bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of cell proliferation in atherogenesis and in the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque in human
Authors: Pigarevsky Peter V. , Yakovleva Olga G. , Maltseva Svetlana V. , Guseva Veronica A.
Published: September 2019

The review examined of the processes of cell proliferation in human vascular wall and experimental animals during the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Shows the types of actively proliferating cells: lymphocytes, macrophages, endotheliocytes and zones identified in the vascular wall, where this proliferation occurs. The factors that promote and hinder cell proliferation during the growth of atherosclerotic plaque are identified. The survey shows all the stages of the formation of atherosclerotic lesions, ranging from normal plots and lipid stains to pronounced fibrous plaques. Establishes a link between the cell proliferation and inflammation in the vascular wall man. Separately considered the role of cell proliferation in the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. If atherosclerosis this process still poorly studied, in the formation of unstable atherosclerotic plaques in humans it is completely unknown. Based on your own original data was finally on the important role of the processes of cell proliferation in the formation of unstable atherosclerotic plaques in humans.
Features of atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary and peripheral arteries among patients with various forms of ischemic heart disease
Authors: Prudnikov Alexander R.
Published: September 2019

The aim of the article. To determine the features of atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary and peripheral arteries in patients with various forms of coronary heart disease.
Material and methods. Male patients with verified IHD diagnoses: stable angina pectoris of 2 FC and patients with myocardial infarction of different localization and severity were investigated. All of the examined patients were underwent ultrasound examination of peripheral arteries with assessment of vessel wall, intima-media complex and description of atherosclerotic plaques if they were presented in vessels.
Results. The predominance of non-concentric atherosclerotic plaques of type 3 according to the classification of Gray-Weal and Geroulakos in peripheral arteries is noted. It was found that atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries, combined with the thickening of the intima-media complex were more common in the group of patients with myocardial infarction. The amount of Syntax score I points, reflecting the severity of atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries, did not differ significantly in the studied groups. The presence of direct correlation relationships of average force (p < 0,05) between the parameters of peripheral artery atherosclerosis severity and Syntax score I points, as well as the number of affected coronary arteries in the study groups was noted.
Conclusion. The results indicate a close relationship between carotid and coronary atherosclerosis, which determines the importance of using ultrasound examination of peripheral arteries (in particular, brachiocephalic) to assess the risk of recurrent acute coronary events.
Research on the Application of Phone Location Data in the Rapid Delimitation of the Meizoseismal Area
Authors: Chaoxu Xia , Gaozhong Nie , Xiaoke Pang , Xiwei Fan , Junxue Zhou , Huayue Li
Published: September 2019

After an earthquake, rapidly assessing the affected areas, particularly the meizoseismal area, is crucial to emergency rescue work. Currently, many methods exist for delimiting the range of the area affected by an earthquake. The main method for estimating this area is to use an empirical model of the seismic intensity attenuation relationship. In contrast, this article uses the change rate (CR) of the phones’ location data in an area after the earthquake to infer the extent of the meizoseismal area. This study selects phone location data from eight earthquakes for experimentation and analysis. The results show a correlation between the phone location data and the actual distribution of the meizoseismal area based on intensity maps that were issued by the China Earthquake Administration. According to the results, the extent of the meizoseismal area can be estimated by the magnitude, the focal depth, the CR, the time of the earthquake, and the distance to the epicenter. The magnitude, CR, and focal depth are dominant and are positively correlated with the intensity. Based on the aforementioned parameters, a calculation model for delimiting the extent of the meizoseismal area based on phone location data can be constructed. The accuracy of the correlation coefficient of fitting result is 0.7826, and the R2 value is 0.6125. The results demonstrate that phone location data can be used to quickly delimit the meizoseismal area and can provide a basis for earthquake emergency rescue work.
Comparison of the Recorded Significant Duration of the Lushan Earthquake with Empirical Model Predictions
Authors: Bai Yuzhu
Published: September 2019

Using 72 free‐field accelerograms with the closest site‐rupture distances (Rrup) less than 300 km, this study calculates the recorded significant duration of the 2013 Mw 6.7 Lushan earthquake and compares the calculated results with empirical model predictions. The significant duration parameters are for 5%–75% (D5–75) and 5%–95% (D5–95) of the normalized Arias intensity. For Rrup<150  km, the models of Du and Wang (2017; hereafter, DW17) are relatively less biased in predicting the Lushan significant duration. The goodness‐of‐fit results indicate that the models of DW17, Afshari and Stewart (2016; hereafter, AS16), and Kempton and Stewart (2006; hereafter, KS06) are the best models to predict D5–75 of the Lushan event. Meanwhile, most of the selected empirical models predict the Lushan event better for D5–75 than for D5–95. Moreover, the enrichment of high‐frequency components of ground motion causes the recorded D5–95 of the Lushan event to be larger than median predictions in high‐frequency bands. Among the five selected earthquakes (1994 Mw 6.7 Northridge, 2003 Mw 6.5 San Simeon, 2004 Mw 6.6 Niigata, 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan, and 2013 Mw 6.7 Lushan earthquakes), the Lushan earthquake is predicted relatively better by all empirical models. The intraevent and interevent residuals of AS16 model from China earthquakes are within the scatter of those from the events in the Next Generation Attenuation‐West2 (NGA‐West2) database, indicating that the China earthquake significant duration is consistent with the model developed through the NGA‐West2 database. Furthermore, the regional dependences of significant duration are not observed for the Wenchuan or the Lushan earthquake.
Study of prevalence and types of anemia in primary hypothyroidism
Authors: Yadav Rakesh K. , Ahmad Mansoor , Mathur Manoj K. , Dhingra Vishal
Published: September 2019

Background: Hypothyroidism is common disease with varying frequency between countries. Anemia in hypothyroidism can be normocytic normochromic, microcytic hypochromic and macrocytic hypochromic. Anemia severity is associated with hypothyroidism degree. Objective of this study to study the association between anemia and hypothyroidism and prevalence and types of anemia in primary hypothyroidism (subclinical and overt both).Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out at tertiary care hospital in North India. Newly diagnosed 100 primary hypothyroid patients and 100 controls with age and sex matched evaluated for anemia. Prevalence and types of anemia were studied and severity of anemia was correlated with that of hypothyroidism.Results: Anemia was observed in 90 patients with hypothyroidism. Symptoms due to anemia were higher in cases than in controls. RBCs morphology showed normocytic normochromic in 59, microcytic hypochromic in 26 and macrocytic hypochromic in 15 cases. Serum anti-TPO positivity was present in 71.1% in cases as compared to 33.33% in controls. Anemia was severe in cases with high TSH.Conclusions: Anemia was more prevalent in cases of hypothyroidism than in euthyroid controls. Normocytic normochromic type of anemia was most common type in this study. Serum anti-TPO positivity was 71.1% in cases. There was statistically significant negative correlation between TSH and haemoglobin. Symptoms of anemia were more in hypothyroid patients than in euthyroid anemic patients.
Selective imidazoline receptor agonists: redefining role of centrally acting agents in role of centrally acting agents in management of hypertension
Authors: Shetty Sadanand , Bhoraskar Anil , Mohan J. C. , Chafekar Deodatta , Tripathi K. , Sivalingam M. , Desai Bhupen , Gude Dilip , Sridhar G. , Varghese Chacko , Shah V. T. , Dargad Ramesh
Published: September 2019

Hypertension, often referred to as ‘The silent killer’, is christened so, as it is seldom preceded by any warning signs or symptoms. With the new ACC/AHA guidelines lowering the Blood Pressure (BP) threshold values, it has resulted in a 140% relative increase in the hypertension prevalence in India, which is 3 times higher than that of in United States. Imidazoline receptor agonists control BP effectively with minimal adverse effects of sedation and mental depression that are usually associated with centrally acting antihypertensives. While having a low affinity to the α2-adrenergic receptors, these new generation centrally acting antihypertensive agents are highly selective for imidazoline receptor. Moxonidine, a second-generation centrally acting antihypertensive drug having selective agonist activity on imidazoline I1 receptors and minor activity on imidazoline α2 adrenoceptors, reduces the activity of Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) by activating I1 imidazoline receptors in Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla (RVLM). Studies of moxonidine have shown equal effectiveness in lowering BP like other well-established antihypertensive drugs such as nifedipine, atenolol or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, with minimal adverse events. At doses of 0.2-0.6 mg, moxonidine induces satisfactory BP reduction in patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. In patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension, moxonidine (0.2-0.4 mg o.d.) significantly decreased Systolic Blood Pressure/Diastolic Blood Pressure (SBP/DBP), respectively, by 19.5/11.6 mmHg. In obese, non-controlled hypertensive patients, there is a 14% and 13.5% reduction in the mean SBP and DBP, respectively, from the baseline value after moxonidine treatment and during the follow-up with an additional reduction in body weight, plasma leptin levels and Body Mass Index (BMI) (p<0.01). Thus, moxonidine could be considered as a therapeutic option in obese patients with metabolic syndrome.
A study of anemia in hypothyroidism with reference to vitamin B12 deficiency
Authors: Bhuta Palak , Shah Amit , Muley Arti
Published: September 2019

Background: Hypothyroidism is the most common of thyroid disorders in India. Anemia and hypothyroidism often occur simultaneously. Only few studies have assessed the role of vitamin B12 deficiency in this anemia. So, we planned this study to assess prevalence of anemia in hypothyroidism and to see if there is any association between vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia in these patients.Methods: It was an observational study. All hypothyroid patients attending the medicine OPD or admitted to medicine wards were enrolled for the study. Total 60 patients were included. Data was analyzed to assess the burden of anemia and B12 deficiency in hypothyroid and to find out any correlation between TSH level, anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency.).Results: About one third of hypothyroid had decreased vitamin B 12 levels. TSH level showed significant positive correlation with hemoglobin value. 28% of the hypothyroid patients had vitamin b12 deficiency, but TSH levels itself did not correlate with vitamin B12 level. However, it was seen that those who had combined thyroid and B12 deficiency had significantly higher chances of developing generalized swelling and breathlessness.Conclusions: Although there is no correlation between TSH level and B12 deficiency, it may be helpful to determine B12 level in hypothyroid patients who present with anemia, generalized swelling and/or breathlessness as B12 supplementation may give better symptomatic relief in them as compared to treating with thyroxine alone. More elaborative studies with larger sample size are required to explore this rather unattended relation of anemia in hypothyroidism with B12 deficiency.
Abrigo, prisão ou proteção? violência estatal contra crianças e adolescentes negros abrigados.
Authors: Saraiva Vanessa Cristina dos Santos
Published: September 2019

Este estudo almeja problematizar a relação existente entre os conceitos de abrigo, proteção, prisão, crianças e adolescentes e o Estado, assim como pretende evidenciar os significados dessas ideias nos marcos do capitalismo. Partimos do pressuposto de que o Estado é classista, racista e seletivo ao exercer seu papel. Os altos índices de acolhimentos no Brasil evidenciam essa violência programada. Para analisar esses processos adotamos como metodologia a revisão bibliográfica e análise documental. Concluímos que o Estado é o maior violador dos direitos sociais, sobretudo, de crianças e adolescentes negros abrigados nas regiões periféricas do Rio de Janeiro, tendo apoio do racismo e das determinações de gênero e classe social. Além disso, que o acolhimento provoca impactos negativos na subjetividade dos abrigados, deixando marcas inapagáveis, sendo fundamental enfrentar essa problemática.
Between right, duty and exploitation: labour relations in the Brazilian prison system
Authors: Cicero Pedro Henrique de Moraes
Published: September 2019

Atualmente, a população carcerária brasileira é de 726 mil detentos. Estima-se que, entre estes, um quarto trabalhe, dentro ou fora dos presídios. As atividades oferecidas são de baixa qualificação técnica e se dão em péssimas condições laborais. O presente artigo tem como proposta central estabelecer conexões entre a questão carcerária e as relações trabalhistas lá estabelecidas. Através da análise constitucional sobre os temas envolvidos, bem como do artigo 28 da Lei 7.210/84 - o qual dispõe sobre a não inserção do trabalho penitenciário na proteção conferida pela 'Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho’ - buscar-se-á demonstrar a aquiescência do Estado brasileiro com a exploração do trabalhador preso.
TELAAH FUNGSI MAKNA LOGIS PADA CERITA RAKYAT TIMUN EMAS DAN TERJEMAHANNYA
Authors: Adika Dimas
Published: September 2019

This article discusses the function of logical meaning which can be identified from logico-semantic and taxis interdependence. This descriptive-qualitative research employs systemic functional linguistics approach. The data sources are all clause complexes in the Timun Emas folkflore written by the best IKAPI writer and translated into English by the translator of Litte Serambi. The function of logical meaning (projection, enhancement and extension) in source and target language spreads to all text structures, started from orientation, complication, evaluation, resolution and coda. The complication had distinctive feature of projection showed by dialogues between characters. Temporal series in the enhancement (time) plays pivotal role in constructing events. Then, the the extension function in Timun Emas folklore and its translation is worthwhile to give information for the comprehensible narrative with the help of chronological series from enhancement (time) function.Next, some changes of the logical meaning after translation process do not seemingly influence to the text structure of this folklore.  

 

Artikel ini membahas fungsi makna logis yang bisa dilihat dari hubungan semantik logika dan ketergantungan klausa dalam klausa-klausa kompleks. Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif kualitatif dan menggunakan pendekatan linguistik sistemik fungsional. Sumber data berupa seluruh klausa kompleks dalam cerita rakyat Timun Emas yang ditulis penulis terbaik IKAPI beserta terjemahan yang dihasilkan penerbit Little Serambi. Fungsi proyeksi, ganda dan ekstensi baik pada bahasa sumber maupun bahasa sasaran terdapat pada seluruh bagian struktur teks dimulai dari orientasi, komplikasi, evaluasi, resolusi dan koda. Bagian komplikasi menjadi khas dari fungsi proyeksi lokusi parataksis yang berupa dialog antar tokoh. Rangkaian temporal dalam fungsi ganda (waktu) memerankan peranan yang penting dalam konstruksi kejadian. Kemudian, kemunculan fungsi ekstensi cerita rakyat Timun Emas dan terjemahannya bermanfaat untuk memberikan informasi agar pembaca mudah memahami cerita dengan bantuan rangkaian kronologis fungsi ganda (waktu). Terakhir, beberapa perubahan fungsi logis setelah diterjemahkan tidak berpengaruh kepada struktur teks narasi cerita rakyat ini.
Prediction of Kidney Transplant Outcome Based On Different DGF Definitions In Chinese Deceased Donation
Authors: Hu Xiao-jun , Zheng Jin , Li Yang , Tian Xiao-hui , Tian Pu-xun , Xiang He-li , Pan Xiao-ming , Ding Chen-guang , Ding Xiao-ming , Xue Wujun
Published: September 2019

Background. Delayed graft function (DGF) is an important complication of kidney transplantation and can be diagnosed according to different definitions. DGF has been suggested to be associated with the long-term outcome of kidney transplantation surgery. However, the best DGF definition for predicting renal transplant outcomes in Chinese donations after cardiac death (DCDs) remains to be determined.
Method. A total of 372 DCD kidney transplant recipients from June 2013 to July 2017 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University were included in this retrospective study to compare 6 different DGF definitions. The relationships of the DGF definitions with transplant outcome were analyzed, including graft loss (GL) and death-censored graft loss (death-censored GL).Renal function indicators, including one-year estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and three-year eGFR, and were compared between different DGF groups.
Results. The incidence of DGF varied from 4.19% to 35.22% according to the different DGF diagnoses. All DGF definitions were significantly associated with three-year GL as well as death-censored GL. DGF based on requirement of hemodialysis within the first week had the best predictive value for GL (AUC 0.77), and DGF based on sCr variation during the first three days post-transplant had the best predictive value for three-year death-censored GL (AUC 0.79). Combination of the 48-h sCr reduction ratio and classical DGF can improve the AUC for GL (AUC 0.85) as well as the predictive accuracy for death-censored GL (83.3%).
Conclusion. DGF was an independent risk factor for poor transplant outcome. The combination of need for hemodialysis within the first week and the 48-h serum creatinine reduction rate has a better predictive value for patient and poor graft outcome.
Needs and skills of informal caregivers to care for a dependent person: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dixe Maria , Teixeira Liliana , Areosa Timoteo , Frontini Roberta , Peralta Teresa , Querido Ana
Published: September 2019

Background: The world is facing many socio-demographic changes, such as an increased average life expectancy and the presence of chronic and non-communicable diseases, which in turn, leads to an enhanced dependency on others. Consequently, the demand for informal caregivers has significantly increased during the past few years. Caring for a dependent person is linked to a series of burdens that often leads to physical, psychological and emotional difficulties. Taking into consideration the difficulties faced by informal caregivers, knowing in which areas of functioning they need more guidance may help to relieve their burden. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to better understand the needs and competencies of the informal caregiver when caring for a dependent person in the different self-care domains. Methods: cross-sectional study using face-to-face interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics alongside non-parametric statistical techniques such as the Mann-Whitney test and Spearman’s correlation were used. Results: The average age of the informal caregivers is 58 years old, with the youngest in our sample being 21 years of age. Most of them are female, and 50% of them are children taking care of one of their parents. Most of the dependent people are completely dependent in the areas of comfort and hygiene (53.8%) and medication management (55.9%). The female informal caregivers see themselves as having more competencies in sanitary hygiene than the male ones, with no significant differences in their competencies’ perception in the other areas of self-care. Older caregivers see themselves as less competent in certain areas of self-care such as feeding, mobility, transfers, medication and symptoms management and communication. Most part of the information given to the informal caregiver is about the disease (82.3%) and about the medication management (80.4%). There are still a lot of areas of self-care, where no information, or almost none, is given to the informal caregivers. Conclusions: Prior to home discharge of a dependent person, it is important to acknowledge the needs and competencies of the informal caregiver, to capacitate them in looking after their relatives, in order to help decrease their burden and consequently, decrease the number of hospital readmissions.
Working hard to belong: a qualitative study exploring students from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds experiences of pre-registration physiotherapy education
Authors: Hammond John Anthony , Williams Annabel , Walker Saskia , Norris Meriel
Published: September 2019

Background

Previous research has demonstrated that attainment inequalities exist for students from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups in pre-registration physiotherapy education. While previous research has explored students from BAME backgrounds experience of university, the context of physiotherapy is unique and is under researched. Therefore the purpose of this study was to explore BAME student experiences during their physiotherapy training.Methods

Using a phenomenological approach pre-registration BSc and MSc students from BAME backgrounds from two universities who had completed both academic and clinical modules were invited to participate. Focus groups followed a topic guide developed from the literature and were facilitated by physiotherapy educators from outside the host institution. They were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Analytical triangulation was adopted throughout the research process as a mechanism to enhance rigour.Results

17 students participated from a range of self-identified BAME backgrounds that were also representative of age, gender and course. Themes derived from the data included: feeling an outsider in reflections of belonging, behaviours by others that marginalise BAME and personal strategies to integrate in physiotherapy despite the lack of power and influence. Collectively these themes demonstrate a range of challenges which students from BAME backgrounds face within both an academic and practice learning environment.Conclusions

While this may not be surprising based on other disciplines, this study demonstrates that studying physiotherapy as a student from BAME background requires persistence to overcome a series of many implicit challenges. Understanding the experiences of students from BAME backgrounds presents unique opportunities to educate the profession and co-create opportunities for a more diverse profession with practitioners and educators as role models. There is a need for greater training for educators to listen to these students’ voices and their stories, and understand where institutional structures and practices could be modified to enable BAME student inclusion in physiotherapy education and practice.
Improved Clinical Outcome Using Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined with Radiofrequency Ablation for Patients in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A or B Hepatocellular Carcinoma Regardless of Tumor Size: Results of a Single-center Retrospective Case Control Study
Authors: Ren Yanqiao , Cao Yanyan , Ma Hong , Kan Xuefeng , Zhou Chen , Liu Jiacheng , Shi Qin , Feng Gansheng , Xiong Bin , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: September 2019

Background To determine the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (hereafter, TACE-RFA) in treating Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stage A or B (hereafter, BCLC A/B) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to explore the range of tumor sizes suitable for combination therapy. Methods This retrospective study assessed the consecutive medical records of HCC patients with BCLC A/B who received TACE-RFA or TACE from September 2009 to September 2018. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), therapeutic response, and complications were compared between the two groups. Results Among 2447 patients who received TACE-RFA or TACE, 399 eligible patients were enrolled in our study, including 128 patients in the TACE-RFA group and 271 patients in the TACE group. Compared with the TACE group, the PFS and OS rates of 1,3,5,8 years in the TACE-RFA group were significantly better, with higher objective tumor regression rate and better disease control rate. RFA treatment did not increase the risk of death in patients with HCC, and both liver subcapsular hematoma and bile duct injury were improved by symptomatic treatment.. Serum α-fetoprotein level and treatment method were important independent prognostic factors for OS, whereas albumin, hepatitis B and treatment method were important independent prognostic factors for PFS. Subgroup analysis showed that patients in the TACE-RFA group always showed better OS and PFS. Conclusions TACE-RFA had an advantage over TACE alone in prolonging PFS and improving OS in HCC patients with BCLC A/B, and can benefit patients regardless of tumor size.
Testing a pyriproxyfen auto-dissemination station attractive to gravid Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto for the development of novel attract-and-kill strategies for malaria vector control
Authors: Mbare Oscar , Lindsay Steven W. , Fillinger Ulrike
Published: September 2019

Background Larval source management is an effective supplementary tool for malaria vector control although it is not used widely in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explored whether an attract-and-kill strategy could contaminate gravid Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto with the insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen, at a bait-station, for dissemination to larval habitats. Methods A bait-station comprising an artificial pond, containing water was treated with 20 ppm cedrol, an oviposition attractant, was covered with pyriproxfen-treated netting. Three identical semi-field cages were used to assess the potential of gravid Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto to transfer pyriproxyfen from the bait-station to three open ponds. Gravid females were released in the test and one of the control cages that had no pyriproxyfen on its bait-station. No mosquitoes were released in the third cage with a pyriproxyfen-treated station. Transfer of pyriproxyfen to open ponds was assessed by monitoring emergence of late instar insectary-reared An. gambiae sensu stricto larvae introduced into the open ponds. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to quantify the amount of pyriproxyfen carried by a mosquito and the amount transferred to water. Results 86% (95% CI 81-89%) of larvae introduced into the open ponds in the two control cages developed into adults. Transfer of pyriproxyfen to the test cage depended on the distance of the pond from the bait-station. While only 25% (95% CI 22-29%) adult emergence was observed in larvae introduced into ponds 4.4 m from the bait-station, the emergence rates increased to 92% (95% CI 89-94%) in larvae introduced in ponds 10.3 m away. Each mosquito was contaminated with 112 µg (95% CI 93-123 µg) pyriproxyfen, whilst 230 ng/L (95% CI 180-290 ng/L) was transferred by a single female to 100 ml of water. Conclusions Pyriproxyfen was auto-disseminated by gravid females from attractive bait-stations, but mainly to aquatic habitats near the bait station. To make this approach feasible for malaria vector control, stronger attractants and better pyriproxyfen delivery systems are needed.
The relationship of the shear wave elastography findings of patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation and clinical characteristics
Authors: wang qingyuan , zhang jinxin , zhang hanqi , zheng hui , Zhang Hao
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to find out whether the shear wave elastography (SWE) findings of patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation (LDH)were related to clinical characteristics .
Methods For this purpose,the study group included patients(N=20; 13 male, 7 female) with complaints of unilateral sciatica , with foraminal stenosis caused by one level of LDH (L4-L5 or L5-S1).An gender-and age-matched control group(N=27; 16 male, 11 female) was included.All the patients were examined on both the axial and longitudinal planes bilaterally at the same level using a convex array probe(1- 6MHz,Supersonic Imagine,Aix en Provence,France).
Results The sciatic nerve stiffness measured on longitudinal planes of the affected side was significantly higher than unaffected side (p < 0.001)and the control group (P<0.05).Furthermore,the symptom duration of unilateral LDH is positively correlated with the stiffness the sciatic nerve(r=0.52,p=0.019).
Conclusion According to these findings, ultrasound imaging can be considered as a useful tool to detect changes in the sciatic nerve due to disc herniation. This technique will have a promising prospect for many patients with unilateral LDH in monitoring stiffness during rehabilitation and before or after surgery.
Keywords Ultrasound 、Sciatic nerve、Shear wave elastography、lumbar disc herniation
Adenocarcinoma with mixed subtypes is a rare but aggressive histologic subtype in colorectal cancer
Authors: Sheng Hui , Wei Xiaoli , Mao Minjie , He Jincan , Luo Tianqi , Lu Shilin , Zhou Liye , Huang Zhixin , Yang Anli
Published: September 2019

Background: Though there have been studies investigating the clinicopathologic and prognostic relevance of mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) and signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) compared with classic adenocarcinoma (CA), little is known about the prognosis of adenocarcinoma with mixed subtypes (AM) and the differences among these four subtypes. Methods: The statistics of colorectal cancer registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database were retrieved and analyzed. We also compared the clinicopathologic and prognostic relevance between CA, SRCC, MAC and AM. Results: The frequencies of these four subtypes were 69.9% (CA, n=15,812), 25.1% (MAC, n=5,689), 3.6% (SRCC, n=814) and 1.4% (AM, n=321). All of MAC, SRCC and AM were significantly related with aggressive features. Only SRCC and AM were independent poor prognostic markers for overall survival by multivariate analysis. The malignancy degree of AM was between MAC and SRCC according to the clinicopathologic associations. The prognosis of AM was significantly worse than MAC but comparable with SRCC. Conclusions: We confirmed the clinicopathologic relevance with aggressive features of MAC and SRCC, as well as the poor prognostic relevance of SRCC by analyzing a large study population. Furthermore, we identified AM as a rare but aggressive histologic subtype in colorectal cancer, which particular attention should be given in clinical practice.
Evaluation of free and total fluoride concentration in mouthwashes via measurement with ion-selective electrode
Authors: Reshetnyak Vladimir Yu. , Nesterova Olga V. , Admakin Oleg I. , Dobrokhotov Denis A. , Avertseva Irina N. , Dostdar Samira A. , Khakimova Dinara
Published: September 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to compare free fluoride concentration and total fluoride concentration in mouthwashes.
Methods: Fluorine-containing mouthwashes from various companies and manufacturers (Colgate Total Plax Classic Mint®, Colgate-Palmolive, New York, USA; Colgate Total Plax Gentle Mint®, Colgate-Palmolive, New York, USA; Colgate Total Plax Fresh Mint®, Colgate-Palmolive, New York, USA; Oral B Advantage®, Procter&Gamble, Cincinnati, USA; Reach Fresh Mint®, Johnson&Johnson, New Brunswick, USA; Foramen®, Laboratorios Foramen, Guarnizo, Spain; Lacalut Sensitive®, Dr. THEISS, Homburg, Germany; Sensodyne®, GlaxoSmithKline, London, UK; Vesna F®, Vita, Saint Petersburg, Russia; Lacalut Fresh®, Dr. THEISS, Homburg, Germany) were selected as study objects. Fluoride measurements were carried out using the fluoride selective electrode.
Results: Free fluoride:total fluoride ratio was more than 80% for six samples (Colgate Total Plax Gentle Mint® - 88%, Colgate Total Plax Fresh Mint® - 99%, Oral B Advantage® - 92%, Reach Fresh Mint® - 92% and 89% for the mouthwash of another batch, Lacalut Sensitive® - 94%) and less than 63% for three samples (Colgate Total Plax Classic Mint® - 56%, Foramen® - 62%, Vesna F® - 61%). Two samples had more than 70% and less than 80% of unbound fluoride, respectively (Sensodyne® - 77%, another batch of Oral B Advantage® mouthwash - 74%). Rinse containing sodium monofluorophosphate (Na2PO3F) (Vesna F®) had more than 50% of free fluoride, while the rinse containing amine fluoride (AmF) (Lacalut Sensitive®) had 94%. The difference in the free fluoride:total fluoride ratio can be explained by binding of fluoride ions by components contained in mouthwashes, such as coloring agents and polymeric compounds. The lowest concentration of free fluoride ions (0.000093 mol/L) was observed for aluminum fluoride (AlF3) rinse (Lacalut Fresh®), while the total fluoride amount was not determined due to possible generation of strong fluoride complexes. This implies that fluoride ions will not be uptaken by tooth tissue and may even be washed away from it, compromising the efficacy of mouthwashes.
Conclusions: The differences in free fluoride: total fluoride ratio between analyzed mouthwashes reveal a need to develop a method for evaluation of free fluorides in mouthwashes for proper updating of national and international guidelines.
Validating surgical procedure codes for inflammatory bowel disease in the Swedish National Patient Register
Authors: Forss Anders , Myrelid Pär , Olén Ola , Everhov Åsa H , Nordenvall Caroline , Halfvarson Jonas , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: September 2019

Validating surgical procedure codes for inflammatory bowel disease in the Swedish National Patient Register Background: About 50% of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and about 20% of those with ulcerative colitis (UC) undergo surgery at some point during the course of the disease. The diagnostic validity of the Swedish National Patient Register (NPR) has previously been shown to be high for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but there are little data on the validity of IBD-related surgical procedure codes. Methods: Using patient chart data as the gold standard, surgical procedure codes registered between 1966 and 2014 in the NPR were abstracted and validated in 262 patients with a medical diagnosis of IBD. Of these, 53 patients had reliable data about IBD-related surgery. The positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity and specificity of the surgical procedure codes were calculated. Results: In total, 158 codes were registered in the NPR. 155 of these, representing 60 different surgical procedure codes, were also present in the patient charts and validated using a standardized form. Of the validated codes 153/155 were concordant against the patient charts, corresponding to a PPV of 96.8% (95%CI=93.9-99.1). Stratified in abdominal, perianal and other surgery, the corresponding PPVs were 94.1% (95%CI=88.7-98.6), 100% (95%CI=100-100) and 98.1% (95%CI=93.1-100), respectively. Of 164 surgical procedure codes in the validated patient charts, 155 were registered in the NPR, corresponding to a sensitivity of the surgical procedure codes of 94.5% (95%CI=89.6-99.3). The specificity of the NPR was 98.5% (95%CI=97.6-100). Conclusions: Data on IBD-related surgical procedure codes are reliable, with the Swedish National Patient Register showing a high sensitivity and specificity for such surgery. Keywords: Epidemiology, Inflammatory bowel disease, Validation, National Patient Register, Procedure code
Increment of plasma glucose by exogenous glucagon is associated with present and future renal function in type 2 diabetes a retrospective study from glucagon stimulation test.
Authors: Takada Yasutaka , Fujita Yukihiro , Bessho Ryoichi , Sato Mao , Abe Tomoe , Yanagimachi Tsuyoshi , Sakagami Hidemitsu , Abiko Atsuko , Takiyama Yumi , Ota Tsuguhito , Haneda Masakazu
Published: September 2019

Background: Glucagon stimulation test (GST) is often employed to assess the insulin reserve of the pancreatic beta cells in diabetic subjects. The clinical significance of the increment of plasma glucose (Δglucose) by exogenous glucagon during GST has not been elucidated. We investigated the relationship between Δglucoseand clinical parameters including the liver and renal function in type 2 diabetic subjects, since we hypothesized that Δglucoseis associated with the liver and renal function reflecting the capacity for gluconeogenesis in the organs.
Methods: A total of 209 subjects with type 2 diabetes who underwent GST during admission were included in this cross-sectional study. We defined the difference between plasma glucose at fasting and 6 min after intravenous injection of 1 mg glucagon as Δglucose. We assessed correlations between Δglucoseand clinical parameters such as diabetic duration, BMI, HbA1c, beta cell function, serum free fatty acids (FFA) which is known to stimulate gluconeogenesis, liver function, the indices of liver function, renal function, and urinary albumin excretion (UAE).
Results: In correlation analysis, Δglucosepositively correlated to FFA and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), but inversely to serum creatinine and cystatin C, although Δglucoseshowed no correlation with both liver function and the indices of residual liver function. Multiple regression analysis revealed that Δglucose was an independent determinant for the eGFR after 1 year, equally BMI, HbA1c, serum lipids, and UAE, which are known as the predictors for the development of chronic kidney disease.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that Δglucoseduring GST might be related to gluconeogenesis in the kidney and could be the determinant of future renal function in type 2 diabetes.
Study protocol of "Our Choice": a randomized controlled trial for optimal implementation of psoriasis treatment by the integration of Chinese and western medicine
Authors: Sun Xiaoying , Zhou Xiaoyong , Wei Yuegang , Yang Wenxin , Huang Ning , Ding Yangfeng , Hu Rongyi , Guo Shun , Yang Chunyan , Weng Huilan , Zhang Ying , Chen Xi , Ding Xiaojie , Liu Liu , Li Xin , Li Bin
Published: September 2019

Background Plaque psoriasis is a refractory inflammatory skin disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine (WM) therapies commonly used to treat plaque psoriasis have distinct characteristics and advantages. Although a combination of TCM and WM therapies adjusted to the clinical situation is widely used, there have been no systematic studies on the hierarchical selection of treatment combinations according to the severity of skin lesions. We therefore designed a randomized clinical trial to focus on the sequence of internal and external treatments in patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis and sought to optimize the integrated Chinese and Western medicine for treatment of patients with severe plaque psoriasis, so as to achieve high-level clinical evidence and establish treatment norms for the integrated use of Chinese and Western medicines. Methods In the proposed multi-center, single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial, 108 patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis will be randomly assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio to receive internal and external TCM treatments, respectively, and 270 patients with severe plaque psoriasis will be randomly assigned to three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive treatment with TCM, WM, and integrated Chinese and Western medicine, respectively. All enrolled patients will receive 8 weeks of treatment and 8 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome will be an evaluation of efficacy and relapse rate based on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index . Secondary outcome measures will include a determination of affected body surface area, physician’s global assessment, pruritus scores determined using a visual analogue scale, TCM symptom score, dermatology life quality Index, patient-reported quality of life score, and incidence of serious adverse events. Discussion This study will provide a high level of clinical evidence for internal and external TCM treatment optimization and will contribute to establishing norms for the integration of Chinese and Western medicines.
The Comparasion Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate with Telbivudine or lamivudine in Preventing Hepatitis B Transmission in Mothers with High Viral Load: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Ming , Zhu Yunxia , Pang Qiumei , Li Ran , Zhang Hua
Published: September 2019

Background Little observational data exist regarding the comparasion of efficacy and safety between tenofovir disoproxil fumarate(TDF) and Telbivudine(Ldt) in late pregnancy on preventing hepatitis B mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) in real-world settings.Methods We retrospectively enrolled HB-s antigen (HBsAg) positive mothers with HBV DNA ≥2*10 5 IU/mL to receive TDF or LdT after gestational weeks 24~32 weeks. All infants received standard immunoprophylaxis. The primary outcomes were the MTCT rates at infants’ age of 52 weeks and the safety of TDF or LdT use. The secondary outcomes were the decline of HBV-DNA levels at delivery and the rates of on-treatment and off-treatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation>2 uper limit normal(ULN) during the study.Results Of 1407 patients enrolled, 209 patients received TDF treatment and 1198 patients received LdT treatment. There were no difference between the mean duration of TDF and Ldt treatment (TDF vs.LdT: 11.76±2.20 weeks vs 11.64±2.79 weeks, P >0.05) .At birth, 9.8% of infants in the TDF-treatment group were HBsAg positive, lower than 20.8% in the LDT-treatment group (P<0.001). Among 1405 infants (TDF/LdT=213/1192) of the 1385 (TDF/LdT=205/1180) patients completed the 52-week study, intention‐to‐treat analysis indicated 0.5% (1 infant was lost to follow-up) in TDF treated mother and 0.3% in LDT treated mothers (3 infant was lost to follow-up). There was no difference between TDF group and LdT(P>0.05). On-treatment analysis indicated 0% of HBsAg positive infants in the three group (P>0.05). The levels of HBV-DNA decline in TDF-treated mothers were observed comparable in LdT treated mother (4.05±0.93 log 10 IU/ml vs.3.99±1.30 log 10 IU/ml, P> 0.05).TDF treated mothers had complained more symptoms of .nausea,anorexia and dizziness and less arthralgia than LdT treated mothers. All the adverse events of three groups were grade I-II.Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation(>2ULN) in TDF-treated mothers were observed lower in TDF-treated mothers than LdT-treated mothers(7.3% vs.15.7%, P < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase flares in TDF-treated mothers were observed lower than LdT-treated mothers(7.3% vs.15.7%, P < 0.05) .Conclusions TDF and LdT use in late pregnancy for highly viremic mothers was equally effective in reducing MTCT. TDF treated mothers complained more symptoms of disgestive systemmore and had less ALT abnormalities than LdT.
Putting RFMix and ADMIXTURE to the test in a complex admixed population
Authors: Uren Caitlin , Hoal Eileen G. , Möller Marlo
Published: September 2019

Background Global and local ancestry inference in admixed human populations can be performed using computational tools implementing distinct algorithms. The development and resulting accuracy of these tools has been tested largely on populations with relatively straightforward admixture histories but little is known about how well they perform in more complex admixture scenarios. Results Using simulations, we show that RFMix outperforms ADMIXTURE in determining global ancestry proportions even in a complex 5-way admixed population, in addition to assigning local ancestry with an accuracy of 89%. RFMix’s ability to determine global and local ancestry to a high degree of accuracy, particularly in admixed populations provides the opportunity for more accurate association analyses. Conclusion This study highlights the utility of the extension of computational tools to become more compatible to genetically structured populations, as well as the need to expand the sampling of diverse world-wide populations. This is particularly noteworthy as modern-day societies are becoming increasingly genetically complex and some genetic tools and commonly used ancestral populations are less appropriate. Based on these caveats and the results presented here, we suggest that RFMix be used for both global and local ancestry estimation in world-wide complex admixture scenarios particularly when including these estimates in association studies.
Archaic mitochondrial DNA inserts in modern day nuclear genomes
Authors: Bücking Robert , Cox Murray P , Hudjashov Georgi , Saag Lauri , Sudoyo Herawati , Stoneking Mark
Published: September 2019

Background Traces of interbreeding of Neanderthals and Denisovans with modern humans in the form of archaic DNA have been detected in the genomes of present-day human populations outside sub-Sahara Africa. Up to now, only nuclear archaic DNA has been detected in modern humans; we therefore attempted to identify archaic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) residing in modern human nuclear genomes as nuclear inserts of mitochondrial DNA (NUMTs). Results We analysed 221 high-coverage genomes from Oceania and Indonesia using an approach which identifies reads that map both to the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. We then classified reads according to the source of the mtDNA, and found one NUMT of Denisovan mtDNA origin; analysis of the flanking region suggests that this insertion is more likely to have happened in a Denisovan individual and introgressed into modern humans with the Denisovan nuclear DNA, rather than in a descendant of a Denisovan female and a modern human male. Conclusions Here we present our pipeline for detecting introgressed NUMTs in next generation sequencing data that can be used on genomes sequenced in the future. Further discovery of such archaic NUMTs in modern humans can be used to detect interbreeding between archaic and modern humans and can reveal new insights into the nature of such interbreeding events.
Kangaroo Mother Care for Preterm Infants and Child Development – Evidence from São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Onyango Silas , Brentani Alexandra , Fink Günther
Published: September 2019

Background An estimated 15 million children are born prematurely each year globally, resulting in a high burden of under-five mortality and neurodevelopmental disability. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is recognized as key intervention to support the development of preterm infants. Even though the benefits of KMC have been well documented in randomized controlled trials, evidence on the impact of KMC in routine care settings remains limited.Methods This paper examines the associations between maternal Kangaroo Mother Care efforts and child development among preterm infants born at the University Hospital of São Paulo, Brazil. Primary study outcomes were physical development (HAZ) and cognitive development at age 3.Results Practicing Kangaroo Mother Care was positively associated with physical development (+0.91 SD, 95% confidence intervals [0.126, 1.695]), and cognition (+0.37 SD, [0.034, 0.806]) of preterm children at age 3.Conclusion The results presented suggest that KMC has a large potential to improve children’s cognitive and physical development. New programs to increase KMC uptake in the setting studied may be beneficial for both mothers and their preterm children.