bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KONFLIK SUNNI-SYIAH DI TIMUR TENGAH PERSPEKTIF GEOPOLITIK DAN DAMPAKNYA TERHADAP HUBUNGAN SUNNI-SYIAH DI INDONESIA
Authors: Humaini Humaini
Published: December 2019

Since the Iranian Islamic Revolution in 1979, Sunni sentiments with Shia have been redistributed everywhere. Even though the Sunni-Shia sentiment is not the main source of conflict but political geography, which is related to borders and natural resources. Because, the Middle East is located in a strategic area so that it becomes a very important region in the global political map. Conflicts that are inseparable from Sunni-Shia sentiments in the Middle East include: Shiite Sunni conflict in the Gulf War, attacks on the commemoration of Ashura (Karbala Massacre), Shiite Sunni conflicts in Syria and Lebanon, and Shia Sunni conflicts in the Yemeni Civil War. This conflict has a huge impact on Shia Sunni relations in Indonesia. The impact of the conflict was the occurrence of Sunni Shia conflict in Indonesia, which included: the attack on the Shia Islamic Boarding School, the dissolution of the commemoration of the Ashura tradition, the dissolution of the anniversary of Fatimah Az-Zahra, the ban on the Rausyan Fikr Foundation in Yogyakarta, and the attack on the Shia community in Madura. This paper attempts to examine the impact of the Shia Sunni conflict from a Geopolitical perspective and the impact of the conflict on Sunni- Shia relations in Indonesia.
STIGMATISASI DAN PROPAGANDA ANTI-SYIAH: SOROTAN DESKRIPTIF GERAKAN ANNAS
Authors: Makhsum Ali
Published: December 2019

The term anti-Shi'a is prejudice or hatred towards Shiite Muslims based on their religion and heritage. Anti-Shi'a efforts portray Shia as dangerous teachings by linking the Iraq and Syria conflicts, thus forcing some religious groups and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to issue heretical fatwas for Shi'ite teachings. How does anti-Shi'a propaganda manifest in describing Shi'ism? This paper describes the plot and context of anti-Shi'a in Indonesia. The anti-Shi'a container known as the National Anti-Shi'a Alliance (ANNAS) has become a new medium in campaigning for Shiite heresy. The sentiment of this movement adds a new list of Islamic boxes by giving birth to exclusive Islam. The participation of extremist, Salafi and conservative groups in the Shia stigmatization resulted in sentiments and propaganda towards Shia teachings.
The Effect of Organizational Climate on Work Motivation and Its Impact on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) of Employees of Education Department in DKI Jakarta
Authors: Sinaga Arnest , Abdullah Thamrin , Tunas Billy
Published: December 2019

The objectives of this research was to study the effect of organizational climate on work motivation and its impact on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) of Education Department employees in Province of DKI Jakarta. Quantitative approach used in this research with survey method. The samples of this research were 120 people selected randomly. The data were obtained by distributing questionnaire and analyzed by using path analysis. The first results of the research can be concluded that organizational climate and work motivation had a positive direct effect on OCB. Second, organizational climate had a positive direct effect on work motivation. Third, organizational climate had a positive indirect effect on OCB through work motivation as an intervening variable. Therefore to improve OCB of Education Department employee in Province of DKI Jakarta, then organizational climate and work motivation should be improved.
Ultrasonic rangefinder with resolution in hundredths of the probing signal's wavelength for the mobile rescue robot
Authors: Goll Stanislaw , Maximova Julia
Published: December 2019

The main goal of this research is to increase the measurement resolution of ultrasonic rangefinders to meet the needs of vital signs noncontact registration based on chest movements. The two-phase method is proposed to make distance estimates by sending probe pulse trains, calculating the phase spectrum of the echo signal’s envelope, and tracking its relevant components. During the first phase, rough Time-of-Flight (ToF)-based estimates are made. During the second phase, this estimate is corrected based on the phase spectrum of the echo signal’s envelope, the phase ambiguity is removed, and the relevant components are determined. The final estimate of the human chest displacement is calculated based on these relevant components. The output data rate is the same as for the ToF-based measurements, but the measurement resolution is increased to one hundredth of the ultrasonic wavelength. The experiment results are provided for the both model and the real human chest displacements caused by the respiration and heartbeat processes.
The activity of ceftazidime-avibactam against gram-negative bacteria – pathogens of wound burn infection
Authors: Gordinskaya N. A. , Sabirova E. V. , Abramova N. V.
Published: December 2019

Introduction.The most common mechanism for the resistance of gram-negative bacteria to various classes of antimicrobial agents, including carbapenems, is the production of beta-lactamases, enzymes that destroy the beta-lactam ring.Purpose of the study.To analyze the activity of ceftazidime/avibactam against pseudomonads and Klebsiella isolated in patients with severe thermal injury.Materials and methods.We analyzed 2553 isolates – pathogens of wound burn infection in patients with thermal injury treated in 2018–2019. Results and discussion. Phenotypically, 72,8% of the analyzed P. aeruginosa were resistant to carbapenems, while 56,3% of carbapenemresistant strains produce group Vim metal-beta-lactamases. Analysis of the effectiveness of ceftazidime/avibactam against P. aeruginosa showed its high efficiency, more than half of the strains (55,3%) were sensitive to the drug. The studied K. pneumoniae phenotypically in 63,1% were carbapenem-resistant. Among K. pneumoniae resistant to carbapenems, 89,3% of the strains revealed genes of serine KPC or OXA-48 like carbapenemases. In vitro ceftazidime/avibactam was active against two-thirds (72,7%) of K. pneumoniae strains.Сonclusions.1. Gram-negative microorganisms occupy 30,2% of the etiological structure of a wound burn infection. 2. Phenotypically 72,8% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are resistant to carbapenems, 56,3% of them produce metal beta-lactamases. 3. 63,1% of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated in patients with thermal injury are resistant to carbapenems, 89,3% of them carry cattle or OXA-48 genes like carbapenemases. 4. Ceftazidime / avibactam in vitro showed activity against P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae, with 55,3% and 72,7% of the strains, respectively, being sensitive.
School-based nutrition interventions for Indigenous children in Canada: A scoping review
Authors: Gillies Christina , Blanchet Rosanne , Gokiert Rebecca , Farmer Anna , Thorlakson Jessica , Hamonic Laura , Willows Noreen D.
Published: December 2019

Background Indigenous children in Canada (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) are disproportionately affected by nutrition-related chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Comprehensive school-based nutrition interventions offer a promising strategy for improving children’s access to healthy foods and sustaining positive eating behaviors. However, little is known about school-based nutrition interventions for Indigenous children. The objectives of this scoping review were to identify school-based nutrition interventions for Indigenous children in Canada and describe their components. Methods The scoping review consisted of searches in seven peer-reviewed databases and a general web search for grey literature. Eligibility criteria were applied by two reviewers, and data were extracted and charted by one reviewer using components of the comprehensive school health approach (social and physical environment, teaching and learning, policy, partnerships and services) and additional components with relevance to Indigenous interventions (cultural content, Indigenous control and ownership, funding source, evaluation). Numerical and descriptive summaries were used to present findings. Results Thirty-four unique interventions met the inclusion criteria. The majority (97%) of interventions targeted the social and physical environment, most often by offering food programs. Over half of interventions also incorporated teaching and learning (56%) and partnerships and services (59%), but fewer included a policy component (38%). Many interventions included a cultural component (56%) and most (62%) were owned and controlled by Indigenous communities (62%). Finally, over half of interventions disclosed their source(s) of funding (59%), but less than half (41%) included an evaluation component. Conclusions The review suggests that school-based interventions for Indigenous children can be more comprehensive by incorporating culturally relevant nutrition education and professional development opportunities for teachers, written school nutrition policies, and activities that actively engage families and community members. The continued focus on Indigenous control and ownership and incorporation of content specific to individual communities may enhance cultural relevancy and sustainability of interventions. Furthermore, there is a need to increase intervention evaluation and the sharing of resources related to funding. These recommendations may be used by communities, as well as by researchers and professionals working with communities, in developing comprehensive school-based nutrition interventions to improve the eating behaviors of Indigenous children.
Impact of weight trajectory after bariatric surgery on co-morbidity evolution and burden
Authors: Davis Jason , Saunders Rhodri
Published: December 2019

Background Bariatric surgery, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB] has been shown to be an effective intervention for weight management in select patients. After surgery, different patients respond differently even to the same surgery and have differing weight-change trajectories . The present analysis explores how improving a patient’s post-surgical weight change could impact co‑morbidity prevalence, treatment and associated costs in the Canadian setting. Methods Published data were used to derive statistical models to predict weight loss and co‑morbidity evolution after RYGB. Burden in the form of patient-years of co-morbidity treatment and associated costs was estimated for a 100-patient cohort on one of 6 weight trajectories, and for real-world simulations of mixed patient cohorts where patients experience multiple weight loss outcomes over a 10-year time horizon after RYGB surgery. Costs (2018 Canadian dollars) were considered from the Canadian public payer perspective for diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Robustness of results was assessed using probabilistic sensitivity analyses using the R language. Results Models fitted to patient data for total weight loss and co-morbidity evolution (resolution and new onset) demonstrated good fitting. Improvement of 100 patients from the worst to the best weight loss trajectory was associated with a 50% reduction in 10-year co-morbidity treatment costs, decreasing to a 27% reduction for an intermediate improvement. Results applied to mixed trajectory cohorts revealed that broad improvements by one trajectory group for all patients were associated with 602, 1,710 and 966 patient-years of treatment of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia respectively in Ontario, the province of highest RYGB volume, corresponding to a cost difference of $3.9 million. Conclusions Post-surgical weight trajectory, even for patients receiving the same surgery, can have a considerable impact on subsequent co-morbidity burden. Given the potential for alleviated burden associated with improving patient trajectory after RYGB, health care systems may wish to consider investments based on local needs and available resources to ensure that more patients achieve a good long-term weight trajectory.
Linc01234 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma via miR-433/PAK4 axis
Authors: LIU Deyu , jian xinchun , XU PU , ZHU Rong , WANG Yuan
Published: December 2019

Background: Mounting studies demonstrate long non-coding RNA s ( lncRNAs ) play an important role in tumor progression. However, the potential biological functions and clinical importance of Linc01234 in oral squamous cell carcinoma ( OSCC ) still remain unclear.
Methods: We evaluated the expression profile and prognostic values of Linc01234 in OSCC tissues via RT-qPCR. Then, functional experiments in vitro were performed to investigate the effects of Linc01234 on tumor growth, migration and invasion in OSCC. Mechanistically, RT-qPCR, bioinformatic analysis and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to identify a competitive endogenous RNA s ( ceRNA s) among Linc01234, miR-433-3p and PAK4.
Results: We found that Linc01234 was evidently upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines, and its level was positively associated with T stage, lymphnode metastasis, differentiation and poor prognosis of patients with OSCC. Our results found that Linc01234 inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis abilities in CAL27 and SCC25 cells following its deletion. Mechanistic analysis indicated that Linc01234 may act as a ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA) of miR-433-3p to relieve the repressive effect of miR-433-3p on its target PAK4.
Conclusions: Our results indicated that Linc01234 promotes OSCC progression through Linc01234/miR-433/PAK4 axis and might be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.
Risk factors of nosocomial infection after cardiac surgery in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Yu Xindi , Chen Maolin , Liu Xu , Chen Yiwei , Hao Zedong , Zhang Haibo , Wang Wei
Published: December 2019

Background: The aim of our study was to analyze the risk factors of nosocomial infection after cardiac surgery in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study, and children with CHD who underwent open-heart surgeries at Shanghai Children’s Medical Center from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2018 were included. The baseline characteristics of these patients of different ages, including neonates (0-1 months old), infants (1-12 months old) and children (1-10 years old), were analyzed, and the association of risk factors with postoperative nosocomial infection were assessed. Results: A total of 11651 subjects were included in the study. The overall nosocomial infection rate was 10.8%. Nosocomial infection rates in neonates, infants, and children with congenital heart disease were 32.9%, 15.4%, and 5.2%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found age (OR 0798, 95%CI: 0.769-0.829; P<0.001), STS risk grade (OR 1.267, 95%CI: 1.159-1.385; P<0.001), body mass index (BMI) <5th percentile (OR 1.295, 95%CI: 1.023-1.639; P=0.032), BMI ＞95th percentile (OR 0.792, 95%CI: 0.647-0.969; P=0.023), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (OR 1.008, 95%CI: 1.003-1.012; P<0.001) and aortic clamping time （OR 1.009, 1.002-1.015; P = 0.008）were significantly associated with nosocomial infection in CHD infants. After adjusted for confounding factors, we found STS risk grade (OR 1.38, 95%CI: 1.167-1.633; P<0.001), BMI<5th percentile (OR 1.934, 95%CI: 1.377-2.715; P<0.001), CPB time (OR 1.018, 95%CI: 1.015-1.022; P<0.001), lymphocyte/WBC ratio﹤cut off value (OR 3.818, 95%CI: 1.529-9.533; P=0.004) and AST＞cut off value (OR 1.546, 95%CI: 1.119-2.136; P=0.008) were significantly associated with nosocomial infection in CHD children. Conclusion: Our study suggested STS risk grade, BMI, CPB duration, low lymphocyte/WBC or high neutrophil/WBC ratio were independently associated with nosocomial infection in CHD infant and children after cardiac surgery.
Integrated transcriptome, small RNA and degradome sequencing approaches proffer insights into chlorogenic acid (CGA) biosynthesis in leafy sweet potato
Authors: Liu Yi , Su Wenjin , Wang Lianjun , Lei Jian , Chai Shasha , Jiao Chunhai , Zhang Wenying , Yang Xinsun
Published: December 2019

Background: Phenolic compounds play key roles in health protection and leafy sweet potato is an excellent source of total phenolics (TP). The chlorogenic acid (CGA) family, which includes caffeoylquinic acid (CQA), 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,4-diCQA), 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA) and 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (4,5-diCQA) , constitutes the major components of phenolic compounds in leafy sweet potato. However, the mechanism of CGA biosynthesis in leafy sweet potato is unclear. The objective of present study is to dissect the mechanisms of CGA biosynthesis by using transcriptome, small RNA (sRNA) and degradome sequencing. Results: Transcriptome sequencing of twelve samples (triple replicates) from one low-CGA content genotype and one high-CGA content genotype at two stages (65 and 85 days after planting) identified a total of 2333 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The enriched DEGs were related to photosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. In this study, functional genes CCR , CCoAOMT and HCT in the CGA biosynthetic pathway were uniformly downregulated, indicating the way to lignin was altered, and two possible CGA biosynthetic routes were hypothesized. The sRNA sequencing identified a total of 38 DE miRNAs. Using in silico approaches, 1799 targets were predicated for 38 DE miRNAs. The target genes were enriched in lignin and phenylpropanoid catabolic processes. Transcription factors (TFs) such as apetala2 /ethylene response factor ( AP2/ERF ) and Squamosa promoter binding protein-like ( SPL ) predicated in silico were validated by degradome sequencing. Association analysis of the DE miRNAs and transcriptome datasets identified that miR156 family targeted DHQ / SDH (3-dehydroquinate dehydratase/shikimate dehydrogenase), the key gene in the phenylpropanoid pathway. Conclusions: This study established comprehensive functional genomic resources for the CGA biosynthesis and provided insights into the molecular mechanisms involving in this process. The results also enabled the first perceptions of the regulatory roles of mRNAs and miRNAs and offered candidate genes for leafy sweet potato improvement s.
Effect of inspiratory muscle loaded exercise training on peak oxygen uptake and ventilatory response during incremental exercise under normoxia and hypoxia
Authors: Ogawa Takeshi , Nagao Maiko , Fujii Naoto , NIshiyasu Takeshi
Published: December 2019

Background: Although numerous studies have reported the effect of inspiratory muscle training for improving exercise performance, the outcome of whether exercise performance is improved by inspiratory muscle training is controversial. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of inspiratory muscle-loaded exercise training (IMLET) on peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), respiratory responses, and exercise performance under normoxic (N) and hypoxic (H) exercise conditions. We hypothesised that IMLET enhances respiratory muscle strength and improves respiratory response, thereby improving VO2peak and work capacity under H condition.
Methods: Sixteen university track runners (13 men and 3 women) were randomly assigned to the IMLET (n=8) or exercise training (ET) group (n=8). All subjects underwent 4 weeks of 20-min 60% VO2peak cycling exercise training, thrice per week. IMLET loaded 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure during exercise. At pre- and post-training periods, subjects performed exhaustive incremental cycling under normoxic (N; 20.9 ± 0%) and hypoxic (H; 15.0 ± 0.1%) conditions.
Results: Although maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) significantly increased after training in both groups, the extent of PImax increase was significantly higher in the IMLET group (from 102 ± 20 to 145 ± 26 cmH2O in IMLET; from 111± 23 to 127 ± 23 cmH2O in ET; P < 0.05). In both groups, VO2peak and maximal work load (Wmax) similarly increased both under N and H conditions after training (P < 0.05). Further, the extent of Wmax decrease under H condition was lower in the IMLET group at post-training test than at pre-training (from -14.7 ± 2.2% to -12.5 ± 1.7%; P < 0.05). Maximal minute ventilation in both N and H conditions increased after training than in the pre-training period.
Conclusions: Our IMLET enhanced the respiratory muscle strength, and the decrease in work capacity under hypoxia was reduced regardless of the increase VO2peak.
Sex differences in the association between self-reported sleep duration, insomnia symptoms and cardiometabolic risk factors: cross-sectional findings from ELSA-Brasil
Authors: Silva-Costa Aline , Rotenberg Lucia , Nobre Aline Araujo , Chor Dora , Aquino Estela , Melo Enirtes Caetano , Barreto Sandhi , Schmidt Maria Inês , Griep Rosane Härter
Published: December 2019

Background: The U-shaped associations between sleep durations and cardiometabolic risk factors (glycated hemoglobin levels, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension and HDL-Cholesterol levels) are still inconclusive. Moreover, as sleep is comprised of quantitative and qualitative aspects, exploring both insomnia symptoms and sleep duration are relevant when evaluating the potential effects of sleep problems on health. The aim was to evaluate sex-specific associations between sleep problems and cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from wave two of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), including 7,491 women and 6,232 men. Questionnaires were administered to provide information about socioeconomic conditions, lifestyle, and sleep characteristics. A 12-hour fasting blood sample was drawn to measure serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycated hemoglobin. Blood pressure, weight and height were also measured using standard equipment. Generalized additive models were used to evaluate the curve shape of the relationship between self-reported sleep duration and the outcomes. Logistic regression was performed to investigate the magnitude of the associations of self-reported sleep duration, insomnia symptoms, and short sleep plus insomnia symptoms with cardiometabolic risk factors. Results: For women, self-reported sleep duration and insomnia symptoms (either separately or linked to short sleep duration) were associated with obesity, hypertension and glycated hemoglobin after adjusting for the confounders. The magnitudes of the associations between self-reported short sleep duration plus insomnia symptoms and the outcomes were slightly increased, considering sleep duration or insomnia symptoms separately. For men, both long sleep duration and insomnia symptoms were associated with hypertriglyceridemia after adjusted for the confounders. Conclusion: These findings suggest possible sex-specific patterns, since obesity, hypertension and high glycated hemoglobin were associated with self-reported sleep duration and insomnia symptoms in women, but not in men, and reinforce the importance of considering quantitative and qualitative aspects of sleep for the prevention and management of the outcomes.
Risk of late cervical cancer screening according to prosperity and medical density in daily frequented neighborhoods in Greater Paris.
Authors: TRAORE Médicoulé , Vallée Julie , CHAUVIN Pierre
Published: December 2019

Background: The consideration of multiple spaces frequented daily by individuals is attracting interest for the analysis of socioterritorial health and healthcare inequalities in light of the high daily mobility in urban settings and the increasing availability of mobility data. Our objective was to estimate the associations between attributes of daily frequented neighborhoods and delayed cervical smear tests in the Greater Paris area. Methods: Data were extracted from the 2010 SIRS cohort survey. Participants could report three neighborhoods (residence, work, and the next most regularly frequented). All multivariate analyses were conducted: simple multilevel logistic regression models, cross-classified multilevel logistic regression models were used to simultaneously consider the three types of neighborhoods studied (residential, work or study, visit) with active and mobile women. Finally, associations with socioeconomic and medical diversity scores (adjusted for the five individual characteristics) were estimated by logistic regression models that took sampling design into consideration. Results: One-quarter of the women reported that they had not had a smear test in the previous three years. After adjusting for individual characteristics, there was a significant association between the socioeconomic and medical diversity scores for the multiple neighborhoods frequented and the risk of a delayed smear test. Women who reside and work in poor neighborhoods and whose next most regularly frequented neighborhood was also poor had a significantly higher risk of late cervical cancer screening. Conclusions: In the characterization of social and territorial inequalities in healthcare, social epidemiology and health geography show a growing interest in considering multiple spaces frequented daily by individuals. A cumulative exposure score, such as the one presented here, may be a relevant approach for analyzing their effects. Keywords: Multilevel analysis, neighborhood, daily mobility, cancer prevention, cervical cancer, social inequalities, Paris area
Application of the matched nested case-control design to the secondary analysis of trial data
Authors: Partlett Christopher , Hall Nigel J , Leaf Alison , Juszczak Edmund , Linsell Louise
Published: December 2019

Background: A nested case-control study is an efficient design that can be embedded within an existing cohort study or randomised trial. It has a number of advantages compared to the conventional case-control design, and has the potential to answer important research questions using untapped prospectively collected data.Methods: We demonstrate the utility of the matched nested case-control design by applying it to a secondary analysis of the Abnormal Doppler Enteral Prescription Trial. We investigated the role of milk feed type and changes in milk feed type in the development of necrotising enterocolitis in a group of 398 high risk growth-restricted preterm infants. Results: Using matching, we were able to generate a comparable sample of controls selected from the same population as the cases. In contrast to the standard case-control design, exposure status was ascertained prior to the outcome event occurring and the comparison between the cases and matched controls could be made at the point at which the event occurred. This enabled us to reliably investigate the temporal relationship between feed type and NEC. Conclusions: A matched nested case-control study can be used to identify credible associations in a secondary analysis of clinical trial data where the exposure of interest was not randomised, and has several advantages over a standard case-control design. This method offers the potential to make reliable inferences in scenarios where it would be unethical or impractical to perform a randomised clinical trial.
Quality of Care in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Iran: A 5-year retrospective study
Authors: bayazidi yahya , Davari Majid , Kebriaeezadeh Abbas , Larijani Bagher , Esteghamati Alireza , Bandarian Fatemeh , Kashi Zahra , Ashrafi Nikinaz , bahar Adele
Published: December 2019

Background The object of this study was to evaluate the quality of care indicators (process- and outcome-related) in patients with type 2 diabetes using patient-level data during the last 5 years in Iran, in private and public diabetes centers in five provinces (Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, Mazandaran, and Kurdistan).Method Our study was a cross-sectional study carried out on patients with type 2 diabetes at 13 diabetes centers (private and public). Annual tests for hemoglobin A1C, serum lipid (LDL) and screening for nephropathy (urine protein or urine albumin quantitative test) were used to evaluate process-related and hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure and lipids levels were used to assess outcome-related outcomes.Findings Among 1976 patients, 54% were women with an average of 15 years of diabetes duration and approximately 83% of patients were obese or overweight. About 9% of patients had a hemoglobin A1C test every three months. The values obtained were favorable for controlling lipid profile but less than standard for screening for nephropathy and only about 30% of patients were within the optimal range for simultaneous control of process-related indicators. Findings for outcome- related indicators show that the achievement of blood glucose, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein targets were 31, 49 and 70%, respectively and concurrent achievement was 13.8% in the last year.Conclusion The performance of the health system has much room for improvement and diabetes control programs have not been favorable in any of the provinces studied and have not led to optimal control.
How much of skin improvement over time in systemic sclerosis is due to normal ageing? A prospective study with shear-wave elastography.
Authors: Santiago Tania , Santiago Mariana , Coutinho Margarida , Salvador Maria Joao , Silva JAP Da
Published: December 2019

Objective To assess changes in skin stiffness in SSc patients using SWE during a five-year follow-up. Methods Skin stiffness [i.e. shear-wave velocity values (SWV) in m/s] was assessed by SWE ultrasound (using virtual touch image quantification) at the 17 sites of the mRSS, in each participant, at baseline and follow-up. mRSS was performed at both time points. Differences between groups were analysed using the related-samples Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and the Mann–Whitney U test. Results We included 21 patients [85.7% females; mean age 56.3 (10.4) years at baseline, 57.1% with limited SSc] and, 15 healthy controls [73.3% females; mean age 53.6 (14.1) years)]. The median follow-up was 4.9 (0.4) years. Skin stiffness decreased significantly at all Rodnan sites (p≤0.001), (except in the fingers), in SSc patients, over time. The same phenomenon occurred in controls, but to a lesser degree, in terms of percentage change. The percentage reduction in skin stiffness varied in the different Rodnan sites and in different phases of the disease. In addition, SWV values also decreased significantly in 15/16 skin sites with local normal Rodnan at baseline, whereas local Rodnan skin score only changed significantly in the upperarm (p=0.046) and forearm (p=0.026). Conclusion This study provides first-time evidence suggesting that skin SWV values are more sensitive to change over time than mRSS, and reduce significantly over time in SSc and normal controls.
Developmental transcriptome and genes related to skin appendage differentiation in hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)
Authors: Li Hui-Ming , Yang Bi-Ze , Zhang Xiu-Juan , Li Lin-Miao , Jiang Hai-Ying , Chen Jinping
Published: December 2019

Background Hedgehog spines are skin appendages that have evolved as a result of the interaction of their skin with the environment. However, such a differentiation mechanism during skin development leads to a high skin appendage diversity, the origins of which are still not fully understood. Spine-skin and hair-skin offer a natural model for the analysis of the genomic basis for the evolution of epidermal appendage formation. We performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of hedgehog ( Atelerix albiventris ) at multiple developmental stages, and tried to explore the genetic basis for differentiation and development and the resulting expression of the spine-trait. Results A total 15,158 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. We determined the gene modules and programs corresponding to the various phenotypic traits at different developmental stages by WGCNA analysis. Objective analysis of gene module expression revealed that HIPPO, TGFB, MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways regulate the activation and cell proliferation and differentiation at the skin-appendage development stage. Further, the key genes encoding keratin, FGF, TEAD, and other proteins regulate molecular localization and the cell cycle for hair development and differentiation. Finally, we found a number of highly expressed immune genes in the skin, suggesting that hedgehog spines, unlike pangolin scales, have evolved independently to protect against predators rather than compensate for low autoimmune immunity. Conclusions The variability of gene expression profiles of hair-type and spine-type at multiple development stages, and key candidate genes and pathways at the molecular level might provide evidence that can help elucidate the genetic basis of skin appendage development and differentiation of hedgehog.
Potential of Zymomonas mobilis as an electricity producer in ethanol production
Authors: Geng Bo-Yu , Cao Lian-Ying , Li Feng , Song Hao , Liu Chen-Guang , Zhao Xin-Qing , Bai Feng-Wu
Published: December 2019

Background Microbial fuel cell (MFC) convokes microorganism as workhorse to convert biomass into electricity. However, most well-known electrogenic strains can not directly use glucose to produce valuable products. Zymomonas mobilis , a promising bacterial for ethanol production, owns special Entner-Doudoroff pathway with less ATP and biomass produced and the low energy-coupling respiration, making Z. mobilis a potential exoelectrogen. Results A glucose-consumed MFC is constructed by inoculating Z. mobilis . The electricity with power density 2.0 mW m -2 is derived from the difference of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) between anode and cathode chambers. Besides, two-type electricity generation is observed as glucose-independent process and glucose-dependent process. For the sake of enhancing MFC efficiency, extracellular and intracellular strategies are implemented. Biofilm removal and addition of c -type cytochrome benefits electricity performance and Tween 80 accelerates the electricity generation. Perturbation of cellular redox balance compromises the electricity output, indicating that redox homeostasis is the principal requirement to reach idea voltage. Conclusion This study identifies potential feature of electricity activity for Z. mobilis and provides multiple strategies to enhance the electricity output. Therefore, additional electricity generation will benefit the techno-economic viability of the commercial bulk production for biochemicals or biofuels in an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner.
Variation of rhizosphere bacterial community diversity in the desert ephemeral plant Ferula sinkiangensis across environmental gradients
Authors: Tao Zhang , Li Dang Han , Ke Wang Zhong , Hua Lv Xin , Li Zhuang
Published: December 2019

Background Ferula sinkiangensis is a desert short-lived medicinal plant, and its number is rapidly decreasing. Rhizosphere microbial community plays an important role in regulating global biogeochemical cycle, plant growth and adaptability. However, the Ferula sinkiangensis bacterial community and the processes that drive its assembly remain unclear. Results In this study, based on Illumina HiSeq high-throughput sequencing, we explored the diversity, structure and composition of Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere bacterial communities at different slope positions (upper, middle and bottom) and soil depths (0-10 cm, 10-25 cm, 25-40 cm) and their correlation with soil physicochemical properties. Actinobacteria (22.7%), Proteobacteria (18.6%), Acidobacteria (14.0%), Gemmatimonadetes (10.1%), Cyanobacteria (7.9%), Bacteroidetes (6.9%), Planctomycetes (3.9%), Verrucomicrobia (3.5%), Firmicutes (3.4%) and Chloroflexi (3.2%) were the dominant bacterial phyla in Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere soil. Variance analysis showed that the diversity and abundance of rhizosphere bacterial community in Ferula sinkiangensis were significantly different at various slope positions and soil depths. Specifically, the diversity of bacterial community was significantly higher at the top than the bottom of the slope, and the diversity and richness of bacterial community were significantly greater in the 0-10cm than the 25-40cm soil layer. Linear discriminant effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed the specific phyla and genera of bacteria affected by slope position and soil depth. For example, Planctomycetes, Sphingomonas , Rubrobacter and Adhaeribacter by slope position and significant impact on soil depth. In addition, distance-based redundancy analysis (db-RDA) and variance analysis showed that soil physicochemical factors jointly explained 29.81% of variation in Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere bacterial community structure. There was a significant positive correlation between available phosphorus（AP）and the diversity of Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere bacterial community ( p < 0.01), whereas pH largely explained the variation of Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere bacterial community structure (5.58%, p < 0.01), followed by altitude (5.53%), total salt (TS, 5.21%) and total phosphorus (TP, 4.90%). Conclusion Our results revealed the heterogeneity and variation trends of Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere bacterial community diversity and abundance on a fine spatial scale (slope position and depth) and shed new light on the interaction mechanisms between Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere bacterial community and soil physicochemical properties.
Software-based simulation for preprocedural assessment of Tubridge flow diverter sizing: a validation study
Authors: Li Jia-nan , Obradó Laura , Larrabide Ignacio , Fernández Héctor , Lv Nan , Li Qiang , Yang Peng-fei , Huang Qing-hai , Xu Yi , Hong Bo , Liu Jian-min , Fang Yi-bin
Published: December 2019

Background: The purpose of this single-center retrospective review was to validate the use of a software-based simulation of Tubridge flow diverter (FD) in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. In a single-center cohort of 17 patients undergoing aneurysm treatment with the Tubridge flow divert, we analyzed their pre- and post-procedural angiographic studies to compare the manufacturer-given nominal length (NL), software calculated simulated length (SL), and the actual measured length (ML) of the flow divert using software. Results: Data for the 3 lengths of all 17 patients treated with Tubridge flow diverts were collected and analyzed in this study. Error discrepancy was calculated by mean squared error (ML to NL 10.64; SL to NL 9.95 p>0.05), mean absolute error (ML to NL 2.64; SL to NL 2.60 p>0.05), and mean error (NL to ML 1.26; SL to ML 2.59 p>0.05). Conclusions: The SL was usually greater than the NL given by the manufacturer, indicating significant change in length in most cases. The residual comparing the ML to the NL was significant, as was when comparing the SL to the NL. The assessment of the Tubridge flow diverter using software simulation is safe and effective and the accurate calculating of FD length contributed to the right-sized FD for optimal placement in intracranial vasculature.
Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation mode based on deep sedation combined with nerve block improve postoperative pulmonary function in elderly patients undergoing hip arthroplasty:a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Yang , Li Yun , Fan Di , Li Rui , Hu Xianwen , Zhang Ye
Published: December 2019

Background: Hip arthroplasty is currently the gold standard for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. General anesthesia is common in hip arthroplasty and usually requires mechanical ventilation. Elderly patients are prone to various complications, notably pulmonary complications that occur due to poor cardiac-pulmonary function following surgery.Methods: The anesthesia method used in the patients undergoing hip arthroplasty in the present study was mainly based on nerve blocks combined with deep sedation. Patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the different ventilation modes. Subsequently, the differences between the two groups were evaluated by observing the intraoperative airway pressure, the perioperative blood gas analysis, the pulmonary function and the postoperative pulmonary infection score.Results: A total of 63 patients were finally enrolled and analyzed, of which 31 were with Volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) and 32 with Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV). The airway pressure at the 0.5h and 1h after the insertion of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and clinical pulmonary infection scores at the time of postoperative day3 and day5 in the SIMV group were significantly lower than that of the VCV group（P<0.05）. In spite of the results indicated that both groups of patients underwent a decline in pulmonary function an blood gas postoperatively, the mean values of the parameters of pulmonary function and blood gas analysis in the SIMV group from the time periods T1 to T3 were better than those of the VCV group(P<0.05).Conclusions: The SIMV mode can improve postoperative pulmonary function and reduce postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), such as pulmonary infection compared with the VCV group. This leads to lung-protective ventilation. This mode should be used to optimize anesthesia-related strategies and to accelerate the rapid postoperative recovery of the patients.
Assessing Lumbar Paraspinal Muscle Cross-sectional Area and Fat Composition with T1 versus T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Reliability and Concurrent Validity.
Authors: Cooley Jeffrey , Hebert Jeffrey , de Zoete Annemarie , Jensen Tue , Algra Paul , Kjaer Per , Walker Bruce
Published: December 2019

Background: Studies using magnetic resonance imaging to assess lumbar multifidus cross-sectional area frequently utilize T1 or T2-weighted sequences, but seldom provide the rationale for their sequence choice. However, technical considerations between their acquisition protocols could impact on the ability to assess lumbar multifidus anatomy or its fat/muscle distinction. Our objectives were to examine the concurrent validity of lumbar multifidus morphology measures of T2 compared to T1-weighted sequences, and to assess the reliability of repeated lumbar multifidus measures. Methods: The lumbar multifidus total cross-sectional area from 360 muscles was measured bilaterally at L4 and L5, with histogram analysis determining the muscle/fat threshold values per muscle. Images were later re-randomized and re-assessed for intra-rater reliability. Matched images were visually rated for consistency of outlining between both image sequences. Bland-Altman bias, limits of agreement, and plots were calculated for differences in total cross-sectional area and percentage fat between and within sequences, and intra-rater reliability analysed. Results: T1-weighted total cross-sectional area measures were systematically larger than T2 (0.2 cm2), with limits of agreement <±10% at both spinal levels. For percentage fat, no systematic bias occurred, but limits of agreement approached ±15%. Visually, muscle outlining was consistent between sequences, with substantial mismatches occurring in <5% of cases. Intra-rater reliability was excellent (ICC: 0.981 – 0.998); with bias and limits of agreement less than 1% and ±5%, respectively. Conclusion: Total cross-sectional area measures and outlining of muscle boundaries were consistent between sequences, and intra-rater reliability for total cross-sectional area and percentage fat was high indicating that either MRI sequence could be used interchangeably for this purpose. However, further studies comparing the accuracy of various methods for distinguishing fat from muscle are recommended.
Tumor-mediated shape-transformable nanogels with pH/redox/enzymatic-sensitivity for anticancer therapy
Authors: Zhou Dong , Liu Sainan , Hu Yongjun , Yang Shiwei , Zhao Bing , Zheng Kaikai , Zhang Yuhong , He Peixin , Mo Guoyan , Li Yulin
Published: December 2019

BackgroundDelivery of anticancer drug(s) throughout tumor tissues is critical for cancer therapy. However, most current nanomedicines lack sufficient tumor permeability due to their bulky size (100 ~ 200 nm), which is a main reason for clinical failure in tumor chemotherapy up to now.ResultsTo overcome this challenge, we developed a kind of tumor-mediated transformable chitosan-based nanocarriers with surface-charge adjustability via self-assembly and double-crosslinking approach. Their surface-charge variation allowed for selective administration of drugs of specific charges. The nanomedicine maintained good colloidal stability, and upon arrival under the reducible and lysozyme-expressed microenvironments mimicking tumor tissues, one nanomedicine was cleaved to release around one thousand ultrasmall nanovesicles (4 ± 1 nm). This size transformability allowed for their passing through the depth of solid tumor tissues to achieve an effective therapeutic delivery into cancer cells to enhance antitumor efficacy, suggesting its potential use as a platform for therapeutic delivery.ConclusionsOur work provide a strategy to develop tumor-stimulative shape-transformable nanoplatform for anticancer drug delivery.
Observational Study Comparing Efficacy and Safety Between Preoperative Neoadjuvant Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy and Chemotherapy for Patients with Unresectable Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yeh Yung-Sung , Huang Ming-Yii , Ma Cheng-Jen , Huang Ching-Wen , Tsai Hsiang-Lin , Chen Yen-Cheng , Li Ching-Chun , Yu Fang-Jung , Shih Hsiang-Yao , Wang Jaw-Yuan
Published: December 2019

Background: Dismal outcomes in patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (GC) highlights the need for effective systemic neoadjuvant treatment strategies to improve clinical results. Neoadjuvant multimodality strategies vary widely. This study compared the efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of preoperative neoadjuvant CCRT and chemotherapy for such patients.Methods: Sixty-five patients with histologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic GC following neoadjuvant CCRT or computed tomography (CT) were retrospectively enrolled between January 2010 and April 2019. Clinical outcomes included response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), and toxicity was compared between the two groups.Results: Of the 65 patients, 18 (27.7%) were in the response group (2 patients with complete response and 16 with partial response) and 47 (72.3%) in the nonresponse group (29 patients with stable disease and 18 with progressive disease). Multivariate analysis revealed no independent response predictor between CCRT and CT groups (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, results revealed no statistical differences in toxicity between the two groups (all P > 0.05). With a follow-up median of 12 months (ranging 6–48 months), 12-month OS and PFS were 39.7% and 20.4% in the CCRT group and 30.3% and 13.2% in the chemotherapy group, respectively. The median OS and PFS were 14.0 months (95% CI 9.661–18.339) and 9.0 months (95% CI 6.805–11.195) in the CCRT group and 10.0 months (95% CI 6.523–13.477) and 8.0 months (95% CI 6.927–9.073) in the CT group, respectively. Both OS (P = 0.011) and PFS (P = 0.008) in patients with CCRT were significantly better than those in patients with chemotherapy alone. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant CCRT achieved more favorable OS and PFS than did neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, without significant increases of toxicity in patients. However, prospective randomized trials comparing treatment modalities are necessary to confirm potential advantages of preoperative neoadjuvant CCRT.