bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation in Cataract Patients with Corneal Opacity.
Authors: Ra Ho , Hwang Ho Sik , Kim Hyun Seung , Kim Man Soo , Kim Eun Chul
Published: January 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of toric intraocular lens implantation in cataract patient with corneal opacity and high astigmatism. Methods: 31 eyes of 31 patients who underwent cataract surgery with toric intraocular lens implantation were included. All patients had corneal opacity with astigmatism. Preoperative total corneal astigmatism was determined considering posterior astigmatism using a rotating Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam®: Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). At 2 months after toric intraocular lens implantation, we evaluated residual astigmatism, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: Postoperative UCVA and BCVA (0.30 ± 0.17, 0.22 ± 0.16LogMAR) were statistically improved compared to preoperative UCVA and BCVA (1.2 ± 0.34, 1.1 ± 0.30LogMAR, respectively) (P<0.01). Postoperative residual refractive astigmatism (1.2 ± 0.35D) was statistically reduced compared to preoperative refractive astigmatism (2.4 ± 0.65D) (P<0.05). Preoperative and postoperative total corneal astigmatism values were not statistically different. All eyes achieved postoperative visual acuity as good as or better than preoperative one. The size of corneal opacity covering pupil had significant negative correlation with postoperative UCVA and BCVA (logMAR) (R=0.91 P<0.05 and R=0.92 P<0.05, respectively) Conclusion: Toric intraocular lens implantation can improve UCVA, BCVA, and refractive astigmatism in cataract patient with corneal opacity. The size of corneal opacity covering pupil is the major prognostic factor for postoperative visual improvement. Therefore, toric intraocular lens implantation should be considered for cataract patients who have corneal opacity with high astigmatism.
Genetic mapping and genomic selection for maize stalk strength
Authors: Liu Xiaogang , Hu Xiaojiao , Li Kun , Liu Zhifang , Wu Yujin , Wang Hongwu , Huang Changling
Published: January 2020

Background Maize is one of the most important staple crops and is widely grown throughout the world. Stalk lodging can cause enormous yield losses in maize production. However, rind penetrometer resistance (RPR), which is recognized as a reliable measurement to evaluate stalk strength, has been shown to be efficient and useful for improving stalk lodging-resistance. Linkage mapping is an acknowledged approach for exploring the genetic architecture of target traits. In addition, genomic selection (GS) using whole genome markers enhances selection efficiency for genetically complex traits. In the present study, two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations were utilized to dissect the genetic basis of RPR, which was evaluated in seven growth stages. Results The optimal stages to measure stalk strength are the silking phase and stages after silking. A total of 66 and 45 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified in each RIL population. Several potential candidate genes were predicted according to the maize gene annotation database and were closely associated with the biosynthesis of cell wall components. Moreover, analysis of gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway further indicated that genes related to cell wall formation were involved in the determination of RPR. In addition, a multivariate model of genomic selection efficiently improved the prediction accuracy relative to a univariate model and a model considering RPR-relevant loci as fixed effects. Conclusions The genetic architecture of RPR is highly genetically complex. Multiple minor effect QTL are jointly involved in controlling phenotypic variation in RPR. Several pleiotropic QTL identified in multiple stages may contain reliable genes and can be used to develop functional markers for improving the selection efficiency of stalk strength. The application of genomic selection to RPR may be a promising approach to accelerate breeding process for improving stalk strength and enhancing lodging-resistance.
Ten years risk assessment of Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease using Astro-CHARM and Pooled Cohort Equation in a South Asian sub-population
Authors: Ashraf Tariq , Mengal Muhammad Naeem , Muhammad Atif Sher , Tareen Asal Khan , Khan Muhammad Nauman , Kazmi Khawar , Nadeem Asif , Sarwar Shakil , Bashir Zara , Qamar Nadeem , Karim Musa
Published: January 2020

Background Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) are on the rise in low and middle-income countries attributed to modern sedentary lifestyle and dietary habits. This has led to the need of assessment of the burden of at-risk population so that prevention measures can be developed. The objective of this study was to assess ten years risk assessment of ASCVD using Astro-CHARM and Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE) in a South Asian sub-population.Methods A total of 386 residents of all six districts of Karachi with no ASCVD were enrolled in the study through an exponential non-discriminative referral snowball sampling technique. The inclusion criteria consisted of age 40 years or above and either gender. Study participants were enrolled after obtaining informed written consent and those study participants who were found to have either congenital heart disease or valvular heart diseases or ischemic heart disease were excluded from the study based on initial screening. For the calculation of 10 years risk of ACVD based on Astro-CHARM and PCE, the variables were obtained including medical history and coronary artery calcium and C-reactive protein measurements.Results Mean estimated 10-year risk of fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke as per the Astro-CHARM was 13.98±8.01%, while mean estimated 10-year risk of fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke as per the PCE was 22.26±14.01%. Based on Astro-CHARM, 11.14% of the study participants were labeled as having high risk, while PCE estimated 20.73% of study participants as having high risk of ASCVD.Conclusion Despite the fact that our findings showed substantial differences in ten-year risk of ASCVD between Astro-CHARM and PCE, both calculators can be used to develop a new population and specific risk estimators for this South Asian sub-population. Our study provides the first step towards developing a risk assessment guided decision-making protocol for primary prevention of ASCVD in this population.
Multimodal Cocktail Periarticular Injection vs Femoral Nerve Block After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Simultaneous Bilateral Randomized Study
Authors: Zhang Ye , Zhang Yu , Sun Jian-Ning , Chen Wang , Chen Xiang-yang , Feng Shuo
Published: January 2020

Background Pain control after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is important for early postoperative experience and knee rehabilitation. However, there is no consensus on the Pain management after TKA. Whether early analgesic effect and patient satisfaction can reach or even exceed the femoral nerve block has been controversial. The aim of our study was to compare the early analgesia effect with multimodal cocktail periarticular injection (MCPI) and Femoral nerve block (FNB) during simultaneous knee arthroplasty. Methods Our study was a prospective randomized, double-blind controlled trial. From December 2018 to August 2019, 85 patients (170 knees) who underwent bilateral total knee arthroplasty at our institution were randomly treated with MICP and FNB. Randomization was done via a computerized randomization list. The visual analogue scores for pain, bilateral knee range of motion (ROM), postoperative adverse events, and patients satisfaction were assessed preoperatively and two weeks postoperatively. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number ChiCTR1800020003. Results A total of 85 patients (170 knees) were enrolled for bilateral TKA. Finally, 80 (160 knees) patients were included for analysis and comparison. The operation time of the MCPI group was significantly lower than the FNB group (66.5±8.7 min compared with 72.8±9.5 min, P<0.05). postoperative 2nd，3rd and 5th days, the MCPI group in VAS for pain at rest and Straight elevated leg were significantly lower than FNB group (P<0.05). The knee flexion of MCPI group was statistically greater than FNB group on the postoperative 3rd, and 5th days (P<0.05). Conclusions MCPI analgesia is better than FNB after total knee arthroplasty, which can shorten the operation time, and evidently prolong the Postoperative effective analgesia duration. Higher patient satisfaction is beneficial to early postoperative recovery. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry, ChiCTR1800020003,11/12/2018
Genome-wide identification, phylogenetic and expressional analysis of the UXS gene family in cotton
Authors: Pan Yuxin , Wang Jinpeng , Wang Zhenyi , Liu Hengwei , Zhang Lan , Wang Li , Song Xiaoming , Ge Weina , Wang Xiyin
Published: January 2020

Background: UDP-glucuronate decarboxylase (UXS) is an enzyme in plants and participates in cell wall noncellulose. Previous research suggested that cotton GhUXS gene regulated the conversion of non-cellulosic polysaccharides and modulates their composition in plant cell walls, showing its possible cellular function determining the quality of cotton fibers. Here, we performed evolutionary, phylogenetic, and expressional analysis of UXS genes from cottons and other selected plants. Results: By exploring the sequenced cotton genomes, we identified 10, 10, 18, and 20 UXSs genes in Gossypium raimondii , Gossypium arboretum , Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense , and retrieved their homologs from other representative plants, including 5 dicots, 1 monocot, 5 green alga, 1 moss, and 1 lycophyte. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that UXS genes could be divided into four subgroups and members within each subgroup shared similar exon-intron structures, motif and subcellular location. Notably, gene colinearity information indicates 100% constructed trees to have aberrant topology, and helps determine and use corrected phylogeny. In spite of conservative nature of UXS, during the evolution of Gossypium , UXS genes were subjected to significant positive selection on key evolutionary nodes. Expression profiles derived from RNA-seq data showed distinct expression patterns of GhUXS genes in various tissues and different development. Most of GhUXS gene expressed highly at 10, 20 and 25 DPA (day post anthesis) of fibers. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis GhUXS genes expressed highly at 20 DPA or 25 DPA. Conclusions: UXS is relatively conserved in plants and significant positive selection affects cotton UXS evolution. The comparative genome-wide identification and expression profiling would lay an important foundation to understanding the biological functions of UXS gene family in cotton species and other plants.
Diffusible and Volatile Antifungal Compounds Produced by Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca ST-TJ4 against Various Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Kong Wei-Liang , Li Pu-Sheng , Wu Xiao-Qin , Wu Tian-Yu , Sun Xiao-Rui
Published: January 2020

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria can potentially be used as an alternative strategy to control plant disease. In this study, strain ST-TJ4 isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a healthy poplar was found to have strong antifungal activity against 11 phytopathogenic fungi in agriculture and forestry. Strain ST-TJ4 was identified as Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca based on 16S rDNA sequences. The bacterium can produce siderophores, cellulase, and protease, and has genes involved in the synthesis of phenazine, 1-phenazinecarboxylic acid, pyrrolnitrin, and hydrogen cyanide. Moreover, the volatile compounds released by strain ST-TJ4 can inhibit the mycelial growth of plant pathogenic fungi more than diffusible substances can. Based on volatile compound profiles of strain ST-TJ4 obtained from headspace collection and GC-MS/MS analysis, 1-undecene was identified. In summary, the results suggested that P. chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca ST-TJ4 can be used as a biocontrol agent for various plant diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi.
Association of SHROOM3-rs17319721 with GFR in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Sun Xue-Hui , Jiang Xiao-Yan , Chen Ze-Kun , Chen Jie , Bao Zhi-Jun , Wang Xiao-Feng
Published: January 2020

Background

To explore the associations of several genetic variants identified in the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of European ancestry with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in Chinese Han population.

Methods

Data of 1788 community-dwelling elders from the baseline survey of the ageing arm of the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study was used. Plasma creatinine based GFR was estimated using the eGFR-EPI equations.

Results

Of the 10 selected polymorphisms identified in GWAS of the European ancestry, rs17319721 located in the first intron of the SHROOM3, was associated with GFR. A allele was associated with both decreased GFR level and greater odds of GFR decrease (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.23, p=0.029) defined by GFR<90 mL/min/1.73 m2 after adjusting for multiple confounds of CKD. In addition, compared with rs17319721-GG genotype, AA was associated with both higher depressive score and greater risk of depression prevalence, showing a pleiotropic effects of rs17319721. However, we did not found significant association of GFR levels with another 42 common polymorphisms that was previously reported to be associated with the traditional risk factors of kidney diseases.

Conclusions

SHROOM3-rs17319721 was associated with GFR levels, kidney impairment, and depressive symptoms in a Chinese population.
Motorcycle-related trauma: effects of age and site of injuries on mortality. A single-center, retrospective study.
Authors: Granieri Stefano , Reitano Elisa , Bindi Francesca , Renzi Federica , Sammartano Fabrizio , Cimbanassi Stefania , Gupta Shailvi , Chiara Osvaldo
Published: January 2020

BackgroundMotorcyclists are often victims of road traffic incidents. Though elderly patients seem to have worse survival outcomes and sustain more severe injuries than younger patients, concordance in the literature for this does not exist. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of age and injury severity on the mortality of patients undergoing motorcycle trauma. MethodsData of 1725 patients consecutively admitted to our Trauma Center were selected from 2002 to 2016 and retrospectively analyzed. The sample was divided into three age groups: ≤ 17 years, 18-54 years and ≥ 55 years. Mortality rates were analyzed for the overall population and patients with Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 25. Differences in survival among age groups were evaluated with Log-Rank test and multivariate logistic regression models were created to identify independent predictors of mortality.ResultsA lower survival rate was detected in patients older than 55 years (83,6% vs 94,7%; p = 0.049) and in those sustaining critical injuries (ISS ≥ 25, 61% vs 83% p = 0.021). Age (p =0,027; OR: 1,03), ISS (p <0,001; OR: 1,09), Revised Trauma Score (RTS) (p <0,001; OR: 0,47) resulted independent predictors of death. Multivariate analysis identified head (p <0,001; OR: 2,04), chest (p <0,001; OR: 1,54), abdominal (p <0,001; OR: 1,37) and pelvic (p =0,014; OR: 1,26) injuries as independent risk factors related to mortality as well. Compared to the theoretical probability of survival, patients of all age groups showed a survival advantage when managed at a level I Trauma Center.ConclusionsWe detected anatomical injury distributions and mortality rates among three age groups. Patients aging more than 55 years had an increased risk of death, with a prevalence of severe chest injuries, while younger patients sustained more severe head trauma. Age represented an independent predictor of death. Management of these patients at a Level I Trauma Center may lead to improved outcomes.
Impact of Climate Factors in Modeling and Predicting the Transmission of Meningitis in Africa: The Case of Burkina Faso
Authors: Tall Haoua , Yaméogo Issaka , Novak Ryan , Ouedraogo Lionel L , Ouedraogo Ousmane , Essoh T Alima , Moisi Jennifer C , Baguinebie Bazongo , Sakande Souleymane
Published: January 2020

Background Meningitis is a major cause of morbidity in the world. Previous studies showed that climate factors influence the occurrence of meningitis. A multiple linear regression model was developed to forecast meningitis cases in Burkina Faso using climate factors. However, the multivariate linear regression model based on times series data may produce fallacious results given the autocorrelation of errors.Aims The aim of the study is to develop a model to quantify the effect of climate factors on meningitis cases, and then predict the expected weekly incidences of meningitis for each district.Data and methods The weekly cases of meningitis come from the Ministry of Health and covers the period 2005-2017. Climate data were collected daily in 10 meteorological stations from 2005 to 2017 and were provided by the national meteorological Agency of Burkina Faso. An ARIMAX and a multivariate linear regression model were estimated separately for each district.Results The multivariate linear model is inappropriate to model the number of meningitis cases due to autocorrelation of errors. With the ARIMAX Model, Temperature is significantly associated with an increase of meningitis cases in 3 of 10 districts, while relative humidity is significantly associated with a decrease of meningitis cases in 3 of the 10 districts. The effect of wind speed and precipitation is not significant at the 5% level in all 10 districts. The prediction of meningitis cases with 8 test observations provides an average absolute error ranging from 0.99 in Boromo and Bogandé to 7.22 in the district of Ouagadougou.Conclusion The ARIMAX model is more appropriate than the multivariate linear model to analyze the dynamics of meningitis cases. Climatic factors such as temperature and relative humidity have a significant influence on the occurrence of meningitis in Burkina Faso; the temperature influences it positively and the relative humidity influences it negatively.
Autogeny in Culiseta longiareolata (Culicidae: Diptera) Mosquitoes in Laboratory Conditions in Iran
Authors: Khaligh Fereshteh Ghahvechi , Naghian Abdollah , Soltanbeiglou Shadiyeh , Gholizadeh Saber
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesCuliseta longiareolata is a cosmopolitan species and has implicated in the transmission of avian malaria, tularemia, and arboviruses. Despite the wide sprite distribution of Cs. longiareolata in Iran, little is known about its biology and physiology. The current research was conducted to study the autogeny behavior in this potential vector. Larval and pupa collected from Nazloo district in Urmia using standard methods during 2018. Mosquitoes were reared in cages and fed by 5% sugar for in lab condition. They were dissected in Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) under a stereomicroscope. ResultsTwo hundred thirty adults of female Cs. longiareolata mosquitoes were dissected. Egg rafts were observed in the ovary of 10.86 % unfed female mosquitoes. The autogeny behavior is a significant factor in the increase of population without a blood-feeding. It is necessary to study how autogenous affect mosquito-borne-diseases.
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Blockade Strategies and the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Septic and Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Chou Ruey-Hsing , Yang Shang-Feng , Wu Cheng-Hsueh , Tsai Yi-Lin , Lu Ya-Wen , Kuo Ming-Ren , Guo Jiun-Yu , Huang Po-Hsun , Lin Shing-Jong
Published: January 2020

Background: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers are widely used for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure, but the usage of angiotensin- converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) demands caution due to a potential risk of causing acute kidney injury (AKI). Whether long-term RAAS blockade increases AKI risk and should be withdrawn during critical illness remains inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the associations between RAAS blockade strategies and AKI incidence in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: Twenty-four hundred dialysis-free patients admitted to ICUs during December 2015–July 2017 were enrolled. Patients with pre-ICU AKI (n=568) were excluded when examining in-ICU AKI events. Patients using ACEi or ARB for more than 1 month before hospitalization were defined as long-term ACEi/ARB users. ACEi/ARB users were further grouped by ACEi/ARB continuation/withdrawal at ICU admission. Daily urine output and serum creatinine were measured in ICU. The primary outcome was occurrence of AKI within 48 hours after ICU admission, and the secondary outcome was all-cause mortality within 1 year. Results: Totally 1181 (49.2%) AKI cases and 895 (37.3%) deaths within 1 year occurred. ACEis/ARBs were continued for 122 patients and withdrawn for 239 patients. ACEi/ARB users were older and had lower initial estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs). Compared with non-use, long-term ACEi/ARB use [odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85–1.26, p=0.741] and continued ICU use (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.78–1.68, p=0.491) were not associated with increased AKI risk. ACEi/ARB use was associated with less 1-year mortality. However, compared with withdrawal, continued ACEi/ARB use in ICUs was associated with higher AKI incidence among patients with sepsis (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.35–6.20, p=0.006). Conclusions: Long-term RAAS blockade was not associated with a higher AKI or mortality incidence during acute illness. Continued ACEi/ARB use in ICUs may increase AKI risk in septic patients. Long-term and continued ACEi/ARB use are recommended, with cautious evaluation at ICU admission.
Experiences of Iranian women with prenatal diagnosis of fetal abnormalities: A qualitative study
Authors: Ranjbar Fahimeh , Oskouie Fatemeh , Dizaji Shahrzad Hashemi , Gharacheh Maryam
Published: January 2020

Background: Women are more likely to be diagnosed with congenital anomalies. Following prenatal diagnosis of fetal abnormalities, women may be forced to make decisions about whether to continue a pregnancy with fetal abnormalities. This can be a dilemma for the women. The aim of the study was to explore women’s experiences of prenatal diagnosis of fetal abnormalities. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in a referral women’s hospital in Tehran, Iran in 2018. Participants were a purposeful sample of 15 women with prenatal diagnosis of fetal abnormalities. Data were collected by individual, in-depth interviews. The conventional content analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Results: Two main themes “emotional suffering” and “decision-making challenge” were extracted from the participants’ experiences. Emotional suffering consisted of subthemes “sense of guilt”, “self-blame”, “questioning of God”, “commiseration” and “projection”. Decision making challenge included subthemes “distrust”, “possible cure”, “dark future”, “economic problems”, “stereotypical beliefs”, “coercion” and “lack of support”. Conclusions: The experience of prenatal diagnosis of fetal abnormalities was associated with emotional suffering and challenges in decision-making to continue or terminate the pregnancy. Strategies need to be employed to improve women’s autonomy in decision-making. Healthcare professionals should be trained in communication skills to provide appropriate counseling to support women with diagnosis of fetal anomalies.
Health Related Quality of Life after Multiple Trauma in Adolescents
Authors: Freigang Viola , Ernstberger Antonio , Zeman Florian , Weber Johannes , Riedl Moritz , Lang Siegmund , Alt Volker , Baumann Florian
Published: January 2020

Purpose Trauma is still a major burden in global public health. In the past, multiple pieces of trauma research focused on mortality as an outcome parameter. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the global health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adolescents after multiple trauma. Methods We conducted a multicenter prospective registry-based study on patients aged 16-24 years who sustained a multiple trauma (ISS>16). Data acquisition was based on the trauma registry of the German Trauma Society (DGU). Additionally, the global HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D score at 6, 12, and 24 months post trauma. Results We identified 77 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. There were 65 male (84%) and 12 female (16%) patients. The average age at time of injury was 20.27 years (±2.34). The mean ISS was 26.4 (±10.58). Six months post multiple trauma, we found an EQ-5D index score of 0.85. The score improved after 12 and 24 months to 0.87. There was no significant correlation between the ISS of any body region and the EQ-5D index value at 6, 12, or 24 months. Conclusions We found a limited HRQoL measured by an EQ-5D index score six months post multiple trauma. There was an improvement in HRQoL from 6 to 12 months and a stable condition between 12 and 24 months after trauma. Compared to normal values of healthy subjects, this still suggests an impairment of HRQoL after multiple trauma.
Acute toxicity of manganese and its role in regulating testicular enzyme activity of male rats at different time points
Authors: Zhu Xiaonian , He Yonghua , Shi Wenxiang , Yang Lin , Sun Yi , Ou Chaoyan
Published: January 2020

Background: In order to provide scientific basis for toxicity evaluation and prevention of manganese, this study aims to investigate acute toxicity and testicular alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in male rats after manganese exposure at different time points.Methods: Under strict control of light/darkness (12 h:12 h), the experimental animals were injected intraperitoneally with MnCl2·4H2O at different zeitgeber time (ZT) after adaptive feeding for 7 days. The acute toxicity test was performed by Kunming mice treated with manganese once and observed for 14 days. LD50 was calculated by improved Karber method according to the death of animals in each group. Short-term repeated manganese exposure was conducted by continuous 30 mg/kg manganese exposure once a day for 21 days. And then the adult SD male rats were killed to detect activities of testicular ALP, ACP and LDH by ELISA at different ZT points the second day after exposure.Results: Acute toxic reactions of mice exposed to manganese were varied at different ZT points. The LD50 at ZT2, ZT8, ZT14 and ZT20 were 472.0 mg/kg, 408.2 mg/kg, 303.3 mg/kg and 358.0 mg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, short-term repeated manganese exposure could induce the activity changes of ACP, ALP and LDH in testes at different ZT points. ALP increased at ZT20 while decreased at other time points (P<0.05). ACP only decreased at ZT2 (P<0.05). LDH increased at ZT2 and ZT8 (P<0.05), but decreased at ZT14 and ZT20 (P<0.05). In addition, all the testicular enzymes except ACP had interactions between manganese and exposure time.Conclusion: The acute toxicity and function injury of male reproductive caused by manganese exposure are varied at different ZT points. The timing of toxic reaction needs to be considered in the toxicity evaluation of manganese.
Assessment of the Defatting Efficacy of Mechanical and Chemical Treatment for Allograft Cancellous Bone and Its Effects on Biomechanics Properties of Bone
Authors: Hua Kun-chi , Feng Jiang-tao , Yang Xiong-gang , Hu yongcheng
Published: January 2020

Background To assess the defatting efficacy of high pressure washing and gradient alcohol and biomechanical properties of defatted bone. Methods Fresh cancellous bone was obtained from the femoral condyle and divided into 6 groups according to different defatting treatments, which were high pressure washing for 10 seconds (10S group), 20 seconds (20S group), 30 seconds (30S group), gradient alcohol immersion (Alcohol group), acetone immersion (Acetone group), and non-defatted (Fresh group). The appearance of 6 groups was observed, comparing the appearance difference between defatted bone and fresh bone. The residual lipid content and infrared spectrum were used to compare the efficacy of defatting, the DNA content was used to compare the cell content after defatting, and the maximum stress and elastic modulus were used to compare the effects of defatting treatment on biomechanical properties. Results The fresh bone was yellow and the pores contained a lot of fat. The defatted bone was white and the porous network was clear. No difference in residual lipid content among the three groups under high pressure washing (1.45 ± 0.16%, 1.40 ± 0.13%, 1.46 ± 0.11%, respectively) ( p = 0.828). No difference in residual lipid content among the 10S, alcohol, and acetone groups (1.45 ± 0.16%, 1.28 ± 0.07%, 1.13 ± 0.22%, respectively) ( p = 0.125). Infrared spectra showed that the fat content of the five defatting groups was significantly lower than that of the fresh group. No difference in residual lipid content among the three groups under high pressure washing (4.53 ± 0.23ug/ml, 4.61±0.18ug/ml, 4.66 ± 0.25ug/ml, respectively) ( p = 0.645). No difference in residual lipid content among the 10S, alcohol, and acetone groups (4.53 ± 0.23ug/ml, 4.29 ± 0.24ug/ml, 4.27±0.29ug/ml, respectively) ( p = 0.247). The maximum stress of the bone decreased significantly with the increase of the washing time (9.95 ± 0.31Mpa, 9.07 ± 0.45Mpa, 8.17 ± 0.35Mpa, respectively) ( p = 0.003). The elastic modulus of the bone decreased significantly with the increase of the washing time (116.40 ± 3.54Mpa, 106.10 ± 5.29Mpa, 95.63 ± 4.08Mpa, respectively) ( p = 0.003). There was no statistical difference in the maximum stress between the fresh group, the 10S group, the alcohol group and the acetone group (10.09 ± 0.67Mpa, 9.95 ± 0.31Mpa, 10.11 ± 0.07Mpa, 10.09 ± 0.39Mpa) ( p = 0.963). There was no statistical difference in the maximum stress between the fresh group, the 10S group, the alcohol group and the acetone group (119.93 ± 4.94Mpa, 116.40 ± 3.54Mpa, 118.27 ± 0.85Mpa, 118.10 ± 4.52Mpa) ( p = 0.737). Conclusion The results of this experiment indicate that the defatting efficiency was satisfactory at a time of 10 seconds under high pressure washing. High pressure washing and gradient alcohol were similar to conventional acetone solvent extraction defatting.
Alleviating effects of silicon on cadmium toxicity in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)
Authors: Chen Zijing , Zhang Jing , Xu Kun , Cao Bili
Published: January 2020

Background: This study assessed the effects of varying concentrations of silicon (Si) on the reduction of cadmium (2mg/kg Cd) toxicity in Zingiber officinale Rosc. via growth modulation, photosynthetic efficiency, and antioxidant defense.Result: As the Cd level increased, the physiological indexes of ginger exhibited a decreasing trend. This trend was especially noticeable when the Cd level was 2mg/kg. Next, the effect of different content of soil conditioner Si on ginger under 2mg/kg Cd soil background was explored. This effect was assessed under 2mg/kg Cd soil background. The three treatment Si0 (0), Si1 (1g/kg), Si2 (2g/kg) were examined. Morphology indexes, Cd content, Cd transfer and absorption coefficient, photosynthesis, and antioxidant enzyme activities under Cd stress were determined. On day 120 of the experiment, plant height had increased by 18.8% and 24.7% under the Si1 and Si2 treatments compared with the CK treatment. Meanwhile, the fresh weight of the rhizomes in Si1 and Si2 had increased by 14.3% and 19.5% in comparison with the Si0 treatment. Also, the yield of ginger improved dramatically under the Si1 and Si2 treatments. These treatments had increased by 14.3% and 19.5% compared with the CK treatment. The growth of ginger increased after the addition of Si under Cd stress, especially under the Si2 treatment. The Cd content of the mother-ginger, son-ginger, and grandson-ginger decreased by 27.6%, 35.5%, and 51.2%, respectively, under 2mg/kg Cd stress in the Si2 treatment. The Cd transfer was inhibited from the underground to the aboveground in the high-concentration Si treatment (Si2). When 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg Si was added to the soil, the leaf photosynthetic rate increased by 15.1% and 26.9% compared with the CK treatment at 11:00, respectively. Conclusion : Above all, soil conditioner Si could alleviate the negative effects of Cd stress on ginger by improving growth parameters, photosynthetic efficiency and the anti-oxidative defense. Si2 (2g/kg) was the most effective.
Peer feedback needs practice and faculty support to be effective in simulation based education.
Authors: Offiah Gozie , Walsh Olivia Claire , Alkharaing Anafal , Sullivan Clare , Mullhall Clare , Tibbits Paul , Hill Arnold DK , Condron Claire
Published: January 2020

Background Peer evaluation drives effective self-assessment, encourages autonomous learning and enhances both metacognitive skills and critical reasoning skills. 1 Students, by commenting on the work of others, gain a better understanding of the criteria required for successful performance and develop skills of objective judgment which can be transferred to the assessment of their own work. 2 Methods Peer feedback was introduced to simulated patient history taking consultations. Students were required to evaluate the observed performance and provide verbal feedback to their peers. This was compared to facility review and end of term examination results. In interview students indicated that they benefited from the opportunity to engage in peer feedback. Students reported that they felt more comfortable receiving feedback from peers than providing feedback to peers. Results 65% of students rated peer performance as excellent which did not correlate with summative OSCE results. When students did mark the borderline grade, a significant difference was found for one individual element of the feedback score. Students ticked "lacked confidence/fluidity" significantly more frequently than any other of the 7 elements suggesting they felt more comfortable relaying this element of performance feedback as it did not address content understanding or knowledge. Conclusion Ability to give constructive feedback should be viewed as an essential skill but for success students need to be taught how to give effective peer feedback. Emotions and loyalties affect student’s unwillingness to find fault with a fellow student’s work. Students may need more opportunities to conduct peer assessment to become familiar and comfortable with this process. Co-operative learning in simulation can combine with peer feedback to produce effective social constructivist approaches; however faculty input is required to monitor and validate the feedback.
WITHDRAWN: Robust Biofilm-Forming Ionizing Radiation Resistant Bacillus subtilis isolated from Ramsar-Iran, Emphasis on Molecular Genetic profiling Analysis
Authors: ali dhuha saeed , Author) reza vazifehmand(Former Corresponding , Rukayadi Yaya , Radu Son , Mirpour Mirsasan , sekawi zamberi , Author) Nor-Khaizura Mahmud Ab Rashid(New Corresponding
Published: January 2020

Background The production of structurally complex multicellular communities or biofilms is a mode of growth that is believed to require and involves a differential gene expression as compared to their planktonic counterpart. There is a poor knowledge of biofilm formation and its molecular signaling function in a radiation resistance bacteria. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic variations and gene expression levels of some critical genes involved in the biofilm formation and matrix production in an ionizing-radiation-resistant B. subtilis (RAM-04) isolated from Abe-Siah hot spring, Ramsar- Iran. Bacillus subtilis DSM-10 a non-ionizing-radiation-resistant and standard strain model considered as a negative control. Results Quantification of biofilms performed using crystal violet assay and Scanning Electron Microscopy that the results presented a significant difference of a high level of the biofilm formation in terms of quantity and structure by Bacillus subtilis (RAM-04) as compared to Bacillus subtilis DSM-10. At the Molecular level, a total of 13 genes including ( tapA ) yqxM-sipW-tasA (operon), sinR , sinI , ccpA , epsA-O , spoOB , spoOA , slrA , slrR , ymcA and abrB were selected to study the genetic variations and gene expression levels using direct sequencing method and quantitative PCR technique. Primary analysis revealed genetic variations in ( tapA ) yqxM-sipW-tasA (operon), sinR , sinI , epsA-O , and slrR in B. subtilis (RAM-04) as compared to the negative control. The result of gene expression revealed a significant difference between test and control bacteria. ( tapA ) yqxM-sipW-tasA operon was significantly over expressed ( p = 0.000 with expression folding of 13, 11, 8 respectively) and the expression level of ccpA and slrR were significantly down ( p = 0.000 with expression folding of 0.2 and 0.3 respectively). Conclusions These results support the hypothesis that the induction of biofilm formation is performed by ( tapA ) yqxM-sipW-tasA operon signaling pathway, which in turn indicate that this operon has a positive role in biofilm formation in ionizing-radiation-resistant B. subtilis (RAM-04) under natural radiation environment.
The impact of the innovative Total Quality Management tool in small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Gallo P. , Balogova B. , Tomcikova L. , Nemec J.
Published: January 2020

he present paper falling into the field of innovative management tools explores using the Total Quality Management (TQM) tool in the SME sector in Slovakia, attempting to identify barriers to the use of this tool in the given segment. TQM can be ranked among the innovative management tools that are under investigation and in our contribution, we want to bring a new overview of the use of this tool. Our research was based on foreign research in which the TQM management tool is at the forefront of use. On the other hand, we know from the research conducted so far on management tools in our business environment that the use of innovative tools is relatively low. The present research is based on the formulated hypotheses verified using statistical methods, namely the chi-square test of independence. In this research, we worked with hypotheses arguing that there are statistically significant relationships between the lack of personnel and financial resources on the one hand and the use of the innovative TQM management tool on the other hand. These relationships were statistically proved because in both examined hypotheses the expected value of p was lower than 0.05. We can, therefore, conclude that the lack of financial resources and the lack of skilled labour are among the important barriers to the use of TQM. In the determination of the third hypothesis, we assumed that managers could not agree on the establishment of TQM. This fact can, therefore, contribute to its relatively low use in our business environment. We also consider the incongruity of managers´ ideas as a barrier that may have an impact on the use of TQM, and these dependencies were examined by the Chi-square independence test. In verifying this hypothesis, the p-value was calculated to be p˃0.05 proving that this factor has no effect on the use of TQM and there is no dependency between these variables. In the present paper, we also focus on juxtaposing the present investigation with the research conducted to date in the field of innovative management tools. The present research is aimed at identifying barriers to the use of this management tool in an SME environment and at presenting TQM as a modern innovative instrument to be used by companies to manage and measure their performance. By using TQM, the company can align the financial and non-financial factors together and thus increase its competitiveness and meet the expectations of investors and other stakeholders. Keywords: Total Quality Management, innovative management tools, small and medium enterprises, performance.
Research on the Influence of Social Media on Generation Y Consumer Purchase Decisions
Authors: Davidaviciene V. , Meidute-Kavaliauskiene I. , Paliulis R.
Published: January 2020

Members from different generations create challenges for marketing specialists due to their unique behaviour specifics and in the context of constant technology development, these challenges become only harder. In the current marketing situation, there is a new challenge – outreach and interest for generation Y consumers. A question arises – which means to apply and which of them would be effective. It is a new field of research both for scientists and marketing practitioners. The article analyses the members of generation Y because in their case there are most prominent scientific discovery inquiries on their behaviour and marketing management decisions. By evaluating that, the aim of the article is to create a model of the influence of social media for generation Y consumer purchase decisions. The need to offer a new model has appeared due to the changes in the current world that are changing the habits and features of the society, constantly improving technologies are changing the lifestyle, values and needs of people. The marketing decisions that were applied before are not presenting the desired results in the current market. Previous research allows identifying the specifics of generation Y, however, due to constantly changing technology environment it is not clearly known how this generation makes the decisions to purchase something. When wishing to find the right way to sell products and services to this generation, it is necessary to understand it and to find ways to communicate with it. When creating social media content and creating added value to the customers, it is vital to understand the complexity of the external and internal factors that determine their choice to buy. To achieve the goal of this article, the theoretical part presents a complex analysis of factors that determine consumer behaviour in social media, applications of generation theory for making marketing decisions; characteristics of generation Y were identified. In this research, marketing factors that influence the consumer’s decision to buy were analysed, their effects and application in the purchase process of generation Y consumers were evaluated.
Keywords: electronic marketing, e-marketing, marketing, model, social media, technologies.
Positioning Matrix as an Assessment Tool for Security Level of a Product Portfolio Competitive Position. Marketing and
Authors: Lazareva M.
Published: January 2020

he main objective of the study is to develop a tool for assessing the balance of the company's product portfolio, with which you can determine the security of its competitive position. As such a tool is proposed matrix positioning. The indicator of the balance of the product portfolio is the golden ratio. The relevance of this study lies in the fact that currently there is no generally accepted criterion for determining the degree of balance in the product portfolio, and that the existing matrix analysis tools do not fully provide an adequate assessment of the security of a competitive position. The study of the topic in the article is carried out in the following logical sequence: the author proves the legitimacy of using the golden ratio as the main indicator for assessing the balance of the product portfolio, then suggests the algorithm for assessing the security of the product portfolio developed by the author; further author considers modern methods for evaluating the product portfolio, then provides a method for constructing a matrix of positioning and interpretation of results using practical examples; further, there are the conclusions about the applicability of the proposed approach and tool. The article proposes the author's version of the solution to the issue of assessing the security of the competitive position of the product portfolio. A portfolio analysis tool has been developed − a positioning matrix, which involves a different combination of market growth rates and the share of a specific product/product group/brand on it. In this case, the net value of the product portfolio is calculated as a function of the company's business value. Formulated criteria for the balance of the product portfolio, based on the proportion of the «golden ratio». The competitive position of the product portfolio will be protected when the growth rate of the product/product group/brand is equal to or exceeds the market growth rate and the market share for the product group over time either remains at the same level or grows. The results of the study can be useful for the further development of approaches and tools for assessing the competitive position of the company. The positioning matrix has already shown its potential in practice and will be useful in practice when assessing the company's competitive position as a basic or complementary tool.
Keywords: competitive position, golden ratio, positioning matrix, balanced product portfolio, product portfolio.
Telecommunications Customer Churn and Loyalty Intention
Authors: Mbarek R. , Baeshen Y.
Published: January 2020

Nowadays the telecommunications sector is becoming very complex Because of the panoply of high-speed technological services. Customers are abandoning the services offered by telecommunications operators because of their dissatisfaction with the services they offer. «Churn» or the migration of customers from one telecommunications operator to another is the main problem facing the telecommunications industries worldwide. Business managers consider the quality of service to be paramount. As a consequence, they have devised reliable criteria to assess the flow of customers within the market and check and evaluate whether customers are satisfied with the services they are offered. This, in turn, helps to establish customer loyalty and provide a healthy and sustainable trading agreement. Service quality control assessment is pivotal to identify the leverage and evaluate the internal and external competition in the industry. Although this concept is not foreign, rather it is an essential business management tool. The goal of this study is to determine the significant criteria for the cause migration of a Tunisie Telecom customer to another operator. Telecommunication is an essential lifelong component that contributes to the comfortability of our daily lives. The various means of telephone communication play a significant role in improving the effectiveness of communication industry. Every telecommunication operator is aware today that it is cheaper to retain an existing customer than to seek to recruit a new one. Indeed, we noticed that the telecommunications market is characterized by intense competition, where a change in the quality of service or a negative interaction perceived by the customer could risk losing them. As a result, the majority of operators introduce studies and action plans to retain customers and keep them as long as possible. The notion of keeping customers and building loyalty is probably one of the biggest challenges that operators around the world face in global competition. In order to achieve the goals set by telecom operators and to achieve maximum profitability, operators must effectively analyze market data and adopt a most effective targeted communications strategy for their customers.
Keywords: churn analysis, customer loyalty, mobile marketing, telecommunications, telecommunications customer.