bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF INNOVATION ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: THE SPILLOVER EFFECT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT
Authors: Tran Thai Ha Nguyen , M. Johari Sobar , Thi Huyen Thuong Trinh , Thi Minh Phuong Nguyen , Hong Anh Le Thi
Published: May 2020

Purpose of the study: Innovation is seen as the key to improving quality and productivity, thereby promoting competition and economic growth. This study analyzes the impact of innovation on economic growth through various measures, such as research and development spending, the number of researchers, number of patents as well as trademark registrations. Research results are evidence to recommend policies for intellectual-based economic growth.

Methodology: Literature review and empirical analysis conducted in the study. The empirical method is a two-step System Generalize Methods of Moments (GMM), aiming at reliable results. Accessing the World Bank Database, research data from 64 developed and developing countries are collected from 2006 to 2014.

Main Findings: The empirical findings show that innovation plays a crucial contribution in promoting economic growth, similar to national openness and government spending on education. This study also finds a positive impact on foreign investment flows and their spillover role in enhancing the correlation between innovation and economic growth.

Applications of this study: The findings of this study focus on the contributions of innovation, foreign direct investment inflows, and other macro factors that can be enforced to improve economic growth by policymakers.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The study uses different measures of innovation, including inputs such as the number of researchers, research and development expenditure, and outputs as the number of patents and number of trademark registrations. Empirical findings are found consistently, thus confirming that innovation is very important for economic growth. The study also shows convincing evidence confirming the positive contribution of foreign direct investment as well as its spillover effect on innovation and economic growth.
Orthogram or Spelling Action for the Formation of Literate Writing?
Authors: Scryabina Olga A.
Published: May 2020

In the conceptual apparatus of methodology spelling is a mixture of concepts of «orthogramm» and «spelling action», due to the methodological aspects of modern methods of spelling, on the one hand, influenced by the linguistic theory of V.F. Ivanova and methodological concept of M.M. Razumovsky, and on the other – under the influence of modern concepts that interpret the theory of speech activity. The article analyzes the problem, proves the feasibility of using spelling action as the dominant concept of the theory and practice of spelling techniques. Spelling action is presented in the light of writing as a type of speech activity, is defined as speech action, cognitive-communicative action, text-forming action. The analysis of the problem of spelling literacy of students from the standpoint of the theory of speech activity, writing as a type of speech activity gives good reasons to actualize in the teaching methodology not orthogram but spelling action.
Daily Life of the Black Sea Province on the Pages of the Newspaper «North Caucasus»
Authors: Boltuts Olga A.
Published: May 2020

The article analyzes the periodicals of the Black Sea province at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries, it considers the features of the editorial policy of the newspaper «North Caucasus» in highlighting the daily life of the Black Sea province.
To the Problem of the Lexical and Grammatical Composition of Avar Paremiological Units, which Characterize Women
Authors: Misieva Luiza A.
Published: May 2020

The given article describes the features of the lexical and grammatical composition of Avar gender paremiological units characterizing women: substantive and verbal evaluative and symbolic lexical units that form positive and negative images of women are identified and interpreted; characterized by connotative components of gender-related paremiological images; the adversary-concessive semantic relations characteristic for the studied paremiological units were demonstrated; the attention is paid to the peculiarities of functioning of adjectival components in the described proverbs and sayings (participles, full and short forms of adjectives) in the predicative function; determined the role of the alogism principle, on the basis of which separate national-cultural images of women are built; characterized oppositionally (antonymously) opposed lexical units that form alogism relations; identified some unusual morphological forms with the value of a deprecated negation, used in the composition of expressive syntactic structures; the national-cultural components of some symbolic lexical components of the studied paroemiological units are determined.
Public Signs as Part of the Linguistic Landscape of a Modern Chinese City
Authors: Kotelnikova Nadezhda N.
Published: May 2020

Public signs which manage people’s behaviour in public places are an integral part of the linguistic landscape of any city. They not only reflect the existing system of social values, cultural norms and standards, but also play a role in their formation by exerting unconscious and repeated influence on the mentality of citizens. The article examines the linguistic and sociocultural features of the texts of Chinese public signs. The tendencies to soften communicative intent in the texts of public signs, to implement the principle of courtesy, to reject ready-made formulas and clichés, to use the implicit forms of inducement intent expression are noted.
THE OUTBREAK’S MODELING OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) USING THE MODIFIED SEIR MODEL IN INDONESIA
Authors: Rustan Rustan , Handayani Linda
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new type of virus called SARS-CoV-2, and by the beginning of 2020 had spread throughout the world, including Indonesia. A high rate of spread of COVID-19 causes the number of patients that infected increase significantly. In this study, mathematical modeling was carried out to predict the number of COVID-19 patients and the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. The model used is a modified SEIR model (Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, Recovered) with several assumptions such as a constant and homogeneous population, patients who have recovered can not be infected, and the spread only occurs from human to human. In addition,  it is assumed that there are individuals who carry out quarantine and isolation. Modeling is done using the help of MATLAB R2015a. The modeling results show that the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia will occur in the middle of May 2020, and the number of infected patients will be about 15000 people. This amount can be reduced if the quarantine and self-isolation process is carried out optimally.
DESIGN OF METAL HEAT CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENT USING PROBE METHOD
Authors: Hidayanti Fitria , Santoso Hari Hadi , Baskara Gigih
Published: May 2020

This study aims to design a tool that can measure the heat conductivity of metals by the Probe method. The design method was used by using a heat-flowed metal beam and the use of an LM35 temperature sensor to measure temperature changes on the probe. We are designing a measurement system based on conduction heat transfer. The metal used in the design is aluminum and carbon steel. For each metal tested, an LM35 temperature sensor is placed on the metal to find out that a temperature change has occurred. The conductivity value can be obtained from the temperature difference between the probe and the metal being tested, the temperature change of the probe, the temperature change of the metal being tested, and the heating time. This value is processed and calculated by the microcontroller into the value of heat conductivity. The measurement results show that the average heat conductivity value is 214.93 W/moC for aluminum and 53.81 W/moC for carbon steel.
Passivation process quality in reinforced concrete: effects of polarization periodicity and passivation consolidation parameters on data processing
Authors: Briceño-Mena Jorge Alberto , Balancán-Zapata Mercedes Guadalupe , Castro Borges Pedro
Published: May 2020

The passivation process quality was studied considering polarization periodicity, passivation consolidation parameters, and data processing. Passivation process quality in steel reinforcement affects a structure’s planned future service life. Some research has addressed this phenomenon, but its study is complicated by the limits of analog-era data, dispersion in corrosion rate data, and their interpretation. Two series of small reinforced concrete specimens were built using two water/cement ratios and two curing/storage combinations and exposed to the marine environment. Polarization periodicity did not affect passivation/depassivation during passivation but on the data processing. The curing and storage process influenced the tendency towards depassivation. Post-curing storage type affected the cumulative corrosion rate from 1 to 5 μA*day/cm2; this is equivalent to the margin of uncertainty in interpretation.
Tongmai Yangxin Pills Improves Cardiac Function by Enhancing the Expression of SIRT3 and PGC-1α in a Rat Model of Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhu Zhenyu , Li Huihui , Chen Wanli , Cui Yameng , Huang Anan , Qi Xin
Published: May 2020

Background: Mitochondrial biosynthesis regulated by the PGC-1α-NRF1-TFAM pathway is closely related to mitochondrial function and mitochondrial reactive oxygen generation, and is considered to be a new possible therapeutic target for the treatment of heart failure.Methods: Tongmai Yangxin Pills (TMYXP) is a Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of ischemic heart disease. It has the ability to scavenge oxygen free radicals and improve the antioxidant capacity of the heart muscle, thereby protecting cardiomyocytes, however, its mechanism is not well established. In this study, to investigate the mechanisms of TMYXP in cardiac protection, a rat model of cardiomyopathy was established by continuous isoproterenol (ISO) stimulation. Changes in the rat body weight, heart weight index (HWI), echocardiography, histological staining and biochemical indicators were examined.Results: Our results suggested that TMYXP reduced myocardial remodeling, inhibited deterioration of cardiac function, and delayed HF onset in rats with ISO-induced cardiomyopathy. Meanwhile, TMYXP markedly reduced ROS production, increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes, improved function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and promoted ATP production in myocardial tissues. In addition, TMYXP inhibited cytochrome C (Cyt C) release in mitochondria and caspase-3 activation in cytosol, thereby reducing the apoptosis of myocardial cells. Finally, TMYXP remarkably up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of SIRT3, PGC-1α, NRF1 and TFAM in myocardial cells.Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest that TMYXP regulates mitochondrial biosynthesis mediated enhancing the expression of SIRT3 and PGC-1α, thereby improving the cardiac function in rats with ISO-induced cardiomyopathy.
Hypofractionated palliative volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 8502 “QUAD shot” regimen for incurable head and neck cancer
Authors: Toya Ryo , Saito Tetsuo , Yamaguchi Kohsei , Matsuyama Tomohiko , Watakabe Takahiro , Matsumoto Tadashi , Yoshida Ryoji , Hirosue Akiyuki , Murakami Daizo , Orita Yorihisa , Nakayama Hideki , Oya Natsuo
Published: May 2020

Background: To review a single institutional experience of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 8502 “QUAD shot” regimen using volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) for incurable head and neck cancer (HNC).Methods: Thirty-four consecutive patients with HNC were treated with at least one cycle of the RTOG 8502 regimen. Treatment plans included the use of VMAT with 6 MV photons generated by a linear accelerator. Two daily fractions of 3.7 Gy were delivered with an interval of at least 6 h for 2 consecutive days, totaling 14.8 Gy over 4 fractions. This was repeated every 3–4 weeks for a total of three cycles. No concurrent systemic therapy was performed.Results: The number of completed cycles was 1 in 6 (18%) patients, 2 in 5 (15%), and 3 in 23 (68%). Tumor response was achieved in 29 (85%) patients and symptom relief in 20 (77%) of 26 patients. Overall response (tumor response or symptom relief) was achieved in 32 (94%) patients. All patients who received 2 or more treatment cycles achieved overall response. Median overall survival (OS) was 5.7 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that completion of all three treatment cycles was significantly associated with better OS (P = 0.002). Grade 2 toxicity was observed in four (12%) patients, but no acute Grade ≥3 or late toxicity was observed.Conclusions: The RTOG 8502 “QUAD shot” regimen using VMAT is effective for incurable HNC with highly reduced toxicity. Treatment with multiple cycles is recommended for better treatment response and/or survival.
The role of lymph node dissection in non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombosis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Ruotao Xiao , Chuxiao Xu , Guoliang Wang , Shudong Zhang , Yi Huang , Xiaofei Hou , Xiaojun Tian , Lei Zhao , Cheng Liu , Ma Lulin
Published: May 2020

Background

To assess therapeutic value of lymph node dissection (LND) in non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with tumor thrombosis (TT) and identify the prognostic factor in these population.
Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 128 patients with RCC and TT in our institution from February 2015 to January 2019. The baseline characteristics of LND and no LND group were compared. Kaplan–Meier analysis, univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to analyze these population.
Results

Of 128 patients, 58(45%) underwent LND and 70(55%) without LND. Patients who received LND had significantly higher cN1 rate (64% vs 37%; P = 0.004), longer operation time (357 min vs 307 min; p = 0.002) and longer hospital stay (12.6d vs 9.5d; p = 0.094) than that in no LND group. There were 102 patients (79.7%) received followed up with the median 12 months (IQR:8 ~ 19). Estimated three-year overall survival was worse in LND group (75% vs 90%; p = 0.048) but were not significantly different in subgroup of cN0 and cN1. The overall survival were not significantly different between two groups after adjustment for age, tumor size, surgical approach, tumor thrombosis level and histologic type. Non-CCRCC (HR:4.97; 95%CL:1.56 ~ 15.78; P = 0.006) and occurrence of major complication (HR:3.33; 95%CL:1.05 ~ 10.58; P = 0.041) were the predictors of worse OS while positive lymph node is the only independent predictor of worse OS (HR:5.26; 95%CL:1.28 ~ 21.66; P = 0.021) in these populations after receiving LND.
Conclusion

In this study, we confirm that LND in non-metastatic RCC with TT was not associated with a survival benefit, even we adjusted for clinic node status. Category like age, tumor size, surgical approach, tumor thrombosis level and histologic type were not a indication for LND. Lymph node positive was identified as an independent poor prognostic factor. Therefore, LND in RCC with TT should be considered as a staging procedure rather than therapeutic one.
Association of Adipocytokines with Lipid and Glycemic Profiles in Women with Normal Weight Obesity
Authors: Taheri Ehsaneh , Hosseini Saeed , Qorbani Mostafa
Published: May 2020

Background: Subjects with normal weight obesity (NOW) are supposed to cardiometabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the circulating levels of vaspin and leptin and their association with glycemic and lipid profiles in women with NWO compared to controlsMaterial & Methods: Forty women with BMI:18.5-24.9 kg/m2 and FM ≥ 30% as a NOW group and 30 age matched women with same BMI range and FM<30% as control group were enrolled. Anthropometric measurement, fasting serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, HbA1c, lipid profiles and also, leptin and vaspin were measured. Results: The mean ± SD of age were 28.76±4.76 years in NWO group and 29.23 ± 4.50 years in controls. Subjects in NWO group had higher serum level of insulin (9.02 ± 4.75 vs.6.24 ± 2.51, p= 0.009), leptin (17.31 ± 8.10 vs. 9.94 ± 4.30, p<0.001) and HOMA-IR (33.77 ± 20.71 vs. 23.48 ± 10.03, p=0.009) compared to the NWNO group. Serum level of vaspin was higher in NWO (34.82 pg/ml) than control group (27.72 pg/ml),(p=0.12). In NWO subjects, serum level of leptin showed positive association with FBS (r=0.45, p=0.02), insulin (r=0.51, p=0.008), and HOMA-IR (r=0.46, p= 0.02) and vaspin concentration was positively associated with insulin (r=0.36, p= 0.02) and HOMA-IR (r=0.30, p=0.06). Conclusion: We observed that women with NWO had statistically significant increased concentration of insulin and HOMA-IR index compared to the controls. Higher levels of leptin and vaspin in NWO were associated with glycemic profiles in NWO.
Comparative analysis of transcrptome profiling to identify genes involved in bulged surface of pear fruits (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd. cv. Yuluxiangli)
Authors: Ding Baopeng , Hu Chaohui , Song Yuqin , Hao Ruijie , Feng Xinxin , Cui Tingting , Li Liulin
Published: May 2020

Background: Pear (Pyrus spp.) belongs to the genus Pyrus, in the family Rosaceae. Some varieties of pear fruits exhibit bulged surface, which seriously affect the quality and commodity value. In this study, we performed anatomical, physiological and transcriptomic analysis, to explore the mechanism of paclobutrazol (PBZ) on the bulged surface of pear fruits. Results: The vascular bundles of flesh were more evenly distributed and the cells arranged more compactly with smaller size. However, the auxin (IAA) content of flesh decreased significantly when treated with PBZ. Further, the GO and KEGG analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that auxin, phenylpropanoid metabolic pathways and transcriptional factor genes were significantly enriched on the relieved bulged surface of pear fruits. The promoter region analysis of selected DEGs showed that some genes contained auxin responded cis-elements. Conclusion: We conclude that PBZ might play a negative role in the cell division, cell elongation and vascular bundle development on bulged surface of pear fruits through the involvement of auxin related genes. This study will provide theoretical basis for the regulation of bulged surface of pear fruits by growth retardant agent.
Menopause Rating Scale: Psychometric properties of Iranian version
Authors: Jahangiry Leila , Parviz Robabeh , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Khazaee-Pool Maryam
Published: May 2020

Background
To measure the severity of menopausal complaints and determine the pattern of menopause symptoms, a valid and reliable instrument is needed in health care settings for women. Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) is one of the best known instruments that were invented in response to the lack of standardized scales. This study examines it’s psychometric properties in Iran.
Methods
Participants were randomly selected from women referring to healthcare centers in Miandoab, West Azerbaijan, Iran. A total of 330 questionnaires were completed (response rate 96.9). Two sample sizes were considered for analysis in validation process. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted on the first sample (n1 = 165) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was done by using a second study sample (n2 = 165). The internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability was calculated to complete psychometric properties process.
Results
EFA with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) extracted three factors explaining 75.47% cumulative variance. CFA confirmed the three-factor structure of the MRS with 11-items. All fit indices proved to be good. The relative chi-square (χ2/df) was equal to 3.686 (p < .001). The RMSEA of the model was .04 (90% CI = .105–.150). All comparative indices of the model, including Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI); and Relative Fit Index (RFI) were more than .80 (.90, .87, and .80, respectively). Cronbach’s alpha for the overall scale was .931 whereas the alpha for the subscales ranged from 0.705–0.950. Intra class correlation was .91 (95% CI = .89-.93), p < 0.001.
Conclusion
This study indicates that the Persian-MRS is a valid and reliable scale. This instrument as a screening tool could be used to identify the pattern of symptoms among menopausal, peri-menopausal, and post- menopausal women in need to care and educate them on how to deal with the symptoms.
Development and evaluation of an evidence-based medicine module in the undergraduate medical curriculum
Authors: Shahrani Abeer Salem Al
Published: May 2020

Background:
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is a core competence in both undergraduate and postgraduate medical curricula. However, its integration into curricula varies widely. Our study will help medical colleges develop, implement and evaluate their EBM courses. We assessed the effectiveness of workshops in improving critical appraisal skills among medical students.
Methods
A before-and-after study design without a control group was used. A 5-week short EBM module including lectures, workshops, and online search sessions was conducted with 52 fourth-year medical students during their primary healthcare course at the College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software (version 20, SPSS Inc., Chicago, US). Parametric tests as well as Student’s paired t-test for pre- and post-test comparisons were used.
Results
Forty-nine (49) participants completed the pre- and post-training Fresno tests, and 44.9% of the participants had a GPA of 4.0 or higher. The mean Fresno test score increased from 45.63 (SD 21.89) on the pre-test to 64.49 (SD 33.31) on the post-test, with significant improvements in the following items: Searching strategies, Relevance, Internal validity, Magnitude & significance of results, Statistical values of diagnosis studies (sensitivity, specificity, and LR), Statistical values of therapy studies (ARR, RRR, and NNT), and Best study design for diagnosis and prognosis (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
This study supports that short course in EBM that is incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum especially in the clinical years might be effective in improving medical students’ knowledge and skills in EBM. However, prospective studies are necessary to assess the long-term impact of these interventions and ultimately their effectiveness for clinical decision making.
Synthesis and characterization of a silver nanoparticle-containing polymer composite with antimicrobial abilities for application in prosthetic and orthotic devices
Authors: Quintero-Quiroz Catalina , Botero Luz E , Zárate-Triviño Diana , Saldarriaga Jorge , Pérez Vera , Riano Luis Javier Cruz
Published: May 2020

Background:The presence of skin problems in patients using external lower limb prosthesis is recurrent. This has generated the need to develop interfaces for prosthesis with the ability to control microbial growth. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been implemented in the development of biomaterials because of their high antimicrobial activity. This article discusses the development of an AgNP-containing polymer composite with antimicrobial activity for developing prosthetic liners. Methods:AgNPs were synthesized using a photochemical method and certain physicochemical properties were characterized. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), was assessed on the basis of their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). AgNPs were incorporated into a silicon elastomer to assess antimicrobial activity and certain mechanical properties of the material. Results: The maximum antimicrobial activity of the material against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and MRSA was 41.58 % ± 2.97 % at an AgNP concentration of 32.98 μg/mL and 14.85 % ± 5.94 % at an AgNP concentration of 16.49 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the material exhibited tensile yield strength, rupture tensile strength, and tensile modulus of elasticity of 0.70 - 1.10, 0.71–1.06, and 0.20 - 0.30 MPa, respectively. The mechanical characteristics of the material were within the acceptable range for use in external lower limb prosthetic and orthotic interfaces. Conclusions:It was possible to incorporate the AgNPs in a silicone elastomer, finding that the composite developed presented antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and MRSA when compared to non-AgNP material samples.
Overexpression of MYB Genes and Increased Abiotic Stress Tolerance: A Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Ma Yuanchun , Han Zhaolan , Shang Xiaowen , Shao Lingxia , Wang Ya , Zhu Xujun , Fang Wanping
Published: May 2020

Background: The MYB family of proteins is a large group of transcription factors found in all eukaryotes studied to date that has expanded significantly in plants where they are involved in a wide diversity of processes from development to abiotic stress responses. The overexpression of various MYB genes has been reported to improve stress tolerance in different plant species. However, due to the variety of plant species studied and the types of gene donors/recipients, along with different experimental conditions, it is difficult to interpret the roles of MYB genes in abiotic stress tolerance from published data.Result: We investigated the plant characteristics involved in cold, drought, and salt stress in MYB-overexpressing plants through the meta-analysis approach, and analyzed the degrees of influence on plant performance by experimental variables. The results show that two of the four measured plant parameters in cold-stressed plants, two of the six in drought-stressed, and four of the 13 in salt-stressed were significantly impacted by MYB overexpression by 22% or more. By contrast, only two of the 13 plant parameters were significantly impacted in non-stressed plants by 18% or more. Conclusions: These data suggest that the treatment medium, donor/recipient species, and donor type significantly influence the effects of MYB overexpression on drought stress tolerance. Under salt stress, the donor/recipient species, donor type, and stress duration all significantly affected the extent of MYB-mediated salt stress tolerance. This study compiles and analyzes the data across studies to help us understand the complex interactions that dictate the efficacy of heterologous MYB expression designed for improved abiotic stress tolerance in plants.
Analysis of clinical features and behavioral characteristics in T2DM comorbid emotional disorders: an investigation based on questionnaire and medical data
Authors: Yang Wei , Liu Min , Tian Yuan , Zhang Qianwei , Zhang Jiahua , Chen Qiaoyun , Chen Jun , Wang Xuejiao , Suo Lixia
Published: May 2020

Background Diabetes is a serious threat to human health. Physical torture and financial burden bring mental burden and psychological pressure to diabetic patients. The situation of diabetes management is quite severe and the assessment of mood disorders was particularly important.Methods A total of 60 diabetic patients were included into this study. Information of the study population was obtained through medical history and questionnaire survey. The participants were divided into two groups according to the results of emotional disorders assessment.Results The comparison results of basic information between the two groups showed that differences of the proportion of female, diabetic nephropathy ratio and education background were statistically significant (p = 0.001, p = 0.01 and p = 0.027). Blood pressure of the comorbidity group was significant higher than that of control group (SBP: p = 0.000, DBP: p = 0.005). HDL, creatinine and 25-dihydroxyvitamin-D level were statistically significant (p = 0.014, p = 0.011 and p = 0.011). The results of questionnaire survey showed that there were statistically significant differences in sleep quality, PSQI, smoking habit and frequency of consuming fish between the two groups (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.032 and p = 0.000). In cognitive function assessment, we found that the percentage of people with cognitive disorders and the score of cognitive function were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.000 and p = 0.000).Conclusions Gender, education, diabetic nephropathy, hypertension, low levels of vitamin D, diet structure, sleep disorders were associated with diabetic emotional disorders. Physicians should not focus solely on blood glucose variability, psychology and emotion of the patients also deserve attentions.
Effect of granulocyte colony stimulating factor on pregnancy rate in women with unexplained infertility after intrauterine insemination: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Aramesh Shahintaj , Kutenaee Maryam Azizi , Najafi Fataneh , Ghafari Parvin , taghavi seyed abdolvahab
Published: May 2020

Background The cause of infertility has not been found in unexplained infertile patients,, and perhaps one of the possible reasons is impairment of fetal implantation, as well as the multiple role of GCSF in improving implantation and quality of blastocyst. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of GCSF in the pregnancy rate of patients undergoing IUI.Methods The patients with unexplained infertility were divided into two groups: one group was received GCSF in their IUI cycle and the other group had the routine IUI. Both groups were stimulated by letrozole, metformin, and monotropin during the cycle. When at least one follicle was greater than 18 mm, 5000 IU hCG intramuscularly was administered for ovulation induction and IUI was performed 34–36 hours later. In intervention group, 300 ug GCSF subcutaneously administrated in two days after IUI. Biochemical pregnancy rate was evaluated two weeks after IUI and clinical pregnancy rate was identified by the presence of a gestational sac on ultrasonography 8 weeks after IUI.Results There was no significant difference in demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups. The chemical pregnancy rate(16.3% vs 12.2%) and the clinical pregnancy rates (16.3% vs 8.3%) were improved in patients receiving GCSF compared to controls, but these differences was not significant (P = 0.56) and (P = 0.21).Conclusion Systemic administration of a single dose of 300 µg GCSF subcutaneously two days after IUI may slightly improve clinical pregnancy rate in patients with unexplained infertility. Nevertheless, our findings do not support routine use of G-CSF in unexplained infertility women with normal endometrial thickness.
The prognostic significance of inflammation-based scores in patients with ampullary carcinoma after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Sun Shuxin , He Chaobin , Wang Jun , Huang Xin , Wu Jiali , Li Shengping
Published: May 2020

Background: Growing evidence indicates that systemic inflammatory response plays an important role in cancer development and progression. Several inflammatory markers have been reported to be associated with the clinical outcomes in patients with various types of cancer. This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic value of the inflammatory indexes in patients suffering from ampullary cancer (AC) who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).Methods:We retrospectively reviewed a database of 358 patients with AC who underwent PD between 2009 and 2018. R software was used to compare the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUROCs) of the inflammation-based indexes, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and prognostic index (PI), in terms of their predictive value of survival. The survival differences of these indexes were compared by Kaplan-Meier method and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the prognostic factors of progress-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).Results:The estimated 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS and PFS rates were 83.9%, 65.8%, 55.2% and 58.0%, 42.8%, 37.8%, respectively, for the entire cohort. The survival differences were significant in terms of OS and PFS when they were stratified by these inflammation-based indexes. The comparisons of AUROCs of these inflammation-based indexes illustrated that NLR and PI displayed highest prognostic value, compared to other indexes. When NLR and PI were combined, NLR-PI showed even higher AUROC values and was identified as a significant prognostic factor in terms of OS and PFS.Conclusion:Specific inflammatory indexes, such as NLR, PLR and PI, were found to be able to predict the OS or PFS of patients. As a novel inflammatory index, the level of NLR-PI, which can be regarded as a more useful prognostic index, exhibited strong predictive power for predicting prognosis of patients with AC after PD procedure.
Thermodynamic Control on Biogeography and Functioning of Rare-Biosphere Propionate Syntrophs in Paddy Field Soils
Authors: Jin Yidan , Jiao Shuo , Lu Yahai
Published: May 2020

Background

Global biogeochemical processes are not only gauged by dominant taxa of soil microbiome but also depend on the critical functions of “rare biosphere” members. Here we evaluated the biogeographical pattern of “rare biosphere” propionate-oxidizing syntrophs in 113 paddy soil samples collected across eastern China.
Results

The relative abundance, functioning capacity and growth potential of propionate-oxidizing syntrophs were analyzed to provide a panoramic view of syntroph biogeographical distribution at the continental scale. The relative abundances of four syntroph genera, Syntrophobacter, Pelotomaculum, Smithella and Syntrophomonas were significantly greater at the warm low latitudes than at the cool high latitudes. Correspondingly, the functioning potential of propionate degradation was greater in the low latitude soils compared with the high latitude soils. The slow rate of propionate degradation in high latitude soils resulted in a greater fold change in increase of the relative abundance, probably due to the growth rate-yield tradeoff relationship. The mean annual temperature (MAT) is the most important factor shaping the biogeographical pattern of propionate-oxidizing syntrophs, with the next factor to be the total S content (TS) in soil.
Conclusions

We suggest that the effect of MAT is related to the Gibbs free energy change, in which the endergonic tension of propionate oxidation is leveraged with the increase of MAT. The TS effect is likely due to that some propionate syntrophs can facultatively perform sulfate respiration.
Physician Assistants in Geriatric Medicine
Authors: Honda Trenton J. , Kozikowski Andrzej , Segal-Gidan Freddi , Hooker Roderick
Published: May 2020

Background
The US population is aging. As of 2020, over 16% of adults, or over 52 million people, are age 65 or older. With a population that is increasingly "gray," the nation is short of medical providers who specialize in geriatrics. The number of geriatrician physicians per 10,000 adults 65 years and older has decreased since 2000, and geriatricians were approximately 5,300 in 2018. Nurse practitioners in geriatric care are an order of magnitude smaller, numbering 598 in 2018. Considering that the projected geriatrician needs by 2030 will be over 30,000, the trajectory of geriatricians is becoming increasingly inadequate for the aging population. Physician assistants (PA) are another class of providers that are filling this need, although little is known about their distribution in geriatric patient care.
Methods
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants databank provided the number and characteristics of PAs in geriatric medicine. PAs in geriatrics, their distribution, income, was compared to certified PAs. Analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-Square and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests for comparisons between PAs practicing in geriatrics vs. all other clinical specialties. For all analyses where a comparison between PAs in geriatrics and other specialties was made, a P value of .05 or less was considered statistically significant. Statistical analyses were conducted using R
Results
As of 2018, there were 794 certified PAs, or 0.8% of the PA workforce, specifically in geriatrics. This cadre has grown significantly 2010 both in total number (increasing over 400%) and as a percentage of the PA workforce. The median age of PAs in geriatrics is 45 years, and 79% are female. Almost half (46%) of the PA geriatric workforce are in extended care facilities or nursing homes - which differs from PAs in non-geriatric medicine specialties (0.3%). Another 8% work in federal government facilities with an additional 8% in rehabilitation facilities. In 2018, the median annual income for this PA cadre was $106,680.
Conclusions
As the American population continues to age, the relative growth of PAs in geriatric medicine makes them a natural part of the solution to the projected physician geriatrician deficit.
Comparison of problem-based and team-based learning on Chinese basic medical education for clinical medicine: a pilot study
Authors: Gan Lixi , Deng Xiaoxin , Chen Haibin , Liu Caixia , Yang Miao , Lin Changmin , Gao Fenfei
Published: May 2020

Background

Since being proposed half a century ago, problem-based learning (PBL) and team-based learning (TBL) have been two popular teaching approaches used in Chinese basic medical education. To compensate for the shortcomings of lecture-based learning (LBL), both PBL and TBL can greatly benefit students. This study compares the differences of PBL and TBL on active learning and final academic scores in Chinese basic medical curriculum at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC).
Methods

Ten Year 4 and thirteen Year 3 medical students, enrolled in 2015 and 2016 at SUMC, were selected for TBL and PBL, respectively. In the homeostasis module, a basic-medical curriculum used in China, TBL was used for Year 4 students at their 3rd year, and PBL was used for Year 3 students. Student feedback was collected through a questionnaire. Academic achievement was based on their final examination scores. Each grade used the same final examination paper, which included both memorization and clinical application questions, as students in the traditional LBL class. Quantitative data were analyzed by t- and nonparametric tests.
Results

All students completed the questionnaire. Most students (PBL:62%, TBL:90%) thought the teaching approach they used was good for training clinical thinking, but PBL required more time and imposed a greater study burden. However, PBL students received higher scores than LBL students for clinical application essays (p < 0.05), whereas there were no differences in memorization problem scores. Final academic scores showed no significant differences between TBL and LBL students (p > 0.05).
Conclusion

Despite the differences in the culture of learning between China and the West, TBL and PBL are two popular teaching approaches among Chinese medical students. In Chinese basic medical education, PBL is more effective in training clinical thinking, while in TBL, students spend less time with problems and are helped by the professors. The relevant assessment system and teacher training system should be perfected.
Managerial features and outcome in neonatal intensive care units: results from a cluster analysis
Authors: Fanelli Simone , Bellù Roberto , Zangrandi Antonello , Gagliardi Luigi , Zanini Rinaldo
Published: May 2020

Background Healthcare organisations differ in performance even if they are located in the same country or region. Suitable managerial practices and organisational processes can lead to better health outcomes. As a result, hospitals are constantly looking for managerial arrangements that can improve outcomes and keep costs down. This study aims to identify different managerial models in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and their impact on a large number of outcomes.Methods The research was conducted in Italy, within the SONAR project. SONAR’s aim was to identify the characteristics of NICUs, monitor outcomes and promote best practices. This study includes 51 of the 63 NICUs that took part in the SONAR project. Questionnaires on the activities and managerial features were administered to doctors and nurses working in NICU. 643 questionnaires were analysed from doctors and a total of 1,601 from nurses. A cluster analysis was performed to identify managerial models of NICUs.Results Three managerial models emerged from cluster analysis: traditional, collaborative and individualistic. The results showed that there is an association between managerial models and neonatal outcomes, and have important implications for three categories of management: top management, middle management, and regional health system managers.Conclusions NICU is one of the most expensive and complex areas in healthcare organisations. Health management needs to assess NICU strategically in order to develop models to improve outcomes. This study provides useful insights for management to draft the managerial characteristics of NICUs in order to achieve better results in terms of clinical outcome.
Assessing perceived organ donation competencies among pediatric intensivists in Saudi Arabia: A national survey
Authors: Kazzaz Yasser , Daar Omar
Published: May 2020

Background
As increasing the number of organ donations presents a global challenge, and Saudi Arabia is no different, Intensivists can play a major role in the process. The purpose of this study was to investigate Saudi pediatric intensivists’ perception of their comfort and the importance of organ donation competencies.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey whose sampling frame included 100 pediatric intensivists. We assessed 14 competencies categorized into four domains: the general donation, donation after brain death (DBD), neurological determination of death, and medicolegal, religious, and ethical domains. Then we investigated the association between these competencies and physicians’ characteristics.
Results
With a response rate of 76%, we found that 40–60% of the surveyed pediatric intensivists rated their comfort in 6 out of 14 competencies as high or very high. There was a statistically significant gap in the intensivists’ perception of 10 competencies (i.e., high importance but low comfort levels). Ordinal regression showed that comfort levels with the general donation, neurological determination of death, and medicolegal, religious, and ethical domains were higher in intensivists who were frequently involved with DBD than those who had never been exposed.
Conclusions
Pediatric intensivists expressed low comfort levels with organ donation competencies. The pediatric intensive care community should invest in educational opportunities in the country to boost the low levels of organ donation.
In vitro antibacterial activity of telithromycin against Enterococcus spp. isolated from China
Authors: Xiong Yanpeng , Chen Junwen , Sun Xiang , Xu Guangjian , Li Peiyu , Deng Qiwen , Yu Zhijian , Chen Zhong , Zheng Jinxin
Published: May 2020

Background: Enterococci has resistant to a wide range of antimicrobials, and the treatment of enterococcal infection has always been an issue of concern. This study aimed to explore the new ketolides antimicrobials-telithromycin, against the planktonic cells and biofilms of enterococci. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of telithromycin was determined. The sequence types (STs) and genotypes of resistance to erythromycin in enterococci were detected. Furthermore, the effect of telithromycin against the biofilms of enterococci were investigated.Results: A total of 280 Enterococcus faecalis and 122 Enterococcus faecium isolates were collected from individual inpatients in China. Telithromycin showed excellent activity against the E. faecalis and E. faecium strains no matter sensitive or resistant to erythromycin with erm A, erm B or erm C, with the MIC50 at 2 μg/mL and 4 μg/mL, respectively. The predominant STs of E. faecalis isolates were ST16, ST30, ST179, and ST18, ST78, ST80 were the predominant STs of E. faecium isolates. Moreover, 87.1% (135/158) and 80.4% (41/51) isolates of the predominant STs carried the erm genes in E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates, respectively. The subinhibitory concentration of telithromycin (at 1/4× and 1/8× MICs) significantly inhibited the biofilm formation of 16 E. faecalis isolates. Telithromycin (at 8× MIC) indicated the removal effect on the established biofilms of 8 E. faecalis isolates, and combined with ampicillin eradicated more biofilms than telithromycin or ampicillin alone.Conclusion: Telithromycin showed an excellent activity against the planktonic cells of E. faecalis and E. faecium, and against the biofilms of E. faecalis.
Cellular-Mesenchymal to Epithelial Transition Factor Upregulates Aquaporin 3 Expression in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhu Fanshuang , Chen Lijie , Zhou Yixing , An Jiaxiang , Wu Zenggui , Hu Jinxi , Ma Zhaosheng , Cao Feilin
Published: May 2020

Background

Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and Cellular-mesenchymal to epithelial transition factor (c-Met) are both overexpressed in human breast cancer and highly related to proliferation and migration. However, it is still unclear whether c-Met is associated with AQP3. The study objective was to explore the relationship between c-Met and AQP3 in human breast cancer.
Methods

We used immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of AQP3 and c-Met in breast cancer tissue specimens and analysed whether there was any correlation between the two molecules. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect AQP3 expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells after human hepatocyte growth factor (hHGF) treatment and/or transfection with c-Met silencing small interfering (si)RNA. Additionally, cell migration was examined with a wound scratch assay.
Results

Based on the immunohistochemical results combined with the clinicopathological data of 59 breast cancer patients, c-Met exhibited a significant correlation with AQP3 in breast cancer tissue. Studies have shown that hHGF can increase c-Met phosphorylation, and we discovered that the hHGF-induced increase in AQP3 expression was dose dependent. However, after reducing c-Met expression with c-Met-specific siRNA, AQP3 expression decreased accordingly. Additionally, the wound scratch assay showed that AQP3-specific siRNA or c-Met-specific siRNA significantly inhibited breast cancer cell migration, which was promoted by hHGF.
Conclusions

Our study indicated that AQP3 expression was regulated by c-Met in human breast cancer. These discoveries may help us comprehend the mechanisms underlying breast cancer development and invasion and offer another possibility for targeted treatment of breast cancer.
Relative prevalence of anxiety and depression in cubital tunnel syndrome patients and associated factors
Authors: jia siming , Shi Xiaoying , Liu Guanglian , Wang Li , Zhang Xiaoran , Ma Xuelin , Li Jia , Shao Xinzhong
Published: May 2020

Purpose: Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is the second most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and explore associated factors among CuTS patients.Methods: This is a cross-controlled study. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety. We calculated the proportion of depression and anxiety symptoms and compared characteristics between groups. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression were carried out to identify variables that were independently associated with anxiety and depression.Results: A total of 246 individuals diagnosed with CuTS were included. The results of the HADS demonstrated that 17.8% (n = 44) of the patients presented possible/probable depression, and 14.2% (n = 35) presented possible/probable anxiety. Logistic regression analysis revealed that diabetes Mellitus was independently associated with depression. And modified McGowan grade was independently associated with anxiety.Conclusions: Patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were at an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Abnormal mental states may have a negative impact in the course and outcome of the disease. Early screening for anxiety and depression in CuTS patients should be recommended.