bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satisfaction Level of Tuberculosis Patients Regarding their Access to TB Care and Prevention Services, Delivered through Public Private Mix Model in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Syed Mustafa , Anjum Naveed , Naureen Farah , Rashid Aamna , Tahir Adeel , Ishaq Muhammad , Usman Muhammad
Published: September 2019

Objective: The private healthcare providers (PHCP) are believed to improve access to healthcare services in Public-Private Mix (PPM) projects, as they are considered first point of contact for healthcare. The purpose of this study was to know the satisfaction level of TB patients. Design: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was carried out during November and December 2017 for 572 under-treatment patients registered with PHCPs in the PPM project. Lot quality assurance sampling technique was used to randomly select 19 districts from sample frame of 75 districts. In each selected district, data collector retrieved TB register of 8 months (Jan – Aug 2017) and systematically selected patients by fixed periodic interval. SPSS (version 24.0) was used to analyze the data. Results: Study included 53% (n=301) of males and 47% (n=271) of females, with mean age of 38 years (SD, ±18). Almost half of the participants were illiterate (51%, n=289) and 64% (n=365) were non-earning members of the family. In practice, most of the participants visit private providers (71%, n=407), including private hospital/clinic (44%) and traditional practitioners (27%; n=153). 55% of participants visited the current doctor because of clinic’s proximity to residence. 82% of the participants (n=469) were satisfied with the TB care services and 85% (n=488) said that they would recommend this clinic to others. Conclusion: PHCPs are preferred providers for individuals, which is consistent with findings of other studies. Though they are satisfied with TB care and services, interventions should be introduced to reduce the financial burden on the patient. Partnering PHCP is a way forward to ensure universal health coverage, health system strengthening and better health outcomes of the population.
"Shutdown" of the Proton Exchange Channel Waveguide in the Phase Modulator under the Influence of the Pyroelectric Effect
Authors: Ponomarev Roman , Shevtsov Denis , Karnaushkin Pavel
Published: September 2019

It is shown that the termination of the channeling of the fundamental radiation mode in the waveguide can be observed upon heating of an optical integrated circuit based on proton exchange channel waveguides formed in a lithium niobate single crystal. This process is reversible, but restoration of waveguide performance takes tens of minutes. The effect of the waveguide disappearance is observed upon rapid heating (5 °C/min) from a low temperature (minus 40 °C). This effect can lead to a temporary failure of navigation systems using fiber optic gyroscopes with modulators based on a lithium niobate crystal
Using Double-Bounded Dichotomous-Choice to Estimate Households’ Willingness to Pay for Improved Water Quality in Bac Ninh Province of Vietnam
Authors: Van Song Nguyen , Huyen Vu Ngoc , Dung Le Thi Phuong
Published: September 2019

This study used double-bounded dichotomous-choice to estimate and analyze the factors affecting households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for water quality improvement. This study notes that households with higher income, living near polluted water source, using tap water instead of natural water, who are handicraft producers, and who have more members are willing to pay more. However, households who rarely hear about environmental pollution issues and who are offered a higher bid are more likely to refuse to pay. Solutions to improve water quality are suggested such as to raise people's awareness through communication channels and social organizations; to increase income associated with environmental protection policies; to construct of wastewater treatment plants; to encourage the relocation of production establishments to industrial parks and industrial complexes; to put regulations on collection, payment and sanctions in case of not declaring and paying fees into village conventions; to promulgate circulars, and bylaws to concretize and simplify regulations and policies of the Government, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Planar Cell Polarity: The Frizzled Homophobic Signal
Authors: Gomes José-Eduardo
Published: September 2019

The cell’s capacity to integrate and respond to spatial information is a crucial feature of morphogenesis and development. The Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) pathway is a signaling mechanism, widely conserved across metazoans, providing spatial orientation along the plane of an epithelium in morphogenic processes ranging from insect wing patterning to mammalian cochleae. Although the core genes involved in the PCP pathway have been molecularly identified in the 1990s, the PCP signaling mechanism remains controversial. In this article I discuss the main players and previous models of PCP signaling reported in the literature, and propose a new model. According to it PCP is established through an homophobic signal by transmembrane protein Frizzled (Fz): 1) a Fz signal in one cell repeals Fz itself in the adjacent cell, thereby generating symmetry breaking; 2) the instructive PCP signal is conveyed through Fz interaction with atypical cadherin Flamingo (Fmi). More broadly, homophobic signaling may represent a novel mechanism for cell-cell signaling of spatial information through modulation of cell adhesion rather than canonical ligand-receptor binding.
La virtud está en el término medio: las sociedades de economía mixta. especial referencia al ámbito local
Authors: Fuentes i Gasó Josep Ramon
Published: September 2019

El artículo analiza el régimen legal de las sociedades de economía mixta, tanto desde el punto de vista de España como de la Unión Europea. Propone a favor del interés general un régimen híbrido para sociedades que obedece tanto a la regulación privada de las sociedades de capital como a la regulación administrativa.
Perceptions and Experiences of Precarious Employment in Canadian Libraries: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Henninger Ean , Brons Adena , Riley Chloe , Yin Crystal
Published: September 2019

Precarious employment is a labour practice characterized for employers by flexibility and economic efficiencies and for workers by vulnerability and uncertainty as to job duration, scheduling, and pay. It is increasingly common in Canada and can result in physical, mental, financial, and social strain for people who experience it. In libraries, it has the potential for negative effects on individual staff members, organizational health, and service quality. However, literature on precarious library work is scarce, and it is unclear how its effects on library staff compare to those described in the broader literature or how it affects the library field as a whole.

The purpose of this study was to gather information about library workers’ perceptions and experiences of precarious employment and to see how it played out in library contexts. Thirteen library workers both with and without experiences of precarious employment participated in qualitative, semi-structured interviews, which were synthesized into a narrative summarizing their thoughts and experiences. Results indicated that while there were some positive effects of precarious work, they mainly benefited library organizations from scheduling and financial standpoints, while negative outcomes were more numerous, more salient, and affected individuals as well as organizations. Awareness of such perceptions and experiences may help to spark conversations and support for those experiencing negative effects from precarious work, and it can serve to reduce or eliminate factors leading to those effects. However, failure to address them may result in negative outcomes for library workers and organizations, such as stress, turnover, marginalization, burnout, leaving the field, reduced service quality, and more. Accordingly, this paper provides some of the first qualitative information on precarious employment in libraries and may be used to support broader discussions about the topic.
A Gaussian Mixture Model as a Proposal Distribution for Efficient Markov-Chain Monte Carlo Characterization of Uncertainty in Reservoir Description and Forecasting
Authors: Li Xin , Reynolds Albert C.
Published: September 2019

Generating an estimate of uncertainty in production forecasts has become nearly standard in the oil industry, but is often performed with procedures that yield at best a highly approximate uncertainty quantification. Formally, the uncertainty quantification of a production forecast can be achieved by generating a correct characterization of the posterior probability-density function (PDF) of reservoir-model parameters conditional to dynamic data and then sampling this PDF correctly. Although Markov-chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) provides a theoretically rigorous method for sampling any target PDF that is known up to a normalizing constant, in reservoir-engineering applications, researchers have found that it might require extraordinarily long chains containing millions to hundreds of millions of states to obtain a correct characterization of the target PDF. When the target PDF has a single mode or has multiple modes concentrated in a small region, it might be possible to implement a proposal distribution dependent on a random walk so that the resulting MCMC algorithm derived from the Metropolis-Hastings acceptance probability can yield a good characterization of the posterior PDF with a computationally feasible chain length. However, for a high-dimensional multimodal PDF with modes separated by large regions of low or zero probability, characterizing the PDF with MCMC using a random walk is not computationally feasible. Although methods such as population MCMC exist for characterizing a multimodal PDF, their computational cost generally makes the application of these algorithms far too costly for field application. In this paper, we design a new proposal distribution using a Gaussian mixture PDF for use in MCMC where the posterior PDF can be multimodal with the modes spread far apart. Simply put, the method generates modes using a gradient-based optimization method and constructs a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to use as the basic proposal distribution. Tests on three simple problems are presented to establish the validity of the method. The performance of the new MCMC algorithm is compared with that of random-walk MCMC and is also compared with that of population MCMC for a target PDF that is multimodal.
Coupled Numerical Simulation of Thermal-Reactive Flow and Geomechanics with Solid Mass Conversion
Authors: Alpak Faruk O. , Vink Jeroen C.
Published: September 2019

An extension of the novel fully coupled thermal-hydromechanical (THM) open-system geomechanics (OSG) model is developed for the analysis of coupled flow and oil-shale geomechanics. The model is cast within the framework of Biot's elasticity and classical thermoelasticity. A new term in the equations accounting for the effects of pyrolysis is included in the present model to capture the removal of mass from the reactive solid phase because of the kerogen-conversion process modeled through a simplified chemical-reaction model. The proposed novel formulation approach and its numerical implementation differ from traditional methods and offer a step improvement in the geomechanical modeling of thermally reactive porous media, such as oil shales.

The numerical implementation of the OSG model, a first in the literature, is developed within the framework of a proprietary coupled thermal-reactive flow and geomechanics simulator, which was extensively validated in a previous publication. In this paper, we compare the thermal-reactive OSG model against experimental measurements. Numerical results from the validation test show that the model captures the fundamental physical behavior of oil-shale geomechanics realistically and correctly. Parametric analyses of the OSG model indicate that the chemical conversion term is the critical term that dictates the magnitude of compaction in the solid equation, and a further investigation illustrates the importance of the mobility term in the pore-pressure buildup. It is also noticed that the initiation and the rate of compaction of the oil-shale sample are governed by the chemical activation energy and the reaction-rate constant.
Psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents in a middle-income Latin American country
Authors: Caqueo-Urízar Alejandra , Flores Jerome , Escobar Carolang , Urzúa Alfonso , Irarrázaval Matías
Published: September 2019

Background Child and adolescent mental health has scarcely been studied in developing countries, though it is an important aspect of health. Mental health problems in youth often continue into adulthood if not diagnosed or treated in time.Methods The Sistema de Evaluación de Niños y Adolescentes (SENA) [Child and Adolescent Evaluation System] was used to evaluate mental health indicators in a sample of students in Northern Chile. Two age-appropriate versions of the assessment were applied to a total sample of 5,043 students, which included an elementary education sample of 1,953 schoolchildren from fourth grade through sixth grade (ages 8 to 13 years), and a secondary education sample of 3,090 schoolchildren from seventh grade (the last year of elementary school) through the last year of secondary school (senior high school) (ages 12 to 19 years). For each group, the version of the assessment used was determined by the students’ grade level. Both samples included municipal, government-subsidized, and private schools.Results In this student population, depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders were the main mental health problems identified, and indicators revealed a progressive increase in cases over the years, coinciding with the global epidemiological scenario. Males showed a greater presence of externalizing behaviors related to mental health problems associated with aggression and defiant behavior. However, females showed the highest number of mental health issues overall, especially regarding problems related to internalization.Conclusions Our sample population analysis indicates that early intervention is necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of youth, with the goal of reducing the probability that psychiatric disorders will be prolonged, evolving, and worsening in adulthood.
Comparison of Atlantoaxial Functional and Radiographic Outcomes after Posterior Temporary Fixation Preserving with Detaching the Semispinalis Cervicis for Odontoid Fracture
Authors: Liu Jia , Jiang Enze , Bao XiaoGang , Zhu LingJun , Niu Dong Yang , Xu Guohua
Published: September 2019

Background: The semispinalis cervicis (SSC) is attached to the spinous process of the C2–C5 vertebra and distally to the transverse process of the T1–T6 vertebra, like a primary power source for extension of the cervical spine. This study was to compare the outcomes following temporary posterior fixation in two cohorts of patients who either underwent our technique of preserving SSC (P-SSC) or traditional technique of detaching the SSC (D-SSC). Methods : The conventional posterior temporary fixation was modified by preserving the SSC inserted into the C2 process. A total of 16 patients with odontoid fracture underwent the temporary posterior fixation preserving the SSC (P-SSC) or detaching the SSC (D-SSC). We measured the frequencies of postoperative axial symptom and cervical range of motion (ROM) in the rotation. The cross-sectional areas of posterior cervical muscles were also measured using axial CT. Results: At the final follow-up, in 16 cases from each group fracture healing was achieved. The total extension ROM of C1-C2 in the P-SSC was 56.8±3.5̊, while it was larger than 52.0±4.6̊ in the D-SSC. The frequency and severity of limitations of ADL accompanying each of three neck movements i.e. extension, flexion and rotation were 2.8±0.5, 1.9±0.6 and 2.0±0.5, respectively in the P-SSC; and 2.9±0.4, 2.3±0.5 and 2.6±0.5, respectively in the D-SSC. Regarding the average atrophy rate, it was 6.0±2.9% at the level C3 and 6.7±4.3% at the level C5 in the P-SSC; and 17.9±7.4% at the level C3 and 7.5±4.7% at the level C5 in the D-SSC. Conclusion: The frequencies of ADL limitations, the incidence of axial symptoms and loss of ROM accompanying neck extension, and atrophy rate of the posterior cervical muscles were lower for the atlantoaxial posterior temporary fixation preserving the SSC.
EGFR mutation: a prognostic factor associated with immune infiltration in lower-grade glioma.
Authors: Hao Zhaonian , Guo Dongsheng
Published: September 2019

Glioma is one of the most common type of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. EGFR mutation, a common alteration occurs in various tumors, is not brought to the forefront in understanding and treating glioma at present. In the present study, we demonstrated an immune infiltration related pattern of EGFR mutation in lower-grade glioma. In silico analyses were performed to investigate EGFR mutation and its biological effects and clinical values. GO and GSEA process were used as enrichment analysis. Infiltration levels of specific types of immune cells were estimated at TIMER database. Clinical data of patients were obtained from TCGA and were employed for survival analyses. Results revealed that EGFR mutation leads to an up-regulation of immune response related pathways and dismal prognosis in lower-grade glioma. Infiltration of CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells were significantly increased in EGFR-mutant cases. Infiltration of specific types of immune cells were correlated with shorter survival time. PD-L1 was elevated in EGFR-mutant cases and correlated with infiltration level of CD4+ T cells, neutrophils and dendritic cells. In conclusion, EGFR mutation indicates increasing infiltration of specific types of immune cells and poor prognosis in lower-grade glioma. Alteration of immune microenvironment since the EGFR mutation might influence the survival of glioma. We also provided a novel evidence and indicator of PD-1 inhibitor application in glioma.
Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer in the North East of Scotland: Survival, Clinico-Pathological Features and Genetics
Authors: Perrott Sarah , Laurie Kirsten , Laws Kirsten , Johnes Annie , Miedzybrodzka Zosia , Samuel Leslie
Published: September 2019

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients aged under 55 years is on the rise, constituting approximately 10% of cases. Our aim was to determine the survival and clinico-pathological details of young-onset CRC (yCRC), as well as audit the referral rate to genetic services and thus establish the incidence of microsatellite instability (MSI).
Methods
A retrospective case note review was conducted for patients aged under 55 years who were diagnosed with CRC between 2005-2015 in the North East of Scotland. Cases were identified by pathology records and data was obtained from patient notes then crosschecked with the NHS Grampian genetics electronic case records. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 (IBM, New York, USA) to produce Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, descriptive statistics and markers predictive for genetic referral.
Results
Data from 345 patients (age range 22-54 years) were analysed. The one year, five year and overall survival rates were found to be 89%, 63% and 55%, respectively. A majority of patients (61%) presented with advanced Dukes’ C or D disease. Of 201 patients that met criteria for genetic referral, only 93 (46%) were referred to genetics services. MSI was identified in 14% of those referred.
Conclusions
Survival in yCRC was found to be better than that in later onset disease, despite higher rates of advanced disease. Patients were under-referred to genetic services, where a significant proportion were found to be MSI positive.
RHEALITY: Recurrence of HEr2+ pAtients: evaluation of Long term outcome In patients receiving trastuzumab TherapY
Authors: Saghatchian Mahasti , Curtit Elsa , Coeffic David , Flinois Alain , Levy Christelle
Published: September 2019

Background Despite improved prognosis of HER2+ eBC since the introduction of trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting in 2006, disease recurrences still occur in some patients after a few years. We aimed to describe in real life the long-term follow-up to assess disease-free and metastasis-free survival of patients with HER2+ eBC treated with adjuvant trastuzumab. Methods This was a multicenter, retrospective, cohort study assessing HER2+ eBC patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2010 and treated with adjuvant trastuzumab. Data were collected from patient’s medical charts. Disease-free survival (DFS), and metastatic-free survival (MFS) were evaluated in the overall population and within subgroups according to hormonal and nodal status. Results In the overall population (n=2,513) at 7 years, the DFS rate was 75.8% [95%CI 74.0%-77.6%], and the MFS rate was 84.1% [82.5%-85.6%]. According to hormonal status, the 7-year DFS rate was significantly higher for HR+ than for HR- patients [80.0% vs . 68.6%; p <0.001], and the 7-year MFS rate [87.9% for HR+ vs . 77.5% HR-]. According to nodal status, the 7-year DFS rate was significantly higher for N- than for N+ patients [86.7% vs . 66.4%; p <0.001], and the 7-year MFS rate [94.7% for N- vs . 74.9% for N+]. Conclusions Despite introduction of adjuvant trastuzumab, prognosis of HER2+ eBC is still a matter above all in subgroups associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence. Our real-world study pointed out a particularly aggressive profile of N+ and HR- subgroups and the need for more efficient approaches for these particular group of patients.
Characteristics of gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Clostridi perfringens
Authors: Chen Zheng-Yang , Jiang Nan , Guo Song , Li Bin-Bin , Yang Jia-Qi , Chai Shao-Bin , Yan Hong-Feng , Yang He-Ming , Zhou Jin-Lian , Sun Hong-Wei , Cui Yan
Published: September 2019

Background: Gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess is a life-threatening disease with poor prognosis commonly caused by 2 bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Clostridium perfringens . Due to its low incidence and associated high mortality rate, it is important to study the biological characteristics of the disease. The aim of this study was to conduct a worldwide review of literature on gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess caused by K. pneumoniae and C. perfringens .
Methods: We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases from January 2009 to March 2019, with published in English. All relevant articles were accessed in full text. The manual search included references of retrieved articles. Finally, 35 publications were selected for review.
Results: The results showed that more cases of gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess in Asia were caused by K. pneumoniae than by C. perfringens (P=0.011). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess caused by K. pneumoniae was higher than caused by C. perfringens (P=0.032). The survival rate of patients with gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess caused by K. pneumoniae who received surgical debridement or drainage was higher than caused by C. perfringens (P=0.002).
Conclusions: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was higher in patients with gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess caused by K. pneumoniae than in patients caused by C. perfringens .
Historical changes in recurrence forms and their mechanisms after laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty, as assessed by video review
Authors: Sato Masanori , Nozawa Masashi , Watanabe Takahiro , Onoda Takanobu , Matsuyama Atsuko , Shiiya Norihiko , Wada Hidetoshi
Published: September 2019

Background: Technical factors leading to hernia recurrence after transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair include insufficient dissection, inadequate prosthetic overlap and prosthetic size, improper fixation and folding or crinkling of the prosthesis. However, which of these can intraoperatively determine if a case will go on to develop recurrent hernias remains unclear. Methods: We reviewed operation videos for 27 control cases and primary laparoscopic hernioplasty of 13 lesions where the patient suffered recurrence after TAPP repair. Five surgeons blindly reviewed the videos to assess surgical techniques such as adequate dissection, mesh coverage, and folding or crinkling of the mesh. We explored the association of the technique with development of recurrence across our policy change, and hernia type before and after recurrence. Results: After implementing a TAPP repair policy of covering myopectineal orifice (MPO) with sufficiently overlapped mesh, 79% of the rating were satisfactory, whereas 34% were satisfactory prior to the policy. The recurrence rate decreased to 0.7% (5/678) compared with 6.2% (10/161) before the policy ( p <0.001). Although various types of recurrences were noted in the earlier period, only primary indirect and recurrent indirect hernias were observed in the later period ( p =0.006). With univariate analysis, the scores of posterior prosthesis overlap to the MPO in the recurrent cases were significantly lower than controls in the later period ( p =0.019). Conclusions: Fully covering the MPO with mesh is essential for preventing direct type recurrence. Prosthesis overlap posterior to the MPO in a large indirect hernia is important for preventing recurrence.
Neonatal hand, foot, and mouth disease: a case-control study in Shanghai
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Li Huajun , Qiao Peng , Xu Guofeng , Zhao Dongying , Lin Xiaoyan , Qin Yu , Yu Huiju , Zhang Xi , Zhang Wanju , Huang Lisu
Published: September 2019

Background Evidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in neonates is limited. This study aimed to report the clinical symptoms, possible transmission routes, and prognosis of neonatal HFMD in Shanghai. Methods This was a case-control study based on registry system of HFMD. All neonates and infected family members were enrolled between 2016 and 2017 in Shanghai. Neonates with HFMD were followed for at least half a year. The detailed questionnaires, medical history and physical examination were recorded. Routine blood examination, liver and renal function, immunophenotypes of peripheral blood lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, and CD8 T-cells; NK cells), immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG, and IgA and cytokine interleukin (IL-1β, IL-2R, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α) levels were detected. All rectal swab specimens were collected and genotyped for enterovirus. T-test or nonparametric test was used to evaluate the differences. Logistic analysis was applied to find the risk of clinical symptoms in the group of neonates and their HFMD paired siblings.Results There were 16 neonates among the 12608 diagnosed patients with HFMD, accounting for 1.3‰. All the neonates were transmitted within-family, mainly by the elder sibling, with different types of coxsackievirus A6 infection. Coxsackievirus A6 was also the emerging and predominant causative agent of HFMD in Shanghai. None of the neonates with HFMD suffered fever, onychomadesis, or severe complications. However, two elder sibling patients showed lethargy, and one developed hypoperfusion. The white blood cells in the elder siblings with HFMD were generally higher than the neonates with HFMD. The immunologic function of the neonates was basically normal. The inflammatory response was high regardless of the neonates or elder siblings. The clinical symptoms receded at about one week. None of the neonates had sequalae.Conclusions The severity of neonates infected with HFMD may vary with pathogen. With the two-child policy in China, it should be noticed that elder siblings may be the main route of HFMD transmission.
Seasonal variation of acute appendicitis and fecaliths in children
Authors: Hsu Yao-Jen , Fu Yu-Wei , Chin Taiwai
Published: September 2019

Purpose A higher incidence of acute appendicitis (AA) in summer has been reported. The reason of this observation is uncertain. The purpose of this study is to analyze the difference of the clinical findings between summer and non-summer AA.
Methods We reviewed the clinical data of 171 patients who had an appendectomy from 2013 to 2016. The patients were under 18 years of age by the time of surgery. Laboratory data, CT scans, pathologic reports and operative records were reviewed.
Results More appendectomies were performed in summer than non-summer months (101 patients vs 70 patients). There is no significant difference of laboratory results between the summer and non-summer patients. The percentage of AA patients with a fecalith is significantly lower in the summer (33.6%) than non-summer months (55.7%). There was no significant difference in appendiceal perforation/abscess between summer and non-summer months.
Conclusions We observed a lower percentage of AA with a fecalith in summer. To our knowledge, this observation has not been reported in literature. The increase of AA in summer may be a result of more lymphoid hyperplasia in summer. This may correlate with the yearly outbreak of enteroviral infections in this area.
Candida Coinfection among Patients with Pulmonary tuberculosis in the World; A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies
Authors: Ghazalibina Mehran , Shakerimoghaddam Ali , Khaledi Azad
Published: September 2019

Background

Diagnosis of fungal co-infections in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis has critical importance. In this review, we aimed to determine the prevalence of candida coinfection in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.Methods

The present systematic review of cross-sectional studies was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Protocol. Studies published online in English from January 2001 to March 2019 were assessed. Literature search was performed in Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Scopus databases using keywords combinations of “pulmonary fungal”, “pulmonary coinfection”, OR “pulmonary mycosis”, “pulmonary fungal infections/agents”, OR “polymicrobial infection”, OR “secondary infection”, OR “mixed infections”, “pulmonary candidiasis”, “fungi coinfection”, “fungal co-colonization”, AND “pulmonary tuberculosis”, OR “pulmonary TB”. Data was analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated by Cochran's Q, and I 2 tests.Results

The pooled global prevalence of candida coinfection among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was 25.7% (95% CI: 23.7-27.9). C. albicans was the most prevalent Candida spp. with a pooled prevalence of 65.8% (95% CI: 54.3-75.7). Risk factors of candida coinfection included smoking, diabetes, advanced age, and low body mass index.Conclusion

The present review showed the high rate of candida coinfection among patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. Adequate measures are necessary to early diagnose and treat these infections.
Comparative analysis of different host adaptation in two rice planthopper species
Authors: Huang Hai-Jian , Cui Jia-Rong , Hong Xiao-Yue
Published: September 2019

Background The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens, BPH) and small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus, SBPH) are most destructive insect pests belonging to Delphacidae. These two species differ in host range, but the underlying mechanism remained unknown.Results In this work, we compared the gut transcriptome of two planthoppers that colonized on rice, colonized on wheat, and transferred from rice to wheat. We found that the majority of differentially expressed genes in SBPH were Type I responsive, which are plastic and evolved in the same direction. Genes associated with sugar transporters and heat shock proteins showed similar expression trends between BPH and SBPH. However, distinct gene expression variation were found after BPH and SBPH transferring from rice to wheat, with detoxifying-, ribosomal-, and amino acid metabolic-related genes reciprocally regulated.Conclusion The results of this study provide evidence that non-adaptation of BPH on wheat was determined within 24 h after transferring, with the majority of genes regulating in “wrong” way. In contrast, SBPH sophisticatedly response to wheat hosts, with the majority of genes plastic and evolved in same direction. Our study promotes our understanding on herbivore adapting to different food source, and might provide a potential strategy for pest management.
Relocation experiences of the elderly to a long-term care facility in Taiwan: a qualitative study
Authors: Wu Chia-Shan , Rong Jiin-Ru
Published: September 2019

Background Relocation to a long-term care (LTC) facility is a major life change for most elderly people. Following relocation, many elderly experience difficulties in adapting to changes in the living environment. Taiwan is increasingly becoming an "aging society” and Taiwanese elderly is shown to differ in their expectations of long-term residential care. However, in-depth evidence on the experiences of the elderly of their stay in LTC facilities in Taiwan is relatively sparse. The aim of this study was to explore the relocation experiences of the elderly to a LTC facility to inform policy and practice to address their needs effectively. Methods A qualitative study, using semi-structured in-depth interviews, was conducted to explore the experiences of 16 elderly people who have relocated to and lived in a LTC facility in Taiwan for up to a period of 12 months. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded theory approach. Results Participants’ accounts reflected four interrelated key themes: wish to minimize the burden, but stay connected with the family; perceived barriers to adaptation; valuing tailored care; and acceptance and engagement. Each theme included interrelated subthemes that influenced one another and represented the different stages in the relocation journey. Most participants viewed relocation as a way of minimizing the burden of their care from family members, but desired to keep a close connection with family and friends. Participants recounted experiences of psychological resistance while making the decision to relocate. Fear of losing autonomy and the ability to perform self-care was a major reason for resistance to adapt. Provision of tailored care was accorded much value by the participants. The eventual decision to face the challenge and to adapt themselves to the new environment due to their needs for constant care was explicit in some accounts. Conclusions Relocation to LTC facility is a dynamic process in the first year of moving into the facility, and involves a range of emotions, feelings and experiences. Adaptation of the elderly into the LTC facility can be maximized if the relocation is well planned with provisions for individually tailored care and family involvement.
The role of Bacillus acidophilus in osteoporosis and its roles in osteocyte proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Chen Chen , Dong Baokang , Wang Yuming , Zhang Qiang , Wang Bangmao , Feng Shuzhi , Zhu Yu
Published: September 2019

The microbes play an important role to physiological activities of human. Osteoporosis is one of the most closely relationship diseases with the elderly. In recent years, the studies found that gut microbiota can cause osteoporosis. These microbes may affect activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts to affect bone metabolism. We selected 5 health people and 10 osteoporosis patients and found that the diversity of gut microbiota in osteoporosis patients are decreased and imbalance with lower abundance of lactobacillus and butylic acid bacteria, meanwhile, 25-hydroxyitamin D and procollagen type I N-terminal peptide (PINP) of osteoporosis patient was significantly lower than the normal group. The proliferation, differentiation and maturity of osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 cells was stimulated, the activity of alkaline phosphatase, concentration of osteocalcin and the expression of RUNX2, WNT2 and CTNNB1 was improved by supernatant of lactobacillus acidophilus and butanoic acids, however, the proliferation, differentiation and maturity, the expression of RANK,WNT2 and CTNNB1 in osteoclasts RAW 264.7 cells was suppressed. There is not a similar significant effect by lactobacillus rhamnosus treatment.
Novel MprF amino acid mutations contributing to daptomycin non-susceptibility
Authors: Kawada Hayato , Hori Tsubasa , Nakamura Masaki , Kimura Yuko , Sato Kurumi , Yoshida Mayu , Matsui Hidehito , Hanaki Hideaki , Kitasato Hidero
Published: September 2019

Background
Daptomycin (DAP) is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic with potent bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria, and use to treat infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It was reported that MprF that is bacterial membrane protein and affect to DAP non-susceptible (DAP-NS), and it was generally considered that electrically repulsion by MprF mutation was thought to be contributed to DAP-NS. However, a lot of mechanisms were proposed previously and still controversial. Therefore, in this study, we found new MprF mutations from clinical MRSAs then introduced those MprF mutations into sequenced strain ( Staphylococcus aureus N315) in order to evaluate those effects to DAP-NS.
Results
We analysed the drug susceptibility profile of three MRSA clinical isolates and performed MprF sequence. Two of the three MRSA isolates showed DAP-NS and had different mutations of MprF (N450_I451 insI) and MprF (T345P), which have not been reported before. Then the mutations we identified were introduced into Staphylococcus aureus N315 (S. aureus N315), and we evaluated its susceptibility profile and positive charge of cell envelop to elucidate effect of DAP susceptbility. The MIC of DAP was increased by introduction of these mutations into S. aureus N315. In addition, the positive charge of the cell membrane was significantly increased in MprF(T345P), but not in MprF(N450_I451 insI).
Conclusions
These findings suggest that the two novel mutations contribute to DAP-NS. Furthermore, we suggested that the mechanism of DAP-NS was different depending on the mutation type and/or position of the amino acid.
Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with antenatal hypercoagulability and secondary hyperfibrinolysis: a case control study of Chinese women
Authors: Liu Yan , Sun Xiaofang , Tao Junxian , Song Bin , Wu Wei , Li Ying , Sun Xing , Lu Dan , Zhu Danmo , Liu Chao , Cui Ji
Published: September 2019

Background : To determine the relationship between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and coagulation/fibrinolysis disorders in antenatal Chinese women . Methods: Case control study. Fifty women had GDM and 132 did not (the NGDM group). Maternal plasma biochemistry and previous medical history were collected from perinatal health records. Antenatal coagulation/fibrinolysis were assessed using thromboelastography and traditional measures, then the relationship between coagulation/fibrinolysis and GDM was analyzed by multiple regression analysis. Results: GDM was significantly associated with higher activated partial thromboplastin time (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4–2.6); fibrinogen (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.6); and percentage reduction in clot lysis after 30 min (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.2–2.2), after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Both the intraoperative (238.2±71.0 ml vs . 286.0±102.4 ml, P =0.003) and 24-hour after surgery (270.7±99.8 ml vs . 314.7±131.1 ml, P =0.033) blood loss were lower and the prevalence of cesarean delivery (56.0% vs . 37.9%, P =0.027) was higher in the GDM group. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of maternal thrombotic events or maternal body mass before delivery. Conclusions: GDM is significantly associated with hypercoagulability and secondary hyperfibrinolysis in these antenatal Chinese women.
Exploring the influence of advanced maternal age on adverse perinatal outcome in Southern Anhui province, China
Authors: Ge Dandan , Si Mingshu , Xia Yong
Published: September 2019

Background : Elderly parturient women may face many pregnancy risks, which have serious consequences for perinatal and maternal. The objective of this study is to explore the association between advanced maternal age and adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods : In this study, we used retrospective study to randomly selected 977 puerpera ( aged 35 years and older) as the research group and 977 puerpera (aged 20 to 34 years older) as the control group from Yijishan Hospital for the years 2017-2018. Univariate analysis was used to test the association between gestational age and adverse perinatal outcomes. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors associated with adverse perinatal outcome. A nomogram was conducted to explore the risk probability between risk factors and adverse perinatal outcome. Results : the AMA group (23.2%)exhibited a higher incidence of adverse perinatal outcome than the Non-AMA group(17.8%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed among those who experienced multiple pregnancy, premature, hypertension, diabetes were more likely to induce adverse perinatal outcome. In this study, the risk of adverse perinatal outcome occurred in women aged 35 to 45 years with multiple pregnancy and preterm birth all was 42%-48%. The risk of adverse perinatal outcome in women aged 35 to 45 years with other variables respectively were 18%-19% (diabetes), 16%-18% (hypertension).The risk of adverse perinatal outcomes among women with AMA combined with these variables were higher than the counterpart. Conclusions : AMA is the risk factor for adverse perinatal outcome among pregnancy women and the probability that these risk factors combined with age produced poor perinatal outcome were also found. Active intervention measures focusing on the complications and treatment in AMA should be taken to ensure the health of mother and baby.
Employee perceptions towards organizational change and leadership in the banking industry
Authors: W. Adda Harnida , Natsir Syahir , Putu Evvy Rossanty Niluh
Published: September 2019

Organizational change involves participation of leaders, employees, structures, and systems as a strategy in anticipating and adapting to environmental changes. Leadership as a reflection of leaders’ behavior in managing organizations not only influences the policy and decision making but also indicates the approach to all members as the most important element in achieving organizational goals. This study explores perceptions of employees toward the implementation of organizational change and leadership in two leading banks in Palu City, namely, PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI) and PT Bank Syariah Mandiri (BSM). The sample is purposively determined by 48 people, with 24 employees in each bank. This study is conducted using a quantitative approach with descriptive statistical data analysis and analyzed descriptively. Then it is tested with the Independent Sample T-Test. The results show that there are no differences in perceptions of employees regarding organizational change despite their experience on different levels of change, but reveal different perceptions in a leadership aspect. Organizational change at BNI is at the moving stage, while BSM has been in the last stage of organizational change, namely refreezing. The difference in leadership behavior between these two banks is very significant. Leadership at BNI is charismatic by giving idealized influence, while BSM prioritizes inspirational motivation.
Product placement in computer/video games: an analysis of the impact on customers purchasing decision
Authors: Chernikova Angelina , Branco Murilo
Published: September 2019

The video game and virtual reality became a new way of doing marketing considering their growing popularity and the advances of new technologies in the past few decades. In this paper is presented a research that investigates the impact of product placement in video games on gamers’ decisions on the purchase of goods from advertised. This research is focused on two of the most played games nowadays: FIFA 19 and Final Fantasy XV. A survey with 465 respondents was conducted to understand the antecedents that impact the purchase decision considering the stimulus originated from the product placement. To conduct the survey, a framework was designed based in the extant literature reviewed and finally considering the constructs of product placement, quality of virtual reality, brand recognition, brand familiarity, emotional response and purchase frequency. The results of the study suggest that gamers generally respond positively towards product placement and that product placement can indirectly impact emotional responses that will impact on consumer’s purchase intention. Hence, advertising in the video game enhances brand recognition and the perception of virtual reality. The framework presented in this paper represents the theoretical contribution of this paper, relating different concepts in the theory of product placement to the purchase intention. Therefore, the findings on this paper can help managers to find the best way to reach customers by improving the product placement strategy in the video games.
Direct and indirect effects of investment on community welfare
Authors: Siregar Baldric
Published: September 2019

Despite the fact that the government is the main actor of economic development, it also invites private parties to be actively involved in the economic development. The main objective of public and private investment is economic development. But the ultimate goal of investment and economic development itself is to improve the welfare of the community. This study seeks to investigate the effect of private and public investment on economic growth. Furthermore, it also investigates the impact the investment on the community welfare either directly or indirectly through economic growth by way of analyzing the data on private and public investment, economic growth, and the human development index of local governments in Indonesia for the period from 2012 to 2016. Hypotheses were tested using PLS (Partial Least Squares). The results show that both private and public investment directly influence economic growth and indirectly affect the welfare of the people through economic growth. Direct test results also show the positive effect of economic growth on community welfare.
To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the birth of doctor of medical sciences, professor, honored worker of science of the Russian Federation P.V. Ramzaev
Authors: Romanovich I. K.
Published: September 2019

To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the birth of doctor of medical sciences, professor, honored worker of science of the Russian Federation P.V. Ramzaev.