bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Essential Servant Leadership Behaviors, Perceived Organizational Support, and Employee Well-Being
Authors: Winston Bruce
Published: March 2020

This current research follows up on Greenleaf’s oft-quoted best test of servant leadership that calls for employees to be better off financially, emotionally, physically, psychologically, etc. because of the time spent with the servant leader. While oft-quoted, little empirical work exists to see if this is true. In this study, 170 participants provided their perception of their supervisors’ level of servant leadership, their perception of the organization’s support, and their self-report of their general well-being. Gender and age bracket information described the participants, and there were no significant differences between gender or age brackets for participants’ perception of their supervisors’ servant leadership. The analysis showed that there was a moderate positive correlation between servant leadership, perceived organizational support, and general well-being. A modification of an existing general well-being instrument provided a new eight-item general well-being scale with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.956.
The BSCA Graduates’ Level Of Satisfaction
Authors: Almelia Mark P.
Published: March 2020

The research study aimed to trace the BSCA graduates of JBLFMU-Molo and know their level of satisfaction. The descriptive survey research design was employed in the study. The participants were the 64 conveniently selected BSCA graduates in the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. The data used were responses from the graduates with the use of the alumni tracer questionnaire. Descriptive statistics used were mean, frequency count and content analysis. Inferential statistics included a t-test for independent samples and One-Way ANOVA set at .05 alpha. Results revealed that the graduates had a “high” employment rate. The level of satisfaction of the graduates was also found to be “moderate”. When classified according to employment status, broker licensure status and year graduated, there was no significant difference existed among their level of satisfaction.
Factors Affecting The Work Motivation Of BSBA Graduates Employed In Carcanmadcarlan: A Survey
Authors: Bona Jeni Theresa C. , Avenido Myriflor S. , Ravelo Lyka Grace , Pie Meliza R. , Lajera Neomelyn R. , Ortula Lyve Mark F. , Arreza Elmo D. , Mosenabre Angelou B.
Published: March 2020

Motivating employees is a way to make them give their best to the organization for the achievement of organizational goals. But choosing the strategy for motivation may differ from time to time and organization to organization because it is a psychological sensation and it is depending on the preference of employees. The study attempted to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting the work motivation of BSBA Graduates working in different institutions here in the CarCanMadCarLan area. With a view to collect primary data, and adopted a questionnaire from the Republic of Macedonia (Employee Satisfaction Survey, 2009) was provided to 40 respondents. The study identified 11 broad categories of motivation factors such as (1) management, (2) employee competence, (3) training opportunities in the organization, (4) premises and technical working conditions, (5) remuneration, (6) relationships between employees, (7) workload, (8) influence, (9) responsibility, (10) trust and finally (11) image of the organization. The study found that intrinsic factors have a significantly higher impact on the employee’s motivation than extrinsic factors. Finally, the study concluded that the BSBA employees working in different institutions are adequately motivated. On the basis of these findings, implications of the finding for future study were stated.
Effect of Nanoscale Pore-Size Distribution on Fluid Phase Behavior of Gas-Improved Oil Recovery in Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Luo Sheng , Lutkenhaus Jodie L. , Nasrabadi Hadi
Published: March 2020

The improved oil recovery (IOR) of unconventional shale reservoirs has attracted much interest in recent years. Gas injection, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and natural gas, is one of the most considered techniques for its sweep efficiency and effectiveness in low-permeability reservoirs. However, the uncertainties of fluid phase behavior in shale reservoirs pose a great challenge in evaluating the performance of a gas-injection operation. Shale reservoirs typically have macroscale to nanoscale pore-size distribution in the porous space. In fractures and macropores, the fluid shows bulk behavior, but in nanopores, the phase behavior is significantly altered by the confinement effect. The integrated behavior of reservoir fluids in this complex environment remains uncertain.

In this study, we investigate the nanoscale pore-size-distribution effect on the phase behavior of reservoir fluids in gas injection for shale reservoirs. A case of Anadarko Basin shale oil is used. The pore-size distribution is discretized as a multiscale system with pores of specific diameters. The phase equilibria of methane injection into the multiscale system are calculated. The constant-composition expansions are simulated for oil mixed with various fractions of injected gas. It is found that fluid in nanopores becomes supercritical with injected gas, but lowering the pressure to less than the bubblepoint turns it into the subcritical state. The bubblepoint is generally lower than the bulk and the degree of deviation depends on the amount of injected gas. The modeling of confined-fluid swelling shows that fluid swelled from nanopores is predicted to contain more oil than the swelled fluid at bulk state.
The Folklore of the Petroleum Production on the Pacific Coast - The Story of a Story
Authors: Grinsfelder Sam
Published: March 2020

What I have to present to you is not the usual formal technical presentation given during one of these programs, but it's "The Story of a Story," and the story is of the Folklore of Petroleum Production on the Pacific Coast.

Since this is a nontechnical presentation, there is only one thing to do and that'is to try and relax and, if possible, to enjoy it.

What I have to tell you is about a project of the Petroleum Production Pioneers. The Petroleum Production Pioneers, as many of you may know, is a California organization of some 2,700 members. In its Articles of Incorporation, it has for one of its purposes "to collect and preserve the historical facts pertaining to the drilling and producing activities of the petroleum industry and of the individuals engaged therein."

In conformance with this Article, in 1963 the Board of Directors proposed that a study be made as to the best means of collecting and preserving these historical facts. It was thought that the chronological recording of events of petroleum production on the Pacific Coast had been fairly well recorded, mainly in books published by the principal petroleum companies, but that there was very little of record concerning the anecdotes or interesting stories of the early days of the petroleum industry.

Mr. Paul Andrews, at that time, held the position of historian of the Petroleum Production Pioneers. After making a search, he reported to the Board of Directors that the professor of oral history at U.C.L.A. would be willing to undertake this program, interviewing old-timers and using his graduate students to gather the data for the Folklore Program. For this service and the stenographic work and other requirements, he estimated the cost to be $30,000 to complete the program as outlined.
Digital anatomical study and clinical application of screw placement for quadrilateral plate fractures in the danger zone
Authors: Zhao Bei , Sun Zhongye , Zhang Wei , Xu Zhongbao , Yang Xiaofei , Mu Weidong
Published: March 2020

Background Direct screw placement for quadrilateral plate fractures in the danger zone of the acetabulum is very difficult. This study was performed to simulate the surgical procedure and try to obtain effective and safe screw angles through the middle window of the ilioinguinal approach in Chinese patients. Methods We randomly collected the pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans of 50 adults. DICOM-formatted CT-scan images were imported into Mimics software. The three-dimensional reconstruction (3D) digital model of the semi-pelvi s was established. A 3.5 mm cylinder was used to simulate the pathway of the screw from the designated insertion point . The angles of insertion and intersex differences were explored by statistical analyses. Results The screws could be inserted via three angles: medial inclination , anterior inclination and posterior inclination. The mean minimum medial inclination angle (MIMIA) of insertion point A was 4.96°±1.11° in males and 8.66°±3.40° in females, and the intersex difference was significant. The mean minimum medial inclination angle (MIMIA) of insertion point B was -5.31°±3.69° in males and 1.75°±8.95° in females, and the intersex difference was significant. There were no differences between any of the angles for males and females at insertion point O. Conclusions Preoperative measurement and calculation by digital tools before screw placement for quadrilateral plate fractures of the acetabulum are feasible. Double cortical screws could be placed safely in the danger zone through the middle window of the ilioinguinal approach to increase the stability of the acetabulum.
The effect of quitting water pipe during pregnancy on Anthropometric measurements at birth: a population-based prospective cohort study in South of Iran
Authors: Nematollahi Shahrzad , Holakouie-Naieni Koroush , Madani Abdolhossain , Shabkhiz Hossein , Torabi Elham , Lotfi Samaneh
Published: March 2020

Background

Evidence on health effects of tobacco cessation in pregnancy is mainly restricted to cigarette, while water pipe smoking is more prevalent among women in the Middle-East. The present ‎study aimed to assess the effects of cessation of water pipe during pregnancy on ‎birth anthropometric measures in South of Iran.

Methods

Data on 1,120 singleton pregnancies (response rate=93.4%) from a population-based prospective cohort study in suburban communities in Bandar Abbas city was used. Birth measures were used according to infant`s vaccination cards. Study subjects were categorized into three subgroups based on water pipe ‎smoking status during pregnancy, including: 1) mothers who never smoke water pipe ‎‎(never smoker); 2)mothers who stopped water pipe during pregnancy and resumed it postpartum (quitters); 3) mothers who continued smoking water pipe regardless ‎of their pregnancy (always smokers). ‎Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were utilized for the analyses.

Results

Compared to never smokers, quitting water pipe in pregnancy would decrease mean birthweight by 99.30 ‎grams (β:-99.30, 95%CI:-204.35,-5.75‎); while an additional decrease by 37.83 grams would occur in always smokers (β:-137.13‎;95%CI:-262.21,-‎‎12.05‎). Mean birth length ‎did not significantly differ among the three water pipe groups. Mean head ‎circumference, however, would significantly increase by 0.79 centimeter in always smokers (β:079,95%CI:0.13,1.45). ‎

Conclusion

Quitting water pipe during pregnancy had positive effects on infant growth, especially birth weight. Some suggestions are provided including integration of information on health benefits of quitting smoking into routine prenatal healthcare services and development of awareness programs to encourage smokers to quit early in pregnancy.
Association of Fine Particulate Matter Exposure with Acute Noncardiovascular Critical Illnesses and In-hospital Outcomes in Patients Receiving Intensive Cardiac Care
Authors: Chen Fei , Liu Qi , Huang Baotao , Huang Fangyang , Li Yiming , Peng Yong , Chen Mao
Published: March 2020

Background The effect of short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on the incidence of acute noncardiovascular critical illnesses (ANCIs) and clinical outcomes is unknown in patients with acute cardiovascular diseases. Methods We conducted a retrospective study in 2,337 admissions to an intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) from June 2016 to May 2017. We used the 2-day average PM2.5 concentration before ICCU admission to estimate the individual exposure level, and patients were divided into 3 groups according to the concentration tertiles. Major ANCI was defined as the composite of acute respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, or sepsis. The primary endpoint was all-cause death or discharge against medical advice in extremely critical condition. Results During the 12-month study period, the annual median concentration of PM2.5 in Chengdu, China was 48 µg/m3 (IQR, 33-77 µg/m3). More than 20 percent of admissions were complicated by major ANCI, and the primary endpoints occurred in 7.6% of patients during their hospitalization. The association of short-term PM2.5 exposure levels with the incidence of acute respiratory failure (adjusted OR [odds ratio] =1.31, 95%CI [confidence interval]1.12-1.54) and acute kidney injury (adjusted OR=1.20, 95%CI 1.02-1.41) showed a significant trend. Additionally, there were numerically more cases of sepsis (adjusted OR=1.21, 95%CI 0.92-1.60) and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (adjusted OR=1.29, 95%CI 0.94-1.77) in patients with higher exposure levels. After further multivariable adjustment, short-term PM2.5 exposure levels were still significantly associated with incident major ANCI (adjusted OR=1.32, 95%CI 1.12-1.56), as well as a higher incidence of the primary endpoint (adjusted OR=1.52, 95%CI 1.09-2.12). Conclusion Short-term PM2.5 exposure before ICCU admission was associated with an increased risk of incident major ANCI and worse in-hospital outcomes in patients receiving intensive cardiac care.
Synthesis, Photophysical Property and Antibacterial Activity of Cu(II) and Co(II) Porphyrins: Role of Ligand Modification
Authors: Beyene belete , Achenef Getaneh
Published: March 2020

Many synthetic porphyrins are modified at the meso-position to achieve target properties in biomedical applications. The metalloporphyrins; CuTPP, CuTPPCOOMe, CuTPPNH 2 , CoTPPOMe and CoTPPCOOH were synthesized from their free base porphyrins and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The Uv-Vis spectra show the decrease in number of Q bands from four to one/ two peaks and a blue shift when the metal is inserted in to the porphyrin core. They are capable of effecting bacterial and viral pathogens through the large number of different mechanisms. The antibacterial activity of the metalloporphyrins and their ligands were evaluated by using two gram positive and two gram negative bacteria by disc diffusion method. Among the complexes under study, CoTPPCOOH showed highest inhibition zone (15.5- 16.5) vs 25-28 for the famous standard antibacterial drug and therefore, highest antibacterial activities as compared to other porphyrins. The study also indicates that metalloporphyrins with electron withdrawing groups have highest inhibition zones than complexes which possess electro donating group at para position of the meso-phenyl ring.
The Association between Gut Microbiota and Intestinal Toll-like Receptors Genes Expression in Adenomatous and Colorectal Cancerous patients
Authors: Rezasoltani Sama , Sharafkhah Maryam , Aghdaei Hamid Asadzadeh , Olfatifar Meysam , Mojarad Ehsan Nazemalhosseini , Yadegar Abbas , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Risk factors and Intestinal Microbiota: Clostridioides difficile Infection in Patients Receiving Enteral Nutrition at Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Wang Daosheng , Dong Danfeng , Wang Chen , Cui Yingchao , Jiang Cen , Ni Qi , Su Tongxuan , Wang Guanzheng , Mao Enqiang , Peng Yibing
Published: March 2020

Background: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a leading cause of nosocomial diarrhea. Patients receiving enteral nutrition (EN) in the intensive care unit (ICU) are potentially at high risk of CDI. Presently, we assessed the risk factors and intestinal microbiome of these patients to better understand the occurrence and development of CDI. Methods: Patients were screened for C. difficile every week after EN started and their clinical records were collected for risk factor identification. Feces were analyzed for 16S rRNA sequencing to evaluate the intestinal microbiota. Results : Overall incidence of CDI was 10.7% (18/168 patients). History of cerebral infarction was associated with CDI occurrence (OR, 9.759; 95% CI, 2.140-44.498) and treatment with metronidazole could be protective (OR, 0.287; 95% CI, 0.091-0.902). Patients with EN had lower microbial richness and diversity, accompanied by reduced abundance of Bacteroides , Prevotella_9, Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. Of these patients, acquisition of C. difficile resulted in a transient increase in microbial diversity, along with consistent alterations in the proportion of some bacterial taxa, especially Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. At the initiation of EN, patients who were positive for C. difficile later had enhanced abundance of Bacteroides , which was negatively correlated with C. difficile load when CDI developed. Conclusion : ICU patients receiving EN had a high prevalence of CDI, and a fragile intestinal microbial environment. Alteration of microbiota composition could be vital in the process of CDI development, bringing new insights in the interaction between C. difficile and host microbiome.
Influence of self-management on patient-reported outcomes for individuals with chronic heart failure: a multilevel model approach from a longitudinal study
Authors: Tian Jing , Zhao Jinghua , Zhang Qing , Ren Jia , Han Linai , Li Jing , Zhang Yanbo , Han Qinghua
Published: March 2020

Purpose: Self-management is highly heterogenous in patient-reported outcomes in individuals with chronic heart failure and lacks a clinical definition. The aim of this study was to identify clinically meaningful strategies that improve patient-reported outcomes in those with chronic heart failure. Methods: A total of 555 patients with heart failure were enrolled. Self-management advice was provided in written form at discharge. Information regarding chronic heart failure in patient-reported outcomes and self-management was collected during follow-up. Multilevel models were applied to evaluate the effects of self-management strategies for patient-reported outcome of chronic heart failure (CHF-PRO) scores, as well as its physical and psychological domains. Minimal clinically important difference was introduced to further evaluate clinical significance. Results: Scores for CHF-PRO improved significantly after discharge. A regular schedule, avoidance of over-eating, and a low-sodium diet increased scores on patient-reported outcomes, including overall scores and physical and psychological scores. In addition, exercise improved patient-reported outcomes and its physical domain. The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors also increased physical scores. Among these variables, a regular daily schedule and avoidance of over-eating almost every day reached clinical significance for CHF-PRO scores, as well as its physical and psychological domains. Conclusions: Self-management, especially the avoidance of over-eating and maintenance of a regular schedule, should be implemented to improve patient-reported outcomes in those with chronic heart failure.
The relationship between social roles and psychosocial adjustment in women with AIDS: A structural equation model
Authors: Harifi Shadi , Alinagi Seyed Ahmad Seyed , Qorbani Mostafa , mahmoodi zohreh
Published: March 2020

Background: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/AIDS is a new social phenomenon that affects almost all the aspects of the social and economic life of individuals. The present study was conducted for the path analysis of the relationship between social roles and psychosocial adjustment in women with AIDS. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 on 240 women with AIDS who referred to the Counseling Center for Behavioral Diseases of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran. The eligible individuals entered the study through convenience sampling and data were collected using five questionnaires, including the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales, the Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale and a socio-demographic checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and Lisrel-8.8 software. Results: According to the results of the path analysis, internal health locus of control and patient's age have a significant positive relationship with psychosocial adjustment only through the direct path, and among them, patient's age has the greatest positive and direct relationship (B=0.139).In the indirect path, education, external health locus of control, anxiety in experiences of close relationships, and perceived support have the greatest relationship with psychosocial adjustment, and among these variables, education has the highest positive relationship (B=0.06).Illness perception, avoidance in experiences of close relationships and chance locus of health control are associated with psychosocial adjustment through both direct and direct paths, and among these variables, chance locus of health control has the greatest overall relationship with psychosocial adjustment (B=0.238).Conclusion: Based on the results, social roles and physical health are directly/indirectly associated with psychosocial adjustment, which emphasizes the need to pay more attention to all three aspects of psychosocial health, especially in this vulnerable group of the society
Exploring staff conceptions of prevention and management practices in encounters with staff-directed aggression in supported housing following education and training
Authors: Maagerø-Bangstad Erlend Rinke , Sælør Knut Tore , Lillevik Ole Greger , Ness Ottar
Published: March 2020

Background: Staff-directed aggression is a concern for service providers in mental healthcare, frequently affecting both the quality of services and staff wellbeing. This also applies to supported housing services for people with mental health problems. Staff themselves consider training to be an important route to improve the prevention and management of staff-directed aggression. The aims of this study are to explore how staff in community supported housing conceptualize practice in prevention and management of aggression and how these conceptions develop following a local education and training endeavor in disempowerment-sensitive, de-escalating and knowledge-based risk assessment and management. Method: Phenomenography, a qualitative research approach, was adopted to pursue the study aims. The data consisted of two interviews with 13 participants from five different municipal housing facilities in Oslo, Norway. Results: The analysis led to the development of six qualitatively different, yet logically interrelated, categories of description regarding practice in encounters with staff-directed aggression: 1) Observation, alertness and awareness , 2) Established understanding and knowledge of service users , 3) Team-based risk management and deliberation , 4) Adaption of own dispositions and behaviors , 5) Reflexivity, sensitivity and care and 6) Involvement and dialogue . These conceptions were found to vary in meaning and focus; they ranged from implementing safeguarding and protective measures, to drawing on what was portrayed in terms of staff’s expert knowledge, to increasingly allowing for, and committing to, tenant perspectives in designing practice. The results indicate a moderate, yet beneficial, effect of the course on conceptual change in the participants. Conclusion: This study shows that practice in encounters with staff-directed aggression is conceptualized as complex and multifaceted by staff in community mental health services and that the various conceptions will have different consequences for the way staff-directed aggression is mitigated individually and collectively. Our findings also suggest that it is beneficial to take conceptual variation regarding practice into consideration when devising education and training to enhance staff knowledge, skills and practices.
GPs perspective on the usability of the Dutch Primary Care Practice Report: a qualitative interpretative approach
Authors: Bekker Piet De , Vink Maarten , Donker Marianne , Sterkenburg Paul , Hijden Eric van der
Published: March 2020

Background Audit and feedback informs healthcare providers and may affect professional practice and patient outcomes. The Primary Care Practice Report (PCPR) is a web based personalized feedback instrument for general practitioners (GPs) in the Netherlands, based on claims data. Its yearly uptake is limited. In order to improve the use and usability of the report this study aims to identify key criteria that GPs deem important for audit and feedback. Methods A qualitative interpretative approach was used. We interviewed 12 GPs about their use of the practice report. These interviews followed the Three-Step Test-Interview method. Thematic content analysis was used to investigate the perception of the GP on the report and their perspective on the usability. The interviews resulted in critical items for audit and feedback, on which all tables and graphs in the report were systematically assessed. Results From the interviews with GPs recurring criteria emerged that were identified as decisive for the effectiveness of performance feedback: content, reliability, validity and usability. The 34 tables and graphs of the PCPR were assessed using factual characteristics. Content analysis shows that the PCPR has a strong focus on costs. Assessment on validity indicates that casemix correction is always performed if relevant, but explanatory notes hardly clarify which (sub)population is measured (3/34), therefore GP’s in general have difficulty interpreting the results. Assessment on usability shows that, although benchmark figures are almost always presented based on national references, the formulation of goals or any specific attention for an action perspective is lacking because the perceived comparability with the patient group of the GP is limited. Conclusions The current PCPR does not meet key criteria for effective audit and feedback, as defined by GPs. It has a strong focus on costs instead of clinical behavior and is poorly understood when it comes to the specific population the data reflect. The results are in line with theoretical perspectives on learning and improvement of professionals. Improvement of the PCPR requires information on aspects of clinical behavior that are recognizable for GPs and they actually can influence. First steps are made to improve the method of case-mix correction in the benchmarking.
A systematic review of human giardiasis in Bangladesh: public health perspective
Authors: Hossain Biplob , Rashid Humaira , Noor Zannatun , Kabir Mamun , Miah Sohag , Siddique Abdullah , Haque Rashidul
Published: March 2020

Background: Giardiasis identified as a leading cause of gastrointestinal pathogen in young children worldwide, is also common in Bangladesh. There has been an emerging evidence of an association between giardiasis and child growth. This systematic review focuses only on Bangladeshi children. Prevalence of giardiasis with its adverse health effects and the advancement of diagnosis has been reviewed.Methods: A broad review of literature, electronic databases, and books within the time frame of 1970 and 2019 has been searched. Data published on giardiasis prevalence, outcomes (child growth, intestinal permeability, and diarrhea) and advances of diagnosis in Bangladesh has been searched.Results: Both assemblages A and B genotypes of Giardia lamblia are responsible for human giardiasis in Bangladesh. Recent studies on Bangladeshi children suggested Giardia species infections has an adverse impact on poor child growth which have further characterized associations with altered gut epithelial barrier dysfunction, as well as diarrhea. Indeed emerging evidence indicates the key consequence of Giardia colonization is nutrient malabsorption. Conclusions: In Bangladesh giardiasis remains a major public health concern, especially in children age <5 years but is considered as a neglected disease. In order to reduce the burden of giardiasis in developing countries such as Bangladesh, more focus is require to include this disease in public health policies.
Reliability study of measuring leg length discrepancy in patients with total hip arthroplasty using the tip of the greater trochanter
Authors: Lu Yufeng , Yuan Xuechao , Xu Peng , Hao Yangquan
Published: March 2020

Background Although the tip of the greater trochanter is widely used in THA to adjust leg length discrepancy (LLD), its accuracy and reliability are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of measuring LLD in patients with total hip arthroplasty using the distance from the tip of the greater trochanter to the inter-teardrop line Methods 128 patients who underwent THA in our department with preoperative and postoperative bilateral hips anteroposterior(AP) radiographs were reviewed. The distance between the bilateral anterior superior iliac spine and the medial malleolus (ASIS-MM) was measured before and after the operation. The distances from the vertex of the lesser trochanter to the bi-ischial line(LT-BI), the distance from the vertex of the lesser trochanter to the inter-teardrop line(LT-IT) and the distance from the tip of greater trochanter to the inter-teardrop line(GT-IT) were measured on the bilateral hips AP radiograph preoperatively and postoperatively. Taking X-ray magnification into account when measuring data. Use one-way ANOVA and paired t test to compare the differences between the four methods. The agreements between the four methods was evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis. Results There was no statistical difference between the four methods. Comparing GT-IT with MM-ASIS, ,LT-IT and LT-BI, the preoperative P values were 0.369, 0.581, and 0.402, and the postoperative P values were 0.755, 0.502 and 0.233. Comparing LT-BI with MM-ASIS and LT-IT, the P values were 0.151 and 0.372 preoperatively, and 0.179 and 0.917 postoperatively. Comparing LT-IT with MM-ASIS, the P value was 0.924 before surgery and 0.291 after surgery. Bland-Altman indicated that there were good agreements between GT-IT and LT-IT. Conclusion It is highly reliable to evaluate the LLD of patients with THA by using the difference in the distance between the tip of the greater trochanter and the inter-teardrop line.
A novel protoapigenone analog RY10-4 induces apoptosis of breast cancer cells by regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ influx through the mitochondrial calcium uniporter
Authors: Xue Pingping , Chen Qian , Ren Xiuhua , Yang Yimin , Yang Xiaofan , Liu Dong
Published: March 2020

Background Protoapigenone, as a flavonoid compound with a specific nonaromatic B-ring, exhibits extraordinary antitumor activities against a broad spectrum of human cancer cells. Here we developed a novel protoapigenone analog RY10-4, which induces the apoptosis of various tumor cells, especially for breast cancer cells, but the underlying mechanism involved in the apoptotic process remains unclear. Methods MTT assay, colony-formation assay and flow cytometry were applied to evaluate the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]c) and mitochondrial calcium ([Ca2+]m) of the breast cancer cells were measured by the Fluo-2 and Rhod-2 probes, respectively. The mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), membrane potential (ΔΨm) and permeability transition pore (mPTP) were analyzed by MitoSOX, JC-1 probes and Calcein/AM, respectively. Furthermore, Western bolt assay was adopted for the exploration of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Besides, the xenograft assay was performed to investigate the role of RY10-4 in breast cancer cells in vivo. Results Obviously, RY10-4 could effectively suppress the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the [Ca2+]c and [Ca2+]m of MDA-MB-231 cells were up-regulated after the treatment of RY10-4, resulting in the mtROS accumulation, ΔΨm depolarization and mPTP opening. And finally, the mitochondrial apoptosis was activated by the release of cytochrome C. Interestingly, the inhibition of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) with Ru360 attenuated the overload of [Ca2+]m and blocked the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells induced by RY10-4, which was also consistent with the in vivo results. Conclusions From the results we concluded that RY10-4 could induce apoptosis of breast cancer cells by elevating [Ca2+]m through MCU. Our work contributed previously unknown insights into the mechanisms involving in the clinical efficacy of RY10-4 on breast cancer cells, which also advanced calcium homeostasis as a potential target for chemotherapeutic drugs.
14-3-3β paralog is inhibited by acetylation during differentiation to the osteogenic lineage.
Authors: López Yesica Romina Frontini , Gojanovich Aldana Daniela , Uhart Marina , Bustos Diego Martin
Published: March 2020

Background 14-3-3 protein family binds and regulate hundreds of serine/threonine phosphorylated proteins. Considered as redundant, ubiquitous and constantly expressed, this protein family was treated as an accessory for many signaling systems. Recently, specific biological functions were discovered for each of its seven paralogs in humans. Here, we studied the reversible inhibition by acetylation of its essential N- ε -lysine 49/51 residue during the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells. Methods Human adipose-derived stem cells were obtained from healthy patients who underwent a dermolipectomy. The material was processed to obtain the ASCs from the stromal vascular fraction. Proteins of interest were analyzed by confocal microscopy and Western blot, and the expression level of selected proteins were modified by using lentivirus and specific shRNAs. Results We found that during the differentiation of ASC, the levels of 14-3-3 acK49/51 increased, showing that inhibition of 14-3-3 is necessary during this process. Among the 7 paralogs of this family, the inhibition by this posttranslational modification occurs mostly on the paralog β , located specifically in the nucleus, where 14-3-3 was described to bind to H3 histone and many transcription factors. Paralog specific inhibition by short hairpin RNA showed that silencing of 14-3-3 β gene, but not 14-3-3γ, increases significantly the osteogenic potential of the cells. Transdifferentiation from osteogenic to adipogenic linage of cell lines that were specifically silenced for 14-3-3 β o γ paralogs showed that 14-3-3b could be a negative regulator of the differentiation to the osteogenic lineage. Conclusion We showed that specifically 14-3-3 β is a negative regulator of osteogenesis. The levels of its inhibition by acetylation on lysine 51 is the key cellular mechanism to regulate it. The HBO1 acetyltransferase could be the enzyme responsible of this modification. Cells were this inhibition was emulated by decreasing the levels of expression of 14-3-3 β showed significant increased potential for the differentiation to the osteogenic lineage.
A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Prolonged Stent Deployment Strategy in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Pilot study
Authors: Ma Min , Wang Ling , Yang Zhi-gang , Diao Kai-yue , He Yong
Published: March 2020

Background Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the most standard reperfusion strategy for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but the no-reflow phenomenon is still common and is associated with adverse outcomes. Little is known about the consequences of different strategies of deploying stents on outcomes in STEMI patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether prolonged inflation would decrease the no-reflow phenomenon in PPCI compared with the conventional rapid inflation/deflation strategy. Methods This was a prospective, single-center, blinded, randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized 1:1 to a prolonged deployment strategy group or a conventional deployment strategy group. A subset of patients was included in a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examination assessment. The primary outcomes were the number of patients with Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3, the incidence of intraoperative no-reflow/slow flow, the corrected TIMI frame count, the myocardial blush grade, and the number of patients with ST-segment resolution>50%. The secondary outcome was major cardiovascular adverse events at one month and one year following the index PPCI. Results TIMI flow grade 3 was found in 96.7% of the prolonged deployment strategy group and 63.3% of the conventional deployment group (P=0.005). The prolonged inflation strategy and inflation/deflation strategy group respectively showed the following rates: 0% vs 30% no-reflow or slow flow (P=0.002); 90% vs 66.7% ST-segment resolution ≥50% (P=0.028); 35.6±14.5 frames vs 49.18±25.2 frames on corrected TIMI frame count (P=0.014); and 60% vs 20% myocardial blush grade 3 (P=0.001). The major cardiovascular adverse event rate was 3.3% in both groups at one month and 3.3% for the prolonged inflation strategy group vs 6.7% for the rapid inflation/deflation strategy group at one year (P=1.0). In the CMR subset of cases, the presence of microvascular obstruction (MVO) was detected in 6.7% of patients in the prolonged inflation strategy group and in 50% of patients in the rapid inflation/deflation strategy group (P=0.023). Conclusions In the patients with STEMI who underwent PPCI, the effect of the prolonged inflation strategy could decease the no-reflow phenomenon and improve myocardial microcirculation perfusion, but there were no benefits for the 30-day or one-year clinical outcomes. (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03199014.Registered June 23, 2017,http://https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03199014?term=NCT03199014&cntry=CN&draw=2&rank=1)
A Novel Method for the Correlation of Histological Slides and MRI Imaging of the Prostate using 3D Vertex Models
Authors: Bisson Tom , Piwonski Iris , Lohmann Sebastian , Zerbe Norman , Maxeiner Andreas , Horst David , Hufnagl Peter , Penzkofer Tobias , Elezkurtaj Sefer
Published: March 2020

Background: The evaluation and improvement of MRI-based grading schemes such as PI-RADS requires the correlation of histological findings with MRI images. Several approaches have been described to join the two modalities. However, these approaches have in common that they all require modification of the pathology workflow. Here, we describe a novel method to utilize vertex models for the correlation of histological findings with MRI images without affecting the histological sectioning protocol. Methods: Three patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy as well as presurgical MRI were selected. Prostates are segmented on the MRI images to extract a 3D vertex model using 3D Slicer. Histological sectioning is then applied on the vertex model to yield reference planes for the tissue slides. Afterwards, slides and annotated tumor regions are aligned with the reference planes using the Coherent Point Drift algorithm. Carcinomas can then be visualized in 3D using the three different techniques of block representation, convex hull and Metaballs. Results: 3D Slicer allows importing vertex models for segmentation purposes and thus the reconstructed tumors can be utilized as annotations in the original MRI images. Registration results are evaluated using the Jaccard index, which is computed by dividing the intersection area between tissue slide and reference plane by their union area. To evaluate the 3D reconstructions, the tumor-to-tissue ratio of the histological slides is computed. Block representation results in 76% of the original ratio while the convex hull causes a strong increase of 456%. The Metaball algorithm comprises a threshold parameter which affects the size of the 3D volume. Tumor-to-tissue ratios can be matched perfectly by selecting appropriate threshold values. Conclusions: Our introduced method allows the correlation of histological findings with MRI images without the need to adapt the pathologists' workflow. In fact, the accuracy of 3D reconstruction techniques needs to be further optimized, but in return the method can be applied to the entire set of archive cases.
Rates and Correlates of Involuntary Hospitalization in a Large Psychiatric Hospital 2014-2017 under China’s Mental Health Law introduced in 2013
Authors: Ma Yarong , Rosenheck Robert , He Hongbo
Published: March 2020

Background: Involuntary hospitalization (IH) is a controversial issue in psychiatry as it risks violation of the human right to autonomy. This study aimed to examine the rates and correlates of IH in a large psychiatric hospital from 2014-2017 after China’s Mental Health Law (MHL) was implemented in 2013 specifying criteria for IH and a structured assessment was required for IH.Methods: Unduplicated electronic medical records concerning all inpatients admitted to the Guangzhou Psychiatric Hospital with primary psychiatric diagnoses were examined and trends in annual IH rates were examined. We extracted medical, sociodemographic and socioeconomic data from these records to identify correlates of IH using bivariate chi square tests followed by logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 11,086 hospitalized patients, there was a significant but small increase from 71.6% to 74.9% in rates of IH in the years after the structured assessment was implemented. Logistic regression analysis showed IH was positively associated with being younger, having a local residence, and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders or a substance abuse disorder as compared to those diagnosed with major depressive disorder.Conclusions: Adjusting for these factors those with IH had a longer length of stays. Under China’s Mental Health Law in 2013, and a locally implemented checklist, the adjusted risk of IH increased significantly, but by only 3.3% from 2014 to 2017. IH was greatest younger patients with severe mental illnesses, and those with local access to psychiatric hospital services.
Full-length transcriptome sequencing of the identified fruit shape-related genes of the Olecranon honey peach
Authors: Liu Jianliang , Bao Yao , Wang Qin , Liu Huifan
Published: March 2020

Background: The olecranon honey peach belongs to the peach class. In terms of the fruit type, the Olecranon honey peach, shaped like an eagle’s beak, is larger than others. In this study, Full-length transcriptome sequencing of the Olecranon honey peach and the bud mutant variant of the peach was performed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies to comparatively analyze the differentially expressed genes and the transcriptome, to identify important fruit shape-related genes.Results:Full-length transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze the two peaches. Consensus isoform was obtained and compared to the reference genome for a de-redundancy analysis. As a result, a final set of 58,596 transcript sequences was obtained. A total of 21,745 simple sequence repeats were obtained, and 18,322 alternative splicing (AS) events were identified. The comparative analysis of the non-redundant transcript revealed 2530 new gene loci and 37,364 novel transcripts. A total of 457 genes were differentially expressed in the two groups, including 169 up-regulated genes and 288 down-regulated genes. A total of 1519 transcripts were differentially expressed, of which 552 were up-regulated and 997 were down-regulated. Conclusions: In the case of the plant hormone signal transduction pathway, identified by the KEGG annotation, our analyses revealed that differential expression of genes 9229, 26004, 22504, 2822, 2826, 2824, ONT.1953, ONT.1950, and ONT.1953 was related to the shape of the peach and may regulate the production of large fruits, via endogenous hormones, secondary metabolites, and signal transduction. This study provided useful information on the shape-related genes and transcripts in the Olecranon honey peach.
Quality analysis and metabolomic profiling of the effects of exogenous abscisic acid on rabbiteye blueberry
Authors: Han Tianyu , Li Weilin , Wu Wenlong , Shi Chong , Wang Xiaomin , Yang Haiyan , Xiong Zhenhao
Published: March 2020

Background: Blueberry is well known for its high content of bioactive metabolites, including anthocyanins, flavonols, and phenolic acids. This study aims to systematically study the effect of exogenous ABA application on ripening fruits in fruit growth, quality and anthocyanins content. The ripening process of blueberry fruit is divided into six stages for further analysis.Results: In this article, nontarget metabolomics were performed to demonstrate the effect on metabolites level. Basic results showed that 1000 mg/ml ABA significantly promoted fruit ripening, accelerated fruit colouration and increased soluble solid and anthocyanins content. At the same time, the fruit firmness and the content of some bioactive metabolites were also reduced. In metabolites level, a total of 1145 metabolites and 575 metabolites were detected and annotated in the positive model and the negative model, respectively. Principal component analysis and endogenous ABA content shows the exogenous ABA application is mainly concentrated on the green fruit turning into red fruit, after which the effect begins to decrease. The important metabolites of flavonoid pathway were detected and the result shows that anthocyanins synthesis was increased and parts of other bioactive metabolites were decreased. Conlusion: After comprehensive assessments, we believe that 1000 mg/ml exogenous ABA will have positive impacts on blueberry fruit quality and economic benefits. This finding provides a reference for different cultivation methods to improve the anthocyanin content of blueberry. Also, it provides a good research foundation for the next step of precise breeding for specific active compound of blueberry.
Association of surgical margins with local recurrence in patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Lin Joseph , Chen Sam Li-Sheng , Chen Dar-Ren , Lin Kuo-Juei , Wang Yu-Fen , Huang Ling-Hui
Published: March 2020

Background The aim of the current study was to report a single-institution experience using breast-conserving surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), focusing on the association between microscopic resection margin status and locoregional recurrence (LRR). Methods Our institutional prospectively maintained database was reviewed to identify patients who were treated with NACT between January 2008 and April 2018. Results Among the main partial mastectomy specimens available for analysis (n = 161), 28 had margins < 1 mm, 21 had margin width of 1–2 mm and the remaining 112 had margins > 2 mm. LRR occurred in 16 patients (9.9%) and distant metastases were detected in 27 (16.8%) patients. There was no significant difference in the LRR between the > 2 mm margin group with a 60-month cumulative survival of 85.2% compared with 76.2% for the ≤ 2 mm group ( P = 0.335) in the Kaplan-Meier analysis. When we stratified patients by margin widths of ≥ 1 mm or < 1 mm, there was no LRR-free survival benefit observed for the ≥ 1 mm pathologic excision margin group in the univariate analysis (hazard ratio = 0.443; 95% confidence interval = 0.142–1.383; P = 0.161) with a 60-month cumulative LRR-free survival of 84.9% compared with 69.5% for the < 1 mm margin cohort ( P = 0.150). Conclusions In the absence of multiple scattered microscopic tumour foci, a negative margin of no ink on tumour maybe sufficient for stage I–III invasive breast cancer treated with NACT and breast-conserving surgery.