bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Butir Soal Penilaian Ujian Semester Gasal Mata Pelajaran IPS di MTs Darul Muna Ponorogo
Authors: Muharromah Muhammad Miftah , Humaisi Syafiq
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTFinal Semester Assessment requires a quality question item instrument so that it can guarantee the quality of the tests presented to students. To get quality questions, before the questions are used each item needs to be analyzed first. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the items. The objective to be achieved in the discussion of this thesis is to determine the quality of the items from the Odd Semester Final Assessment in the Social Sciences Subject of MTs Darul Muna Ponorogo. This research is a descriptive quantitative research. In this study, researchers used to measure the quality of the questions by using the validity of the questions, the reliability of the questions, the level of difficulty, the difference power and the distracting function manually by using the Microsoft Excel application. The data collection technique in this study used documentation techniques in the form of questions, question grids, answer keys to questions, and students' answers. Based on the results of the item analysis in terms of validity, reliability, level of difficulty, distinguishing power, and deception function, it can be concluded that the quality of the Odd End Semester Assessment (PAS) items in the Social Sciences subject MTs Darul Muna Ponorogo in the 2019/2020 school year is a problem good enough quality. because those who meet the criteria for good (very good, good, moderate) questions in class VII are 38 out of 50 items (76%), in class VIII there are 44 out of 50 items (88%), class IX totals 35 of 50 items questions (70%) ABSTRAKPenilaian Ujian Akhir membutuhkan instrumen soal yang berkualitas sehingga dapat menjamin kualitas tes yang disajikan kepada siswa. Untuk mendapatkan soal yang berkualitas, sebelum soal digunakan tiap soal perlu dianalisis terlebih dahulu. Oleh karena itu perlu dilakukan analisis terhadap item-item tersebut. Tujuan yang ingin dicapai dalam pembahasan skripsi ini adalah untuk mengetahui kualitas materi dari Penilaian Akhir Semester Ganjil Mata Pelajaran Ilmu Sosial MTs Darul Muna Ponorogo. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif deskriptif. Dalam penelitian ini peneliti mengukur kualitas soal dengan menggunakan validitas soal, reliabilitas soal, tingkat kesulitan, perbedaan daya dan fungsi distraksi secara manual dengan menggunakan aplikasi Microsoft Excel. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan teknik dokumentasi berupa soal, kisi soal, kunci jawaban soal, dan jawaban siswa. Berdasarkan hasil analisis butir soal validitas, reliabilitas, tingkat kesukaran, daya pembeda, dan fungsi penipuan, dapat disimpulkan bahwa kualitas butir soal Penilaian Akhir Semester Ganjil (PAS) mata pelajaran IPS MTs Darul. Muna Ponorogo pada tahun ajaran 2019/2020 merupakan masalah kualitas yang cukup baik. karena yang memenuhi kriteria baik (sangat baik, baik, sedang) soal di kelas VII sebanyak 38 dari 50 item (76%), di kelas VIII ada 44 dari 50 item (88%), kelas IX berjumlah 35 dari 50 item pertanyaan (70%).
Effects of Robot Viscous Forces on Arm Movements in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Majeed Yazan Abdel , Awadalla Saria , Patton James
Published: October 2020

Background: Our previous work showed that speed is linked to the ability to recover in chronic stroke survivors. Participants moving faster on the first day of a three-week study had greater improvements on the Wolf Motor Function Test.Methods: We examined the effects of three candidate speed-modifying fields in a crossover design: negative viscosity, positive viscosity, and a "breakthrough" force that vanishes after speed exceeds an individualized threshold.Results: Negative viscosity resulted in a significant speed increase when it was on. No lasting after effects on movement speed were observed from any of these treatments, however, training with negative viscosity led to significant improvements in movement accuracy and smoothness.Conclusions: Our results suggest that negative viscosity could be used as a treatment to augment the training process while still allowing participants to make their own volitional motions in practice.Trial registration: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at Northwestern University (STU00206579) and the University of Illinois at Chicago (2018-1251).
Are associations between home environment and preschool children’s sedentary time influenced by parental educational level in a cross-sectional survey?
Authors: Lehto Elviira , Lehto Reetta , Ray Carola , Pajulahti Riikka , Sajaniemi Nina , Erkkola Maijaliisa , Roos Eva
Published: October 2020

Background: Childhood obesity is a major public health concern, especially in low socioeconomic groups. Sedentary time (SED) is an important predictor of obesity. To be able to diminish SED it is important to find modifiable predictors of sedentary behavior. The home environment associated with children’s SED may vary by parental socioeconomic status. This study aims to clarify the association between parental educational level (PEL) and the home environment of 3–6-year-old children, and to examine how home environment associates with children’s SED, and whether PEL modifies these associations. Methods: A cross-sectional Increased health and wellbeing in preschools (DAGIS) study was conducted in 2015–2016 in Finland. The parents (n=809) filled in questionnaires assessing PEL, and the home physical and social environment related to children’s SED. Children’s SED was measured with accelerometers, which the children (n=745) wore for one week.Results: High PEL was associated with a home environment restraining sedentary behaviour compared with low PEL. Stricter descriptive norms about screen time, considering it important to limit the child’s screen time, and satisfaction about the child’s screen time associated with children’s lower SED. The association with parental psychological control and SED was influenced by PEL. In the PEL stratified analyses, however, the associations between psychological control and SED did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Future interventions aiming to decrease SED should pay attention to relevant factors in children’s sedentary behaviour home environment. It is important to acknowledge the possible PEL differences in these factors.
Targeted exome sequencing identified a novel USH2A mutation in a Chinese Usher syndrome family: a case report
Authors: Xing Dongjun , Zhou Huaiyu , Yu Rongguo , Wang Linni , Hu Liying , Li Zhiqing , Li Xiaorong
Published: October 2020

Background: Usher syndrome is a disease with a heterogeneous phenotype and genotype. Our purpose was to identify the gene mutation in a Chinese family with Usher syndrome type 2 and describe the clinical features. Case presentation: A 23-year-old man complained of a 10-year duration of nyctalopia and a 3-year decline in visual acuity of both eyes accompanied by congenital dysaudia. To clarify the diagnosis, the clinical symptoms were observed and analysed in combination with comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations as well as genetic analysis (targeted exome sequencing, TES). A typical clinical presentation of Usher syndrome of the fundus was found, including a waxy yellow-like disc, bone-spicule formations and retinal vessel stenosis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) showed loss of the ellipsoid zone and a reduction in paracaval vessel density in both eyes. Genetic analysis identified a novel homozygous c.8483_8486del (p.Ser2828*) mutation in USH2A. The mutation resulted in premature termination of translation and caused the deletion of 19 fibronectin type 3 domains (FN3), transmembrane (TM) regions and PDZ-binding motif domains, which play an important role in protein binding. After combining the clinical manifestations and genetic results, the patient was diagnosed with Usher syndrome type 2.Conclusions: We found a novel c.8483_8486del mutation in the USH2A gene through TES techniques. The results broaden the spectrum of mutations in Usher syndrome type 2 and suggest that a combination of clinical information and molecular diagnosis via TES could help Usher syndrome patients obtain a better diagnosis.
Early Detection of Sepsis Using Artificial Intelligence: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Pepic Ivana , Feldt Robert , Ljungström Lars , Torkar Richard , Dalevi Daniel , Söderholm Hanna Maurin , Andersson Lars-Magnus , Axelson-Fisk Marina , Bohm Katarina , Sjöqvist Bengt Arne , Candefjord Stefan
Published: October 2020

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. To decrease the high case fatality rates and morbidity for sepsis and septic shock, there is a need to increase the accuracy of early detection of suspected sepsis in prehospital and emergency department settings. This may be achieved by developing risk prediction decision support systems based on artificial intelligence. Methods: The overall aim of this scoping review is to summarize the literature on existing methods for early detection of sepsis using artificial intelligence. The review will be performed using the framework formulated by Arksey and O’Malley and further developed by Levac and colleagues. To identify primary studies and reviews that are suitable to answer our research questions, a comprehensive literature collection will be compiled by searching several sources. Constrictions regarding time and language will have to be implemented. Therefore, only studies published between 1 January 1990 and 30 September 2020 will be taken into consideration and foreign language publications will not be considered, only papers with full text in English will be included. Databases/web search engines that will be used are PubMed, Web of Science Platform, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and ACM Digital Library. Furthermore, clinical studies that have completed patient recruitment and reported results found in the database ClinicalTrials.gov will be considered. The term artificial intelligence is viewed broadly and a wide range of machine learning and mathematical models suitable as base for decision support will be evaluated. Two members of the team will test the framework on a sample of included studies to ensure that the coding framework is suitable and can be consistently applied. Analysis of collected data will provide a descriptive summary and thematic analysis. The reported results will convey knowledge about the state of current research and innovation for using artificial intelligence to detect sepsis in early phases of the medical care chain.Ethics and dissemination: The methodology used here is based on the use of publicly available information and does not need ethical approval. It aims at aiding further research towards digital solutions for disease detection and health innovation. Results will be extracted into a review report for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Results will be shared with relevant local and national authorities and disseminated in additional appropriate formats such as conferences, lectures, and press releases.
Risk factors for hospital-acquired influenza A and patient characteristics: A matched case-control study
Authors: Yang Kui , Zhang Ni , Gao Chunchen , Qin Hongyan , Wang Anhui , Song Liqiang
Published: October 2020

Background: While hospital-acquired influenza A results in an additional cost burden and considerable mortality in patients, its risk factors are unknown. We aimed to describe the characteristics of patients vulnerable to hospital-acquired influenza A and to identify its risk factors to assist clinicians control hospital-acquired infections and reduce the burden of treatment.Methods: A case-control study was conducted among hospitalized patients aged ≥18 years at a tertiary level teaching hospital during the 2018–2019 influenza A season. Patient data were retrieved from hospital-based electronic medical records. Hospital-acquired influenza A was defined as a case of influenza A diagnosed 7 days or more after admission, in a patient with no evidence of influenza A infection on admission. The controls without influenza A were selected among patients exposed to the same setting and time period. We identified risk factors using conditional logistic regression and described the characteristics of hospital-acquired influenza A by comparing the clinical data of infected patients and the controls.Results: Of the 412 hospitalized patients with influenza A from all the departments in the study hospital, 93 (22.6%) cases were classified as hospital-acquired. The most common comorbidities of the 93 cases were hypertension (41.9%), coronary heart disease (21.5%), and cerebrovascular disease (20.4%). Before the onset of hospital-acquired influenza A, patients presented more lymphocytopenia (51.6% vs 35.5%, P=0.027), hypoalbuminemia (78.5% vs 57.0%, P=0.002), and pleural effusion (26.9% vs 9.7%, P=0.002) than the matched controls. Infected patients also had longer hospital stays (18 days vs 14 days, P=0.002), and higher mortality rates (10.8% vs 2.2%, P=0.017) than the matched controls. Lymphocytopenia (odds ratio [OR]: 3.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–7.80; P=0.016), hypoalbuminemia (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.10–4.57; P=0.027), and pleural effusion (OR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.26–7.58; P=0.014) were independently associated with hospital-acquired influenza A.Conclusions: Lymphocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia and pleural effusion are independent risk factors that can help identify patients at high risk of hospital-acquired influenza A, which can extend hospital stay and is associated with a high mortality.
Utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT for predicting pathologic complete response in Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Lee In Hee , Lee Soo Jung , Lee Jeeyeon , Jung Jinhyang , Park Hoyong , Jeong Shin Young , Lee Sang-woo , Chae Yee Soo
Published: October 2020

Background: Pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a predictor of improved outcomes in breast cancer. In patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) -negative breast cancer, the response to NAC is variable and mostly limited. This study was an investigation of the predictive relevance of parameters of 18F-FDG PET/CT for the pCR to NAC in patients with HR-positive, HER2–negative breast cancer. Methods: AH total of 109 consecutive HR-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer patients who were treated with NAC were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The relationships between pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT and clinical outcomes including pathologic response to NAC were evaluated. Results: All patients finished their planned NAC cycles and eight patients (7.3%) achieved pCR. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, pSUVmax exhibited high sensitivity and specificity for predicting pCR. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed pSUVmax as a predictive factor for pCR (hazard ratio = 17.452; 95% CI = 1.847 – 164.892; p = 0.013). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that 18F-FDG PET/CT pSUVmax is a predictive factor for pCR of HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer to NAC.
Birth weight and renal markers in children aged 5 – 10 years in Cameroon: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaze Francois Folefack , Nguefack Seraphin , Asong Constantine Menkoh , Assob Jules Clement Nguedia , Nansseu Jobert Richie , Kowo Mathurin Pierre , Nzana Victorine , Kalla Ginette Claude Mireille , Halle Marie Patrice
Published: October 2020

Background A relationship exists between birth weight (BW) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in postnatal kidney. Willing to fill a gap of knowledge in sub-Saharan Africa, we assessed the effect of BW on blood pressure (BP), proteinuria and GFR among Cameroonians children. Methods This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study from January to April 2018 at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital (YGOPH). We recruited low BW (LBW) [<2500g], normal BW (NBW) [2500-3999g] and high BW (HBW) [>4000g] children, aged 5-10 years, born and followed-up at YGOPH. We collected socio-demographic, clinical (weight, height, BP), laboratory (proteinuria, creatinine), maternal and birth data. The estimated GFR was calculated using the Schwartz equation.Results We included 80 children (61.2% boys) with 21 (26.2%) LBW, 45 (56.2%) NBW and 14 (15.5%) HBW; the median (interquartile range) age was 7.3 (6.3-8.1) years and 17 (21.2%) were overweight/obese. Two (2.5%) children, all with a NBW (4.4%), had an elevated BP whereas 2 (2.5%) other children, all with a LBW (9.5%), had hypertension (p=0.233). Seven (8.7%) children had proteinuria with 19%, 2.2% and 14.3% having LBW, NBW and HBW, respectively (p=0.051). Equivalent figures were 18 (22.5%), 14.3%, 24.2% and 28.6% for decreased GFR, respectively (p=0.818). There was a trend towards an inverse relationship between BW and BP, proteinuria and GFR (p>0.05). Conclusion Proteinuria is more pronounced in childhood with a history of LBW and HBW while LBW children are more prone to develop hypertension. Regular follow-up is needed to implement early nephroprotective measures among children with abnormal BW.
Antimicrobial activity screening of rhizosphere soil bacteria from tomato and genome-based analysis of their antimicrobial biosynthetic potential
Authors: Zhou Lu , Song Chunxu , Li Zhibo , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: October 2020

Background: Tomato plant growth is frequently hampered by a high susceptibility to pests and diseases. Traditional chemical control causes a serious impact on both the environment and human health. Therefore, seeking environment-friendly and cost-effective green methods in agricultural production becomes crucial nowadays. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) can promote plant growth through biological activity. Their use is considered to be a promising sustainable approach for crop growth. Moreover, a vast number of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for secondary metabolite production are being revealed in PGPR, which helps to find potential anti-microbial activities for tomato disease control. Results: We isolated 181 Bacillus-like strains from healthy tomato, rhizosphere soil, and tomato tissues. In vitro antagonistic assays revealed that 34 Bacillus strains have antimicrobial activity against Erwinia carotovora, Pseudomonas syringae; Rhizoctonia solani; Botrytis cinerea; Verticillium dahliae and Phytophthora infestans. The genomes of 10 Bacillus and Paenibacillus strains with good antagonistic activity were sequenced. Via genome mining approaches, we identified 120 BGCs encoding NRPs, PKs-NRPs, PKs, terpenes and bacteriocins, including known compounds such as fengycin, surfactin, bacillibactin, subtilin, etc. In addition, several novel BGCs were identified. We discovered that the NRPs and PKs-NRPs BGCs in Bacillus species are encoding highly conserved known compounds as well as various novel variants. Conclusions: This study highlights the great number of varieties of BGCs in Bacillus strains. These findings pave the road for future usage of Bacillus strains as biocontrol agents for tomato disease control and are a resource arsenal for novel antimicrobial discovery.
Influence of maintaining apical patency in post-endodontic pain
Authors: Shubham Snigdha , Nepal Manisha , Mishra Ravish , Dutta Kishor
Published: October 2020

Background The concept of instrumentation beyond the apical foramen by small flexible file to prevent apical blockage is apical patency. However, this procedure might endow postoperative pain, thus to maintain apical patency or not is the matter of dilemma. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to compare postoperative pain between apical patency and non-patency groups and secondary objective was to evaluate the influence of number of visits, vitality of teeth, group of teeth and preoperative pain on post-operative pain.Methods Preselected (n=178) patients based on group of teeth and status of pulp were randomly divided into 2 groups, apical patency and non- patency which was further treated in either single or multiple visit. After exclusion, 160 patients were included. Each group (n=80) was subdivided in single visit (n = 40) and multiple visits (n = 40), including vital (n=20) and non-vital teeth (n=20) and single- rooted (n=10) and multiple-rooted teeth (n=10). Apical patency was maintained with a size 10 K-file during conventional hand filing step-back shaping procedure. Intensity of pain was recorded before treatment and on days 1, 2, and 7 after treatment using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11). Statistical analysis was done using Mann -Whitney U test, Spearman correlation and Multiple linear regression analysis.Results The primary outcome of this study showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in postoperative pain scores between patency and non-patency groups with higher pain scores in patency group on 1st, 2nd and 7th day follow up. The secondary outcome showed postoperative pain in patency maintained group was influenced by status of the pulp and preoperative pain only. Vital teeth of patency-maintained group treated in multiple visits showed statistically significant (p=0.02) post-operative pain in day 1 follow up. Pre-operative pain showed positive correlation with postoperative pain with statistically significant difference.Conclusions Our study concluded that maintenance of apical patency increased postoperative pain. Evaluation of influence of number of visits, status of pulp, group of tooth and preoperative pain revealed status of pulp and preoperative pain as influencing factors for postoperative pain in patency group.
Gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal nucleic acid testing of children with 2019 coronavirus disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Ji-Gan , Cui Hairong , Tang Huabo , Deng Xiu-li
Published: October 2020

In order to understand the clinical manifestations and incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in children and discuss the importance of fecal nucleic acid testing.We retrospectively analyzed studies on gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal nucleic acid detection in pediatric COVID-19 patients from January 1, 2020 to August 10, 2020, including prospective clinical studies and case reports. The results of fecal nucleic acid detection were analyzed systematically. Stata12.0 software was used for meta-analysis.The results showed that the most common gastrointestinal symptoms in children with COVID-19 were vomiting and diarrhea, with a total incidence of 17.7% (95% Cl: 13.9%-21.5%). However, the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in other countries (21.1%, 95% CI: 16.5%-25.7%) was higher compared to China (12.9%, 95% CI: 8%-17.7%). In Wuhan, the pooled prevalence was much higher (41.3%, 95 % CI: 3.2%-79.4%) compared to areas outside Wuhan in China (7.1%, 95 % CI: 4.0%-10.3%).The positive rate of fecal nucleic acid testing in COVID-19 children was relatively high at 85.8% (91/106). Additionally, 71.2% (52/73) were still positive for fecal nucleic acid after respiratory tract specimens turned negative. One and two weeks after the respiratory tract specimens turned nucleic acid-negative, 45.2% (33/73) and 34.2% (25/73) patients, respectively, remained fecal nucleic acid-positive. The longest interval between the respiratory tract specimens turning negative and fecal specimens turning negative exceeded 70 days.Conclusions and Relevance:Gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric COVID-19 are relatively common. Attention should be paid to the detection of fecal nucleic acids in children. Fecal nucleic acid-negative status should be considered as one of the desegregation standards.
The microbiologic spectrum of dacryocystitis
Authors: Luo Ban , Li Mu , Xiang Nan , Hu Weikun , Liu Rong , Yan Xiaoqin
Published: October 2020

Background: To investigate the microbiologic spectrum of dacryocystitis in adult and pediatric groups, specifically the microbiologic differences between chronic dacryocystitis with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) and acute dacryocystitis in pediatric group.Methods: This retrospective study was reviewed for demographic and microbiologic profile of dacryocystitis. The culture results were reported. Results: Sixty-four adults and one hundred and five pediatrics with dacryocystitis were included in this study. Of all adults, only chronic dacryocystitis with NLDO was observed. Of all pediatric patients, 89 had chronic dacryocystitis with NLDO and 16 had acute dacryocystitis. Gram positive and negative isolates were numerically equal in adult group (both 36(48.65%)), while gram positive isolates were the major organism in pediatric group (71(58.68%)). Streptococcus pneumonia was the most common isolate in both adult (11(14.86%)) and pediatric (30(24.79%)) dacryocystitis. For both pediatric subgroups, gram positive isolates were the major organism (59(57.84%) for chronic dacryocystitis with NLDO and 12 (63.16%) for acute dacryocystitis). However, the leading isolates in those two subgroups were distinct, with Streptococcus pneumonia (29(28.43%)) being most common in chronic dacryocystitis with NLDO and Staphylococcus aureus (8(42.11%)) being most common in acute dacryocystitis. Conclusions: In adult group, gram negative isolates were more common in dacryocystitis than before. In pediatric group, gram positive isolates were still the major infection pathogen. Moreover, the more virulent organisms were more common in acute dacryocystitis than chronic dacryocystitis with NLDO.
Impact of concomitant systemic treatments on toxicity and intracerebral response after stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases
Authors: Guénolé Morgan , Lucia François , Bourbonne Vincent , Dissaux Gurvan , Reygagne Emmanuelle , Goasduff Gaëlle , Pradier Olivier , Schick Ulrike
Published: October 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in combination with systemic therapies (ST) for brain metastases (BM). Methods: 99 patients (171 BM) received SRT and concurrent ST (group 1) and 95 patients (131 BM) received SRT alone without concurrent ST (group 2). SRT was planned on a linear accelerator, using volumetric modulated arc therapy. All ST were allowed including chemotherapy (CT), immunotherapy (IT), targeted therapy (TT) and hormonotherapy (HT). Treatment was considered to be concurrent if the timing between the drug administration and SRT did not exceed 1 month. Local control (LC), freedom for distant brain metastases (FFDBM), overall survival (OS) and radionecrosis (RN) were evaluated. Results: After a median follow-up of 11.9 months (range 0.7-29.7), there was no significant difference between the two groups. However, patients who received concurrent IT (n=30) had better 1-year LC, OS, FFDBM but a higher RN rate compared to patients who did not: 96% versus 78% (p=0.02), 89% versus 77% (p=0.02), 76% versus 53% (p=0.004) and 80% versus 90% (p=0.03), respectively. In multivariate analysis, concurrent IT (p=0.022) and tumor volume <2.07cc (p=0.039) were significantly correlated with improvement of LC. The addition of IT to SRT compared to SRT alone was associated with an increased risk of RN (p=0.03).Conclusion: SRT delivered concurrently with IT seems to be associated with improved LC, FFDBM and OS as well as with a higher rate of RN.
A post-GWAS confirming the genetic effects and functional polymorphisms of AGPAT3 gene on milk fatty acids in dairy cattle
Authors: Shi Lijun , Wu Xin , Ma Zhu , Lv Xiaoqing , Liu Lin , Li Yanhua , Zhao Feng , Han Bo , Yang Yuze , Sun Dongxiao
Published: October 2020

Background: People are paying more attention to the healthy and balanced diet with the improvement of their living standards. Milk fatty acids (FAs) have been reported that they were related to some atherosclerosis and coronary heart diseases in human. In our previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) on milk FAs in dairy cattle, 83 genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. Among them, two SNPs, ARS-BFGL-NGS-109493 and BTA-56389-no-rs associated with C18index (P = 0.0459), were located in the upstream of 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 3 (AGPAT3) gene. AGPAT3 is involved in glycerol-lipid, glycerol-phospholipid metabolism and phospholipase D signaling pathways. Hence, it was inferred as a candidate gene for milk FAs. The aim of this study was to further confirm the genetic effects of the AGPAT3 gene on milk FA traits in dairy cattle.Results: Through re-sequencing the complete coding region, and 3,000bp of 5' and 3' regulatory regions of the AGPAT3 gene, a total of 17 SNPs were identified, including four in 5' regulatory region, one in 5' untranslated region (UTR), three in introns, one in 3' UTR, and eight in 3' regulatory region. By the linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis with Haploview4.1 software, two haplotype blocks were observed that were formed by four and 12 identified SNPs, respectively. Using SAS9.2, we performed single locus-based and haplotype-based association analysis on 24 milk FAs in 1,065 Chinese Holstein cows, and discovered that all the SNPs and the haplotype blocks were significantly associated with C6:0, C8:0 and C10:0 (P < 0.0001~ 0.0384). Further, with Genomatix, we predicted that four SNPs in 5' regulatory region (g.146702957G>A, g.146704373A>G g.146704618A>G and g.146704699G>A) changed the transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) for transcription factors SMARCA3, REX1, VMYB, BRACH, NKX26, ZBED4, SP1, USF1, ARNT and FOXA1. Out of them, two SNPs were validated to impact transcriptional activity by performing luciferase assay that the alleles A of both SNPs, g.146704373A>G and g.146704618A>G, increased the transcriptional activities of AGPAT3 promoter compared with alleles G (P = 0.0004).Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings first demonstrated the significant genetic associations of the AGPAT3 gene with milk FAs in dairy cattle, and two potential causal mutations were detected.
Factors influencing the result of superior oblique weakening procedures in patients with superior oblique overaction in horizontal strabismus
Authors: Chun Junwoo , Kim Seong-Joon
Published: October 2020

Background: Few studies have evaluated the surgical outcome of superior oblique weakening procedures in patients with superior oblique overaction associated with exotropia or esotropia. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of superior oblique muscle weakening and the influencing factors in patients with superior oblique overaction. Methods: The medical charts of 37 patients (55 eyes) with superior oblique overaction associated with esotropia or exotropia who were treated with a superior oblique weakening procedure at the Seoul National University Hospital from January 2010 to June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Superior oblique overaction was graded using, a 6-point scale ranging from +0.5 to +3, and pre- and postoperative grades were recorded for all patients. Results: The mean age of the patients was 91.81 ± 59.37 months. Superior oblique muscle suture spacer and superior oblique posterior tenectomy were performed for 17 (23 eyes) and 20 (32 eyes) patients, respectively. Surgical success was achieved in 15 (65.2%) eyes in the suture spacer group and 23 (71.9%) eyes in the posterior tenectomy group. Surgical success was achieved for 69.1% (38/55 eyes) of patients. Dissociated vertical deviation exhibited a significant negative association with the surgical success rate (p<0.001). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in surgical success rate between the superior oblique posterior tenectomy and superior oblique suture spacer groups in superior oblique overaction associated with horizontal strabismus. Associated dissociated vertical deviation can affect the surgical success of the superior oblique weakening procedure.
Induction of leukocyte adhesion molecules and renal physiologically active molecules in Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-induced diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kajiwara Koichiro , Sawa Yoshihiko , Fujita Takahiro , Tamaoki Sachio
Published: October 2020

Background

We recently reported that the glomerular endothelium expresses toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 in diabetic environments and established that the TLR2 ligand Porphyromonas (P.) gingivalis lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induces nephropathy in diabetic mice. It is thought that P. gingivalis LPS promotes the chronic inflammation with the overexpression of leukocyte adhesion molecules and renal-specific metabolic enzymes by the recognition of P. gingivalis LPS via TLR in the diabetic kidneys. The present study aims to examine the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules and renal metabolic factors in mouse kidneys with periodontal pathogen P. gingivalis LPS-induced diabetic nephropathy that was recently established.
Methods

The immunohistochemical investigation was performed on mouse kidney with P. gingivalis LPS-induced diabetic nephropathy model with glomerulosclerosis in glomeruli.
Results

There were no vessels which expressed vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, or fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 in diabetic mice, or in healthy mice administered P. gingivalis LPS. However, in diabetic mouse kidneys with P. gingivalis LPS-induced nephropathy the expression of VCAM-1 and the accumulation of FGF23 were established in renal tubules and glomeruli, and the expression of E-selectin was established in renal parenchyma and glomeruli. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was detected in the proximal tubules but not in other regions including not in distal tubules of diabetic mice without LPS, and not in healthy mice administered P. gingivalis LPS. In diabetic mouse kidneys with P. gingivalis LPS-induced nephropathy ACE2 was detected both in renal tubules as well as in glomeruli. The macrophage-1 (Mac-1) and podoplanin-positive cells increased in the renal parenchyma with diabetic condition and there was accumulation in P. gingivalis LPS-induced diabetic nephropathy. As the expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin is upregulated in glomeruli, tubules, and intertubular capillaries, it is thought that the inflammatory infiltration of the monocyte-macrophage lineage promoted in kidneys with P. gingivalis LPS-induced the diabetic nephropathy.
Conclusions

P. gingivalis LPS may progressively accelerate the development of the renal inflammatory environment in LPS-accumulated glomeruli with the macrophage infiltration via the renal expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin, and with ACE2 overexpression and FGF23 accumulation. Periodontitis may be a critical factor in the progress of nephropathy in diabetic patients.
Health-related quality of life in children with congenital heart disease aged 5 to 7 years: a multicentre controlled cross-sectional study
Authors: Abassi Hamouda , Huguet Helena , Picot Marie-Christine , Vincenti Marie , Gauillaumont Sophie , Auer Annie , Werner Oscar , Villeon Grégoire De La , Lavastre Kathleen , Gavotto Arthur , Auquier Pascal , Amedro Pascal
Published: October 2020

Background: In the context of tremendous progress in congenital cardiology, more attention has been given to patient-related outcomes, especially in assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with congenital heart diseases (CHD). However, most studies have mainly focused on teenagers or adults and currently, few HRQoL controlled data is available in young children. This study aimed to evaluate HRQoL of children with CHD aged 5 to 7 y.o., in comparison with contemporary peers recruited in school, as well as the factors associated with HRQoL in this population. Methods: This multicentre controlled prospective cross-sectional study included 124 children with a CHD (mean age=6.0±0.8 y, 45% female) during their outpatient visit and 125 controls (mean age=6.2±0.8 y, 54% female) recruited at school. A generic paediatric HRQoL instrument was used (PedsQL 4.0). Results: Self-reported HRQoL in children with CHD was similar to controls, overall (73.5±1.2 vs. 72.8±1.2, P=0.68, respectively), and for each dimension. Parents-reported HRQoL was significantly lower in the CHD group than in controls. HRQoL was predicted by the disease severity and by repeated invasive cardiac procedures (surgery or catheterization). Conclusion: HRQoL in young children with CHD aged 5 to 7 years old was good and similar to controls. HRQoL in this population correlated with CHD severity, especially when assessed by the infant heart failure Ross classification. This study contributed to the growing body of knowledge on HRQoL in congenital cardiology and emphasized the need for child and family support in the most complex CHD. Trial registration: This study was approved by the institutional review board of Montpellier University Hospital (2019_IRB-MTP_02-19) on 22 February 2019 and was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03931096) on 30 April 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03931096.
Reliability and Validity of Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength Assessment Using the MizCure Perineometer
Authors: Abe-Takahashi Yui , Kitta Takeya , Ouchi Mifuka , Okayauchi Minori , Chiba Hiroki , Higuchi Madoka , Togo Mio , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: October 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to clarify the reliability and validity of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength assessment using the MizCure perineometer in healthy women.Methods: Twenty healthy women (age 20-45 years) participated in this study. The vaginal pressure measured using the MizCure and validated Peritron perineometers were repeated during PFM contraction in the supine and standing positions. All women were evaluated twice by examiners 1 and 2. Following the measurements in the first session (Test 1), they were repeated after an interval of between 2 and 6 weeks (Test 2). Within- and between-session intra- and inter-rater reliabilities in vaginal pressure were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (1, 1) and (2, 1), respectively. Validity was assessed by Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis.Results: Within-session intra-rater reliabilities for both examiners 1 and 2 for all vaginal pressures in Tests 1 and 2 were 0.90 to 0.96 for both perineometers. Between-session intra-rater reliability for the MizCure was 0.72 to 0.79 for both positions for examiner 1, and 0.63 in the supine position and 0.80 in the standing position for examiner 2. Inter-rater reliability for Test 1 was 0.91 in the supine position and 0.87 in the standing position for the MizCure. The vaginal pressures using the MizCure and Peritron were significantly associated with the supine position (r = 0.68, P < .001) and the standing position (rs = 0.82, P < .001).Conclusion: MizCure perineometer is a validated tool to measure PFM strength in both supine and standing positions in healthy nulliparous women.
Clinical Efficacy Evaluation of Full-endoscopic Foraminoplasty and Discectomy Under General Anesthesia in the Treatment of L5-S1 Disc Herniation
Authors: Meng Dongfang , Wang Lihe , Wang Tao , Tu Ji , Du Chenyang , Li Huiying
Published: October 2020

Background: Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) is a minimally invasive surgical method for the treatment of spinal diseases. However, the operation procedure relied on the radiative interventional technology, and was conducted under local anesthesia. Method: From June 2016 to December 2019, we performed a newly developed full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy under general anesthesia in 30 patients with L5/S1 LDH. In this retrospective study, the outcomes and neurological complications of this approach were evaluated. Results: The mean visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were significantly improved after surgery. The postoperative MRI reexamination revealed that the degree of intervertebral disc degeneration of each subject was improved significantly to different degrees as compared with that before surgery. The learning curve showed operative time rapidly decreased over the earlier cases, and then tapered to a steady state in the latter cases. Conclusions: Full-endoscopic foraminoplasty and discectomy under general anesthesia is efficient and safe for the treatment of the L5-S1 disc herniation.Trial registration: N/A
Incidence of inherited metabolic disorders in southern Israel: A comparison between consanguinity and non-consanguinity communities
Authors: Hazan Guy , Hershkovitz Eliyahu , Staretz-Chacham O
Published: October 2020

Background - Inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) are group of rare monogenic diseases, usually derived from reduced or absent activity in a single metabolic pathway. Most of the IMDs are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The incidence of IMDs varies from country to country and within different ethnic groups, but data is still scarce. Consanguinity rate among populations is highly contributor factor for IMDs incidence. There are no reports comparing the incidence of IMD in consanguineous and non-consanguineous populations from the same geographic region with the same diagnostic capabilities. Our study objective is to compare the incidence of IMDs between between the relatively low consanguineous Jewish population and the consanguineous Bedouin population, both living in the southern of Israel.Results - During 1990-2017 there were 393,772 live births in the Negev district, of Southern of Israel. Among them 187,049 were of Jewish origin while 206,723 were of Bedouin-Muslim origin. A total of 223 children were diagnosed in this study period with IMDs. Among those 223 children with IMD, 33 were of Jewish origin while the other 190 children were of Bedouin-Muslim origin. The overall incidence for IMDs of the overall Negev population was 56.6/100,000 live birth. The incidence for IMD's among the Bedouin population was significantly higher than among Jewish population.Conclusions - IMDs are extremely more common in the consanguineous Bedouin compared with the relatively non-consanguineous Jewish population of Southern Israel. Health policy makers should consider these data and prepare educational and genetic counselling problems accordingly.
WITHDRAWN: The thermochemical non-equilibrium expansion effects of the high enthalpy nozzle
Authors: Shen Junmou , Chen Xing , Lu Hongbo , Shao Zongjie , Yao Dapeng , Bi Zhixian , Ma Handong
Published: October 2020

The high enthalpy shock tunnel can simulate the free-flow speed above 3km/s. The characteristic of the flow is that the kinetic energy of the high enthalpy stagnation gas is high enough to effectuate high-temperature effects such as dissociation even ionization of fluid molecules. The stagnation gas is converted into the hypervelocity free flow through the high enthalpy nozzle. The flow of high enthalpy flow in the high enthalpy nozzle can be divided into three regions: an equilibrium region, a non-equilibrium region and a frozen region. The equilibrium flow region is upstream of the throat, the non-equilibrium flow region is near the throat, and the frozen flow region is not far downstream of the throat. The study focuses on the conical nozzle, testing thermochemical non-equilibrium expansion effects under the different expansion angle of the expansion section, the curvature radius of the throat, the throat radius, and the convergence angle of the convergent section. A multi-block solver for axisymmetric compressible Navier-Stokes equations is applied to simulate the thermochemical non-equilibrium flow in several high enthalpy conical nozzles. The significant conclusions of this study contain tripartite. Firstly, the thermochemical non-equilibrium effects are sensitive to the maximum expansion angle and throat radius, but not to the radius of throat curvature and the contraction angle. Secondly, as the maximum expansion angle decreases and the throat radius increases, the flow approaches equilibrium. Finally, the maximum expansion angle and the throat radius not only affect the position of the freezing point but also impacts the flow field parameters, such as temperature, Mach number, and species mass concentration.
Clinical Predictors of Mortality of Patients With Acute Kidney Injury Requiring Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Rattananukrom Chitchai , Tonsawan Pantipa , Panitchote Anupol
Published: October 2020

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequently encountered around 40% in critically ill patients and associate with a high mortality particularly in AKI patients requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). The objective of this study was to assess the clinical predictors for 28-day mortality in AKI patients requiring RRT.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study from prospectively collected data over a year (2014-2015). AKI patients requiring RRT were included. We collected demographic and laboratory data of AKI patients requiring RRT within 24 hours before initiation of RRT. We excluded patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease stage 5 and AKI patients requiring peritoneal dialysis. We compared clinical characteristics and analyzed the predictors of mortality of survivors and non-survivors according to 28-day mortality.Results: We included 122 AKI patients requiring RRT. Mortality rate at day 28 and 90 after AKI diagnosis were 59% (95% confidence interval [CI] 49.7-67.8) and 72.1% (95%CI 63.3-79.9). On multivariable analysis, clinical predictors for 28-day mortality were baseline serum creatinine (hazard ratio [HR] 0.57, 95% CI 0.36-0.90), SOFA score before initiation of RRT (HR 1.08, 95%CI 1.01-1.15), presence of vasopressors before initiation of RRT (HR 3.04, 95%CI 1.12-8.25), serum lactate > 4 mmol/L before initiation of RRT effect <10 days of survival time (HR 2.49, 95%CI 1.17-5.26), and serum lactate > 4 mmol/L before initiation of RRT effect ≥10 days of survival time (HR 1.31, 95%CI 0.47-3.60).Conclusion: A lower baseline serum creatinine was associated with the mortality in AKI patients requiring RRT. SOFA score, presence of vasopressors, and a higher serum lactate before initiation of RRT are useful clinical predictors for the 28-day mortality.
Potential of Sustained Release Microparticles of Metformin in Veterinary Medicine: An in Vivo Pharmacokinetic Study of Metformin Microparticles as Oral Sustained Release Formulation in Rabbits.
Authors: Bouriche Sihem , Alonso-García Angela , Cárceles-Rodríguez Carlos M , Rezgui Farouk , Fernández-Varón Emilio
Published: October 2020

Background: Metformin hydrochloride a biguanide derivative has been widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in humans. In veterinary medicine, metformin has been increasing his potential in different species as equids for insulin dysregulation, dogs and cats with diabetes. It is a highly soluble hydrophilic drug, shows incomplete absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and the absolute bioavailability is 40-60 % with a short biological half-life of 1.5-1.6 h in humans. In this study, to improve its efficacy a sustained-release microparticles of metformin was developed by loading within poly lactic acid (PLA) polymer followed by an in vivo pharmacokinetics study in rabbits. Results: Pharmacokinetic study in rabbits showed the sustained-release characteristic from the prepared microparticles with delayed time to reach maximum concentrations Tmax, decreased Cmax, increased Mean Residence Time (MRT) and half-life compared to the pure drug solution. Physicochemical characterization suggested that PLA and metformin hydrochloride interacted within the microparticles via hydrogen bonds and that the drug was transformed to an amorphous state. Conclusions: The The pharmacokinetics parameters resulted in delayed Tmax, increased MRT and t1/2, decreased Cmax of metformin from microparticles that show promise for prolonged/sustained release of metformin after oral administration in different animal species affected by insulin disorders. PLA microparticles provided sustained release of the drug, and these systems can be useful as drug carriers for hydrophilic drugs in long term disease treatment such as diabetes.