bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hudde en Spinoza: waarom er maar één God is
Authors: Van Bunge Wiep
Published: June 2019

In 1666 Johannes Hudde had a brief but important epistolary exchange with the philosopher Spinoza. Hudde had probably been triggered by Spinoza’s demonstration of God’s uniqueness, delivered in his introduction to Cartesianism of 1663. Hudde turned out to be a tenacious correspondent, not easily satisfied and he inspired Spinoza to elucidate his own metaphysics which at the time had not been pub- lished yet. Meanwhile, Spinoza had to be careful: he was fully aware of the heterodox nature of his own metaphysics, according to which for instance extension is one of God’s attributes. Hudde on the other hand deserves credit for identifying a major puzzle in Spinoza’s metaphysics, for if God’s attributes are indeed as autonomous as Spinoza wants them to be, how are they able to constitute a single God?
Hudde, de wiskunde en de stad
Authors: Dijksterhuis Fokko Jan
Published: June 2019

This contributions maps the place mathematics had in the life and work of Johannes Hudde. In his youth he important contributions to the new geometry of the seventeenth century. As administrator of Amsterdam he made his expertise useful to urban affairs. This was first of all the ‘esprit géométrique’ of a rational, unifying approach to such problems as water management.
Hudde en zijn gesmolten microscooplensjes
Authors: Cocquyt Tiemen , Bolt Marvin , Korey Michael
Published: June 2019

In this article, the role of Johannes Hudde as material instigator of the blossoming microscopic cul- ture in the late seventeenth-century Netherlands is examined. The simple ball lens microscopes that Hudde developed in the late 1650s saw widespread adoption, yet surprisingly little is known about their origin. After reflecting on the contemporary literature on Hudde’s lenses, their optical properties are discussed and compared with those of thin, ground lenses. Next, an account is given of a reconstruction experiment, performed in the Corning Museum of Glass (NY), where the manufacturing processes for both Hudde’s flameworked lenses and for common ground lenses were put to test. It is explained how this gave insight in the unique advantages of Hudde’s lens making innovation. Taking this further, the significance of glass melting techniques for the broader historiography of the microscope and its lens production is evaluated. Finally, it is argued how shifting demands in the c. 1700 microscope market meant that Hudde’s, otherwise very successful, lenses were gradually abandoned.
Huddes Specilla circularia
Authors: Vermij Rienk
Published: June 2019

This article discusses Hudde’s Specilla circularia, published anonymously and without the name of the publisher in 1656. The only known printed copy was recently acquired by the Royal Library in The Hague. The treatise demonstrates by a mathematical calculation how spherical aberration in lenses can be corrected by means of a diaphragm. Thus, the work offered a theoretical justification for a practice that had already become common by trial and error. The work appears to have been eagerly read and studied by scholars in the second half of the seventeenth century, Spinoza and Leibniz among them, but in the end went into oblivion.
Behavioral Factors Influencing on Designing Network Governance Model in Health Care Domain: A systematic literature review
Authors: Aalikhani Reza , Aliahmadi Ali Reza , Rasouli Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2019

Background: Establishment of the intra-organizational collaboration network has become a critical strategy to provide high-quality services with a low cost in the health system. In order to utilize the benefits of collaborative networks, an appropriate governance model in accordance with the health system is required. To design a successful model of network governance, different effective factors should be considered. The aim of this research was to identify the internal behavioral factors that influence the design of a successful model of network governance in the health care system.
Methods: To select the related studies, the web of science, as a comprehensive and credible database was searched and  2350 scientific studies were resulted. The titles of these studies were compared with the inclusion and exclusion criteria and a number of 150 papers were selected. Next, the abstracts of these 150 papers were studied and finally, 53 articles were reviewed. In this research, a systematic literature review was conducted to explore and integrate the relevant knowledge on behavioral factors affecting the design of a governance model in health service networks.
Results: The review of selected studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in extraction of 59 evidences from 31 sources. No further evidences were extracted from other resources. In order to access these evidences easily and create a comprehensive view in the study area, the extracted evidences were categorized into three categories including characteristics of relationships, participation characteristics, and normative implications. These categories were further classified into15 sub-categories.
Conclusion: The network governance model will be successful in the case that effective behavioral factors be considered in its designing. The most important behavioral factors that should be considered in determining the network governance model include the relationships' characteristics, participation characteristics, and normative implications.
Physico Chemical and Sensory Characteristics of Wheat Flour Bun Supplemented with Carrot Pomace Powder
Authors: Prakash Om
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to find on preparation and quality evaluation of carrot pomace powder using buns different level of carrotpomace powder. The quality of buns was determined on the basis on physico -chemical characteristics: Moisture content, Ash content, Fat content, Protein content, and sensory analysis including sensory attributes as colour, flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability. The moisture content of buns was found to be increased with increase in proportion of carrot pomace powder.  The mean overall sensory acceptability scores of more than 8.60 for bun samples upto 2.5% carrot pomace powder indicated the commercial scope for manufacturing good quality buns with carrot pomacepowder. The bun samples prepared by adding Carrot pomace have lead to increase in the water absorption while the arrival time and dough stability were decreased. So fiber as a food industry by product is recommended to be used as food additives to gain nutritional and healthy benefit.
BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE INTRODUCED VARIETIES OF EASTERN PERSIMMON IN THE DRY SUBTROPICS OF SOUTHERN DAGESTAN
Authors: Ryndin A. V. , Zagirov N. G. , Ibragimov N. A.
Published: June 2019

The aim of the research is to study the characteristics of growth, development and biochemical composition of the introduced varieties of eastern persimmon in the conditions of Southern Dagestan. Long-term studies for 2015-2018 were carried out with the use of generally accepted programs and classical methods of sorting and selection studies. As a result, the biological features of the passage of phenological phases of development of introduced varieties of persimmon eastern specific territory were studied to optimize plantings in industrial plantations and peasant farms, persimmon varieties were proposed that are characterized by valuable economic and biological characteristics and properties with the aim of increasing yields, where the fruit harvest from 1 tree and the yield from 1 ha is allocated the East Hiakume persimmon variety (317.2 g; 58.6 kg and 293.0 c/ha). According to the peculiarities of growth and development in cultivation in the conditions of Southern Dagestan, it was found that the highest height of the tree is the Hachia variety (4.74), the crown diameter the Giro variety (4.26), and the trunk circle the Hachia variety (31.7 cm). A biochemical analysis of the fruits of the main assortment of Eastern persimmon fruits was performed, which showed that the Hachia variety was distinguished by the dry matter content, the amount of sugars and vitamin C (19.3%, 13.6% and 46.5 mg%, respectively).
LEMON BALM (MELISSA OFFICINALIS L.) IS A VALUABLE AROMATIC CULTURE
Authors: Bespalko L. V. , Pinchuk E. V. , Ushakova I. T.
Published: June 2019

Spicy-flavoring cultures are an indispensable source of vitamins, macro-and microelements, organic acids. Early and rapid formation and return of the crop greatly increases the value of these crops. One of the valuable spice-aromatic plants of the family Lamiaceae L. is Melissa officinalis (Melicca officinalis L.), which is grown as an essential oil culture. Melissa officinalis contains biologically active substances that can be used to enrich food products. Fresh Melicca officinalis leaves produce essential oil which contains precious substances citronellal, citrategeneric, linalool [1]. Leaves and young shoots in the open ground cut to bloom. Consume fresh or dry melissa demanding soil fertility and irrigation. The article provides information about its origin and biological features. A brief overview of the nutritional and medicinal value is given. One of the important areas of work in the creation of modern vegetable varieties is the selection of high content of biologically active substances with antioxidant activity, and suitability for growing on hydroponic plants in protected soil to supply the population with fragrant vitamin products of fresh herbs all year round. Cv. Zhemchuzhina of Melissa officinalis can be grown in multi circle hydroponics (MCH), using natural substrate (peat mixes). Young shoots of this variety can be consumed as early as 35 days after sowing, in which the content of water-soluble antioxidants in march is 5.9 mg/g in units of Gallic acid. Subsequent cuts should be carried out at intervals of 30-45 days, depending on the season. The article also describes the main elements of the technology of growing medicinal melissa in the open and protected ground for greenery and seed production.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE VARIABILITY OF SOME AROMATIC PLANTS ON THE CONTENT OF TOTAL ANTIOXIDANTS IN THE ECOLOGICALGEOGRAPHICAL EXPERIMENT
Authors: Islamova F. I. , Musaev A. M. , Radzhabov G. K.
Published: June 2019

The work presents the results of the study of the antioxidant activity of fruits (clapper seeds) of aromatic plants, (Apiaceae, Lindl.): dill (Anethum graveolens L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). The plant materials for determining the total content of antioxidants were collected during an ecological-geographical experiment at the Gunib and Tsudakhar experimental bases of the Mountain Botanical Garden of the Dagestan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, at altitudes of 1100 and 1730 meters above sea level, simulating the conditions of mountain-valley and upper mountain climate zones, respectively. Determination of the total content of antioxidants in aqueous solutions was performed by the amperometric method on “Tsvet Yauza 01 -AA” instrument. Studies have shown the variability of accumulation of antioxidants, depending on the type, variety, height above sea level of the place of growth of the sample. In terms of the total content of antioxidants, the effect of the cultivation area substantially exceeded the inter-variety differences. In the studied species, intervarietal differences appeared more clearly in A. graveolens, which correlated with the latitude of the range and the ecological amplitude of growth of these species in natural habitats. The obtained data on the study of antioxidant activity in some aromatic medicinal plants allow to evaluate their biological value, to recommend more distinguished samples for cultivation. Plant materials with a high accumulation of antioxidants that can neutralize the harmful effects of oxidative stress can be used as a source of natural polyphenols, natural antioxidants in food. This methodical approach, demonstrated in the work, can serve as a methodological basis for studying the “genotype x environment” interaction and express assessment of varieties, clones, populations, and other units of accounting for the stability and sustainability of the parameters studied, including the content of antioxidants.
Jean Améry. Entre la razón crítica y la desesperanza
Authors: Traverso Enzo
Published: June 2019

Este artículo indaga sobre la escritura de Jean Améry (Austria, 1912-1978), sobreviviente de Auschwitz, quien desde la ficción o el ensayo autorreferencial exploró la catástrofe del mundo contemporáneo. Los elementos autobiográficos constituyen la materia real que Améry convirtió en un “ensayo contemplativo”. Él no creía en las virtudes terapéuticas de la memoria, sino en la propia experiencia y el resentimiento —este último entendido a partir de Frantz Fanon— comopuntos de quiebre y promontorios desde los que podía observar los más aciagos acontecimientos del pasado.
¿Cosmovisión o cosmoescucha? La preeminencia del ojo en los estudios sobre Mesoamérica
Authors: Martínez Villarroya Javier
Published: June 2019

El objetivo de este trabajo es reflexionar en torno a la pertinencia del concepto de cosmovisión. Una epistemología fundada en la metáfora inconsciente de la visión presupone que el conocimiento humano es “reflejo” de estructuras cósmicas dadas. Una epistemología fundada en la metáfora inconsciente de la escucha, por el contrario, presupone que el conocimientohumano es “diálogo” con las estructuras cósmicas y que, por tanto, las modifica. Recurriendo a los métodos de la pragmática estadounidense, en esta investigación se recorren algunos pasajes relevantes de la literatura mesoamericana en busca de indicios que justifiquen la propuesta.
The Case for Studying Non-Market Food Systems
Authors: Bliss Sam
Published: June 2019

Markets dominate the world’s food systems. Today’s food systems fail to realize the normative foundations of ecological economics: justice, sustainability, efficiency, and value pluralism. I argue that markets, as an institution for governing food systems, hinder the realization of these objectives. Markets allocate food toward money, not hunger. They encourage shifting costs on others, including nonhuman nature. They rarely signal unsustainability, and in many ways cause it. They do not resemble the efficient markets of economic theory. They organize food systems according to exchange value at the expense of all other social, cultural, spiritual, moral, and environmental values. I argue that food systems can approach the objectives of ecological economics roughly to the degree that they subordinate market mechanisms to social institutions that embody those values. But such “embedding” processes, whether through creating state policy or alternative markets, face steep barriers and can only partially remedy food markets’ inherent shortcomings. Thus, ecological economists should also study, promote, and theorize non-market food systems.
Integrating Single Cell RNA-Sequencing Analyses and Functional Assays to Decipher Cell Differentiation Hierarchies in the Mammary Epithelium
Authors: L. Regan Joseph , J. Smalley Matthew
Published: June 2019

The identification and molecular characterization of cellular hierarchies in complex tissues is key to understanding both normal cellular homoeostasis and tumorigenesis. The mammary epithelium is a heterogeneous tissue consisting of two main cellular compartments, an outer basal layer containing myoepithelial cells and an inner luminal layer consisting of estrogen receptor negative (ER-) ductal cells and secretory alveolar cells (in the fully functional differentiated tissue) and hormone responsive estrogen receptor positive (ER+) cells. Recent publications in Nature Communications used single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis to decipher epithelial cell differentiation hierarchies in human (Nguyen et al., 2018) and murine (Pal et al., 2017) mammary glands and report the identification of new cell types based on the expression of the luminal progenitor cell marker KIT (c-Kit). However, there are several inaccuracies and unfortunate omissions in the citation of previous research in each of these studies. As a result, the overall conclusions on the significance of these reports, in particular the claimed identification of new cell types is not accurate. Here we discuss these studies in the context of our previous research (Regan et al., 2012), in which we identified c-Kit as a luminal progenitor cell marker and functionally characterized cellular subpopulations analogous to those reported in the recent scRNA-seq studies.
A Fetal Heart Rate Morphological Analysis Toolbox for MATLAB
Authors: Boudet Samuel , Houzé de l'Aulnoit Agathe , Demailly Romain , Delgranche Aline , Peyrodie Laurent , Beuscart Régis , Houzé de l'Aulnoit Denis
Published: June 2019

The fetal heart rate (FHR) is a screening signal for preventing fetal hypoxia during labor. When experts analyze this signal, they have to position a baseline and then identify decelerations and accelerations. These steps can potentially be automated and made more objective by signal processing analysis. Various methods have been described in the literature but there are no open-source programs for performing these steps. The MATLAB toolbox presented here comprises a standard signal pre-processing function, 11 re-coded literature methods for fetal heart rate analysis, a signal viewer (enabling annotation by an expert) and an evaluation procedure with various criteria measuring intrarater agreement.
Papuan Students’ Behavior amid Yogyakarta Community Environment
Authors: Nurrizka Annisa Fitrah , Kartono Drajat Tri , Zuber Ahmad
Published: June 2019

This research employed  a descriptive qualitative method, in which data and material needed was  obtained from interviews, observation, and based on f literature study on  journals, documents, electronic media and mass media  with descriptive analysis. This research aimsed It aims to analyze and to describe the behavior of Papuan students living in  community environment in Yogyakarta. From the result of  research on the students studied, it could be  found that some of students studied had  organizational behavior along  with surrounding  people  by participating in some society activities, such as gotong royong (mutual cooperation), rapat RT(neighborhood meeting), safeguarding environment, and etc. However, on the other hand in some areas of Yogyakarta , for example some people are not willing to accept their presence and giving  them dwelling  such as  boarding house, so that it indicates  discrimination againstPapuan students. It is  due to  dysfunctional behavior, they have thereby disrupting integration and socialization process in society. Papuan students consider that their behavior is commons , but is s unacceptable to society.  They make noise by speaking loudly, drinking , and some act ions  resulting  in conflict with  surrounding people. Meanwhile,  they should create a relationship and structure with society in the environment where  they live.
Vascularized Greater Trochanter Bone Flap Transfer for Treatment of ARCO Stage-IIB to IIIB Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Zhao Dewei , Liu Baoyi , Wang Benjie
Published: June 2019

Background:

The goal of a vascularized bone flap transfer is to replace the necrotic bone of the femoral head, restore the blood supply, and provide new bone and mechanical support for the femoral head.

Description:

The major steps of the procedure that are demonstrated in this article are: (1) using the anterolateral approach to the hip, the incision is made; (2) the interval between the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis is split, the transverse branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery is identified, and the pedicle is isolated and protected; (3) the vascularized bone flap is harvested from the greater trochanter; (4) necrotic bone is debrided through a bone window made at the junction of the femoral neck and head; (5) the cancellous bone from the greater trochanter is implanted, and the vascularized bone flap is positioned and fixed; and (6) the wound is closed in layers. Complications are rare, and full weight-bearing is allowed after 3 months postoperatively.

Alternatives:

Free vascularized fibular graft.

Rationale:

Compared with a free vascularized fibular grafting technique, vascularized bone-grafting of the greater trochanter has the advantages of being less invasive, incurring lower donor-site morbidity, and not requiring any microsurgical technique because there is no vascular anastomosis.
Evaluation the venous pathology of the lower extremities with triggered angiography non-contrast-enhanced sequence magnetic resonance imaging (TRANCE-MRI)
Authors: Huang Yao-Kuang , Lin Chih-Hung , Tseng Yuan-Hsi , Tsai Yuan-Hsiung , Hsu Yin-Chen , Wang Shih-Chung , Chen Chien-Wei
Published: June 2019

Background
To explore the diagnostic performance of non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging using triggered angiography non-contrast-enhanced sequence (TRANCE-MRI) in evaluation of venous pathology of the lower extremity.

Methods
This is a single-center prospective cohort study of 25 patients with suspected venous disease in their lower extremities. Each patient received a Doppler ultrasound exam before the scheduled TRANCE-MRI on a 1.5T MR scanner (Philips Ingenia, Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands). The following lymphography and CTA were arranged according to the diagnostic indications.

Results
The venous scenarios of the 25 patient were divided as follows: 11 had deep venous thrombosis (DVT), seven had a static ulcer, three had symptomatic varicose veins (VV), two had recurrent VV after surgery, and two had lymphedema. TRANCE-MRI unexpectedly found that 4 patients (16%) had occult peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Of the 11 patients with scenario of DVT, 4 patients (36.4%) did not actually have DVT on TRANCE-MRI, and the symptoms were due to malignancy, external compression, and congenital anomalies. One patient (4%) with radiation-related lymphedema was falsely diagnosed as external iliac vein compression. Interrater agreement for DVT in the thigh between the ultrasonography and TRANCE-MRI was substantial agreement (Cohen's kappa κ, 0.72). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of TRANCE-MRI were 85.7%, 88/9% and 88%, respectively. Venous thrombi and collateral veins could be clearly outlined by TRANCE-MRI, including in middle femoral veins that might be difficult to detect by ultrasound.

Conclusion
TRANCE-MRI provided not only vascular image of the lower extremity but also information about the pelvis and abdomen. However, false positive results may occur in iliac vessels. TRANCE-MRI could outline venous thrombi and collateral veins from the abdomen to both calves, and thus, could be a powerful tool in the treatment of venous pathology in the lower extremities.
Evaluation of the Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2012-2015
Authors: Babakazo Pélagie Diambalula , Kabamba-Tshilobo Joelle , Wemakoy Emile Okitolonda , Lubula Léopold , Manya Léonie Kitoko , Ilunga Benoit Kebela , Disasuani Wally , Nkwembe Edith , Kavunga-Membo Hugo , Changachanga Jean-Claude , Muhemedi Saleh , Tamfum Jean-Jacques Muyembe , Tempia Stefano
Published: June 2019

Background

The World Health Organization recommends periodic evaluations of influenza surveillance systems to identify areas for improvement and provide evidence of data reliability for policymaking. However, data about the performance of established influenza surveillance systems are limited in Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Methods

We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to evaluate the performance of the influenza sentinel surveillance system (ISSS) in DRC during 2012-2015. The performance of the system was evaluated using eight surveillance attributes: (i) data quality and completeness for key variables, (ii) timeliness, (iii) representativeness, (iv) flexibility, (v) simplicity, (vi) acceptability, (vii) stability and (viii) utility. For each attribute, specific indicators were developed and described using quantitative and qualitative methods. Scores for each indicator were as follows: <60% weak performance; 60-79% moderate performance; ≥80% good performance.

Results

During 2012-2015, we enrolled and tested 4,339 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and 2,869 patients with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) from 11 sentinel sites situated in 5 of 11 provinces. Influenza viruses were detected in 446 (10.3%) samples from patients with ILI and in 151 (5.5%) samples from patients with SARI with higher detection during December-May. Data quality and completeness was >90% for all evaluated indicators. Other strengths of the system were timeliness, representativeness, simplicity, stability and utility that scored >70% each. Flexibility and acceptability had moderate to week performance. It was reported that the ISSS contributed to: (i) a better understanding of the epidemiology, circulating patterns and proportional contribution of influenza virus among patients with ILI or SARI; (ii) acquisition of new key competences related to influenza surveillance and diagnosis; and (iii) continuous education of surveillance staff and clinicians at sentinel sites about influenza. However, due to limited resources no actions were undertaken to mitigate the impact of seasonal influenza epidemics.

Conclusions

The system performed overall satisfactorily and provided reliable and timely data about influenza circulation in DRC. The simplicity of the system contributed to its stability. A better use of the available data could be made to inform and promote prevention interventions especially among the most vulnerable groups.
RNA-seq analysis identifies cytoskeletal structural genes and pathways for meat quality in beef
Authors: Gutierrez Joel David Leal , Elzo Mauricio A. , Mateescu Raluca G.
Published: June 2019

Background

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has allowed for transcriptional profiling of biological systems through identification of differentially expressed (DE) genes and pathways.

Results

A total of 80 steers were selected from the multibreed Angus-Brahman herd of the University of Florida. Sensory panel tenderness, juiciness and connective tissue as well as marbling, WBSF and cooking loss were assessed in longissimus dorsi muscle. Nuclear RNA was extracted from muscle and an RNA-seq library for each sample was constructed, multiplexed, and sequenced based on protocols by Illumina HiSeq 3000 PE100 platform to generate 2 × 101 bp paired-end reads. On average, 34.9 million high-quality paired reads were uniquely mapped to the Btau_4.6.1 reference genome and a total of 8,799 genes were analyzed. Including all 80 animals, gene and exon expression analysis was carried out using a meat quality index as a continuous response variable. The expression of 208 genes and 3,280 exons from 1,565 genes was associated with the meat quality index (p-value ≤ 0.05). Out of the 80 samples sequenced, 40 animals with extreme low and high WBSF, tenderness and marbling values were selected for a differential expression (DE) analysis for gene and isoforms. A total of 676 (adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05), 70 (adjusted p-value ≤ 0.1) and 198 (adjusted p-value ≤ 0.1) genes were DE for WBSF, tenderness and marbling, respectively. A total of 106 isoforms from 98 genes for WBSF, 13 isoforms from 13 genes for tenderness and 43 isoforms from 42 genes for marbling (FDR ≤ 0.1) were DE.

Conclusion

A number of cytoskeletal and transmembrane anchoring related genes and pathways were identified in the expression, DE and gene enrichment analyses, and these proteins can have a direct effect on meat quality. Cytoskeletal proteins and transmembrane anchoring molecules can influence meat quality by allowing cytoskeletal ﬁlament interaction with myocyte and organelle membranes, contributing to cytoskeletal structure, microtubule network stability, and cellular architecture maintenance during the postmortem.
Prevalence of and independent risk factors for metabolic syndrome in adults: a population-based, cross-sectional, epidemiological survey in Jiangxi province, China
Authors: wu liting , SHEN YunFeng , HU Lei , Zhang MeiYing , LAI XiaoYang
Published: June 2019

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MS) has abruptly increased in China in the past two decades, gradually representing an important public health threat over the years. Here, we firstly reported the prevalence of and independent risk factors for metabolic syndrome in Jiangxi province, China.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional survey was performed in Jiangxi province, China, from April to August 2015. MS was diagnosed by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) criteria, respectively. Independent risk factors for MS were investigated by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 2665 residents aged over 18 years were enrolled, and 2580 effectively participated. According to IDF and CDS criteria, age-standardized prevalence rates of MS were 21.1% and 15.2% in all participants, respectively; prevalence rates were 19.6% and 17.1% in men, and 22.7% or 13.0% in women, based on these respective criteria. Rural participants had a significantly higher prevalence than urban individuals, so did rural females. Prevalence in males did not differ between rural and urban participants. Furthermore, both low education level and menopausal state were independent risk factors for MS in adults.

Conclusions

MS is highly prevalent in adults in Jiangxi province, China. Low education level and menopausal state are independent risk factors for MS.
Braden Scale for Assessing Pneumonia After Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ding Yunlong , Yan Yazhou , Niu Jiali , Zhang Yanrong , Gu Zhiqun , Tang Ping , Liu Yan
Published: June 2019

Background

Prevention of pneumonia is critical for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The six indexes in the Braden Scale seemsto be related to the occurrence of pneumonia. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the Braden Scale in predicting the occurrence of pneumonia after AIS.

Methods

We studied a series of consecutive patients with AIS who were admitted to hospital. The cohort was subdivided into pneumonia group and no pneumonia group. The score of the Braden Scale, demographic and clinical characteristics at admission were obtained and analyzed by statistical comparisons between two groups. We investigated the predictive validity of the Braden scale by Receiver operating curve (ROC).

Results

414 patients with AIS were included in this study. 57 of 414 (13.8%) patients fulfilled the criteria for post-stroke pneumonia. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score in the pneumonia group was significantly higher than in the no pneumonia group (P < 0.01). The mean score of the Braden Scale in the pneumonia group was significantly lower than that in the no pneumonia group (P < 0.01). The six subscales of the Braden Scale between the two groups all had significant differences. The area under the curve (AUC) for the Braden scale predicting pneumonia after acute ischemic was 0.883 (95% CI = 0.828-0.937). And with 18 points as the demarcation score, the sensitivity was 83.2% and the specificity was 84.2%.

Conclusion

The Braden Scale with 18 points as the demarcation score is a valid clinical grading scale for predicting pneumonia after AIS at presentation. Further studies on effect of Braden Scale on stroke outcomes are needed.
A Simple and Rapid System for DNA and RNA Isolation from Diverse Plants Using Handmade Kit
Authors: Masoomi-Aladizgeh Farhad , Jabbari Leila , Nekouei Reza Khayam , Aalami Ali
Published: June 2019

This protocol describes a rapid DNA and RNA extraction method for plant tissues. Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium chloride (NaCl), tris base, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) are the main components of the extraction buffer. In contrast to all previously reported protocols, this extraction method does not require any stock solutions. This isolation buffer is potential of extracting both DNA and RNA simultaneously. Depending on the purpose of the project, the corresponding steps can be slightly altered to obtain either DNA or RNA. The big advantage of this method is to use general laboratory chemicals to make a powerful extraction buffer, resulting in high quality and quantity nucleic acid. Also, CTAB in this buffer is capable of isolating nucleic acid from recalcitrant plants enriched in secondary metabolites. Importantly, this method is recommended for the projects at which isolating nucleic acid in a short time is of crucial importance. This method probably is usable for all plant tissues and takes about an hour.
Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance venography features in heat stroke: a case report
Authors: Cao Lizhi , Wang Juan , Gao Yaxuan , Liang Yumei , Yan Jinhua , Zhang Yunhai , Zhu Mingqin , Chen Jiafeng , Luo Tianfei
Published: June 2019

Background: Heat stroke (HS) is a critical illness that can cause multiple organ dysfunction, including damage to the central nervous system (CNS), which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Brain lesions in patients with HS who present with CNS damage have been rarely reported before, and they usually vary in different cases, hence, patients with such lesions may present a clinical challenge in terms of diagnosis and management. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cause of stroke that mostly affects young individuals and children. The pathogenesis of brain damage caused by HS is complex, and CVT may be involved in the pathogenesis of HS with CNS damage. In this manuscript, we have reported a case of a patient with HS having CVT with symmetrical lesions in the bilateral putamen, posterior limb of the internal capsule, external capsule, insular lobe, and subcortical white matter in the brain.
Case presentation: We encountered a 48-year-old man who presented with HS in the summer season. During admission, he had a high body temperature and was in coma and shock. Then, he developed rhabdomyolysis syndrome, acute kidney and liver damage, electrolyte imbalance, and acid–base balance disorders, and his D-dimer level was elevated. After several days of anti-shock treatment, the patient’s level of consciousness improved. However, he experienced a decline in vision. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed symmetrical lesions in the bilateral posterior limb of the internal capsule, putamen, external capsule, insula, and subcortical white matter, and cerebral magnetic resonance venography (MRV) showed the development of CVT. Therefore, anti-coagulation treatment was provided. After timely clinical intervention, the symptoms of the patient gradually improved.
Conclusions: This case showed that HS can cause CVT. Therefore, cerebral MRI findings in HS must be assessed; in addition, early MRV can help in the diagnosis of the disease, which can effectively improve prognosis.
Minimally-invasive Non-surgical Vs. Surgical Approach for Periodontal Intrabony Defects: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Nibali Luigi , Koidou Vasiliki , Salomone Simona , Hamborg Thomas , Allaker R , Ezra Rinat , Zou Lifong , Tsakos Georgios , Gkranias Nikos , Donos Nikos
Published: June 2019

Background

Periodontal intrabony defects are usually treated surgically with the aim to increase attachment and bone levels and reduce risk of progression. However, recent studies have suggested that a minimally-invasive non-surgical therapy (MINST) leads to considerable clinical and radiographic defect depth reductions in intrabony defects. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of a modified MINST approach with a surgical approach (modified minimally-invasive surgical therapy, M-MIST) for the treatment of intrabony defects.

Methods

This is a parallel-group single-centre examiner-blind non-inferiority randomised controlled trial with a sample size of 66 patients. Inclusion criteria are age 25-70, diagnosis of periodontitis stage III or IV (grades A to C), presence of ≥1 ‘intrabony defect’ with probing pocket depth (PPD) >5 mm and intrabony defect depth ≥3mm. Smokers and patients who received previous periodontal treatment to the study site within the last 12 months will be excluded. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the modified MINST or the M-MIST protocol and will be assessed up to 15 months following initial therapy. The primary outcome of the study is radiographic intrabony defect depth change at 15 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes are PPD and clinical attachment loss (CAL) change, inflammatory markers and growth factors in gingival crevicular fluid, bacterial detection, gingival inflammation and healing (as measured by geometric/thermal camera imaging in a subset of 10 test and 10 control patients) and patient-reported outcomes.

Discussion

This study will produce evidence about the clinical efficacy and potential applicability of a modified MINST protocol for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects, as a less invasive alternative to the use of surgical procedures.
A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill on improving semen qualities in men with sub-optimal parameters
Authors: Zhao Mingpeng , Chan Carol Pui Shan , Cheung Cosy Wing Ching , Alqawasmeh Odai , Wang Ronald Chi Chiu , Che Justin Yuen Wu , Lin Zhi Xiu , Li Tin Chiu , Chung Jacqueline Pui Wah , Mak Jennifer Sze Man , Law Tracy Sze Man , Chan David Yiu Leung
Published: June 2019

Background

In Hong Kong, one of six couples is affected by subfertility problems. Male infertility contributes to half of the infertility cases. In male infertility, there is no effective treatment on patients with idiopathic infertility/poor semen parameters. Recent meta-analysis suggests that a traditional Chinese medicine formula — Wuzi Yanzong Pill showed the curative effect on male fertility. However, the heterogeneity of the studies could not draw a definitive conclusion on the therapeutic effect of this formula. The aim of this study is to conduct a well-designed randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill on improving semen qualities in men with sub-optimal parameters.

Methods

This study is a double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted in a public hospital in Hong Kong. Participants will be randomized 1:1 ration either the Wuziyanzong Pill formula group or the placebo group using the computer-generated random number. Both groups will administrate the drugs for 12 weeks. Participants will have total four visits for their semen and blood assessments for a six-month period and we will follow up for another six months to record their conception outcome. The primary outcome is to compare the total motile sperm count, natural conception rate and pregnancy outcome to that under placebo treatment. Secondary objects are sperm functions and assisted reproductive technology outcome.

Discussion

To date, there are none of the studies using the disclosed Wuzi Yanzong formula nor double-blinded, randomized trials. The Wuzi Yanzong TCM formula may provide a good clinical solution for subfertile males that contemporary western medicine has no cure. Therefore, a well-designed randomized trial for evaluating the effect of Wuzi Yanzong TCM formula is urgently needed.

Trial registration:

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR-INR-17010790 Registered on 27/02/2017. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=18356
Centre for Clinical Research and Biostatistics, Clinical Trials Registry, CUHK_CCRB00548. Registered on 27/02/2017. https://www2.ccrb.cuhk.edu.hk/registry/public/437
Impact of brief prewarming on anesthesia-related core-temperature drop, hemodynamics, microperfusion and postoperative ventilation in cytoreductive surgery of ovarian cancer a randomized trial
Authors: Kaufner Lutz , Niggemann Phil , Baum Tobias , Casu Sara , Sehouli Jalid , Bietenbeck Andreas , Boschmann Michael , Spies Claudia , Henkelmann Anne , von Heymann Christian
Published: June 2019

Background:

General (GA)- and epidural anesthesia (EDA) may cause a drop in body core-temperature (BCTdrop), and hypothermia, which may alter tissue oxygenation (StO2) and microperfusion after cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer. We hypothesized that forced-air prewarming (PW) during epidural catheter placement and induction of GA maintains normothermia and improves microperfusion.

Methods:

After ethics approval 47 women scheduled for cytoreductive surgery were prospectively enrolled. Women in the study group were treated with a prewarming (PW) of 43°C during epidural catheter placement. BCT (Spot on®, 3M) was measured before (T1), after induction of GA (T2) at 15 min (T3) after start of surgery, and until 2h after ICU admission (TICU2h). Primary endpoint was BCTdrop between T1 and T2. Microperfusion-, hemodynamic- and clinical outcomes were defined as secondary outcomes. Statistical analysis used the Mann-Whitney-U- and non-parametric-longitudinal tests.

Results:

BCTdrop was 0.35 °C with PW and 0.9 °C without PW (p< 0.005) and BCT remained higher over the observation period (ΔT4 = 0.9 °C up to ΔT7 = 0.95 °C, p<0.001). No significant differences in hemodynamic parameters, transfusion, arterial lactate and dCO2 were measured. In MD the ethanol ratio was temporarily, but not significantly, reduced after PW. Lactate, glucose and glycerol after PW tended to be more constant over the entire period. Postoperatively, six women without PW, but none after PW were mechanical ventilated (p< 0.001).

Conclusion: PW at 43°C reduces the BCTdrop and maintains normothermia without impeding the perioperative routine patient flow. Microdialysis indicate better preserved parameters of microperfusion.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; ID: NCT02364219; Date of registration: 18-febr-2015
Long-term outcome of scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation without conjunctival peritomies and sclerotomy in ocular trauma patients
Authors: Zhao Han , Wang Wanpeng , Hu Zhengping , Chen Baihua
Published: June 2019

Background

To investigate the long-term outcomes and complications of scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SFIOL) implantation without conjunctival peritomies and sclerotomy in patients with a history of ocular trauma with inadequate capsular support during primary pars plana vitrectomy or silicone oil removal.

Methods

Records of ocular trauma patients who underwent implantation of SFIOL without conjunctival peritomies and sclerotomy during primary pars plana vitrectomy or silicone oil removal.

Results

Sixty-nine eyes of 69 patients were included in this study. The median follow-up period was 34 months (range, 6-99 months). The average patient age at the time of surgery was 44 years old (range, 4-80 years). At the end of follow-up, the preoperative mean of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.79 ± 0.86 log of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), which improved 0.20 ± 0.26 logMAR postoperatively (P = 0.01). BCVA improved or remained unchanged in 64 eyes (92.8%), VA decreased two lines in five eyes (7.2%). Early postoperative complications included transient corneal edema in seven eyes (10.1%), minor vitreous hemorrhage in four eyes (5.8%), transient elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in one eye (1.4%), and hypotony in three eyes (4.3%). Late postoperative complications included persistent elevated IOP in five eyes (7.2%), epiretinal membrane formation in three eyes (4.3%), and cystoid macular edema noted in one eye (1.4%).

Conclusion

Use of a scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation without conjunctival peritomies and sclerotomy in ocular trauma patients during either primary pars plana vitrectomy or second silicone oil removal is a valuable approach for the management of traumatic aphakia in the absence of capsular support.
Prospects for anti-BLyS treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Solovyov S. K. , Mesnyankina A. A. , Aseeva E. A.
Published: June 2019

Review of literature on the analysis of current data on the efficacy of belimumab (BLM) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It provides data on the high efficacy of BLM in high and medium activity of SLE in patients with joints damage, skin lesions and high immunological activity. The paper describes clinical cases of a rituximab and belimumab combination therapy in SLE patients.
Numerical investigation on the impact of wind-induced hydraulics on dissolved oxygen characteristics in a shallow stormwater pond
Authors: Chen Liyu , D'Aoust Patrick M. , Rennie Colin D. , Poulain Alexandre , Pick Frances , Wang Ru , Delatolla Robert
Published: June 2019

Stormwater ponds (SWPs) are widely utilized for flood and water quality control. Low-flow rates are common in SWPs, sometimes causing wind-driven currents to become the dominant hydrodynamic force during ice-free periods. Hence, it is essential to understand the influence of the wind-induced flow on stratification and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in shallow SWPs to predict the performance and water quality of these systems. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of wind-driven circulation on the spatial distribution of DO in an SWP using a numerical model. A bottom-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) was utilized to measure small wind-induced currents and to validate a hydrodynamic model, which suggested that a wind-dominated circulation was generated even with the moderate wind speed. Countercurrents opposite in the direction to surface wind-generated flow were also present. The DO model demonstrated that complete mixing can be produced by higher wind speed, leading to fully oxic conditions throughout the water column (7.00 mg/L DO or higher), wherein low DO water at depth was carried to the surface by upwelling circulation and was possibly replenished during the surface transportation. This sheds some light on the impact of wind-induced mixing on the water quality in shallow SWPs.
Optimization of isopropyl alcohol degradation by microwave-induced catalytic oxidation process
Authors: Tran Quynh Thi Phuong , Hsieh Chi-Hsu , Yang Tung-Yu , Tung Hsin-hsin
Published: June 2019

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is a common waste solvent from the semiconductor and optoelectronic manufacturing industries. The current study assesses the feasibility of microwave-induced catalytic oxidation process for synthetic IPA wastewater. The effect of three independent variables, including oxidant (hydrogen peroxide), initial IPA concentration, and dosage of catalyst (granular activated carbon, GAC) on the IPA removal efficiency, were investigated and optimized by response surface methodology based on central composite design. The estimated optimal working conditions were as follows: [H2O2] <0.132 M, GAC dosage = 108–123 g/L, and initial [IPA] = 0.038–0.10 M. The findings indicated that the dosage of GAC and the initial IPA concentration strongly affected the overall IPA removal. The values of R2 = 0.9948 and adjusted R2 = 0.9901 demonstrated that the response variability could be explained by the model expressing a satisfactory quadratic fit. Finally, the H2O2/GAC/MW process showed a faster and higher IPA removal rate than other processes tested.