bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanocellulose Coating Associated with Lemongrass Essential Oil at Postharvest of Blackberry Fruits
Authors: Silva Evaldo Leandro Potma da , Carvalho Tereza Cristina de , Ayub Ricardo Antonio , Almeida Mariana Celano Menezes de
Published: October 2019

Blackberry is a fruit that has high nutritional value, a factor that has expanded its consumption worldwide. However, due to the fragility of the fruits and the high incidence of postharvest diseases, the fruits have a short shelf life. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether the application of coatings based on microfibrillated cellulose (NC) and lemongrass essential oil (EO) nanoparticles can prolong the shelf life of blackberry fruits after harvest. EO-coated blackberry fruits at nanocellulose concentrations were analyzed as follows: 0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6 and 0.8%, in addition to the control treatment of which neither essential oil nor nanocellulose was used, for each treatment five repetitions were used. The fruits were analyzed soon after the application of the cover and at three and six days after storage. Fruit quality was assessed by soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, fresh weight loss (FWL) and colorimetric parameters such as luminosity, hue angle and fruit peel chroma. Coating on EO (1000 ppm) blackberries combined with NC at concentrations of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6% is promising in preserving blackberry fruits and reducing the process color reversal, up to six days of storage. The 0.4% NC + 1000 ppm EO conjugated coating showed no SS changes in blackberry fruits during the six days of storage.
THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING, INTEGRITY, COMPETENCY AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT OF QUALITY AUDIT IN THE AUDIT BOARD OF REPUBLIC INDONESIA
Authors: Sunyoto Edi , Djaali Djaali , Akbar Maruf
Published: October 2019

This research investigate about the influence of functional training, integrity, competence and organizational commitment to quality audit. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of functional training, integrity, competence and organizational commitment to quality audit, in The Audit Board of Republic Indonesia, Jakarta in 2017. The research used survey method quantitative approach with path analysis technique. Methods of survey research using quantitative approach path analysis techniques. The data were collected from 100 auditor as sample. Sample were sellected by simple random sampling from 130 Auditor as population. The results showed there is the significant direct effect functional of training on quality audit; integrity on qualty audit; competency on quality audit; organizational commitment on quality audit; functional training, Integrity and Competence significant direct effect on organizational commitment; functional training and Integrity significant direct effect on the competence; direct effect on the integrity of functional training is significant.
EVALUATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM
Authors: Yanto Murni
Published: October 2019

This study is to investigate the implementation of the evaluation program of quality assurance State Islamic High School Curup. This study design is evaluative survey. In this study, the level of implementation of the evaluation results are divided into five categories, namely: excellent, good, average, less, much less. The results of the evaluation study the implementation of quality assurance programs included in both categories. Program quality assurance Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Negeri Curup necessary to repair all fronts, this can be illustrated as follows: (1) Basic policy program quality assurance, (2) resource program quality assurance, (3) implementation of the guarantee program, (4) Results the achievement of a quality assurance program. The results of the study suggested the central quality assurance to be able to follow up on some of the findings, especially concerning the quality assurance program resources, training and dissemination of quality, and implement improved quality assurance program so that the process of quality assurance programs to be more effective.Keywords : Evaluation, Implementation of the quality program, CIPP
THE EVALUATION OF TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT IN LIMITED COMPANY OF BRANTAS ABIPRAYA JAKARTA
Authors: PERKASA DIDIN HIKMAH , WIDODO SUPARNO EKO
Published: October 2019

The focus of this research is to ensure that the implementation of the Technical Career Development Program. This research was Review at limited company of Brantas Abipraya Jakarta who use Technical Training as the one of strategy in human capital career development. The research is used evaluation method with CIPP approach. Data were taken using interview guideline, questionnaire observation and document study and analyzed by descriptive method through discussion and triangulation. The component of evaluation aspect (CIPP): Context Evaluation (Context): vision of program mission and program objectives; Input Evaluation: strategy, design, plan and readiness of resources; Process Evaluation (Process): implementation of strategy, design, plan and readiness of resources; Evaluation of Results (Product): Results and Benefits of the program. The findings of the evaluation research, the program's mission, all the strategies, goals and objectives well implemented.

Keywords: Program, Evaluation, Technical Training, Career Development, and Implementation
Influencing of Organizational Culture, Leadership Style, and Work Stress to The Turnover Intention of Employees Stella Maris Education Foundation Jakarta
Authors: Augustine Priyowidodo  , Wibowo  , Hamidah
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Organizational Culture, Leadership Style and Job Stress on Turnover Intention. This study uses a quantitative approach with survey method and path analysis to analyze the effect of Organizational Culture, Leadership Style and Job Stress on Turnover Intention.

The sample for this reseach are 95 employees from 125 employees. The techniques analyzis data was descriptive statistics and inferential analysis that were tested using normality test error estimate a simple regression, linearity test and path analysis.

The result shows that organizational culture gives negative direct effect on Turnover Intention, Leadership Style gives negative direct effect on Turnover Intention, Job stress gives positive direct effect on turnover intention, organizational culture gives negative direct effect to job stress, leardership style gives negative direct effect to job strees and ledearship organization gives positive direct effect to leadership style.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Organizational Culture, Leadership Style and Job Stress on Turnover Intention. This study uses a quantitative approach with survey method and path analysis to analyze the effect of Organizational Culture, Leadership Style and Job Stress on Turnover Intention.

The sample for this reseach are 95 employees from 125 employees. The techniques analyzis data was descriptive statistics and inferential analysis that were tested using normality test error estimate a simple regression, linearity test and path analysis.

The result shows that organizational culture gives negative direct effect on Turnover Intention, Leadership Style gives negative direct effect on Turnover Intention, Job stress gives positive direct effect on turnover intention, organizational culture gives negative direct effect to job stress, leardership style gives negative direct effect to job strees and ledearship organization gives positive direct effect to leadership style.
Из истории возрождения логики в СССР в 1941–1946 гг. Часть I
Authors: Корсаков С. Н.
Published: October 2019

В статье на основе архивных документов рассказывается о начальном этапе возрождения преподавания и изучения логики в СССР в первой половине 1940-х гг. Рассматриваются: беседа Сталина с директором Института философии АН СССР П.Ф. Юдиным о создании учебника логики в 1941 г., ход и итоги обсуждения учебников логики В.Ф. Асмуса и Э.Я. Кольмана в Институте философии АН СССР в 1943 г., обсуждение вопроса о переиздании учебника логики Г.И. Челпанова в Институте философии АН СССР в 1943 г., работа Курсов для подготовки преподавателей логики в вузах и школах Минвуза СССР в 1946 г.
Дискуссии о логическом учении Боэция в современной зарубежной литературе
Authors: Тоноян Л. Г.
Published: October 2019

С развитием символической логики в XX веке в зарубежной литературе возник новый подход к трактату Боэция «О гипотетических силлогизмах». Были предприняты попытки представить гипотетическую систему Боэция как вариант логики высказываний. В результате этих попыток модернизации учения Боэция развернулась дискуссия, суть которой в решении вопроса о том, развивал ли Боэций сто- ическую логику, которая считается предшественницей логики высказываний, или же логику перипатетиков, построенную на иных принципах. В статье рассмотрены подходы К. Дюрра (K. Durr), В. и М. Нилов (W. Kneale and M. Kneale), Дж. Барнса (J. Barnes), Э. Штумп (E. Stump), К. Мартина (C. Martin), Э. Спеки (A. Speca), Дж. Маренбона (J. Marenbon) и др. Задача статьи состоит в сопоставлении основ- ных точек зрения в этой научной дискуссии, а целью исследования автора является уяснение сущности и специфики учения Боэция о гипотетических силлогизмах.
Transcriptome sequencing of a keystone aquatic herbivore yields insights on the temperature-dependent metabolism of essential lipids
Authors: Windisch Heidrun Sigrid , Fink Patrick
Published: October 2019

Background:
Nutritional quality of Phytoplankton is the major determinant of the trophic transfer efficiency at the plant-herbivore interface in freshwater food webs. In particular, the phytoplankton’s content of the essential polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been repeatedly shown to limit secondary production in the major zooplankton herbivore genus Daphnia . Despite extensive research efforts on the biological model organism Daphni a, and the availability of several Daphnia genomes, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the limitations in Daphnia relating to dietary EPA availability.
Results:
We used RNA-seq to analyse the transcriptomic response of Daphnia magna which were fed with two different diets — each with or without supplementation of EPA — at two different temperature levels (15 and 20°C). The transcripts were mapped to the D. magna genome assembly version 2.4, containing 26,646 translations. From the D. magna fed on green alga, changing the temperature provoked a differential expression of 2,001 transcripts, and in cyanobacteria-fed daphnia, 3,385 transcripts were affected. The supplementation of EPA affected 1,635 (green algal diet), or 175 transcripts (cyanobacterial diet) respectively. Combined effects were also observed (669 for green alga and 128 transcripts for cyanobacterial diet). Searching for orthologous genes (COG-analysis) yielded a functional overview of the altered transcriptomes. Cross matched transcript sets from both feed-types were compiled to illuminate core responses to the factors of temperature and EPA-supplementation.
Conclusions:
Our highly controlled eco-physiological experiments revealed an orchestrated response of genes involved in the transformation and signalling of essential fatty acids, including eicosanoid-signalling pathways with potential immune functions. We provide an overview of downstream-regulated genes, which contribute to enhance growth and reproductive output. We also identified numerous EPA-responsive candidate genes of yet unknown function, which constitute new targets for future studies on the molecular basis of EPA-dependent effects at the freshwater plant-herbivore interface.
Environmental factors affecting childhood diarrheal disease among under-five children in Jamma District, South Wello zone, northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Workie Getachew Yismaw , Akalu Temesgen Yihunie , Baraki Adhanom Gebreegziabher
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Globally, diarrhea is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among less than five years old children and it contributes to the deaths of approximately one million children every year. In Ethiopia, diarrhea is the second cause of under-five mortality and morbidity. However, in the study area, studies were limited. Therefore, this study has assessed the prevalence of diarrhea and associated factors among < 5 years of age in Jamma district, Northeast Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 15 to September 15, 2017, in Jamma district, South Wello zone, northeast Ethiopia. A Systematic random sampling technique was used to select 614 households and a pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated with diarrheal disease. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with the corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI) for variables with P-value < 0.05 was used to show statistically significant association.
Results: In this study, the prevalence of diarrhea among under-five children was 23.1% (95% CI: (19.4, 26.5). Child’s age 6 to 23 months [AOR: 2.46, 95% CI: (1.49, 4.05)], Living in rural area [AOR: 2.75, 95% CI: (1.33,5.66)], absence of latrine [AOR: 4.80, 95% CI: (2.39,9.60)], absence of handwashing facility [AOR: 2.45, 95% CI: (1.53,3.93], unprotected drinking water source [AOR:2.68, 95% CI: (1.54,4.68)], and Improper waste disposal practices [AOR:3.86, 95% CI: (2.38,6.26)] were associated with diarrhea disease.
Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of diarrheal disease among children in the study area. Child age, rural residence, availability of latrine and handwashing facility, source of drinking water, and improper waste disposal were notably associated with childhood diarrheal disease. Therefore, improving handwashing practices and pure water supply, proper waste disposal including the availability of latrines would minimize the burden of diarrheal disease.
Keywords: Childhood, diarrhea, Jamma district
Variation in both host defense and prior herbivory can alter plant-vector-virus interactions
Authors: Shi Xiaobin , Preisser Evan L. , Liu Baiming , Pan Huipeng , Xiang Min , Xie Wen , Wang Shaoli , Wu Qingjun , Li Chuanyou , Liu Yong , Zhou Xuguo , Zhang Youjun
Published: October 2019

Background

While virus-vector-host interactions have been a major focus of both basic and applied ecological research, little is known about how different levels of plant defense interact with prior herbivory to affect these relationships. We used genetically-modified strains of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) varying in the jasmonic acid (JA) plant defense pathways to explore how plant defense and prior herbivory affects a plant virus (tomato yellow leaf curl virus, 'TYLCV'), its vector (the whitefly Bemisia tabaci MED), and the host.Results

Virus-free MED preferred low-JA over high-JA plants and had lower fitness on high-JA plants. Viruliferous MED preferred low-JA plants but their survival was unaffected by JA levels. While virus-free MED did not lower plant JA levels, viruliferous MED decreased both JA levels and the expression of JA-related genes. Infestation by viruliferous MED reduced plant JA levels, and TYLCV loads were consistently higher in plants fed upon by viruliferous MED than in plants fed on by virus-free MED. In preference tests, neither virus-free nor viruliferous MED discriminated among JA-varying plants previously exposed to virus-free MED. However, both virus-free and viruliferous MED preferred low-JA plant genotypes when choosing between plants that had both been previously exposed to viruliferous MED. The enhanced preference for low-JA genotypes appears linked to the volatile compound neophytadiene, which was found only in whitefly-infested plants and at concentrations inversely related to plant JA levels.Conclusions

Our findings illustrate how plant defense can interact with prior herbivory to affect both a plant virus and its whitefly vector, and confirm the induction of neophytadiene by MED. The apparent attraction of MED to neophytadiene may prove useful in pest detection and management.
Acanthamoeba keratitis related to contact lens use in a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Li Weiwei , Wang Zhiqun , Qu Jinghao , Zhang Yang , Sun Xuguang
Published: October 2019

Background: To report the clinical and microbiological features of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) related to contact lens use in a tertiary hospital in China.

Methods: In this retrospective study, the medical results of 61 cases of AK related to contact lens use from January 2000 to December 2017 were reviewed. The data included patients’ demographics, lens type, history, risk factors, disease stages, corneal scraping and culture reports, and treatments. Moreover, genotypic identification of some of the isolates was carried out with a PCR assay and sequence analysis of the 18S ribosomal DNA gene.

Results: There were 64 eyes included in the study. A total of 32.8% of the patients wore soft contact lenses, and 67.2% of patients used overnight orthokeratology. In the cases (20 eyes) in the early stage, 65% (13 eyes) had positive results according to Giemsa-stained smears, and 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) wet mounts revealed trophozoites in 7 eyes (35%). Six eyes (30%) were diagnosed by confocal microscopy combined with clinical signs. In the orthokeratology patients, 87.8% (36/41) rinsed their lenses and/or cases with tap water; 55% of soft-lens wearers wore their lenses while showering. The genotype of 9 isolates was determined, and all the strains belonged to genotype T4. In the orthokeratology group, the number of patients who required therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty after 2005 was less than that before 2005 (chi-square test, χ 2 = 4.209, P = 0.04).

Conclusions: More than two-thirds of the cases were associated with orthokeratology. Examinations with Giemsa-stained smears, 0.9% NaCl wet mounts and confocal microscopy should be performed for patients who are highly suspected of having early-stage AK to help with early diagnosis. In the orthokeratology group, the rate of therapeutic keratoplasty after 2005 was less than that before 2005.
Comprehensive gene expression analysis for exploring the association between glucose metabolism and differentiation of thyroid cancer
Authors: Suh Hoon Young , Choi Hongyoon , Paeng Jin Chul , Cheon Gi Jeong , Chung June-Key , Kang Keon Wook
Published: October 2019

Background: The principle of loss of iodine uptake and increased glucose metabolism according to dedifferentiation of thyroid cancer is clinically assessed by imaging. Though these biological properties are widely applied to appropriate iodine therapy, the understanding of the genomic background of this principle is still lacking. We investigated the association between glucose metabolism and differentiation in advanced thyroid cancer as well as papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Methods: We used RNA sequencing of PTC obtained from the Cancer Genome Archives and microarray data of poorly-differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancer (PDTC/ATC). The signatures of GLUT and glycolysis were estimated to assess glucose metabolic profiles. The glucose metabolic profiles were associated with tumor differentiation score (TDS) and BRAFV600E mutation status. In addition, survival analysis of glucose metabolic profiles was performed for predicting recurrence-free survival. Results: In PTC, the glycolysis signature was positively correlated with TDS, while the GLUT signature was inversely correlated with TDS. These correlations were significantly stronger in the BRAFV600E negative group than the positive group. Meanwhile, both GLUT and glycolysis signatures were negatively correlated with TDS in advanced thyroid cancer. The high glycolysis signature was significantly associated with poor prognosis in PTC in spite of high TDS. The glucose metabolic profiles are intricately associated with tumor differentiation in PTC and PDTC/ATC. Conclusions: As glycolysis was an independent prognostic marker, we suggest that the glucose metabolism features of thyroid cancer could be another biological progression marker different from differentiation and provide clinical implications for risk stratification.
Prevalence and Etiological Agents for Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media in a Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania.
Authors: Abraham Zephania Saitabau , Ntunaguzi Daudi , Kahinga Aveline Aloyce , Mapondella Kassim Babu , Massawe Enica Richard , Nkuwi Emmanuel James , Nkya Aslam
Published: October 2019

Objective: Chronic suppurative otitis media is among the most common otological condition reported in otorhinolaryngology practice commonly attributing to preventable hearing loss. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and etiological agents for chronic suppurative otitis media in our department.
Results: A total of 5591 patients were recruited in this study and only 79 (1.4%) had chronic suppurative otitis media. A male preponderance 43 (54.4%) was noted in this study and the left ear (58.2%) was more commonly affected compared to the right ear. Central perforation was the commonest pattern of presentation and was reported in 53% of cases though none had attic perforation. Of the 81 processed ear swabs, microbial growth was seen in majority 80 (98.8%) whilst one sample showed no microbial growth whereas 52.5% had polymicrobial growth.
Among the isolates, most were gram negative species accounting for 59.7% while gram positive bacteria accounted for 25.6% and fungi accounted for 14.7%. Most of these isolates were facultative anaerobes. Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.2%) was the commonest isolates while Escherchia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were equally least isolated (10.9%). Tested isolates were most sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin, Ceftriaxone and Amikacin and least sensitive to Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and Ampicillin.
Development and Validation of a Chinese Parental Health Literacy Questionnaire for Caregivers of Children 0 to 3 Years Old
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Mu , Jiang Hong , Shi Huijing , Xu Biao , Atkins Salla , Qian Xu
Published: October 2019

Background Given the limited information on parental health literacy measurements, the study aimed to develop and validate the Chinese Parental Health Literacy Questionnaire for caregivers of children 0 to 3 years old.
Methods We conducted a validity and reliability study of the questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey and test-retest analysis respectively between March and April 2017. We recruited 807 caregivers of children 0 to 3 years old, among them 101 caregivers completed the test-retest assessment with two weeks interval. The reliability was determined by internal consistency, spilt-half reliability and test-retest reliability. The construct validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis.
Results The 39-question Chinese Parental Health Literacy Questionnaire was demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.89), spilt-half reliability (Spearman-Brown coefficient=0.92) and test-retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.82). The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the construct of the questionnaire fitted well with the hypothetical model. The participants’ test scores of the Chinese Parental Health Literacy Questionnaire in the cross-sectional survey were positively associated with caregivers being mothers, more educated, the children with Shanghai Hukou , having only one child in the family, and higher family income.
Conclusion The Chinese Parental Health Literacy Questionnaire demonstrated good reliability and validity, which could potentially be used as an effective evaluation instrument to assess parental health literacy.
Congenital Bronchopulmonary Foregut Malformation: Systematic review of the literature
Authors: Yang Gang , Chen Lina , Xu Chang , Yuan Miao , Li Yuan
Published: October 2019

Background : Congenital bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (CBPFM) is a rare congenital malformation involving both the digestive and respiratory system. Early diagnosis is difficult, and delayed recognition may result in considerable complications. The aim of the study was to identify and analyze the clinical characteristics and radiological features of CBPFMs.
Methods : A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Ovid database, EMBASE were searched for relevant publications to identify all published case-reports of CBPFM since 1992. Data about the demography, clinical presentation, pathology, imaging features, treatment and prognosis were collected.
Results : Sixty-one cases were included in our study. Cases were aged from 1 day to 59 years with the majority aged 3 years or younger. The most common type was group III (37.7%), followed by group II (29.5%)，group I (27.9%) and group IV (4.9%). The presentations included respiratory distress (32.8%), cough/choking following food intake and other presentations associated respiratory infection. Thirty-eight cases (62.3%) were diagnosed by upper gastrointestinal series (UGI). Misdiagnosis was common. Eight cases (13.1%) of the included cases died.
Conclusions : Early recognition and extensive delineation of the anatomy of CBPFM are important to correct these anomalies successfully. UGI is the first choice to confirm the abnormal bronchus communicating with the esophagus. Resection of abnormal pulmonary tissue, lobe or even unilateral lung is preferred. Reconstruction procedures are feasible in selected patients.
Maternal Complication Related To Instrumental Delivery At Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: zewudie shimeles biru , sewyew Dagne Addisu , limenh Simachew kassa , bante Simachew animen
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT
Objective: The study aimed to determine proportion and risk factors for maternal complication related to forceps and vacuum delivery among mother who gave birth at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (FHCSH).
Results: Records of 406 mothers managed with instrumental vaginal delivery were reviewed and 97% of the reviewed card had complete documentation. The proportion of maternal complications related to instrumental delivery was 12.1%. A major complication of forceps assisted delivery was 2nd-degree perineal tear (7.4%), 3rd-degree perineal tear (1.5%), cervical tear (1.5%) and episiotomy extension (1%). However, the complication of vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery was only cervical tear (0.5%) and episiotomy extension (0.5%). Episiotomy during instrumental delivery reduce maternal complication by 86% [AOR=0.14, 95%CI=0.07-0.3]. Forceps assisted vaginal delivery had 3.4 times more risk for maternal complication compared to vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery [AOR=3.4, 95%CI=1.08-10.67] and the same is true for primiparity that primipara women who gave birth by the help of instrument had 3.5 times more risk for maternal complication compared to a multipara women [AOR=3.5, 95%CI=1.26-9.98].
Keywords: maternal complication, instrumental delivery, northwest, Ethiopia
The association between magnitude of T-SPOT.TB and clinical characteristics in active pulmonary tuberculosis: a retrospective multicenter investigation
Authors: Chang Yunqing , Kang Wanli , Wu Meiying , Ertai A , Wu Shucai , Li Zhihui , Geng Shujun , Li Mingwu , Li Liang , Tang Shenjie
Published: October 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between magnitude of T-SPOT.TB and clinical characteristics in active pulmonary tuberculosis.
Methods: In this retrospective multicenter investigation, the medical records’ archives of PTB patients were reviewed. Data including gender, age group, bacterial culture, sputum-smear microscopy, lung cavity and range of PTB were extracted from the records. The Jonckheere-Terpstra test and chi-square test for trend were used to evaluate the association between magnitude of T-SPOT.TB and clinical characteristics in active pulmonary tuberculosis.
Results: A total of 1252 PTB patients were included in this study.Chi-square trend tests revealed significant positive trends between bacterial culture and magnitude of T-SPOT.TB A (χ2 =18.978, P <0.001) or T-SPOT.TB B (χ2 =19.677, P <0.001). There were significant positive trends between AFB and magnitude of T-SPOT.TB A (TJT =345784, P <0.001) or T-SPOT.TB B (TJT =336017, P <0.001). There was a significant positive trend between range of lung cavity and magnitude of T-SPOT.TB A (TJT =326079.5, P =0.023). There were significant negative trends between age group and magnitude of T-SPOT.TB A (TJT =204306, P <0.001) or T-SPOT.TB B (TJT =206572, P <0.001).
Conclusions: The magnitude of T-SPOT.TB in PTB patients may reflect the condition of the patients and could be helpful for clinicians to assess the degree of infection and lung tissue damage.
The Influence Of The Infusion Of Ephedrine And Phenylephrine On The Hemodynamic Stability After Subarachnoid Anesthesia In Senior Adults - A Contolled Randomized Trial
Authors: Žunić Miodrag Vojislav , Škvarč Nevenka Krčevski , Kamenik Mirt
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT Study objective: We studied the influence of ephedrine or phenylephrine infusion given immediately after spinal anesthesia (SA) on hemodynamics in elderly orthopedic patients. Design: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Intervention: After subarachnoid injection of 15 mg of levobupivacaine the participants received either an infusion of ephedrine 20 mg (E group), phenylephrine 250 mcg (P group) or saline (C group) within 30 minutes. For 15 minutes before and and 30 minutes after SA we measured blood pressure, cardiac index (CI) and heart rate (HR). Results 70 patients were included in the final analysis. At the end of measurements mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after SA in comparison to baseline in the C group but was maintained in the P and the E group, with no significant differences between the groups. CI decreased after SA in the C group was maintained in the P group and increased significantly in the E group, with significant differences between the C and the E group (p=0.049) and between the P and the E (p=0.01) group at the end of measurements. HR decreased significantly after SA in the C and the P group and was maintained in the E group, with significant differences between the P and the E group (p=0.033) at the end of measurements. Conclusions Hemodynamic changes after SA in elderly orthopedic patients can be prevented by an immediate infusion of phenylephrine or ephedrine. In addition to maintaining blood pressure the ephedrine infusion also maintains HR and increases CI after spinal anaesthesia. Key words: spinal anesthesia, hemodynamic stability, phenylephrine, ephedrine Trial registration: ISRCTN registry ISRCTN44377602. Registered on 15 June 2017.
The Association between the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Patients with Prostate Cancer. A Meta-Analysis and systematic review.
Authors: Liang Zhen , Zhu Jun , Duo Xiaoxin , Shi Shangheng , Xu Yawei , Yang Yongjiao , Hu Rui , Song Yuxuan , An Neng , Liu Xiaoqiang
Published: October 2019

Background : Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is widely being applied in men who suffered from prostate cancer, our aim is to evaluate whether ADT is associated with an excess risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Method : Literature search in electronic databases was conducted until July 2019 for observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT) to select eligible studies. The relationship was evaluated through estimating relative risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Result : A statistically significant association was detected for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with RR = 1.22; 95% confidence interval CI, 1.05–1.43; P< 0.05 including a total of 142,012 cases and 174,099 controls. Significant relationship between coronary heart disease (CHD) and ADT was also observed, with summary RR=1.19; 95%CI, 1.03-1.38, from 157,165 ADT users and 375,754 non-ADT users.

Conclusions : From this study, ADT is associated with increased risk of AMI, CHD, and heart failure (HF); in contrast, this association is not detected in sudden cardiac death (SCD); various modalities of ADT could significantly increase the risk of CHD, AMI, except for oral anti-androgen (AA). Our meta-analysis also suggests that the long-term application of ADT in prostate cancer patients would not result in a significant increase in AMI incidence compared with short-term. Moreover, the combined application of AA and GnRH agonists would lead to a similar risk of AMI compared with orchiectomy or GnRH agonists monotherapy whereas higher risk of CHD was detected when compared GnRH agonists plus AA with orchiectomy.
Possible beneficial association between renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system blockade usage and graft prognosis in allograft IgA nephropathy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Park Sehoon , Baek Chung Hee , Go Heounjeong , Kim Young Hoon , Min Sang-il , Ha Jongwon , Kim Yong Chul , Lee Jung Pyo , Kim Yon Su , Moon Kyung Chul , Park Su-Kil , Lee Hajeong
Published: October 2019

Background
Although immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is associated with a high risk of renal allograft failure, evidences for its treatment, including renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade (RAASB) usage, remain limited.
Methods
In this bi-center retrospective cohort study, we included patients who were recently diagnosed with IgAN through allograft biopsies. We identified their 6-month antihypertensive medication prescriptions and investigated the association between the medication types, albuminuria changes, and consequent 5-year death-censored-graft-failure (DCGF). The mixed effect model and cox regression analysis were used.
Results
A total of 464 allograft IgAN patients were included: 272, 38, 33, and 121 patients in the no antihypertensive medication, single agent RAASB, single agent beta blocker (BB)/calcium channel blocker (CCB), and combination therapy groups, respectively. High-degree albuminuria after 6 months of allograft IgAN diagnosis was an important prognostic parameter and a partial mediator for the association between the subgroups and 5-year DCGF. The usage of single RAASB was associated with decrement of albuminuria from allograft diagnosis (P for interaction = 0.03). The single BB/CCB group demonstrated significantly worse prognosis than the single RAASB group (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.76 [1.09-6.98]; P=0.03).
Conclusions
In conclusion, RAASB may be beneficial for graft prognosis in early allograft IgAN patients who require single antihypertensive medication therapy, by means of reducing albuminuria. Further investigation of treatment strategy in allograft IgAN is warranted.
Assessing the variability and predictability of adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, resistin and their ratios) in non-obese and obese women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Obirikorang Christian , Owiredu William K.B.A. , Adu-Afram Sandra , Acheampong Emmanuel , Asamoah Evans Adu , Antwi-Boasiakoh Enoch Kwabena , Owiredu Eddie-Williams
Published: October 2019

Objectives: To assess variability and predictability of adiponectin, leptin, resistin and their ratios in non-obese and obese women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome (aPCOS).
Results: A total of 52 ovulatory controls (mean age=31.63±4.88 years, BMI=25.33±2.68 kg/m3); 54 non-obese [mean age=32.11±4.25 years, BMI=25.72±2.95 kg/m3] and 50 obese women with aPCOS [mean age= 33.64±4.14 years, BMI=39.19±2.99 kg/m3] were recruited. The aPCOS group had lower adiponectin [13.0(10.49-16.59) vs 18.42(15.72-19.92) µg/ml, p<0.0001], adiponectin: leptin ratio (A:L) [0.60(0.35-0.88) vs 1.19(0.92-1.37), p<0.0001], and adiponectin: resistin ratio (A:R) [0.30(0.21-0.43) vs 0.42(0.32-0.62), p<0.0001] but a higher leptin [20.02(14.54-26.80) vs 16.17(14.51-18.36) ng/ml, p<0.0001] and leptin: resistin ratio (L:R) [0.53(0.37-0.82) vs 0.40(0.27-0.48), p<0.0001] compared to the controls. The obese aPCOS group had lower adiponectin [11.04(5.66-13.25) vs 14.18(11.04-18.02), p<0.0001 and 18.42(15.72-19.92) µg/ml, p<0.0001], A:L [0.36(0.27-0.44) vs 0.78(0.61-1.16), p<0.0001 and 1.19(0.92-1.37), p<0.0001], and A:R [0.24(0.17-0.38) vs 0.40(0.23-0.58), p<0.0001 and 0.42(0.32-0.62), p<0.0001] but a higher leptin [26.80(14.28-32.09) vs 17.95(14.86-21.26), p<0.05 and 16.17(14.51-18.36) ng/ml, p<0.0001] and L:R [0.63(0.46-1.03) vs 0.41(0.30-0.61), p<0.0001 and 0.40(0.27-0.48), p<0.0001] compared to the non-obese aPCOS and control group, respectively. A:L showed the best discriminatory power in predicting aPCOS (AUC=0.83), followed by adiponectin alone (AUC=0.79), L:R and leptin alone (both AUC=0.69). Resistin alone had the poorest discriminatory power (AUC=0.48).
Comparison of four pharmacological strategies aimed to prevent the lung inflammation and paraquat-induced alveolar damage
Authors: Buendia Jefferson A. , Castro José Armando Justinico , Vela Laura Tapia , Sinisterra Dennis , Villamil Juana Patricia Sanchez , Salazar Andres Felipe Zuluaga
Published: October 2019

Objective : The aim of this study was to compare in vivo effect of five pharmacological options on inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat. Methods: 54 Wistar SPF rats were used. After 2 hours post-intoxication with paraquat ion, groups of 9 animals were randomly assigned to : (1) cyclophosphamide plus dexamethasone (2) low molecular weight heparin (3) unfractionated heparin (4) vitamin C every 24 h , (v) atorvastatin or (vi) placebo with intraperitoneal saline .Lung inflammation, alveolar injury, hepatocyte damage, hepatic regeneration, acute tubular necrosis and kidney congestion were evaluated. Results: In the control group 100% of animals presented moderate and severe lung inflammation, while in the groups with atorvastatin and intratracheal heparin this proportion was lower (55.5% ; CI 26.6 – 81.3%) (p = 0.025). A lower degree of moderate or severe hepatic regeneration was evident in the treatment groups with atorvastatin (p = 0.009). In this study was demonstrated that statins and heparin may have a protective effect in the paraquat-induced destructive phase. More evidence are needed to evaluated of dose response effects of these drugs before to study in clinical trials.
Utilization, Equity and Determinants of Full Antenatal Care in India: Analysis from the National Family Health Survey 4
Authors: Kumar Gunjan , Choudhary Tarun Shankar , Srivast Akanksha , Updhyay Ravi Praksah , Taneja Sunita , Bahl Rajiv , Martines Jose , Bhan Maharaj Kishan , Bhandari Nita , Mazumder Sarmila
Published: October 2019

Objectives: We examined the utilisation, equity and determinants of full antenatal care (ANC), defined as 4 or more antenatal visits, at least one tetanus toxoid (TT) injection and consumption of iron folic acid (IFA) for a minimum of 100 days, in India.
Methods: We analysed a sample of 190,898 women from India's National Family Health Survey 4. Concentration curves and concentration index were used to assess equity in full ANC utilisation. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the factors associated with full ANC utilization.
Results: In India, 21% of pregnant women utilised full ANC, ranging from 2.3% - 65.9% across states. Overall, 51.6% had 4 or more ANC visits, 30.8% consumed IFA for atleast 100 days, and 91.1% had one or more doses of tetanus toxoid. Registration of pregnancy, utilisation of government’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and health insurance coverage were associated with higher odds of full ANC utilisation. Lower maternal education, lower wealth quintile(s), lack of father’s participation during antenatal visits, higher birth order, teenage and unintended pregnancy were associated with lower odds of full ANC utilisation. Full ANC utilisation was inequitable across area of residence, caste and maternal education.
Conclusions: Full ANC utilization in India was inadequate and inequitable. Although half of the women did not receive the minimum recommended ANC visits, the utilisation of TT immunisation was almost universal. The positive association of full ANC with ICDS utilisation and child’s father involvement may be leveraged for increasing the uptake of full ANC. Strategies to address the socio-demographic factors associated with low and inequitable utilisation of full ANC are imperative for strengthening India’s maternal health program.

Key words: Antenatal care, India, NFHS-4
Protein extraction method of Metroxylon sagu leaf for high resolution two dimensional gel electrophoresis and comparative proteomics
Authors: Nisar Mehvish , Hussain Hasnain
Published: October 2019

Objective This study aimed to determine the best protein extraction method of Metroxylon sagu for the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and the comparative analysis. Results To perform good proteome research, the most critical step is to establish a method that gives the best quality of extracted total proteins. To develop an optimized protein extraction protocol for two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis of Metroxylon sagu, five protein extraction protocols were compared; polyethene glycol (PEG) fractionation method, SDS/phenol method, TCA/acetone method, combination SDS/phenol and TCA/acetone and imidazole method. The PEG fractionation method was found to give the most reproducible gels with the highest number of spots and highest protein concentration followed by SDS/Phenol method. The lowest number of spots were observed in Imidazole method. The PEG fractionation method provides improved resolution and reproducibility of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and reduces the time required to analyze samples. Partitioning rubisco by polyethene glycol (PEG) fractionation provides clearer detection of low-abundance protein. Hence the result from this study propose PEG fractionation as the effective protein extraction method for 2-DE proteomic studies of Metroxylon sagu.
Knowledge and sources of accessing sexual and reproductive health information among visually impaired women in Ghana
Authors: Badu Eric , Mensah Isaac , Gyamfi Naomi , Agyei-Okyere Elvis , Abodey Eric , Adusei-Nkrumah Josephine
Published: October 2019

Objective: This study aims to explore the knowledge and sources of accessing sexual and reproductive health services and care information among visually impaired women in Ghana. Qualitative data involving in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted among 21 visually impaired women selected through purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data.
Results: The study showed that visually impaired women were active seekers of SRH information (knowledgeable about SRH information and understand the relevance of accessing such information) and passive recipient of SRH information (through formal and informal sources). However, some contextual factors (lack of family and caregivers support services) created barriers for visually impaired women when accessing SRH information. Government advocacy and awareness campaigns on SRH services should consider both formal and informal sources. Family caregivers and SRH health centres should provide adequate support services for visually impaired women regarding information on SRH service.
Blood Biomarkers as Surrogate Endpoints of Treatment Responses to Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Training (ACT) in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Blood Biomarkers Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial (The ACT Trial)
Authors: Li Danni , Mielke Michelle M , Bell W Robert , Reilly Cavan , Zhang Lin , Lin Feng Vankee , Yu Fang
Published: October 2019

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an epidemic with tremendous public health impacts because there are currently no disease-modifying therapeutics. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for prevention of AD dementia often use clinical endpoints that take years to manifest (e.g., cognition) or surrogate endpoints that are costly or invasive (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). Blood biomarkers represent a clinically applicable alternative surrogate endpoint for RCTs that would be both cost-effective and minimally invasive, but little is known about their value as surrogate endpoints for treatment responses in the prevention of AD dementia. Methods: The objective of this study is to investigate blood neuropathological, neurodegenerative, and neurotrophic biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for treatment responses to 3 interventions in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI, a prodromal stage of AD): aerobic exercise; cognitive training; and combined aerobic exercise and cognitive training (ACT). We chose these three sets of biomarkers for their unique mechanistic associations with AD pathology, neurodegeneration and neurogenesis. This study is built on the ACT Trial (1R01AG055469), a single-blinded, multi-site, 2×2 factorial Phase II RCT that examines the synergistic effects of a 6-month ACT intervention on cognition and MRI biomarkers (AD-signature cortical thickness and hippocampal volume) (n=128). In this ACT Trial Blood Biomarkers Study, we will enroll 120 ACT Trial aMCI participants and measure blood biomarkers at baseline, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The goals are to: (1) Determine the effect of interventions on blood biomarkers over 6 months; (2) Evaluate blood biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for predicting cognitive responses to interventions over 18 months; and (3; exploratory) Examine blood biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for predicting brain MRI biomarker responses to interventions over 18 months. Discussion: This study aims to identify new blood biomarkers that can track cognitive decline or AD-related brain atrophy among aMCI patients subjected to a regimen of aerobic exercise and cognitive training. Findings from this study will drive the further use of blood biomarkers in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for AD dementia. Trial registration number: This study is an ancillary study of the ACT Trial which was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03313895.
Treatment outcomes and factors associated with “successful treatment” among tuberculosis patients at peripheral health settings of Northern Ethiopia: a registry-based retrospective case-series analysis.
Authors: Abdulkader Mahmud , Aken Ischa van , Niguse Selam Sahle , Hailekiros Haftamu , Spigt Mark
Published: October 2019

Objective

Evidence on treatment outcomes and identifying factors facilitating treatment success through a register based retrospective study have significant contribution in the improvement of a National Tuberculosis Program. However there is a scarcity of data from peripheral health settings in Ethiopia. Therefore this study was aimed at determining treatment outcomes and factors associated with “successful treatment” outcomes among tuberculosis patients.Results

A total of 3445 patient records were included. More than half, (58%) were males and the mean age was 33.88 ± 16.91 (range: 0-90). Majority, 1471 (42.7%) had extra-pulmonary TB. From the total TB patients, 18.8% were HIV co infected. The overall treatment success rate was 89.5%. The treatment outcome of TB patients were 371 (10.8%) cured, 2234 (64.8) treatment completed, died 119 (3.5%) died, 9 (0.3%) failed, 178 (5.1%) defaulted and 534 (15.5%) were transferred out. A successful treatment outcome was achieved in 2605 (89.3%). Multinomial regression analysis revealed that being new treatment case (AOR 1.76; 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.60, p=0.005) and age less than 17 years old (AOR 1.65; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.68, p=0.045) to be statistically associated with favorable treatment outcome.