HSD) deficiency (n=3) or Δ 4 -3-oxosteroid 5β-reductase (5β-reductase) deficiency (n=2). Another patient with the latter diagnosis whose bile acid analyses had mitigating features was maintained on ursodeoxycholic acid according to parental preferences and now remains healthy after discontinuation of treatment. A patient with oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase deficiency developed liver failure and fully recovered after successful liver transplantation. We used clinical records to clarify long-term outcome and value of CDCA in the other patients. Efficacy of CDCA treatment was evaluated in the 5 patients given a low dose (5 to 10 mg/kg/day) for a long term. Results: Medians with ranges of current patient ages and duration of CDCA treatment are10 years (8 to 43) and 10 years (8 to 21), respectively. All 7 patients, who had homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the HSD3B7 , SRD5B1 , or CYP7B1 gene, are currently in good health without liver dysfunction. In the 5 patients with CDCA treatment, hepatic function gradually improved following initiation. No adverse effects were noted. Conclusions: We concluded that low-dose CDCA treatment is effective in 3β-HSD deficiency and 5β-reductase deficiency, as cholic acid has been in other countries. BASD carry a good prognosis following early diagnosis and initiation of long-term, low-dose CDCA treatment.
Novel de novo heterozygous mutation on SYNGAP1 from the Indian population
Authors: Verma Vijaya , Mandora Amit , Botre Abhijeet , Clement James Premdoss
Published: January 2020

Background : Exome sequencing is a prominent tool to identify novel and deleterious mutations which could be nonsense, frameshift, and canonical splice-site mutations in a specific gene. De novo mutations in SYNGAP1 , which codes for synaptic RAS-GTPase activating the protein, causes Intellectual disability (ID) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). SYNGAP1 related ASD/ID is one of the rare diseases that is detrimental to the normal neuronal developmental and disrupts the global development of a child. Results: We report a case of a child of 2-year old with global developmental delay, microcephaly subtle dysmorphism, absence seizures, disrupted sleep, delay in learning a language, and eating problems. Upon further validation, the child has a few traits of ASD. Here, based on focused exome sequencing, we report a de novo heterozygous mutation in SYNGAP1 exon 11 with c. 1861 C>T (p.arg612ter). Currently, the child is on atorvastatin and has shown considerable improvement in global behaviour and cognitive development. The long-term follow up of the child’s development would contribute to the already existing knowledge of the developmental trajectory in individuals with SYNGAP1 heterozygous mutation. Conclusion: In this report, we discuss the finding of a novel mutation in one of the genes, SYNGAP1 , implicated in ASD/ID. In addition, we discuss the current treatment prescribed to the patient and the progress of global developmental of the child.
Metagenomic Analysis of the Virome in Lung Tissues and Guts of Wild Mice
Authors: Yin Hai chang , Chen Hong yan , Zhao Li li , Lu Tao feng
Published: January 2020

Background Mice, as host animals of a variety of pathogens, can spread 60 kinds of human diseases including more than ten families of viruses including Poxviridae, Herpesviridae, and so on. Methods In this study, lung tissues and gut samples of 7-week-old mice from outdoor environments were sequenced using metagenomics, and an abundance of virome information was acquired. Results A total of 82 families of mammalian viruses, plant viruses, insect viruses, and phages were detected. Among the top 10 most abundant families were the RNA viruses Orthomyxoviridae, Picornaviridae, Bunyaviridae, and Arenaviridae, the DNA virus Herpesviridae, the insect viruses Nodaviridae and Baculoviridae, the plant virus Tombusviridae, and the phage Myoviridae. Except for Myoviridae, whose abundance in guts was higher than in lung tissues, the abundance of viruses in the lung tissues and guts showed no significant difference. Conclusions The data obtained in this study provided an overview of the viral community present in these mice samples, revealing some mouse-associated viruses closely related to known human or animal pathogens. Strengthening our understanding of unclassified viruses in mice in the natural environment could provide scientific guidance for the prevention and control of new viral outbreaks that can spread via rodents.
Identifying genetic variants and pathways associated with extreme levels of fetal hemoglobin in Sickle Cell Disease in Tanzania.
Authors: Nkya Siana , Mwita Liberata , Mgaya Josephine , Kumburu Happiness , Zwetselaar Marco van , Menzel Stephan , Mazandu Gaston Kuzamunu , Sangeda Raphael Z. , Chimusa Emile R. , Makani Julie
Published: January 2020

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder caused by a point mutation on the beta globin gene resulting in the synthesis of abnormal hemoglobin. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) reduces disease severity, but the levels vary from one individual to another. Most research has focused on common variants which differ across populations and hence do not fully account for HbF variation. Results: This study investigates rare and common genetic variants that influence HbF levels in SCD patients to elucidate variants and pathways in SCD patients with extreme HbF levels (≥7.7% for high HbF) and (≤2.5% for low HbF) in Tanzania. We performed targeted next generation sequencing (Illumina_Miseq) covering exonic and other significant fetal hemoglobin-associated loci, including BCL11A , MYB , HOXA9 , HBB , HBG1 , HBG2 , CHD4 , KLF1 , MBD3 , ZBTB7A and PGLYRP1 . Results revealed a range of genetic variants, including bi-allelic and multi-allelic SNPs, frameshift insertions and deletions, some of which have functional importance. Notably, there were significantly more deletions in individuals with high HbF levels (11% vs 0.9%). We identified frameshift deletion in individuals with high HbF levels and frameshift insertions in individuals with low HbF. CHD4 and MBD3 genes, interacting in the same sub-network, were identified to have a significant number of pathogenic or non-synonymous mutations in individuals with low HbF levels, suggesting an important role of epigenetic pathways in the regulation of HbF synthesis. Conclusion: This study provides new insights in selecting essential variants and identifying potential biological pathways associated with extreme HbF levels in SCD using multiple genomic variants associated with HbF in SCD.
Unmet supportive care needs and associated factors among young adult cancer patients in Japan
Authors: Okamura Masako , Fujimori Maiko , Sato Ayako , Uchitomi Yosuke
Published: January 2020

Background: Young adult cancer patients often face unique challenges and have potential unmet needs. This study aimed (1) to describe unmet supportive care needs among young adults with cancer in Japan, and (2) to identify its associated factors.Methods: In a cross-sectional web-based survey, 206 young adults with cancer were assessed for supportive care needs. Multiple regression analysis examined whether demographics, clinical variables and social support were associated with unmet supportive care needs.Results: A total of 206 patients (180 female) with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD=4.3, range: 22-39) participated. One hundred and fifty-eight participants (76.7%) reported at least one unmet supportive care needs. The top 20 unmet needs included 9 of the 10 psychological needs, 3 of the 5 physical and daily living needs, 8 of the 11 health system and information needs and 1 of the 5 sexuality needs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived poorer PS, experience of change in work/school after a cancer diagnosis and poor social support were significantly associated with higher supportive care needs. The total score of supportive care needs was significantly associated with both psychological distress and QOL.Conclusions: More than 70% of young adult cancer survivors reported unmet supportive care needs and most of those were psychological needs. The findings suggest potential opportunities for intervention in addressing psychological needs rather than physical and information needs.
Comparative genome analysis and phylogenomic of Xanthomonas citri pv. viticola lead to new taxonomic insights about species of Xanthomonas
Authors: Farias Antonio Roberto Gomes de , Junior Wilson José da Silva , Junior José Bandeira do Nascimento , Balbino Valdir de Queiroz , Benko-Iseppon Ana Maria , Lima Nelson Bernardi , Gama Marco Aurélio Siqueira da , Souza Elineide Barbosa
Published: January 2020

Background Xanthomonas citri pv. viticola is one of the most critical grapevine diseases in the Northeast of Brazil, presenting a high risk to Brazilian and worldwide areas of grape production. The X.citri pv. viticola epithet was recently proposed to be changed from X. campestris pv. v iticola based on multilocus sequence analysis and whole-genome sequences. Besides, genomics has revolutionized the field of bacteriology, by associating genome sequencing with comparative analysis such as in silico analysis such as DNA-DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity, distance between genomes, pan-genomic approach, and phylogenomic, providing valuable insights and knowledge about virulence factors and contributing to increase the understanding and clarifying the taxonomic relationship of Xanthomonas and others prokaryotic species.Results We used the whole-genome sequence of three Brazilian strains and the pathotype to characterize X.citri pv. viticola accessions plus 124 whole-genome sequences of Xanthomonas species available in NCBI, comprising 13 species and 15 pathovars. The whole-genome sequence structure of X. citri pv. viticola was shown presents a high level of conservation concerning other X. citri species. Pan-genomic approaches, average nucleotide identity analysis, and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization were carried out, allowing X.citri pv. viticola characterization and inferences on the phylogenetic relationships within Xanthomonas . The analysis of the sequence of the 128 genomes clustered the Xanthomonas strains in eight main groups according to the recently proposed classification in all approaches used. Also, the analysis revealed that X. hortorum and X. gardneri should be classified as a single species, and the strain 17 of X. campestris and XC01 of X. citri pv. mangiferaeindicae widely described in the literature are misclassified.Conclusions We performed the genomic characterization of three representative Brazilian strains of Xcv . The genomic approaches based in the pan-genome, average nucleotide identity, and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization support the proposed taxonomic position of X.citri pv. viticola and of the recently proposed Xanthomonas species and pathovars. In addition, we detected species delimitation of the misclassified Xanthomonas strains with extensive studies reported in the literature.
Antimalaria Activity of Cassia spectabilis DC Leaf and Its Inhibition Effect in Heme Detoxification
Authors: Ekasari Wiwied - , Basuki Dewi Resty , Arwati Heny - , Wahy Tutik Sri
Published: January 2020

Background In previous studies, Cassia spectabilis DC leaf has shown a good antimalarial activity. Therefore, this study is a follow-up study of leaf activity and mechanism of C. spectabilis DC as an antimalarial. Methods In vitro antimalarial activity testing using P. falciparum which was done with bioassay guide isolation in order to obtain the active compound. In vivo testing towards infected P. berghei mice was conducted to determine the effects of antimalarial prophylaxis and antimalarial activity in combination with artesunate. Whereas, heme detoxification inhibition testing as one of the antimalarial mechanisms was carried out using the Basilico method. Results The results showed that active antimalarial isolate obtained from C. spectabilis DC leaf had a structural pattern that was identical to (-)-7-hydroxyspectaline. Prophylactic test on infected P. berghei mice obtained the highest dose of inhibition percentage of 90% ethanol extract of C. spectabilis DC leaf was 68.61% while positive (doxycycline) control at 100 mg kg-1 was 73.54%. In antimalarial testing in combination with artesunate, it was found that administering 150 mg kg-1 (three times a day) of C. spectabilis DC (D0 − D2) + artesunate (D2) was better than the standard combination of amodiaquine + artesunate with 99.18% and 92.88% inhibition percentage. For the inhibitory activity of heme detoxification from ethanol extract 90%, C. spectabilis DC leaf had IC50 value of 0.375 mg mL-1 which was better than chloroquine diphosphate. Conclusion These results showed that C. spectabilis DC leaves possesses potent antimalarial activity and may offer a potential agent for effective and affordable antimalarial phytomedicine.
Orthodontic treatment effect on gingival recessions
Authors: Antanaviciene Guoste , Smailiene Dalia , Baseviciene Nomeda , Zasciurinskiene Egle
Published: January 2020

Background The occurrence of gingival recessions (GR) after orthodontic treatment (OT) is well described in the literature. However, there is a lack of information about changes to pre-existing GR during OT. Methods The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the change of GR before and after OT. Intraoral photographs of 993 patients treated with fixed appliances between 2005 and 2017 were evaluated. Patients who had at least one GR on the vestibular surface of maxillary/mandibular teeth mesial to first molars were included. GR was measured on good quality plaster models before and after OT. The change of GR (T0-T1) was categorised into the three groups: worsened, did not change and improved (this group consisted of GR, which became better but did not disappear, and fully healed, which disappeared after OT)). The change by ≥0.5 mm was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics (Version 22.0. Armonk, NY). Results Fifty-one (5.1%) patient had ≥1 GR before OT. Of them, 37 (72.5%) patients were included in the final analysis according to the inclusion criteria. GR before OT was found on 114 buccal/labial surfaces. The mean GR improvement was 0.51 (95% CI: 0.40, 0.63) mm (p<0.001). GR improved in 71 teeth (62.3%), did not change in 37 (32.4%), and worsened in 6 (5.3%). Of the 71 GR, which improved, full healing was observed in 15 (21.1%) teeth. GR had a greater chance of improvement in cases with a thick/normal gingival biotype compared with the thin biotype (OR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.07; 5.28) (p=0.03). There was a lower chance for GR improvement in cases with pre-treatment open bite (OR 3.29; 95% CI: 1.10; 9.81) (p=0.03) and Class III patients (OR 2.79; 95% CI: 1.14; 6.83) (p=0.03). Conclusions Based on the results of this retrospective study, we conclude that orthodontic treatment may change and even influence the healing of GR.
Whole Exome Sequencing in Idiopathic Short Stature: Rare Mutations Affecting Growth
Authors: Khonsari Nami Mohammadian , Noorian Shahab , Rohani Farzaneh , Savad Sharham , Kabir Kourosh , Hakak-Zargar Benyamin , Ghanipour Nima , Gholami Mehri , Zaimkohan Hooshang
Published: January 2020

Introduction Evaluation of short stature is a challenge for pediatricians and in the process, idiopathic short stature (ISS) is an often diagnosis of exclusion. Non-pathogenetic mutations affecting height may present with phenotypes similar to the pathogenetic mutations. In this study, we aim to identify the underlying genetic cause of short stature in patients diagnosed with ISS and investigate potential treatments for them. Materials and Methods We identified 14 children in our practice who were under the age of 15 and were initially labelled as ISS. Then, we evaluated their plasma whole-exome sequencing (WES). Results Out of the 14 patients assessed with WES, five had normal results and correctly diagnosed with ISS. However, four of them had rare mutations that have not been extensively studied in the past. Due to the functions of these mutated genes and our patients’ phenotypes, we suspect that these mutations played a role in the short stature. Out of the remaining five patients, four had genetic mutations known to cause short stature and one had a mutation that was known not to affect height. Conclusion In patients who are initially diagnosed with ISS, WES can help to identify rare mutations that may play a role in short stature. Directing attention to these genes, may help with the correct diagnosis and choosing proper treatment for the patients.
Validity and Reliability of the Korean Anesthesia Surrendering Instrument
Authors: Lee Hanna , Han Jeongwon , Kang Jisoon
Published: January 2020

Background : In Korea, to reduce patients’ anxiety regarding anesthesia induction and to increase compliance, the nurses need a measurement for understanding of anesthesia surrendering. This study examined the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the anesthesia surrendering instrument (ASI), which was originally developed to measure anesthesia surrendering in Swedish adults. Methods: The study population consisted of 306 patients who received general anesthesia for abdominal, breast, knee, hip, lower back, or shoulder surgery in ten hospitals across five regions of Korea, from June to September 2019. We assessed the validity of the content, construct, and criterion used, as well as the reliability of the ASI. Results: The results showed that the instrument had appropriate content validity with the item-level content validity index ranging between 0.80 and 1.00 and a scale-level content validity index of 0.90. The construct validity test results showed that it comprised four sub-categories with a total of 26 items, and the internal consistency reliability tests showed Cronbach’s alpha values ranging between 0.71 and 0.88. In summary, the results confirmed that the Korean ASI had adequate reliability and validity. Conclusion: The study findings confirmed the applicability of this instrument for measuring anesthesia surrendering in Korean adults. Moreover, these results may be used in future studies on anesthesia surrendering in Korean adult patients.
Diammonium glycyrrhizinate lipid ligand ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by modulating vascular endothelial barrier function
Authors: Liu Mei-Mei , Zhou Jin , Ji Dan , Yang Jun , Huang Yan-Ping , Wang Qi
Published: January 2020

Background: The present study investigated the attenuating effect of diammonium glycyrrhizinate lipid ligand (DGLL) on acute lung injury (ALI) and pulmonary edema induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats.Methods: Rat ALI model was established by LPS (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneal injection, and DGLL (30, 60, 120 mg/kg) was administrated orall 1 hour before LPS infusion. Six hours after LPS stimulation, lung injury was evaluated by histological staining. Pulmonary edema was evaluated by lung wet-dry weight ratio, the protein concentration of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the evans blue (EB) extravasation in lung tissues. The expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules in lung tissues were detected by ELISA method. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Western blot was used to detect the expression changes of the proteins associated with pulmonary inflammation and microvascular permeability.Results: DGLL significantly inhibited LPS induced ALI, manifested as attenuation of MPO positive cells and TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1 expression in rat lung tissue. In addition, DGLL abrogated LPS-induced pulmonary edema, decreased the protein concentration in BALF and EB extravasation. Meanwhile, DGLL inhibited the degradation of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cadherin) and tight junction protein, including ZO-1, Occludin, and JAM-1.Conclusions: DGLL has an inhibitory effect on LPS-induced rat ALI, which is related to the inhibition of inflammatory cell infiltration and microvascular barrier disruption. These results provide a theoretical basis for DGLL in the potential clinical treatment of ALI.
Screening and validation of candidate genes involved in the regulation of egg yolk deposition in chicken
Authors: Zhang Junnan , Duan Zhongyi , Wang Xiqiong , Li Fengning , Chen Jiajing , Lai Xingfu , Qu Liang , Sun Congjiao , Xu Guiyun
Published: January 2020

Background: The eggs with the same egg weight but may have wide differences in yolk weight. Eggs with a high proportion of yolk have richer nutritional value, more flavor and taste, and are more favourite by parts of consumers. However, large proportion of yolk means relatively much dry matters in eggs, which reduces the feed efficiency to some extent. To elucidation the genetic factors for the amounts of yolk in eggs is of scientific and practical significance.Results: Through RNA sequencing, we explored the transcriptome of ovarian tissue from twelve Wenchang chickens which includes six eggs with a high percentage of yolk (32%) and six low-percent eggs (25%).We identified 362 differential genes (P<0.01, log2foldchange<-1, log2foldchange>1), of which 220 were up-regulated and 142 were down-regulated in high-yolk percentage hens. According to GO term annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched into the regulation of various cell functions, cell differentiation and development. In addition, a large number of genes were associated with neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, calcium signaling pathways and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. To further filter for genes that actually was involved in yolk accumulation, the chicken quantitative trait loci (QTL) database, genes within 100kb upstream and downstream of the yolk weight trait snp and intersection genes in protein interaction network diagrams were used for the detection of the genes that overlap with DEGs; we found that the 7 candidate genes in total, MNR2, AOX1, ANTXRL, GRAMD1C, EEF2, COMP, and JUND participate in affecting female reproductive performance and the growth and development of follicles, supporting cell transport, cell proliferation and differentiation, immune pathways, being combined with enzyme and cell secretion. All candidate genes and several random selected genes (a total of 24 genes) were verified by qRT-PCR and the trend was consistent with the results of RNA-Seq.Conclusions: In conclusion, investigating the molecular mechanism of high-yolk percentage traits provides a sight to optimize the breeding strategies to alter the proportion of yolk in chicken eggs.
Entrepreneurial Orientation in Micro and Small Enterprises of Traditional Food Centers in Bandung, West Java
Authors: Purnomo Margo , Permana Erwin , Qosasi Achsanul , Febrian Ahmad Fajri , Miftahuddin Asep
Published: January 2020

The research objective was to analyze the determninant factors of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) in the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) of the traditional food centers in Bandung. It used the EO dimension at the organizational level. Five dimensions were used to measure the EO level, namely risk-taking, innovativeness, competitive aggressiveness, proactiveness, and autonomy. The questionare’s was distributed to eight MSEs in Bandung. The sample size is 100 employee Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis techniques with Partial Least Square (PLS) was used to test the samples. This research shows that the EO level in the micro and small enterprises in the traditional food centers in Bandung is at a moderate level. Although EO of MSEs in the traditional food centers in Bandung is in the moderate category, the results of testing on the EO model find out that each EO dimension forms a significant EO construct. The four dominant and recommended dimensions forming an EO construct in MSEs are risk-taking, innovativeness, competitive aggressiveness, and proactiveness. Among the four dimensions, risk-taking is the dominant dimension. It indicates that courage in taking risks in MSEs is a natural characteristic of the EO in the traditional food centers in Bandung.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Automobile Sales in Indonesia: An Empirical Study in 1986-2016
Authors: Johan Suwinto
Published: January 2020

The aim of this research was to study the determinants of automobile sales in Indonesia. The automobile sales were the sales of car and motorcycle during 1986-2016. The research focused on five macroeconomics variables (exchange rate, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), growth of GDP, inflation, and interest rate). The total sample was 30 years of automobile sales in Indonesia. The researcher used the regression method with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to test the research model. For a few variables, lag t-1 was used. The empirical results show that GDP and the growth of GDP have a significant influence on both car and motorcycle sales in Indonesia. The growth of GDP reaches a significant level at α < 1%. However, the exchange rate of USD to IDR, inflation, and interest rate do not influence automobile sales in Indonesia.
Conflict Dynamic Framework: Religious Conflict Issues in Special Region of Yogyakarta
Authors: Nababan Kristina Roseven
Published: January 2020

The researcher analyzed the conflict dynamic framework of religious conflict issues in the Special Region of Yogyakarta in 2014-2017. The research used qualitative descriptive research. Data collection techniques were primary data through interviews, observations, and secondary data through literature studies. Data analysis included data reduction, presentation, and verification. The results show that the conflict escalation degree in these past three years commonly is at the mass mobilization. Public-influencing religious and social figures successfully de-escalate it. Moreover, structural factors are triggered by education and policy of house of worship building, religious preaching, and exclusiveness. Those are also accelerated by society’s aggressiveness. Actors of conflict, in this case, are probably mass organizations and migrant communities. The related government agencies to resolve the conflict, and active participation from religious leaders, public figures, police, military, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Komisi Pemilihan Umum (KPU - General Elections Commission of Indonesia), and Badan Pengawas Pemilihan Umum (Bawaslu - Election Supervisory Board of Indonesia) are proven to have capacity to settle the issue.
Repositioning Indonesia – Thoughts on the Indo-Pacific
Authors: Milner Anthony
Published: January 2020

Before considering how best to reposition Indonesia in the world – and I will be looking, in particular, at Indonesia’s current Indo-Pacific initiative -  we need to ask how the world itself has been repositioned. The terms of reference for this conference go straight to this second question. They immediately highlight the theme of globalization, noting how it has promoted “growing connectivity among states” and “revolutionized human interaction”. How then has this region been reconfigured over the last decades? Until the mid-20th-century the entire Asian region was either under European colonial rule or strong Western imperial influence. That is how the region was structured – with the great centres of power in London, Paris, The Hague and Washington. After the extraordinary conquests by Japan, which effectively ended the Western imperial project, Asia was quickly drawn into the Cold War. Countries lined up as Communist or Anti-Communist, and some tried to sustain a degree of neutrality or equi-distance. At the end of the Cold War, in the last decade or so of the 20th-century, as is often commented, there was a unipolar moment – an America-dominated world with a sense of globalization not merely being economic, but also a globalization of ideas. One commentator wrote of the ‘end of history’ – the US had won, he said, with its liberal democratic ideology. Communism had been annihilated, and Western liberalism had the ‘wind in its hair’. This said, there were still objections. Dr Mahathir in Malaysia and a number of bright Foreign Ministry intellectuals in Singapore spoke of ‘Asian values’. They said you had to understand Asian values to explain the great economic transformation taking place in Asian countries – and there was also a need to respect Asian values in the political arena, and not just insist that all societies must develop in the same way. The democracy, human rights, and other supposed responsibilities of government which Westerners have tended to advocate, it was argued, are not necessarily universal norms.
Experience of using sibutramine in combination with microcrystalline cellulose in clinical practice
Authors: Petunina N. A. , Telnova M. E. , Goncharova E. V. , Trukhina L. V. , Martirosyan N. S.
Published: January 2020

For many years, interest in the issue of obesity has not faded, as obesity is now one of the most common pathologies in the world that directly affects quality of life and lifespan. Even a slight weight loss (5-10% of baseline values) in obese patients is known to improve metabolism and reduce the risk of a range of comorbidities. The article reflects the importance of comprehensive treatment of obesity, presents positive experience of using Reduxin (sibutramine in combination with microcrystalline cellulose) to reduce body weight and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in a specific clinical example in a patient with exogenous-constitutional obesity and eating disorders. The case of obesity in a young man of 24 years old is presented, when other components of the metabolic syndrome (except for arterial hypertension) were not formed. Thus, following the results of 24-week complex treatment, clinically significant reduction of body weight (by 21.7% of initial values) was observed in the patient. The data of psychological researches have shown that the patient has no increase of anxiety and depression level during treatment, but at the same time the indicators of quality of life according to the results of health questionnaire testing have improved. This clinical case corresponds to the results of the PrimaVera program and demonstrates that weight loss during sibutramine therapy in combination with microcrystalline cellulose has a positive impact on the overall health and emotional status of patients and leads to improved quality of life. Therefore, successful treatment of obesity and the maintenance of other outcomes are key to preventing cardiovascular disease.