bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between HOXA10 (rs267601473) polymorphism and recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Mazdapour Manouchehr , DehghaniAshkezari Mahmood , Seifati SeyedMorteza
Published: June 2019

Introduction: Recurrent spontaneous abortion is defined as the occurrence of more than two clinical miscarriages in one woman. Several factors, including endocrine irregularities, genetics and environmental factors, are involved in this kind of infertility.The aim of this study was to survey the association of HOXA10 (rs267601473) polymorphism with the risk of recurrent spontaneous abortion in our population.
Methods: In the present case-control study, the HOXA10 (rs267601473) polymorphism was investigated in 70 infertile woman and 100 healthy participants using PCR-RFLP methods. Then, the data were analyzed by SPSS software version 18 and also were compared using Chi-square test and Logistic regression model. The p-value was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05).
Results: Our results showed significant association between the HOXA10 (rs267601473) polymorphism and recurrent spontaneous abortion (OR=0.143, 95% CI=0.056-0.368; p<0.0001). Our findings showed that T allele frequency in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion had significant difference compared to the control group (OR=0.2, 95% CI=0.11-0.4; p<0.0001).
Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that the HOXA10 (rs267601473) polymorphism is significantly associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion in our population.
A comparative study on the effects of Linum usitatissimum and Rosa domascena hydro-alcoholic extracts on body weight, thyroid hormones, and lipids profiles in rats
Authors: Adibi Amir , Khoshvaghti Ameneh
Published: June 2019

Introdution: Thyroid gland has a major function in the metabolism. Overweight lead to cardiovascular diseases. Linum usitatissimum and Rosa domascena are used in traditional medicine for weight loss.This study was done for find the mechanism of these plants; also compare their effects on weight, thyroid hormones, and lipids profile in rats.
Methods: 36 Wistar male rats were studied (control and 5 experimental groups) for 28 days. One day after the last intraperitoneally injection, rats were weighted, blood sampling was done and sera were separated. Lipids and thyroid hormones were assayed by biochemistry and Immunoassay methods, respectively. Data were analyzed at P<0.5 level, by ANOVA, one way and t test via SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL; version 18.
Results: Increases in T3 hormone in all groups (except the group receiving Rosa domascena at a dose of mg/kg500) and decreases in TSH in all groups compared to the control group were observed (P≤0.05). Weight loss was shown in all studied rats (group1 P=0.03, group2 P= 0.042, groups3, 4, 5 P=0.000). In all groups, the levels of triglyceride decreased (groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 P=0.034, 0.05, 0.03, 0.02, 0.03). There were increase in the HDL and decrease in the VLDL in groups receiving high dose of Linum usitatissimum and Rosa domascena, as well as the group receiving these two extracts simultaneously, in comparison with the control group (P≤0.05). LDL level, in group 5, was lower compared to the control group (P≤0.05).
Conclusion: Rosa domascena and Linum usitatissimum increase T3 and decrease TSH, these lead to reduction in lipid index and ultimately a loss in weight.The effect of Rosa domascena is more significant than Linum usitatissimum.
FACTORS TRIGGERING ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR, FAILURE AND SUCCESS: A CASE STUDY OF A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION
Authors: Dermawan Rizky , Handayani Wiwik
Published: June 2019

Purpose  of  Study: In today's digital era, every individual is claimed must be able to create and innovate in order to be able to thrive in the future so that the resilience of the company will be strengthened. Currently  higher education institution is in need of change in order to maintain the survival and development within the competitive world. Organizational citizenship behavior, is a role that exceed the basic obligations undertaken by an employee. This research aims to reveal the influence of transformational leadership, organizational climate, work motivation, and job satisfaction towards Organizational citizenship behavior. Methodology: Data was retrieved via survey method using questionnairesmethod of data collection. The population of the present srudy is thelecturers of Pembangunan Nasional "Veteran" University of East Java. Purposive sampling method has been used, with approximately 187 lecturers already working for more than 5 years. Hypothesis testing are conducted using Partial Least Square analysis (PLS). Main Findings:The results exhibited thattwo hypotheses were accepted and two other hypotheses were rejected. Organizational climate and job satisfaction have an influence on Organizational citizenship behavior,  while transformational leadership and work motivation have no effect toward Organizational citizenship behavior. Implications/ Applications: The results provide a guidance for the reasons for success and failure of OCB. The success of OCB is characterized by an organizational climate that is able to improve performance and provide job satisfaction. Whereas the failure of OCB implementation was caused by transformational leadership who were unable to change behavior and motivated lecturers to voluntarily help friends in doing their jobs.Based on the findings, it is suitable to emphasise the need for improving workplace climate as well as job satisfaction. Employers that would like to retain talented academics in their academic institutions should not be concerned about leadership quality and work motivation which has no impact on the citizenship behaviour. The insights are particularly useful in the case of Indonesia trying to develop its national education system to be on par with more developed economies and produce graduates who are employable on a global scale.
BRAND PREFERENCES IN MUSLIMAH FASHION INDUSTRIES: AN INSIGHT OF FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Amer Afizan , Md. Jani Siti Hajar , Ibrahim Irwan , Abd Aziz Noor Azam
Published: June 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to have better insight regarding come out with a conceptual framework in studying the brand preference in Islamic Muslimah fashion industry development.Muslimah fashion industries are areas that have attracted attention, especially after the recent wave among brand endorser such an artist increases their level of awareness towards the religious and affected way of their attire. This study highlights a significant shift in consumers' behavior regarding brand preferences and investigates the motives behind such moves. 

Methodology: This paper explores the three independent variables and gathers findings from qualitative data through the literature on factors influencing customers' preferences for Muslimah fashion.Future branding empirical research would include these elements as items in building up the survey instrument.

 Results: The results show that uniqueness, price, and celebrity endorser are among the determining factors that influence customers' preferences in making decisions. 

 Implications: Understanding customers' preferences on Muslimah fashion are crucial for a company that operates in fashion industries due to such a highly competitive industry and rapid change on taste and preference. Having a good understanding of the real motives behind customers' preferences on Muslimah fashion will help the business organization to understand customers better.These results will eventually be used for developing a conceptual framework to be used for future empirical research.
Comorbidities in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adult inhabitants of Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
Authors: Niewiadomska Ewa , Kowalska Małgorzata , Zejda Jan
Published: June 2019

Wstęp

Przewlekła obturacyjna choroba płuc (POChP) i astma to przewlekłe choroby układu oddechowego, których częstość występowania rośnie. Wraz z wiekiem może dojść do nakładania się obydwu chorób (asthma-COPD overlap syndrome – ACOS). Brak stosownych danych w Polsce uzasadnia badanie sytuacji epidemiologicznej w tym zakresie. Celem pracy była ocena częstości występowania chorób współtowarzyszących astmie i POChP oraz oszacowanie możliwości nakładania się obydwu chorób w woj. śląskim wraz z oceną kosztów leczenia szpitalnego w ramach środków Narodowego Funduszu Zdrowia (NFZ).

Materiał i metody

W badaniu przeanalizowano wtórne dane epidemiologiczne dotyczące rejestrowanych przez NFZ świadczeń medycznych w woj. śląskim w latach 2006–2010. Oceniono czasowe zróżnicowanie standaryzowanych współczynników opisujących liczbę nowych zachorowań na POChP oraz astmę wśród osób dorosłych (wiek ≥ 19 lat) oraz przeanalizowano strukturę chorób współistniejących.

Wyniki

Liczba nowych zachorowań na astmę i POChP utrzymywała się na wysokim poziomie, odpowiednio od 392,3 (2008 r.) do 469,6 (2007 r.)/100 000 i od 470,7 (2010 r.) do 656,9 (2007 r.)/100 000 dorosłych mieszkańców. Spośród chorób współistniejących dominowały choroby układu sercowo-naczyniowego, przewlekłe i infekcyjne choroby układu oddechowego oraz choroby metaboliczne. Astma i POChP częściej współwystępowały u osób starszych, co zostało potwierdzone u 5% chorych. Średni jednostkowy koszt leczenia szpitalnego astmy i POChP wynosił odpowiednio 2533,63 PLN i 2013,15 PLN.

Wnioski

Liczba pierwszorazowych hospitalizacji z powodu POChP jest 2-krotnie większa niż z powodu astmy. Hospitalizacja pacjentów wiąże się z koniecznością leczenia chorób współistniejących, najczęściej chorób sercowo-naczyniowych. Zespół ACOS dotyczył 5% chorych. Chociaż jednostkowy koszt leczenia pacjenta z astmą jest większy niż chorego z POChP, to mniejsza liczba hospitalizowanych przekłada się na 2-krotnie mniejszy roczny koszt leczenia choroby w stosunku do kosztu leczenia POChP.
ABRIR MÃO, BATER CABEÇA OU PÔR AS BARBAS DE MOLHO?
Authors: De Souza Davi Pereira , Razky Abdelhak
Published: June 2019

Este artigo, recorte da dissertação de Souza (2018), apresenta e descreve as sequências cristalizadas que se mostraram produtivas no agrupamento temático partes do corpo. O corpus da pesquisa foi organizado de forma semiautomática, usando-se o software WordSmith Tools, versão 5.0 (SCOTT, 2008). Teoricamente, segue-se a vertente francesa de Fraseologia, a partir de Mejri (1997, 1998, 2012). A distribuição das unidades em agrupamentos temáticos considera a orientação referencial como uma das possibilidades de cotejamento das expressões idiomáticas (ORTIZ ALVAREZ, 2000). Os resultados demonstram a ocorrência de 93 fraseologismos que fazem alusão a 26 partes do corpo, constituindo base para mecanismos semânticos.
CONSTRUINDO A IDENTIDADE DOCENTE
Authors: Musachi Vania Romancini
Published: June 2019

Considerando um cenário no qual a identidade docente tem sido amplamente discutida, este artigo objetiva compreender como estudiosos – Stuart Hall, Zygmunt Bauman, Kathryn Woodward, Tomaz Tadeu da Silva – definem identidade, além de abordar conceitos sobre a identidade docente. Busca-se, ainda, mostrar que as identidades são representações simbólicas e influenciadas por um amplo contexto (social, cultural, político). Para reflexão do tema foi realizada uma entrevista com a professora Doutora Marieta Prata de Lima Dias que traz contribuições para compreender a identidade do professor, concluindo-se que a identidade docente é construída e reconstruída ao longo do tempo e mediada pelos contextos de vida dos professores.
Palavras-chave: Linguística; Linguística Aplicada; Identidade; Formação Docente; Entrevista.
A Huntington’s Disease (HD) Phenocopy Leads to the Identification of the HD Toxin as Polyalanine. The Relationship Between Repeat Length and Age of Onset Can Be Reframed as a Rate Equation and the Toxic Polyalanine Length Is Found to Be about 30.6.
Authors: Tarnow Eugen
Published: June 2019

Huntington’s disease (HD) is one of the most well defined “repeat diseases”, associated with a short repeated genetic sequence, CAG.First, taking into account that a phenocopy of HD has a different repeat that is associated with a different gene, I suggest that the gene is not important for HD, only the repeat sequence is important, in agreement with Lee et al (2019) who reached the same conclusion using a GWAS technique.Second, taking into account that a phenocopy of HD has a CTG repeat rather than a CAG repeat, and that the toxin should be the same for both disease types and that the third base in a codon is the least important, I suggest that the reading frame is shifted for the repeat expansions and that the A/T substitution takes place on the third base. The most likely sense and antisense reading frames are then (GCA)n and (GCT)n and (GCT)n and (GCA)n and the corresponding amino acid is polyalanine.Third, the more repeats, the earlier the HD onset (Brinkman et al, 1997; Wexler, 2004). I suggest that this relationship can be thought of as a rate equation. If the concentration is proportional to the probability of creating a polyalanine of length m in a repeat expansion of length n, the corresponding equation is borne out by the data on age of onset and repeat length and m is found to be about 30.6. This explains for the first time, at least approximately, why HD is not active unless there are at least 36 CAG repeats.If true, HD may be the first disease where frameshifting is the cause of the disease.
On the Usefulness of the Modern Analog Approach to Interpret High Resolution Records: The Case of Varved Sediments from Lake Montcortès (Central Pyrenees)
Authors: Vegas-Vilarrúbia Teresa , Rull Valenti , Trapote Maria del Carmen , Cao Min , Rosell-Melé Antoni , Buchaca Teresa , Gomà Joan , López Pilar , Sigro Javier , Safont Elisabet , Cañellas Núria , Garcés-Pastor Sandra , Giralt Santiago , CORELLA JUAN PABLO , Pérez-Zanón Núria
Published: June 2019

In the Quaternary paleosciences, the rationale behind analogical inference presupposes that former natural changes can be explained by causes operating now, although their intensity and rates can vary through time. In this paper we synthesise synthetize the results of different modern analog studies and discuss their value to obtain the best inferences from high resolution past records. This synthesis is based on the following: 1) The monthly monitoring of calcite precipitation reveals a strong connection with primary producers and between-years variability; this precipitation produces a seasonal signal with imprint on varve formation. 2) Clear pollen sedimentation peaks occur in spring/summer and fall/winter that coincide with temperature, precipitation, relative humidity and winds; this pattern converges with the two-layer coupled varves representing the same seasonality. 3) We assess the lake’s contemporary oxygenation dynamics over a three- year period; a combination of sedimentary REDOX proxies revealed different scenarios of oxic/anoxic shifts since 1500 CE. 4) We investigate presence of seasonality in the production/distribution of glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers and derived temperature estimates in soils and particulate matter. Branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers signatures and some derived temperature estimates proxies appear to mainly depend on the non-seasonal shifts in soil properties. 5) Currently we examine relationships and similarities between extant phytoplankton and derived pigments in water and traps, and their correspondence with subfossil pigments; some preliminary results are presented here.Keywords: high resolution, endogenic varves, calcite precipitation, pollen sedimentation, meromixis, freshwater glycerol dialkyl tetraether, subfossil pigments, long-term ecology.
Asymmetrical Modes of Outdoor Lighting Lines
Authors: Kozlovskaya V. B. , Kalechyts V. N.
Published: June 2019

Asymmetrical modes of the outdoor lighting network can be caused by disconnecting of a part of the luminaires in order to electrical energy savings at night; also – by asymmetry of voltage in power points. The possible alternative symmetric modes of energy saving to replace the incomplete-phase operation of the line have been analyzed. Calculations of various symmetric and asymmetric modes of the lighting line were carried out without taking into account and taking into account high harmonics up to the 39th one. Calculations have been performed with the programs of MathCad software. As light sources, in the calculations the widely used luminaries with high-pressure sodium arc lamps connected through electromagnetic start-up equipment were considered. Such luminaries are sources of high harmonics, and they distort the sinusoidal voltage. The values of currents, power, power loss, voltage drop in all areas of the lighting line, the voltage at the terminals of the lamps for each phase (operating parameters) are determined. The diagrams of the voltage distribution at the points of the lighting line are plotted for the considered modes of operation. The annual electric power consumption of the lighting line has been calculated for different variants of operation, and the obtained results have been compared. When refusing to disconnection of part of the luminaires at night and using a smooth transition to a lower voltage (symmetrical) at a power point or using two-stage ballast devices, uneven illumination appears less when the level of electricity consumption is comparable. The presence of voltage asymmetry at the power point, as well as the disconnection of one phase, leads to an increase in currents, power losses and voltage. The current in the zero working conductor can exceed the currents in the phase conductors (when calculated taking into account the higher harmonics). Accounting for higher harmonics allows one to determine the operating parameters more accurately, on the basis of which the electricity power consumption can be estimated.
Numerical Simulation of Two-Phase System of “Combustible Liquid – Solid Fuel” Combustion in a Fixed Bed
Authors: Dobrego K. V. , Koznacheev I. A.
Published: June 2019

Investigation of combustion of complex heterogeneous systems and particularly of twophase “combustible liquid – solid fuel” systems is topical because of the need to improve combustion of multicomponent and non-standard fuels as well as for resolution of specific ecological problems. The qualitative and quantitative peculiarities of combustion of two model combustible systems, notionally corresponding to the “sawdust – oil” and “wood chips – oil” mixtures are investigated numerically. The main peculiarity of the systems is volatility of the fluid component, being gaseous-flow driven inside porous media. A one-dimensional plain problem of combustion of compact layer with the ignition from the bottom and from the upper side is considered. It is demonstrated that due to low gas permeability of the fine-dispersed solid matrix (sawdust), air flow velocity is relatively low which results in slow formation of the combustion front (the characteristic time is tens of minutes). In case of coarse solid phase (wood chips), airflow rate is higher and corresponding time of temperature fronts formation is smaller (a few minutes). Both for the cases of fine-dispersed and coarse particles solid matrix phase, when set on fire from below, the fluid component is evacuated from the hot zone before the combustion front is formed. Since that, the main characteristics of the temperature front dynamics correspond to “dry” fuel system. In case of upper side ignition the combustion wave is formed at the time of the order of 100 s (when the used magnitudes of parameters are being used again), then it spreads downstream of the layer, accompanied by incomplete oxidation of solid fuel and complete combustion of oxygen. The effect of incomplete solid fuel combustion was noted earlier in the investigations of combustion of lean coal layer and some other systems. The velocity of the combustion wave propagation does not differ much for the cases of upper side and bottom side ignition. But the time of establishing the quasi-stationary velocity of the front to the steady-state value at the initial stage is much less in case of bottom side ignition. The results obtained by the authors can be utilized for optimization of multi-phase fuels combustion in compact layer, the regime parameters of in-situ combustion method of oil recovery increase as well as for improvement of some specific chemical processes.
The Importance of Clean Off-Plane Perforations in all Phases of a Deepwater Well and its Productivity Impact
Authors: Mahadev Karthik A. , Haldipur Prashant , Tinker Steven J. , Stewart Carlos , Roy Alistair M.
Published: June 2019

High–permeability reservoirs in deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GOM) have been completed with frac packs, resulting in high–production–rate wells. The initial production rates for these wells range from 3,000 B/D to almost 40,000 B/D; and these rates can be sustained over extended periods of time (several years). Most of these developments in the GOM require sand control with cased hole frac packs (CHFPs) as the preferred completion technique. In addition to providing reliable sand control, frac packs result in relatively low skin by bypassing near–wellbore damage. During the past few years, operators have focused on reducing skin and improving the production from these wells, leading to a more detailed analysis of frac–pack performance. This paper will demonstrate that in high–permeability reservoirs, production from the off–plane perforations is as important as production from the fracture. It examines the theoretical basis of the contribution of off–plane perforations to total flow and demonstrates the adverse effect on this contribution because of damage from drilling fluids and solids, cementing spacers and solids, fluid–loss materials, perforating debris, wellbore debris, and crosslinked gel. Three case histories are analyzed to evaluate and quantify these effects and to show that the lower the conductivity contrast between the (high permeability) reservoir and the fracture, the higher the production benefit that can be realized by effectively cleaning the off–plane perforations.
Influence of Virtual Reality on Visual Fuctions: Immersive Versus Non-Immersive Mode
Authors: Yoon Hyeon Jeong , Kim Jonghwa , Park Sang Woo , Heo Hwan
Published: June 2019

Background

To investigate differences in refraction, accommodative factors, ocular parameters, and subjective symptoms after using two types of virtual reality (VR) content with different perception depths.

Methods

Twenty-three volunteers, who played VR games in two modes (immersive and non-immersive) for 30 min, were enrolled. Ocular parameters were examined before and after using VR. Accommodative factors were measured using static and dynamic methods, and subjective symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire. Differences according to VR content and correlations between each ocular parameter were analyzed.

Results

There were no changes in refraction and accommodative factors after use of the VR. However, there was a significant increase in near point accommodation (NPA), near point convergence (NPC), and subjective symptom scores after using the immersive mode. Correlation analysis revealed that NPA and accommodative lag were increased in subjects with exophoria, and that subjects with high NPA or NPC were more likely to exhibit an increase in mean accommodative lag.

Conclusions

The use of VR for 30 min reduced NPA and NPC especially after the immersive mode was used. In addition, using VR could further increase accommodation lag and reduce the amplitude of accommodation and convergence in subjects with exophoria.
Prognostic factors and clinical outcome in a rare form of spastic paraplegia (Spoan syndrome): a 10-year follow-up
Authors: Galvão Cláudia R. C. , Cavalcante Priscilla M. A. , Olinda Ricardo , Graciani Zodja , Zatz Mayana , Kok Fernando , Santos Silvana , Lancman Selma
Published: June 2019

Background: Spastic paraplegia, optic atrophy and neuropathy (Spoan syndrome) is an autosomal recessive disease with approximately 70 cases recorded in Brazil and Egypt. Methods: This is a prospective longitudinal study performed with 47 patients affected with Spoan syndrome of seven communities of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil) to investigate prognostic factors and clinical outcome based on comparative data obtained from a 10-year follow-up. Results: The mean age of the participants was 47.21±12.42 years old, and the mean ages at loss of ambulation and hand function were 10.78±5.55 and 33.58±17.47 years old, respectively. Spearman’s correlation analysis between the score on the Modified Barthel Index and the investigated variables evidenced statistical significance for age (p<0.001) and right- and left-hand grip strength (p=0.042 and p=0.021, respectively). Statistical significance was not evidenced for the remainder of the variables, including age at onset of symptoms (p=0.634), age at loss of ambulation (p=0.664) and age at loss of hand function (p=0.118). Conclusions: Our analysis allows asserting that the participants exhibited slight dependence until age 35. The greatest losses occurred from ages 35 to 41, and starting at 50, practically all patients become completely dependent. In fact, age is the main prognostic factor of impaired motor function among Spoan syndrome patients.
Effect of a rescue or recurrence dose of lasmiditan on efficacy and safety in the acute treatment of migraine: Findings from the Phase 3 trials (SAMURAI and SPARTAN)
Authors: Loo Li Shen , Plato Brian , Turner Ira , Case Michael , Raskin Joel , dowsett sherie , Krege John
Published: June 2019

Background

We studied the efficacy and safety of a second dose of lasmiditan for acute treatment of migraine.

Methods

SAMURAI and SPARTAN were double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 studies in which individuals with migraine were randomized to oral lasmiditan 50mg (SPARTAN only), 100mg, 200mg, or placebo. Study drug was to be taken within 4 hours (h) of onset of a migraine attack (moderate or severe pain). A second dose of study drug was provided for rescue (patient not pain-free at 2h and took a second dose 2-24h post-first dose) or recurrence (patient pain-free at 2h, but experienced recurrence of mild, moderate, or severe migraine pain and took a second dose 2-24h after first dose). Randomization to second dose occurred at baseline; patients originally assigned lasmiditan were randomized to the same lasmiditan dose or placebo (2:1 ratio), and those originally assigned placebo received placebo. Data from SAMURAI and SPARTAN were pooled for efficacy and safety assessment of a second dose of lasmiditan.

Results

The proportion of patients taking a second dose was lower with lasmiditan versus placebo, and decreased with increasing lasmiditan dose; the majority who took a second dose did so for rescue. In patients taking lasmiditan as first dose, outcomes (pain free, most bothersome symptom [MBS] free) at 2h after a second dose for rescue were similar whether the second dose was lasmiditan or placebo (p>0.05 in all cases). In patients taking lasmiditan for first dose, outcomes at 2h after a second dose for recurrence were as follows: lasmiditan pooled versus placebo - pain free, 50% vs 32% (p>0.05); MBS free, 71% vs 41% (p=0.02); pain relief, 77% vs 52% (p=0.03). In patients whose first dose was lasmiditan, the incidence of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) reported after the second dose was similar whether second dose was lasmiditan or placebo.

Conclusions

A second dose of lasmiditan showed some evidence of efficacy when taken for headache recurrence. There was no clear benefit of a second dose of lasmiditan for rescue treatment. The incidences of TEAEs were similar whether the second dose was lasmiditan or placebo.
The relationship of the type of intracerebral haemorrhage to early disease evolution and long-term prognosis after r-tPA thrombolysis
Authors: cao yungang , Jing Hongfei , Lin Xianda , Yan Jueyue , Zhang Zheng , Ye Zusen , Huang Xiaoyan , Cheng Zicheng , Han Zhao
Published: June 2019

Background: To investigate the relationship of different subtypes of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) to early disease evolution and long-term prognosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction after intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator(r-tPA).
Methods: Seventy ischaemic stroke patients treated with intravenous t-PA who underwent computed tomography (CT) within 24 hours after thrombolysis were divided into four types (haemorrhagic infarction type 1 [HI-1], HI-2, parenchymal haemorrhage type 1 [PH-1], or PH-2). Early evolution of the disease was observed by the change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score within 24 hours after thrombolysis. The long-term prognosis was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at the 3rd month.
Results: There were 17 (24.3%) patients with ICH. Compared with patients in the non-ICH group, HI did not affect early neurological function or clinical outcome at the 3rd month. PH-1 did not increase the risk of early neurological deterioration; however, PH-1 could increase the risk of death at the 3rd month (50% vs 11.3%, P = 0.090). PH-2 was significantly related to early neurological deterioration (66.7% vs 3.8%, P <0.001) and mortality at the 3rd month (50.0% vs 11.3%, P = 0.040).
Conclusion: Patients with different subtypes of ICH after thrombolysis have different clinical outcomes. PH-2 is significantly associated with early neurological deterioration and increases mortality at the 3rd month.
Study on the corneal higher-order aberrations and correlation in patients with different degrees of myopia suitable for wavefront-guided FS-LASIK
Authors: Wu Cheng-Zhe , Cui Xun , Li Zheng-Ri , Cui Hong , Jin Hua , Li Cheng-Lin , Jin Hai-Yan , Li Ying-Jun
Published: June 2019

Background: To investigate the characteristics and distribution of anterior surface wavefront aberrations in patients suitable for corneal refractive surgery. Methods: A total of 121 myopic patients (121 eyes, 18-45 years old) who underwent corneal refractive surgery were randomly selected by the Pentacam anterior segment analysis system with a spherical equivalent (SE) of -0.25 to -10.00 D. The corneal anterior aberrations (total higher-order aberration; spherical aberration; Coma; Trefoil) and Q and K values were detected, and a correlation analysis of the relevant parameters was carried out. Results: The root-mean-square (RMS) of the third to sixth order aberrations of the corneal anterior wavefront aberrations at a 6mm analysis diameter showed a decreasing trend in patients suitable for the corneal refractive surgery, and the RMS of the third order aberrations accounted for 62.92% of the total HOAs. The coma ratio (coma/total cornea higher-order aberrations) was increased with the increasing diopters, while the spherical aberration ratio (spherical aberration/ total cornea higher-order aberrations) was not changed. In addition, the spherical aberration was 0.203±0.082 μm (range: 0.061 to 0.503 μm), and the Q30 was -0.19±0.03 (range: -0.58 to 0.31). There were significant differences in the coma aberrations of preoperative corneal anterior surface (3, 1) between the low, middle and high myopia groups (P=0.013). The spherical equivalent was positively correlated with the corneal coma of the anterior corneal surfaces (R=-0.241, P=0.009), and the Q value was positively correlated with the total higher-order aberrations (R=0.326, P<0.001). Conclusions: Individual wavefront aberrations on the anterior surfaces of the cornea are comparatively different, and the Zernike coefficients are related to the degree of myopia. Spherical aberrations are the most overriding aberrations of the cornea.
Identification of differentially expressed genes for fescue toxicosis in high and low tolerant Angus cows
Authors: Khanal Piush , Sanglard Leticia P , Mayberry Kyle , Sommer Jeffery , Poore Matthew H , Poole Daniel H , Serão Nick V. L.
Published: June 2019

Background
Fescue toxicosis (FT) is the multifaceted syndrome that causes the major loss of revenue in beef industry. Management of FT has been substantial challenge for the beef industry. Little research has been conducted to identify host genetic variation for FT response. Therefore, the objectives of this study were 1) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEG) in animals with contrasting response to fescue toxicosis, 2) to assess the biological relevance of DEG and 3) to investigate the relationships of DEG through gene networks in Angus cows.
Results
Genotype-by-location-by-time interaction was evident, with one location (2,296) having much greater number of DEG (q-value < 0.1) between HT and LT animals than the other (554). In addition, there was a greater number of DEG (q-value < 0.1) between HT and LT animals on week 5 (3,892) than on weeks 1(1,413), 9 (1,384), and 13 (573). So, further analyses focused on DEG between HT and LT animals on week 5 at the most toxic location. The most significant DEG between HT and LT animals had relevant functions associated with FT: cellular growth (SPDYC, HEYL, ANXA13), cardiovascular function (FGB, HBA, WNT11, BPIFB4, MESP2), protein metabolism (ENPP6, MMP8), and immune response (CTBS, SDC2, CXCL13, IL-13, JAKMIP2). The strongest positive partial correlation (0.99) was between CTBS and CXCL13, where CTBS is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and immune function, and CXCL13 is involved in immune, inflammatory, and defense response, and G-protein coupled pathway. The regulation of the most significant DEG between HT and LT animals on week 5 are highly correlated, indicating a complex interaction between. When all DEG were analyzed, the enriched biological processes associated with fescue toxicosis included immune response, cardiovascular function and development, metabolic, cellular and biological processes, and fertilization.
Conclusions
These findings provide potential biomarkers that should be evaluated for selection of cattle with greater tolerance to fescue toxicosis which will help to establish the herd with fescue tolerant cows in regions where high endophyte infected pasture is present.
PCR amplification of a long rDNA segment with one primer pair in agriculturally important nematodes
Authors: Carta L. K. , Li S.
Published: June 2019

Ribosomal DNA has been a reliable source of taxonomic and phylogenetic markers due to its high copy number in the genome and stable variation with few polymorphisms due to the homogenizing effect of concerted evolution. Typically specific regions are amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with multiple primer pairs that generate often incomplete and overlapping regions between adjacent segments of 18S, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, and 28S rDNA nucleotide sequences when combined in tandem. To improve the efficiency of this effort, a strategy for generating all these molecular sequences at once through PCR amplification of a large ribosomal 3.3 to 4.2 kb DNA target was developed using primer 18S-CL-F3 paired with D3B or a new alternative 28S PCR primer (28S-CL-R) and other well-positioned and ribosomal-specific sequencing primers (including novel primers 18S-CL-F7, 18S-CL-R6, 18S-CL-R7, 18S-CL-F8, 5.8S-CL-F1, 5.8S-CL-R1, 28S-CL-F1, 28S-CL-R3, 28S-CL-F3, 28S-CL-R1, and 28S-CL-F2). The D1 region between ITS2 and 28S boundaries and the flanking sequence between 18S and ITS1 boundaries were fully revealed in this large nucleotide segment. To demonstrate the value of this strategy, the long rDNA segment was amplified and directly sequenced in 17 agriculturally important nematodes from the Tylenchida, Aphelenchida, and Dorylaimida. The primers and their positions may be employed with traditional Sanger sequencing and with next-generation sequencing reagents and protocols.
Abandono, reprovação, reforço escolar: respostas de diretores ao questionário contextual da Prova Brasil
Authors: Real Giselle Cristina Martins , Santos Junior José Da Silva , Sousa Sandra Maria Zákia Lian , Martins Angela Maria , Bravo Maria Helena De Aquiar
Published: June 2019

São apresentados resultados de pesquisa que caracterizou iniciativas de diretores municipais do ensino fundamental, via questionário contextual da Prova Brasil 2015, no que tange ao controle do abandono, reprovação, acompanhamento da frequência e ações de reforço escolar. O tratamento estatístico delineou o cenário nacional no que se refere às práticas declaradas por esses diretores, em interlocução com estudos da área. Os dados indicam existência de ações para enfrentamento do tema que, contudo, ainda apresenta índices desafiadores em relação ao abandono e à reprovação em escolas municipais.
An Overview of Injectable Thermo-Responsive Hydrogels and Advances in their Biomedical Applications
Authors: Ávila-Salas Fabián , Durán-Lara Esteban F.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Injectable hydrogels are a thermo-responsive system based on biomaterials.
Injectable hydrogels have been broadly investigated mainly as vehicles or scaffolds of therapeutic
agents that include drugs, proteins, cells, and bioactive molecules among others, utilized in the
treatment of diseases such as cancers and the repair and regeneration of tissues.

Results:

There are several studies that have described the multiple features of hydrogels. However,
the main aspect that breaks the paradigm in the application of hydrogels is the thermoresponsiveness
that some of them have, which is an abrupt modification in their properties in response
to small variations in temperature. For that reason, the thermo-responsive hydrogels with the
unique property of sol-gel transition have received special attention over the past decades. These
hydrogels show phase transition near physiological human body temperature. This feature is key for
being applied in promising areas of human health-related research.

Conclusion:

The purpose of this study is the overview of injectable hydrogels and their latest advances
in medical applications including bioactive compound delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative
medicine.
Spinacia oleracea Linn Considered as One of the Most Perfect Foods: A Pharmacological and Phytochemical Review
Authors: Gutierrez Rosa Martha Perez , Velazquez Elisa Gutierrez , Carrera Silvia Patricia Paredes
Published: June 2019

Background: :

Leaves of Spinacia oleracea have been widely used as vegetarian foods. Some studies on the chemical composition of spinach have shown that it contains a high content of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and has an important economic value with some agronomic advantages. S. oleracea in traditional medicine is reported to cure more than one health problem.

Objective: :

This review focuses on the ethnopharmacological uses and pharmacological and phytochemical studies of Spinacia oleracea.

Method: :

Information on S. oleracea was obtained via electronic search of scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scirus, Science Direct, Scielo, Web of Science, Medline, Springerlink, BioMed Central (BMC), and SciFinder for publications on this plant. In addition, books on medicinal herbs were also consulted.

Results: :

Approximately 100 chemical compounds were isolated and characterized from S. oleracea. The major active components of the plant are flavones, flavanols, methylenedioxyflavonol glucuronides, glucuronides, and carotenoids, which were extensively investigated. This review revealed potential pharmacological properties of these isolated compounds such as anti-obesity, anti-α-amylase, bileacid binding capacity, anti-mutagenic, anti-oxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cognitive and mood effect, hypoglycemic, and anti-hypertriglyceridemia.

Conclusions::

S. oleracea is an important edible plant also used for ethnomedical therapy of obesity, inflammation of lungs, lumbago, flatulence, and treatment of urinary calculi. Pharmacological and phytochemical studies of this plant including bioactives, which have been adequately studied, support its uses in traditional medicine. Additionally, prospects and future trends of this plant are proposed.
Molecular Targets for Malarial Chemotherapy: A Review
Authors: Yadav Dharmendra K. , Kumar Surendra , Teli Mahesh K. , Yadav Ravikant , Chaudhary Sandeep
Published: June 2019

The malaria parasite resistance to the existing drugs is a serious problem to the currently used antimalarials and, thus, highlights the urgent need to develop new and effective anti-malarial molecules. This could be achieved either by the identification of the new drugs for the validated targets or by further refining/improving the existing antimalarials; or by combining previously effective agents with new/existing drugs to have a synergistic effect that counters parasite resistance; or by identifying novel targets for the malarial chemotherapy. In this review article, a comprehensive collection of some of the novel molecular targets has been enlisted for the antimalarial drugs. The targets which could be deliberated for developing new anti-malarial drugs could be: membrane biosynthesis, mitochondrial system, apicoplasts, parasite transporters, shikimate pathway, hematin crystals, parasite proteases, glycolysis, isoprenoid synthesis, cell cycle control/cycline dependent kinase, redox system, nucleic acid metabolism, methionine cycle and the polyamines, folate metabolism, the helicases, erythrocyte G-protein, and farnesyl transferases. Modern genomic tools approaches such as structural biology and combinatorial chemistry, novel targets could be identified followed by drug development for drug resistant strains providing wide ranges of novel targets in the development of new therapy. The new approaches and targets mentioned in the manuscript provide a basis for the development of new unique strategies for antimalarial therapy with limited off-target effects in the near future.
Synaptic Elimination in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Cardozo Pablo L. , de Lima Izabella B. Q. , Maciel Esther M.A. , Silva Nathália C. , Dobransky Tomas , Ribeiro Fabíola M.
Published: June 2019

Synapses are well known as the main structures responsible for transmitting information through the release and recognition of neurotransmitters by pre- and post-synaptic neurons. These structures are widely formed and eliminated throughout the whole lifespan via processes termed synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning, respectively. Whilst the first process is needed for ensuring proper connectivity between brain regions and also with the periphery, the second phenomenon is important for their refinement by eliminating weaker and unnecessary synapses and, at the same time, maintaining and favoring the stronger ones, thus ensuring proper synaptic transmission. It is well-known that synaptic elimination is modulated by neuronal activity. However, only recently the role of the classical complement cascade in promoting this phenomenon has been demonstrated. Specifically, microglial cells recognize activated complement component 3 (C3) bound to synapses targeted for elimination, triggering their engulfment. As this is a highly relevant process for adequate neuronal functioning, disruptions or exacerbations in synaptic pruning could lead to severe circuitry alterations that could underlie neuropathological alterations typical of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we focus on discussing the possible involvement of excessive synaptic elimination in Alzheimer’s disease, as it has already been reported dendritic spine loss in post-synaptic neurons, increased association of complement proteins with its synapses and, hence, augmented microglia-mediated pruning in animal models of this disorder. In addition, we briefly discuss how this phenomenon could be related to other neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia.
An Overview of HMGB1 and its Potential Role as a Biomarker for RSV Infection
Authors: Manti Sara , Cuppari Caterina , Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Salpietro Carmelo
Published: June 2019

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), an enveloped, non-segmented, negative-sense RNA virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, is the most common respiratory pathogen in infants and young children worldwide, also leading to lower respiratory tract infections during infancy and subsequent development of recurrent wheezing and asthma in childhood. Despite many years of research, we still lack reliable biomarkers of the disease activity as well as effective vaccines and therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have directed attention toward High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1), a 30 kDa nuclear and cytosolic ubiquitous protein, belonging to the alarmins family and promoting an immediate activation of the innate immune response, as a biomarker potentially able to elucidate the link between the RSV and chronic airway dysfunction. Herein, we aimed to summarize what is known on RSV-HMGB1 link, also describing recent findings coming from our experimental studies.
Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes of Incretin-based Therapies: A Review of Recent Clinical Trials
Authors: Kyriakos Georgios , Quiles-Sanchez Lourdes V. , Garmpi Anna , Farmaki Paraskevi , Kyre Konstantina , Gkogkos Spyridon , Savvanis Spyridon , Memi Eleni
Published: June 2019

Background:

To report the cardiovascular and renal effects of incretin-based therapies.

Method:

The studies of clinical trials on incretin-based therapy published in medical journals from
the years 2010 to 2017 were comprehensively searched using MEDLINE and EMBASE with no
language restriction. The studies were reviewed and the cardiovascular and renal risks reported
were recorded.

Results:

Incretin-based therapeutics represent novel and promising anti-diabetes drugs, the direct
cardiovascular actions which may translate into demonstrable clinical benefits on cardiovascular
outcomes. Furthermore, incretin-based therapies do not adversely affect renal function.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Glycyrrhetic Acid-aromatic Hybrids as Anti-inflammatory Agents
Authors: Chen Zhi , Chen Shi-Chao , Li Bo , Yang Yong-An , Zhang Jing
Published: June 2019

Background: :

Inflammation is a biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli,
so it is desirable to search for novel anti-inflammatory agents with improved pharmaceutical profiles
and reduced adverse effects.

Objective: :

This study was to explore natural anti-inflammatory agents and improve therapeutic application
of glycyrrhetic acid (GA) through molecular hybridization with active aromatics.

Methods: :

Fourteen novel GA-aromatic hybrids were synthesized and evaluated for their antiinflammatory
activities by inhibiting LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) release in RAW264.7 cells.
The synthesized compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, 1H NMR, 13C
NMR and HRMS.

Result: :

The structure-activity relationship (SAR) study indicated that compounds with styryl displayed
better NO inhibitory activity. Among them, compounds 2a and 3c exhibited the most promising
activity with IC50 values of 9.93 μM and 12.25 μM, respectively. In addition, X-ray singlecrystal
diffraction data for compounds 2e and 3c showed that the absolute configuration of GA
skeleton was consistent with that of natural 18 β-glycyrrhetic acid.

Conclusion: :

The results showed that GA-aromatic hybrids were a new class of anti-inflammatory
agents and this study provided useful information on further optimization.