bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence Of Organisational Culture On Strategy Execution In A South African Organisation
Authors: Scheepers Caren , Reddy Melissa
Published: January 2020

Purpose: This study examines the effects of nine dimensions of organisational culture (uncertainty avoidance; gender egalitarianism; assertiveness; institutional collectivism; in-group collectivism; humane, future and achievement orientation; and power distance) on the dimensions of strategy execution (information sharing, leadership, rewards, performance, structure, employee commitment and coordination) within a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company.Design: A survey questionnaire covering demographics, organisational culture and strategy execution was distributed electronically. Following assessment of reliability and validity of the 281 completed questionnaires, Pearson correlation and a canonical correlation analyses were conducted using the nine dimensions of culture as predictors of strategy execution variables, to evaluate the multivariate shared relationship between the two variable sets.Findings: The findings indicate that the dimensions of organisational culture have a variation of strong, medium and weak associations with the dimensions of strategy execution. Achievement orientation was found to have the highest effect on strategy execution dimensions and the future planning orientation the second highest.Research limitations/implications: The major limitation was that the population was represented by one large organisation in the South African FMCG industry, thereby excluding other companies in this country and the results may not necessarily be generalised to other populations. Future studies could include more industries and countries.Practical implications: This study provides evidence that company management must place considerable emphasis on developing organisational culture dimensions that have a positive impact on strategy execution.Originality/value: The study reveals that achievement and future planning orientated cultures have a significant influence on strategy execution.
Estrutura sintática e morfofonológica da posse na língua Aweti
Authors: Silva Gustavo , Bassani Indaiá
Published: January 2020

Este artigo investiga fenômenos de alternância morfofonológica na realização dos morfemas prefixais possessivos da língua Aweti, língua da família Tupi falada no estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil. Inicialmente, é feita uma descrição do sistema pronominal possessivo a partir da qual, como resultados, são apresentadas uma proposta para a estrutura sintática para o DP possessivo e uma proposta de análise morfofonológica para a alomorfia prefixal e seus condicionamentos fonológicos e semânticos/extra-linguísticos com base no modelo teórico gerativo da Morfologia Distribuída. A investigação sintática do DP perpassa a discussão sobre os tipos de posse presentes na língua, alienável e inalienável, e as melhores propostas de representação a partir da literatura geral sobre o tema. O artigo propõe que os dois tipos de posse, alienável e inalienável, no Aweti sejam representadas por dois tipos de estruturas sintáticas. A investigação morfofonológica sugere uma diminuição na quantidade de alomorfes geralmente propostos para os prefixos possessivos e a inserção de regras de reajuste fonológico. Além disso, sugere-se que a informação sobre o gênero do falante é gramaticalmente codificada na língua, dada sua relevância para a inserção de vocabulário.
Ciudades atormentadas
Authors: Di Liscia Maria Silvia , Alvarez Adriana
Published: January 2020

En  este trabajo se analizan las acciones producidas en Argentina a través de la Cruz Roja, una de las primeras entidades internacionales que se formó en el país. Esta perspectiva de análisis puede contribuir a iluminar la influencia de organismos no gubernamentales en una etapa de gestación, formación y consolidación del Estado nacional argentino. El análisis abarca desde 1864 hasta 1930 y obedece a la conformación de la asociación hasta el primer quiebre del sistema democrático en el país, cuando las Fuerzas Armadas iniciaron una mayor intervención. Se centra en el rol de la Cruz Roja Argentina en tres catástrofes sucedidas en diversas áreas del interior argentino y en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires
As transformações no abastecimento de carne na cidade de São Paulo na última década imperial (1880-1887)
Authors: Silva Leopoldo Fernandes da
Published: January 2020

Este estudo de história da cidade de São Paulo aborda as transformações no abastecimento de carne na última década do regime imperial, no bojo dos processos de expansão e modernização urbanas desencadeados pela economia cafeeira. Por meio da pesquisa em atas da Câmara, jornais, abaixo-assinados e relatórios oficiais, reconstituiu-se a mobilização dos comerciantes de carne em defesa de seus interesses, no processo de transferência do matadouro da cidade, no ano de 1886. Desse modo, apreendemos a participação desse segmento social na urbanização da Capital, assim como de que modo estes processos modificaram a sua rotina de trabalho e a organização do abastecimento de carnes na cidade, em um contexto de transformação do espaço urbano e de seus usos.
Razvoj institucionalnog ustroja hrvatske politike strukovnog obrazovanja
Authors: Buković Nikola
Published: January 2020

Zbog nepostojanja odgovarajuće teorijsko-konceptualne podloge relevantna analiza institucionalnih odrednica hrvatske politike strukovnog obrazovanja zahtijeva razvoj zasebnog, prilagođenog eksplanatornog modela. Stoga autor, uz odgovarajuće modifikacije, koristi široko prihvaćen okvir političke ekonomije razvoja vještina za stvaranje kodne liste koju primjenjuje na sve normativne i strateško-programske dokumente koji su uređivali hrvatski sustav strukovnog obrazovanja od neovisnosti do danas. Rezultati kvalitativne analize ukazuju kako je postojeći sustav hrvatskog strukovnog obrazovanja moguće opisati kao „državni s elementima krnje kolektivnosti u području obrazovanja za obrte“; dok je ključni mehanizam njegova stvaranja i održavanja prikladno nazvati „slojevanjem bez promjene institucionalne jezgre”. Empirijsko testiranje ovog mehanizma može bitno produbiti razumijevanje hrvatske politike strukovnog obrazovanja, ali i predstavljati osnovu ambicioznijeg komparativnog istraživanja politike strukovnog obrazovanja u postkomunističkim društvima.
Prilog analizi političkih govora Slobodana Miloševića (28.6.1989.) i Franje Tuđmana (24.2.1990.)
Authors: Birač Dimitrije
Published: January 2020

Rad je pokušaj analize gazimestanskog govora Miloševića i Tuđmanovog govora na prvom općem saboru HDZ-a. Intencija je pokazati da što se tiče samog govora Miloševića, on nije imao za primarni cilj nasilno razbijanje Jugoslavije, kao ni međurepubličke ratove. S druge strane, rad bi trebao pokazati da Tuđmanov govor, gledajući u cjelini, nije bio proustaški. U tom kontekstu, period koji se analizira završava neposredno uoči prvih višestranačkih parlamentarnih izbora u Hrvatskoj, dakle ne obrađuje dolazak HDZ-a na vlast. Također, apstrahira se od drugih društvenih aktera, bilo u Srbiji, bilo u Hrvatskoj, posebno Srba u Hrvatskoj. Provedena analiza političkih govora nema ni na koji način za cilj relativizaciju uloge dvaju protagonista niti ih abolira od političke odgovornosti za raspad Jugoslavije i nastale ratove. Sagledavanje i analiza njihovih govora izvršena je u kontekstu vremena u kome su održani i svijesno je apstrahiran naknadni razvoj političkih događaja u Jugoslaviji. Naravno, iako govornici nisu mogli pretpostaviti koje će biti krajnje posljedice njihovih govora, sigurno je da su obojica, kao već iskusni političari, mogli pretpostaviti da će oni proizvesti snažni efekt i podignuti tenzije u javnom prostoru.
Molecular Analysis of Membrane Targeting by the C2 Domain of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Smurf1
Authors: Scott Jordan , Frick Cary , Johnson Kristen , Liu Haining , Yong Sylvia , Varney Allyson , Wiest Olaf , Stahelin Robert
Published: January 2020

SMAD ubiquitination regulatory factor 1 (Smurf1) is a Nedd4 family E3 ubiquitin ligase that regulates cell motility, polarity and TGFβ signaling. Smurf1 contains an N-terminal protein kinase C conserved 2 (C2) domain that targets cell membranes and is required for interactions with membrane-localized substrates such as RhoA. Here we investigated the lipid-binding mechanism of Smurf1 C2, revealing a general affinity for anionic membranes in addition to a selective affinity for phosphoinositides (PIPs). We found that Smurf1 C2 localizes not only to the plasma membrane but also to negatively charged intracellular sites, acting as an anionic charge sensor and selective PIP-binding domain. Site-directed mutagenesis combined with docking/molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the Smurf1 C2 domain loop region primarily interacts with PIPs and cell membranes, as opposed to the β-surface cationic patch employed by other C2 domains. By depleting PIPs from the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, we found that PIP binding is necessary for plasma membrane localization. Finally, we used a Smurf1 cellular ubiquitination assay to show that the amount of ubiquitin at the plasma membrane interface depends on the lipid-binding properties of Smurf1. This study shows the mechanism by which Smurf1 C2 targets membrane-based substrates and reveals a novel interaction based on PI(4,5)P2 and PIP3 selectivity.
Prospects for Blood Pressure Remote Monitoring in Hypertensive Patients in the Ryazan Region
Authors: Aksenova N. V. , Nizov A. A. , Selyavina O. N. , Suchkova E. I. , Filippov E. V.
Published: January 2020

Aim. To study the effectiveness and benefits of blood pressure (BP) remote monitoring in outpatients with hypertension.

Material and methods. The study included 100 patients with a verified diagnosis of hypertension, who didn’t achieve target BP pressure levels. The patients measured their BP twice a day over 6 months with facilities with automatic data transmission over GSM-channel to a remote monitoring center. BP parameters were being transmitted online to the remote monitoring center, where they were being processed and transferred to the personal account planner (created by the Web interface based on the software and hardware complex) of the attending physician and operator of the remote monitoring center. It is important that doctor received information only on clinically significant measurement results, based on which he determined the urgency of contact with the patient and the further tactics of his management.

Results. No malfunctions in the work of communication facilities, technical failures in the software and hardware complex were registered over the entire period of the study. After 6 months of the monitoring it was possible to achieve target BP levels less than 135/85 mm Hg in 70% of patients. The proportion of patients with a high level of normal BP increased from 10% to 19%, while the proportion of patients with grade 1 and 2 of hypertension decreased significantly (from 33% to 7% and from 54% to 3%, respectively). At the beginning of telemedicine monitoring 3% of patients had stage 3 of hypertension, at the end of the study – 1%.

Conclusion. The technology of telemedicine monitoring has shown itself as a simple, affordable and reliable way of management of outpatients with hypertension in conditions of real clinical practice. It was possible to achieve BP levels less than 135/85 mm Hg in 70% of patients by the method of remote outpatient monitoring. BP remote monitoring changed fundamentally the decision-making strategy of the patients management: it was not the patient who independently determined the need for consultation with a medical professional, but the attending physician made a decision on the method and urgency of contact with the patient on the basis of the data of objective monitoring indicators.
Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Ischemia in Multi-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease by Multimodal Stress Echocardiography with Semi-Supine Bicycle Ergometry
Authors: Koretskiy S. N. , Drapkina O. M. , Shukurov F. B. , Vasiliev D. K.
Published: January 2020

Stress echocardiography is a modern widely used method of noninvasive diagnosis of coronary heart disease and stratification of the risk of cardiovascular complications. In addition, exercise echocardiography is an important tool to clarify the localization of ischemia and establish a symptomassociated artery for management of patient with known coronary angiography data. This is especially important in multivessel lesions, the presence of an occluded artery or borderline stenosis. Currently, various stress agents are used for stress echocardiography in clinical practice: pharmacological drugs (dobutamine or adenosine), transesophageal or endocardial pacing, treadmill, semi-supine bicycle. To detect signs of ischemia usually used only visual estimation of local contractility in the two-dimensional gray-scale mode. Modern modes of myocardial imaging, such as speckletracking echocardiography or three-dimensional visualization, are practically not used. In the presented clinical case, the possibility of combining standard and modern imaging modes to clarify the localization and quantification of ischemia in multivessel coronary lesions, including chronic artery occlusion, is shown. As a stress agent, a semi-supine bicycle was chosen, the use of which allowed to obtain a qualitative image of the left ventricular myocardium at rest and at peak load, suitable for assessing deformation and threedimensional visualization. Evaluation of left ventricular myocardial deformation by speckle-tracking echocardiography was more accurate than standard diagnosis in detecting signs of ischemia in a patient with multivessel lesions. Three-dimensional imaging was inferior in sensitivity to speckletracking stress echocardiography and, at present, seems to have more research value.
Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction: E-selectin, Endothelin-1 and von Willebrand Factor in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease, Including in Combination with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhito A. V. , Iusupova A. O. , Privalova E. V. , Khabarova N. V. , Belenkov Yu. N.
Published: January 2020

The prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes) in Russia and in the world continues to increase. Despite the prevention and optimization of therapy, CHD retains its leadership among all causes of death, and the mortality rate from type 2 diabetes and its complications gradually increases too. To improve the treatment of the above mentioned diseases, it is necessary to clarify the pathogenetic mechanisms of their development. The formation of endothelial dysfunction, characterized by an increase in the level of cell adhesion molecules and vasoconstriction, is a common link characteristic for the course and progression of CHD and type 2 diabetes. This article presents an analysis of preand clinical studies on the role of endothelial dysfunction markers: cell adhesion molecules (E-selectin), vasoconstriction (endothelin-1) and von Willebrand factor in patients with CHD, including those with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
How the Reputation of Orthopaedic Residency Programs Is Associated with Orthopaedic Fellowship Match Results
Authors: Krueger Chad A. , Helms Jonathan R. , Bell Anthony J. , Israel Heidi , Cannada Lisa K.
Published: January 2020

Background:

The primary goal of the present study was to determine if applicants from higher-ranking U.S. orthopaedic surgery residency programs match at a more desired position on their fellowship match-rank list compared with those applicants from lower-ranked residency programs.

Methods:

San Francisco Match provided results regarding applicant data and match results from 2014 to 2018 for all orthopaedic subspecialties except the hand and the shoulder and elbow. Unmatched applicants and international medical graduates were excluded. Residency programs were divided into 5 tiers (with tier 1 being the highest-ranked residency programs and tier 5 being the lowest-ranked programs) on the basis of 2018 Doximity rankings of orthopaedic residency programs. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and analysis of variance.

Results:

Two thousand eight hundred and eleven applicants met inclusion criteria. Applicants from residency programs in tiers 1 and 2 applied to significantly fewer programs than those from tiers 3, 4, or 5 (p < 0.0001). Applicants from each tier were significantly more likely to attain interviews than applicants from all tiers below them (p < 0.01). Applicants from tier-1 residency programs matched at a significantly higher position on their rank list (p < 0.001) and were more desirably ranked by fellowship programs (p = 0.003) compared with all other tiers.

Conclusions:

Applicants from the highest-ranking residency programs apply to fewer programs, interview at a greater percentage of these programs, and are more likely to match to 1 of their top-ranking programs than applicants from lower-ranking programs. However, the association of the applicant match position with the program ranking appears to be most pronounced when it comes to fellowships selecting which applicants to interview. These findings may help future applicants when determining which programs to apply to during the match.
Análisis demográfico para el manejo reproductivo de jaguares (Panthera onca) cautivos en parques zoológicos de Colombia
Authors: Jiménez González Santiago , Monsalve Redwan Haydy , Moreno Duarte María Angélica , Jiménez Escobar Claudia
Published: January 2020

Se caracterizó demográfica y reproductivamente la población cautiva del jaguar (Panthera onca) (n=38) en  zoológicos colombianos. Se analizaron registros (1970-2010), en los que se completaron datos de paternidad y maternidad mediante análisis de microsatélites de ADN. Se obtuvieron el censo, la distribución por sexo y edad, las tasas de fertilidad, supervivencia y mortalidad, la expectativa de vida media, el valor reproductivo y proyecciones reproductivas para 5, 10, 15, 20 y 100 años, conservando el 90 % de la diversidad genética. La población analizada en el 2010 estaba decreciendo (λ= 0.9876), el tiempo generacional (T) fue mayor para las hembras (T=18.21 años) que para los machos (T= 17.46 años) y la diversidad genética estuvo en ascenso entre 1994-2002 y se mantuvo estable entre 2002-2009 (GD=0.78). El análisis genético permitió estructurar la población cautiva, optimizando el análisis y la confiabilidad de los resultados, abriendo la posibilidad de aplicar estos métodos como modelo de conservación en otras especies amenazadas.
Ampliación del área de distribución de Micrurus camilae (Serpentes: Elapidae) en el Caribe colombiano
Authors: Pelaez Plazas Sergio Alejandro , Perlaza Berrio Lilia Alejandra
Published: January 2020

Se presenta el primer registro de la especie Micrurus camilae para el departamento de Sucre, Colombia, ampliando su área de distribución y contribuyendo con datos sobre su hábitat. El individuo se encontró en un parche de vegetación en bosque seco tropical, a diferencia de los reportes anteriores donde se localiza en bosque húmedo tropical.
Mathematical modeling and comparative analysis of the Ebola epidemic reveal effective control measures
Authors: Author) Luosheng Wen(Former Corresponding , Li Junlong , Song Caiping , Yang Jingya , Zheng Jingmin , Zhou Lina , Zhang Zhujun , Pu Jie , Luo Yang , Zhang Hongyan , Wang Yungui , Author) Hao Wu(New Corresponding
Published: January 2020

Background
The Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a highly contagious disease which is caused by the Ebola virus. Various measures were used to prevent and control the spread of EVD in Guinea, Liberia Sierra and Leone. The aim of this study was to find out the most critical measures to prevent and control the spread of EVD and the effect of control in the three countries.
Methods
We used a novel deterministic compartmental model with the parameters that describes the spreading and control of Ebola, and then the data of confirmed case from the WHO was fitted to obtain the effect estimation of control measures. On the other hand, a comparative analysis also was used to explore the process.
Results
The results of our compartmental model showed that the control parameters ( a , c ) of pre-infection and post-infection are (0.1827, 0.1091), (0.5832, 0.3278) and (0.3696, 0.1281) in Guinea, Liberia Sierra and Leone, respectively. This means that the control measures in Liberia Sierra works best and that in Guinea works worst. The results of comparative analysis based on the same data showed that the quarantined individuals before infection ( R -squared R 2 = 0.848, standardized coefficients ε = 1.025), the safe burial teams ( R 2 = 0.772, ε = 0.365), and the Ebola treatment units (ETU) beds ( R 2 = 0.690, ε = 0.424) could significantly influence the incidence of EVD.
Conclusion
These findings indicted that a timely and effective quarantine plays a significant role in preventing and controlling the spread of EVD, and the findings would help us prevent and control the epidemic outbreak of new infectious disease in the future.
Physiological and transcriptomic analyses reveal the mechanisms underlying the salt tolerance of Zoysia japonica Steud.
Authors: Wang Jingjing , An Cong , Guo Hailin , Yang Xiangyang , Chen Jingbo , Zong Junqin , Li Jianjian , Liu Jianxiu
Published: January 2020

Background: Areas with saline soils are sparsely populated and have fragile ecosystems, which severely restricts the sustainable development of local economies. Zoysia grasses are recognized as excellent warm-season turfgrasses worldwide, with high salt tolerance and superior growth in saline-alkali soils. However, the mechanism underlying the salt tolerance of Zoysia species remains unknown.
Results: The phenotypic and physiological responses of two contrasting materials, Zoysia japonica Steud. Z004 (salt sensitive) and Z011 (salt tolerant) in response to salt stress were studied. The results show that Z011 was more salt tolerant than was Z004, with the former presenting greater K+/Na+ ratios in both its leaves and roots. To study the molecular mechanisms underlying salt tolerance further, we compared the transcriptomes of the two materials at different time points (0 h, 1 h, 24 h, and 72 h) and from different tissues (leaves and roots) under salt treatment. The 24-h time point and the roots were identified as a significant time point and tissue type. Moreover, GO and KEGG analyses of different comparisons revealed that the key DEGs participating in the salt-stress response belonged to the hormone pathway, various TF families and the DUF family.
Conclusions: Z011 may have improved salt tolerance by reducing Na+ transport from the roots to the leaves, increasing K+ absorption in the roots and reducing K+ secretion from the leaves to maintain a significantly greater K+/Na+ ratio. Twenty-four hours might be a relatively important time point for the salt-stress response of zoysiagrass. The auxin signal transduction family, ABA signal transduction family, WRKY TF family and bHLH TF family may be the most important families in Zoysia salt-stress regulation. This study provides fundamental information concerning the salt-stress response of Zoysia and improves the understanding of molecular mechanisms in salt-tolerant plants.
Path analysis of skin cancer preventive behaviors in rural women based on protection motivation theory
Authors: Kaviani Abdol-Hossain , Khorsandi Mahboobeh , Roozbahani Nasrin
Published: January 2020

Background: Determining factors affecting adopting preventive behaviors of skin cancer is helpful in designing interventions promoting these behaviors. The present study was conducted aimed to analyze preventive behaviors’ path of skin cancer in rural women based on protection motivation theory.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 230 rural women in the west of Iran were selected randomly. Data were collected by a valid and reliable questionnaire including demographic information and structures of protection motivation theory by interview with rural women and then analyzed using SPSS 22 and LISREL8.8.
Results: In relation with skin cancer preventive behaviors, 27.8% of women were dressed up when working under the sun, 21.7% used sunscreen cream, 5.7% wore cap and 4.8 wore gloves and sunglasses. Protection motivation theory and per capita income explained 76% of motivation variance and 25% of the variance of skin cancer preventive behaviors. Response efficacy structure was the strongest predictor of the motivation of protection (0/001> p, ß= -0.44) and per capita income (0/001> p, ß= -0.34) and motivation (0/001> p, ß= -0.33) were the strongest predictors of these behaviors.
Conclusions: This study showed that protection motivation theory is efficient in predicting preventive behaviors of skin cancer and promoting interventions of the behaviors can be designed and implemented by this theory. It is also necessary to perform proper planning in promoting these behaviors in people with low per capita income.
Transcriptome profiling of developing testes and spermatogenesis in the Mongolian horse
Authors: LI Bei , He Xiaolong , Zhao Yiping , Bai Dongyi , Du Ming , Song Lianjie , Liu Zhuang , Yin Zhenchen , Manglai Dugarjaviin
Published: January 2020

Background: Horse testis development and spermatogenesis are complex physiological processes. Methods: To study these processes, three immature and three mature testes were collected from the Mongolian horse, and six libraries were established using high-throughput RNA sequencing technology (RNA-Seq) to screen for genes related to testis development and spermatogenesis. Results: A total of 16,237 upregulated genes and 8,641 downregulated genes were detected in the testis of the Mongolian horse. These genes play important roles in different developmental stages of spermatogenesis and testicular development. Five genes with alternative splicing events that may influence spermatogenesis and development of the testis were detected. GO (Gene ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analyses were performed for functional annotation of the differentially expressed genes. Pathways related to “spermatogenesis,” male gamete generation,” “spermatid development” and “oocyte meiosis” were significantly involved in different stages of testis development and spermatogenesis. Conclusion: Genes, pathways and alternative splicing events were identified with inferred functions in the process of spermatogenesis in the Mongolian horse. The identification of these differentially expressed genetic signatures improves our understanding of horse testis development and spermatogenesis.
Impact of Lesinurad and Allopurinol on Experimental Hyperuricemia in mice: Biochemical, Molecular and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Alghamdi Youseef , Soliman Mohamed Mohamed , Nasan Mohamed
Published: January 2020

Background : Hyperuricemia is an abnormal increase in uric acid levels in the blood. It is the cause of gout that manifested by inflammatory arthritis and painful disable. Therefore, current study evaluated the potential ameliorative impact of Lesinurad and Allopurinol on the kidneys of hyperuricemic mice at the biochemical, molecular and cellular levels. Methods : Lesinurad and allopurinol alone or in combination were orally administered to hyperuricemic and control mice for seven consecutive days. Levels of uric acid and blood urea nitrogen, along with antioxidants and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-a) were measured in the serum. The mRNA expression of mouse urate anion transporter-1, glucose transporter 9, organic anion transporters, in renal tissues were examined using quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). Simultaneously, the immunoreactivity of transforming growth factor-beta 1 was examined immunohistochemically. Results : Lesinurad and allopurinol administration resulted in significant decrease in serum levels of uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, xanthine oxidase activity, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-a) reported in hyperuricemic mice. Both partially reversed oxonate-induced alterations in renal mURAT-1, mGLUT-9, mOAT-1 and mOAT-3 expressions, as well as alterations in the immunoreactivity of TGF- β1, resulting in the increase of renal uric acid secretion and excretion. The combined administration of lesinurad and ALP restored all altered parameters in a synergistic manner, improving renal function in the hyperuricemic mouse model employed. Conclusion : This study confirmed synergistic ameliorative hypouricemic impact of both lesinurad and allopurinol in the treatment of hyperuricemia in mice at the biochemical, molecular and cellular levels.
Molecular Epidemiology and Hematologic Characterizationof δβ-thalassemia and Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin in 125661 Families of Greater Guangzhou Area, the metropolis of Southern China
Authors: JIANG FAN , Liao Can
Published: January 2020

Background: Individuals with δβ-thalassemia/HPFH and β-thalassemia usually present with intermedia or thalassemia major. No large-scale survey on HPFH/δβ-thalassemia in southern China has been reported to date. The purpose of this study was to examine the molecular epidemiology and hematologic characteristics of these disorders in Guangzhou, the largest city in Southern China, to offer advice for thalassemia screening programs and genetic counseling.
Methods: A total of 125,661 couples participated in pregestational thalassemia screening. 654 subjects with fetal hemoglobin (HbF) level≥5% were selected for further investigation. Gap-PCR combined with Multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA) were used to screen for β-globin gene cluster deletions. Gene sequencing for the promoter region of HBG1 /HBG2 gene were performed for all those subjects.
Results: A total of 654 individuals had hemoglobin (HbF) levels≥5%, and 0.12% of the couples were found to be heterozygous for HPFH/δβ-thalassemia, including Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thal, Southeast Asia HPFH (SEA-HPFH), Taiwanese deletion and Hb Lepore–Boston–Washington. The highest prevalence was observed in the Huadu district and the lowest in the Nansha district. Three cases were identified as carrying β-globin gene cluster deletions, which had not been previously reported. Two at-risk couples (0.0015%) were required to receive prenatal diagnosis. We also found 55 cases of nondeletional-HPFH (nd-HPFH), including 54 with Italian nd-HPFH and one with the A γ-197C-T heterozygous state. It is difficult to discriminate between Chinese G γ( A γδβ) 0 -thal and Italian nd-HPFH carriers using hemoglobin (Hb) analysis.
Conclusions: This study is the first to describe the familial prevalence of HPFH/δβ-thalassemia and the high-risk rate in in Greater Guangzhou Area, and the findings will support the implementation of thalassemia screening for three common deletions by gap-PCR. We also presented a systematic description of genotype-phenotype relationships which will be useful for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnostic services for β-thalassemia intermedia.
Keywords: Prevalence, δβ-thalassemia, HPFH, Guangzhou
Pneumocystis pneumonia occurrence and prophylaxis duration in kidney transplant recipients according to perioperative treatment with rituximab: a single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Kim Young Hoon , Kim Jee Yeon , Kim Dong Hyun , Ko Youngmin , Choi Ji Yoon , Shin Sung , Jung Joo Hee , Park Su-Kil , Kim Sung-Han , Kwon Hyunwook , Han Duck Jong
Published: January 2020

Background Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a life-threatening fungal infection that can occur in kidney transplantation (KT) recipients. A growing number of KT recipients are receiving perioperative treatment with rituximab, which is associated with prolonged B-cell depletion and possible risk of PCP occurrence; however, the optimal prophylaxis duration according to rituximab treatment is yet unknown. We compared the occurrence of PCP and the duration of prophylaxis in KT recipients according to rituximab treatment. Method We retrospectively analyzed 2110 patients who underwent KT between January 2009 and December 2016. The study cohort was divided into non-rituximab group (n = 1588, 75.3%) and rituximab group (n = 522, 24.7%), the latter of which was defined as recipients who had been treated with rituximab due to pre-operative desensitization or rejection treatment within 6 months after transplant. Results In the rituximab group, the estimated number needed to treat (NNT) for prophylaxis prolongation from 6 to 12 months was 29.0 with a relative risk reduction of 90.0%. In the non-rituximab group, the estimated NNT value was 133.3 and the relative risk reduction was 66.4%. Rituximab treatment (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.09; P < 0.01) and acute rejection (HR = 2.19; P = 0.03) were significant risk factors for PCP in multivariate analysis. Conclusion Our results suggest that maintaining PCP prophylaxis for 12 months may be beneficial in KT recipients treated with rituximab for desensitization or acute rejection treatment.
Milk exosome-derived miRNAs from water buffalo are implicated in immune response and metabolism process
Authors: Chen Zujing , Xie Yueqin , Luo Junyi , Chen Ting , Xi Qianyun , Zhang Yongliang , SUN JIAJIE
Published: January 2020

Background: Buffalo milk represents an indispensable source of nourishment, and recently receives increasing research interest and investment in various countries due to its high nutrient content compared with non-buffalo milks. Exosomes are membranous vesicles of endocytic origin that are found in various breast milks and can mediate intercellular communication with exosomal miRNAs. In comparison with non-buffalo milks, we hypothesized that exosomes from buffalo milk, compared with cow-milk, would yield novel miRNAs that would inform the potential physiological importance of consumption of buffalo-milk exosomes.Results: Here, we isolated exosomes from buffalo and cow milk samples that were obtained at mid-lactation period, and the exosomal miRNA profiles were then generated using RNA-seq. As control, miRNA sequencing data of pig, human and panda milk exosomes were downloaded from GEO database. Finally, a total of 27 milk exosomal miRNA profiles that included 4 buffalo, 4 cow, 8 pig, 4 human and 7 panda were analyzed using the miRDeep2 program. For these datasets there were 558 unique miRNA candidates existed across all species, and the top 10 highly expressed miRNA were evolutionarily conserved across multiple species. Functional analysis revealed that these milk enriched miRNAs targeted 400 putative sites to modulate disease resistance, immune responsiveness and basic metabolism events. In addition, a total of 32 miRNAs in buffalo milk were significantly up-regulated compared with non-buffalo milks, while 16 were significantly down-regulated. Of interest, functional analysis showed that up-regulated miRNA were mainly related to host metabolism processes, while the predicted functions of down-regulated miRNAs were enriched in immune response.Conclusion: In this study, we explored the exosomal miRNAome differences between milks of different animals, expanding the theoretical basis for potential applications of the miRNA-containing vesicles.
Prognosis-related classification and dynamic monitoring of immune status in patients with sepsis: a prospective observational study
Authors: Yin Jun , Chen Yao , Huang Junling , Yan Lei , Kuang Zhongshu , Xue Mingming , Sun Si , Xiang Hao , Hu Yanyan , Dong Zhimin , Tong Chaoyang , Bai Chunxue , song zhenju
Published: January 2020

Background The dynamic monitoring of immune status is crucial to the precise and individualized treatment of sepsis. In this study, we introduced a model to describe and monitor the immune status of sepsis and explored its prognostic value. Methods A prospective observational study was carried out in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, enrolling septic patients admitted between July 2016 and December 2018. Blood samples were collected at day 1 and 3. Serum cytokines levels (TNF-α, IL-2R, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10) and CD14 + monocyte HLA-DR expression were measured to serve as immune markers. Cut-off values were acquired from ROC curves and serum cytokine level higher than or HLA-DR level lower than cut point was defined as “positive”, otherwise defined as “negative”. Classification of each immune status, namely SIRS, CARS and MARS, was defined by numbers of positive immune markers levels. Changes of immune status from day 1 to 3 were classified into four groups which were Stabilization (SB), Deterioration (DT), Remission (RM) and Non-remission (NR). Results A total of 174 septic patients were enrolled including 50 non-survivors. In univariate analysis, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-2R, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 and HLA-DR expression at day 1 and 3 were associated with prognosis. Multivariate analysis discovered IL-10 and HLA-DR expression at day 3 were independent prognostic factors. Patients with MARS at day 1 had the highest mortality rate up to 58.7% among three immune status classifications, so did the patient with MARS at day 3 with mortality rate up to 69.2%. Immune status of 46.1% patients changed from day 1 to 3. Among four groups of immune status changes, DT had the highest mortality rate up to 77.8% followed by NR, RM and SB with mortality rate of 64.7%, 42.9% and 11.2% respectively. Conclusions Patients with severe immune disorder defined as MARS or deterioration of immune status defined as DT have the worst outcomes. The preliminary model of the classification and dynamic monitoring of immune status based on immune markers levels has prognostic values and worthy of further investigation. Trail Registration: ChiCTR-OCC-14005202 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry), Registered 09 September 2014, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=4373
Myxoid stroma is associated with postoperative relapse in patients with stage II colon cancer
Authors: Okuyama Takashi , Sameshima Shinichi , Takeshita Emiko , Mitsui Takashi , Noro Takuji , Ono Yuko , Noie Tamaki , Ban Shinichi , Oya Masatoshi
Published: January 2020

Background Fibrosis surrounding cancer cells has been shown to affect cancer cell metastatic behavior. The present study aimed to explore the utility of myxoid stroma as a predictive factor for postoperative relapse in colon cancer patients. Methods The present study retrospectively investigated 169 patients who underwent curative surgical resection of stage II colon cancer. The fibrotic stroma was classified according to Ueno’s criteria, and the patients were divided into the myxoid (MY) group and the non-MY (NMY) group. Results Thirty-two (18.9%) patients had MY. MY was significantly associated with tumor budding (TB) and postoperative relapse (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Five-year relapse-free and overall survival rates were 52.1% and 94.6%, respectively, in the MY group and 74.6% and 93.3%, respectively, in the NMY group (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that both MY and TB were significant risk factors for postoperative relapse (; p<0.001, and p=0.02, respectively). Furthermore, compared with patients with either one of MY or TB, patients with both MY and TB had postoperative relapse significantly more frequently (11.4% vs. 53.8%). Conclusions The present study suggests that MY is a predictive marker for postoperative relapse in patients with stage II colon cancer.
The association between intrinsic capacity and activities of daily living among older adults in China
Authors: Hu Mingyue , Hu Hengyu , Shu Xinhui , Feng Hui
Published: January 2020

Background: The Intrinsic capacity (IC) has been considered the core of older adults’ functional ability. However, there is little study on IC from China, Asia. Methods: Data were drawn from the Long-term Care Demand Assessment (LCDA), a population-based face-to-face survey of 60 years old or over from Southern, Western, Central, Northern, Easton China. Results: A total of 2016 individuals were included in the final analysis. Independent variables were composed of demographic characteristics, four IC domains, health-related factors, and common diseases. The outcome was known as activities of daily living (ADL). Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between IC and ADL. Univariate analysis showed that each IC domains were significantly associated with ADL. Multivariate analysis showed that the association between sensory function and ADL was not stable. Nursing home elders (odds ratio [OR] = 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.64) with low nutrition score were more likely to have ADL impairment than community dwellers (OR = 0.86, 95%CI 0.80-0.13). Community dwellers with depression were more likely to suffer ADL impairment (OR = 1.11, 95%CI 1.07-1.14). Conclusion: IC is the core of the ADLs among Chinese older adults. However, the magnitude of the contribution of each IC domain to ADL is partly influenced by living conditions.
Clinical Outcomes According to Cannula Configurations in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome under Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: a Korean multicenter study
Authors: Lim Sung Yoon , Ahn Soyeon , Hong Sang-Bum , Chung Chi Ryang , Jeon Kyeongman , Lee Sang-Min , Cho Woo Hyun , Park Sunghoon , Cho Young-Jae
Published: January 2020

Background Recirculation during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is a known drawback that limits sufficient oxygenation. This study aimed to compare the short-term oxygenation and long-term mortality based on cannula configuration in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who receive VV-ECMO, especially in the absence of newly developed double-lumen, single cannula.Methods Data of patients with severe ARDS who received VV-ECMO from 2012–2015 at six hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcomes were the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2 ) at 1, 4, and 12 hours after ECMO initiation and 180-day mortality.Results Patients ( n = 354) were divided into two groups based on the return cannula site: femoral vein ( n = 193) or internal jugular vein ( n = 161). Baseline characteristics at admission, including PaO 2 , were similar between the groups. PaO 2 at 1 hour after ECMO initiation was higher in the femoral than in the jugular group (190.3 vs. 160, P = 0.108). No significant increase in PaO 2 occurred at 4 and 12 hours between the groups. PaCO 2 decrement at 4 hours was lower in the jugular than in the femoral group (36.4 vs. 33.7 mmHg, P = 0.009). The two groups did not differ in terms of mortality at 180 days after ECMO, however more cannula related complications occurred in the jugular group.Conclusion Regardless of the cannula configuration, patients with ARDS managed with VV-ECMO showed comparable clinical outcomes in terms of short-term oxygenation and long-term mortality. Nevertheless, further well-designed randomized control trials are warranted.
Brown adipose tissue activity is modulated in olanzapine-treated young rats by simvastatin
Authors: Liu Xuemei , Feng Xiyu , Deng Chao , Liu Lu , Zeng Yanping , Hu Changhua
Published: January 2020

BackgroundPrescription of second-generation antipsychotic drugs (SGAs) to childhood/adolescent has exponentially increased in recent years, which was associated with the greater risk of significant sedation, weight gain, and dyslipidemia. Statin is considered a potential preventive and treatment approach for reducing SGA-induced weight gain and dyslipidemia in schizophrenia patients. However, the effect of statin treatment in children and adolescents with SGA-induced dyslipidemia is not clearly demonstrated.MethodsTo investigate the efficacy of interventions of statin aimed at reversing SGA-induced dyslipidemia, young Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were treated orally with either olanzapine (1.0 mg/kg, t.i.d.), simvastatin (3.0 mg/kg, t.i.d.), olanzapine plus simvastatin (O+S), or vehicle (control) for 5 weeks.ResultsOlanzapine treatment increased weight gain, food intake and feeding efficiency compared to the control, while O+S co-treatment significantly reversed body weight gain but had no significant effect on food intake. Moreover, olanzapine treatment induced a slight but significant reduction in body temperature, with a decrease in locomotor activity. Fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels were markedly elevated in the olanzapine-only group, whereas O+S co-treatment significantly ameliorated these changes. A down-regulating of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) and peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) expression was observed in brown adipose tissue (BAT) in the olanzapine-only group, following a significant decrease in the ratio of phosphorylated PKA (p-PKA)/PKA. Interestingly, these protein changes could be reversed by co-treatment with O+B. Our results demonstrated simvastatin to be effective in ameliorating TC and TG elevated by olanzapine.Conclusions﻿Modulation of BAT activity could be a partial mechanism in reducing metabolic side effects caused by SGAs in child and adolescent patients.
Exploring risk factors of pregnancy anxiety: a cross-sectional study from China
Authors: Fu Peipei , Guo Yawei , Xu Shuai , Zhang Yuan , Liu Peng , Hua Xue , Liu Han , Hong Fanzhen
Published: January 2020

Background In recent years, there is a growing tendency for pregnant women suffered from anxiety, which not only affects the health of pregnant women and the development of children, but also poses a serious burden on families and society. However, few studies have focused on the factors that contribute to anxiety during pregnancy, especially among migrants.Methods A total of 400 pregnant women from a tertiary hospital in Jinan, the provincial capital of Shandong Province. Anxiety was used as dependent variable based on Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Descriptive statistics were presented and a multi-logistic regression analysis were conducted to explore the factors associated with anxiety during pregnancy. STATA 14.2 software was used for analysis.Results The prevalence rate of anxiety in pregnant women is 25.7%. The multi-logistic regression indicates that pregnant women who have longer hospital stay (OR=1.15, p<0.05), who live in rural areas (OR=3.81, p<0.05) and who have pressure during pregnancy (OR=3.98, p<0.05) are more likely to have anxiety. Meanwhile, compared with the lowest income group, group Q2 and Q3 was significantly associated with higher odds of anxiety (OR=1.89, p<0.05; OR=3.37, p<0.05). Those who are local residents (OR=0.59, p<0.59) and who have higher social support points (OR=0.95, p<0.05) are less likely to have anxiety during pregnancy.Conclusions Pregnant women have poor anxiety, and the influencing factors are complex and varied. Therefore, Risk factors such as migrants, living in cities, more life stress, lower family income, longer hospital stays, and less social support should be taken into concern and individualized intervention should be adopted.