bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a Supportive Communication Educational Program on Women's Satisfaction With Childbirth Experiences in Local Safe Delivery Posts in Iran
Authors: Moudi Zahra , Talebi Behnaz , Faramarzi Mahbobeh , Ansari Hossein
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of a supportive communication educational program on satisfaction with childbirth experiences among the women giving birth in the local safe delivery posts (SDPs).

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study was conducted during September 23, 2017 and December 22, 2017. In the first phase, seven midwives were subjected to a supportive communication training program in one of two unique local SDPs in Zahedan, Iran. In the second phase, 300 women who gave birth at the SDPs (150 cases in each SDP) were entered into the study. The data were collected using the Mackey Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale (MCSRS).

RESULTS

The intervention group had a higher mean childbirth satisfaction score in all five subdomains, compared to the control group. However, this difference was statistically significant only in the “general” (p < .001) and “self” (p = .003) subdomains of the MCSRS. The regression model showed if the women's labor experience was just like the way they expected, they were 5.99 times more likely to be satisfied with childbirth care in SDPs.

CONCLUSION

As the findings indicated, this program made childbirth care experiences more satisfactory for disadvantaged women.
Developing the Learning about Midwives and Birth Settings Video for Teaching About Birth Care Options
Authors: Soliday Elizabeth , Ord Gina
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

U.S. women's reports have indicated misconceptions about midwifery care and related birth options, yet these care approaches are associated with healthy birth outcomes. From the perspective of person-centered care, we aimed to address existing knowledge gaps on midwifery care by creating an accessible learning tool help inform future parents and community educators of evidence-based birth care options.

METHOD

Applied action research (AR) principles to develop a learning tool for public use. We conducted focus groups with nulliparous young adults who were university students, those who were nonstudent community members, and medical professionals to build content. We collected pre–post viewing data on knowledge, attitudes, and future behavioral intentions with university and community samples.

RESULTS

Our resultant 17-minute video contains content in three areas: (a) narratives from midwives, (b) narratives from parents, (c) information on midwives' credentialing and scope of care, birth settings, and safety studies. Evaluation data indicated that the video positively influenced viewers' related knowledge, attitudes, and future behavioral intentions.

DISCUSSION

Our iterative developmental process yielded a learning tool responsive to viewer input on communicating about nonnormative, safe birth care options. Initial data indicated promise of positively influencing viewers' attitudes and behavioral intentions toward midwife-attended birth in- and out-of-hospital. Future plans include publicly releasing the video and assessing long-term learning impact with initial study samples.
UTICAJ AUTORSTVA NA PROCENU DUBOKOUMNOSTI PSEUDODUBOKOUMNIH VERBALIZAMA: KO IZGOVARA I KO VERUJE U BESMISLICE?
Authors: Ilić Sanja , Damnjanović Kaja
Published: June 2019

Pseudodubokoumni verbalizmi (PDV) su gramatički i sintaksički ispravne rečenice sačinjene od nasumično odabranih reči, dizajnirane da impresioniraju čitaoca, a ne da ga informišu. Istraživanja pokazuju da su ispitanici skloni da PDV smatraju dubokoumnim, a pretpostavlja se da u osnovi toga leže dva mehanizma: pristrasno odgovaranje i smanjena sklonost prema kognitivnoj refleksiji. Ipak, na receptivnost na PDV može da utiče i izvor iskaza, tj. moguće je da ispitanici pretpostavljaju da iskazi prikazani u psihološkoj studiji imaju duboko i mudro značenje koje oni ne registruju, ali veruju da postoji. Cilj istraživanja bio trostruk: 1) ispitivanje fenomena PDV na srpskom jeziku, 2) replikacija nalaza o mehanizmima receptivnosti i senzitivnosti (sposobnost razlikovanja PDV i zaista dubokoumnih iskaza) na PDV i 3) provera uticaja izvora iskaza na te mere. Ispitanici su procenjivali dubokoumnost poslovica, zdravorazumskih istinitih zaključaka (ZIZ) i PDV (bez i sa pripisanim autorima različite pouzdanosti). Rešavali su 16 kategoričkih silogizama (KS) različitih po kongruentnosti između logičnosti i uverljivosti zaključka, numerički (CRT) i nenumerički test kognitivne refleksije (nCRT), i popunili su skalu verovanja o aktivnom mišljenju otvorenog uma (AOT). Ispitanici su PDV procenjivali kao više dubokoumne od ZIZ i manje dubokoumne od poslovica. Korelacije CRT, nCRT, AOT i CS sa receptivnošću i senzitivnošću na PDV su neznačajne. Kada se PDV-u pripiše izmišljeni autor ili autor upitne pouzdanosti procene dubokoumnosti ostaju statistički iste, dok procene značajno rastu kada se PDV-u pripiše pouzdani autor. Nalazi o kognitivnoj refleksiji i pristrastnosti odgovaranja kao mehanizmima receptivnosti i senzitivnosti na PDV nisu replicirani. Rezultati pokazuju da izvor kao faktor konteksta utiče na receptivnost i senzitivnost na PDV.
CAN WE USE SAME PREDICTORS FOR BOYS VS GIRLS PEER AGGRESSION?
Authors: Velki Tena
Published: June 2019

Using the theoretical framework of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model of peer aggression, the aim of the present study was to examine if we could use the same predictors of peer aggression at schools for boys and girls. The research included 880 participants, elementary school students from the fifth to the eighth grade, who self-estimated aggressive behavior toward their peers, affective empathy, impulsivity, parental behavior, peer acceptance, a number of friends, exposure to media, school climate, perception of neighborhood dangerousness, and also nominated aggressive peers and gave data about the school achievement and a number of friends. The same number of their parents gave data about family SES, while 107 teachers estimated attendance of parents at the parent-teacher meetings and other school events. Multivariate multilevel modeling revealed different predictors of boys vs girls peer aggression. Selected predictors of ecological model better explained peer aggression in boys than in girls. The main differences were in individual characteristic and family microsystem, whereas more statistically significant predictors were for boys, while some distal predictors in an interaction with individual characteristics and family microsystem were important in the explanation of boys’ aggressive behavior. The overall results indicate that gender, as a biological category, had a strong influence on peer aggression. Psychological characteristics, as well as parental upbringing, better explained boys’ than girls’ aggressive behavior. These findings are very important for the school policy, which means that the intervention and prevention programs for peer aggression should differ depending on the child’s gender.
Long Non-Coding RNA Expression Levels Modulate Cell-Type Specific Splicing Patterns by Altering Their Interaction Landscape with RNA-Binding Proteins
Authors: Wendt Porto Felipe , Vidhur Daulatabad Swapna , Janga Sarath Chandra
Published: June 2019

Background: Recent developments in our understanding of the interactions between long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and cellular components have improved treatment approaches for various human diseases including cancer, vascular diseases, and neurological diseases. Although investigation of specific lncRNAs revealed their role in the metabolism of cellular RNA, our understanding of their contribution to post-transcriptional regulation is relatively limited. In this study, we explore the role of lncRNAs in modulating alternative splicing and their impact on downstream protein-RNA interaction networks. Results: Analysis of alternative splicing events across 39 lncRNA wildtype and knockout RNA-sequencing datasets from three human cell lines: HeLa (Cervical Cancer), K562 (Myeloid Leukemia), and U87 (Glioblastoma), resulted in high confidence (fdr < 0.01) identification of 4432 skipped exon events and 2474 retained intron events, implicating 759 genes to be impacted at post-transcriptional level due to the loss of lncRNAs. We observed that a majority of the alternatively spliced genes in a lncRNA knockout were specific to the cell type, in agreement with the finding that genes affected by alternative splicing also displayed enriched functions in a cell type specific manner. To understand the mechanism behind this cell-type specific alternative splicing patterns, we analyzed RNA binding protein (RBP)-RNA interaction profiles across the spliced regions. Conclusions: Despite limited RBP binding data across cell lines, alternatively spliced events detected in lncRNA perturbation experiments were associated with RBPs binding in proximal intron-exon junctions, in a cell type specific manner. The cellular functions affected by alternative splicing were also affected in a cell type specific manner. Based on the RBP binding profiles in HeLa and K562 cells, we hypothesize that several lncRNAs are likely to exhibit a sponge effect in disease contexts, resulting in the functional disruption of RBPs due to altered titration of the RBPs from their target loci. We propose that such lncRNA sponges can extensively rewire the post-transcriptional gene regulatory networks by altering the protein-RNA interaction landscape in a cell-type specific manner.
Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Use of Outpatient Behavioral Health Services in the United States, 2005–2016
Authors: Mulvaney-Day Norah , Gibbons Brent J. , Alikhan Shums , Karakus Mustafa
Published: June 2019

Objectives. To assess the impact of the 2008 Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) on mental and substance use disorder services in the private, large group employer–sponsored insurance market in the United States.

Methods. We analyzed data from the IBM MarketScan Commercial Database from January 2005 through September 2015 by using population-level interrupted time series regressions to determine whether parity implementation was associated with utilization and spending outcomes.

Results. MHPAEA had significant positive associations with utilization of mental and substance use disorder outpatient services. A spending decomposition analysis indicated that increases in utilization were the primary drivers of increases in spending associated with MHPAEA. Analyses of opioid use disorder and nonopioid substance use disorder services found that associations with utilization and spending were not attributable only to increases in treatment of opioid use disorder.

Conclusions. MHPAEA is positively associated with utilization of outpatient mental and substance use disorder services for Americans covered by large group employer–sponsored insurance.

Public Health Implications. These trends continued over the 5-year post-MHPAEA period, underscoring the long-term relationship between this policy change and utilization of behavioral health services.
LNG at a Crossroads
Authors: Feder Judy
Published: June 2019

For an industry that is just over 50 years old, liquefied natural gas (LNG) has matured rapidly and is playing an ever-growing role in the global energy system. From the start of international trade in the 1960s, demand reached 50 MTPA in 1990, then 100 MTPA in 2000, and 240 MTPA in 2012, according to the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas (CLNG).

LNG has become the world’s fastest-growing gas supply source and is now part of an upheaval in the global energy market. Trade has quadrupled over the past two decades and is set to double over the next two. Consumption and share growth have set new records for three consecutive years. New markets for both demand and supply are developing rapidly. Liquefaction facilities and vessel fleets are expanding. Innovative and collaborative trade models are emerging. And, new technologies are being pursued to enhance LNG’s flexibility and competitiveness with other primary energy forms (Fig. 1).

LNG is not without risks. These range from project economics, fuel competition, and politics on a local, national, and global scale to partner priorities, marketing, and contractual arrangements. Given the growing world population, the rising demand for more energy, and the need to mitigate climate change, the consensus is that the long-term outlook is bullish. But, says industry technical advisor DNV GL, the sector stands at a crossroads, and the industry must adopt new thinking to address current and future needs of buyers, sellers, and consumers both globally and regionally.

What’s Behind the Growth?

Three primary factors are behind the current wave of growth in LNG, according to the Shell 2019 LNG Outlook: the energy challenge, new countries choosing LNG for various reasons, and supply and demand.

The world’s current population of 7.6 billion people is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion in 2100, according to United Nations estimates. Of today’s population, nearly one person in three either has no electricity or struggles with unreliable supplies. As the population grows and more people seek to improve their quality of life, Shell projects that, by 2070, the world is likely to use at least 50% more energy than it does today.

Natural gas has an advantage over other energy sources to meet current and future energy challenges because it is abundant, relatively clean, and cost-effective to produce. For these reasons and the role it can play in lowering carbon dioxide emissions, it is being touted as a bridge fuel to renewables as well as a foundational source of energy.
Osteoarthritis (OA): A Modern Disease of the Anthropocene Era
Authors: Mobasheri Ali , Levesque Marc C.
Published: June 2019

In this paper we discuss recent studies that have unravelled important roles for modern-day environmental factors in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a relatively modern disease in terms of human evolution. While our ancestors have been around for about six million years, modern humans (Homo sapiens) only evolved about 200,000 years ago. Early humans did not live long enough to suffer from age-related musculoskeletal conditions such as OA and arthritic diseases are thought to have been extremely rare in early Natufians and Egyptians, but this is probably because of an underrepresentation of older adults in the skeletal records. Examination of Egyptian skeletal records from burial sites provides some evidence of arthritic diseases such as OA, but mainly in the mummified remains of pharaohs and high-ranking officials, viziers, priests and nobles. Examination of the skeletal records in Roman burial ground does reveal more evidence of arthritic diseases but the evidence is sketchy and we can only assume that arthritic diseases were more prevalent in the slave population in ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire. Recent studies indicate that independent risk factors for knee OA either arose or have become amplified in the post-industrial era, suggesting that the prevalence of OA has gradually increased since the industrial revolution. Alarmingly, the incidence of knee OA has doubled since the middle of the 20thcentury, suggesting that OA is a modern disease of the Anthropocene era and there may be unknown environmental factors that have led to its increased incidence since industrialization.
Temporal Variability of Soil Carbon and Nitrogen in Cotton Production on the Texas High Plains
Authors: Burke J.A. , Lewis K.L. , Ritchie G.L. , Moore‐Kucera J. , DeLaune P.B. , Keeling J.W.
Published: June 2019

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key indicator of soil health as it is important in essential soil functions related to nutrient cycling and soil productivity. Although, it can take several decades to increase SOC in semi‐arid ecoregions, it is possible that the low organic matter background in sandy soils typical of semi‐arid soils may show greater fluctuations compared to soils from other regions. This study was conducted to evaluate the temporal C and N dynamics of cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) cropping systems in a semi‐arid region. The effects of no‐tillage (NT) and cover crop use on SOC, potassium permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), inorganic nitrogen (Ninorg), and microbial respiration were investigated in a long‐term study (∼19 yr) at Lamesa, TX, comparing conventional tillage (CT), winter fallow, to no‐tillage rye cover (R‐NT), and no‐tillage mixed species cover (M‐NT) on an Amarillo fine sandy loam. Results showed SOC and POXC were greatest during periods of active cover crop and cotton root growth. Soil organic C and POXC were significantly correlated (R2= 0.75;p< 0.0001), but poorly correlated to microbial respiration (R2= 0.41,p= 0.0001; andR2= 0.02,p= 0.8781, respectively). Conservation management practices did not impact Ninorg. Soil organic C and POXC levels were more variable than previously reported and responded to active root growth in this semi‐arid, sandy soil.

Core Ideas

Soil organic C and K permanganate oxidizable C were more temporally variable than previously reported.

Soil organic C and K permanganate oxidizable C were greatest during active cover than fallow periods.

Long‐term conservation management did not significantly increase inorganic N.
Depth‐Dependent Response of Fecal Indicator Bacteria in Sediments to Changes in Water Column Nutrient Levels
Authors: Smith Jaclyn E. , Kiefer Lynda A. , Stocker Matthew D. , Blaustein Ryan A. , Ingram Shannon , Pachepsky Yakov A.
Published: June 2019

Concentrations of Escherichia coli in bottom sediments can influence the assessment of microbial stream water quality. Runoff events bring nutrients to streams that can support the growth of E. coli in sediments. The objective of this work was to evaluate depth‐dependent changes in E. coli populations after nutrients are introduced to the water column. Bovine feces were collected fresh and mixed into sediment. Studies were performed in a microcosm system with continuous flow of synthetic stream water over inoculated sediment. Dilutions of autoclaved bovine manure were added to water on Day 16 at two concentrations, and KBr tracer was introduced into the water column to evaluate ion diffusion. Concentrations of E. coli, total coliforms, and total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, along with orthophosphate‐P and ammonium N, were monitored in water and sediment for 32 d. Sediment samples were analyzed in 0‐ to 1‐cm and 1‐ to 3‐cm sectioned depths. Concentrations of E. coli and total coliforms in top sediments were approximately one order of magnitude greater than in bottom sediments throughout the experiment. Introduction of nutrients to the water column triggered an increase of nutrient levels in both top and bottom sediments and increased concentrations of bacteria in the water. However, the added nutrients had a limited effect on E. coli in sediment where bacterial inactivation continued. Vertical gradients of E. coli concentrations in sediments persisted during the inactivation periods both before and after nutrient addition to the water column.

Core Ideas

Bacterial concentrations decreased with increasing sediment depth.

Bacterial concentrations were highest in the upper 1‐cm portion of sediment.

The addition of nutrients changed the bacterial concentrations in the water column.

The addition of nutrients had a negligible effect on the bacteria in underlying sediments.

Bacterial survival dynamics were similar in the top and bottom portions of sediment.
Mechanisms Responsible for Soil Phosphorus Availability Differences between Sprinkler and Furrow Irrigation
Authors: Ippolito James A. , Bjorneberg Dave L. , Blecker Steve W. , Massey Michael S.
Published: June 2019

From a historical perspective, human‐induced soil erosion and resulting soil phosphorus (P) losses have likely occurred for thousands of years. In modern times, erosion risk and off‐site P transport can be decreased if producers convert from furrow to sprinkler irrigation, but conversion may alter nutrient dynamics. Our study goal was to determine soil P dynamics in furrow‐ (in place since the early 1900s) versus sprinkler‐irrigated (installed within the last decade) soils from four paired producer fields in Idaho. Furrow‐ and sprinkler‐irrigated soils (0–5 cm; Aridisols) contained on average 38 and 20 mg kg−1 of Olsen‐extractable P (i.e., plant‐available P), respectively; extractable P values over 40 mg kg−1 limit Idaho producers to P application based on crop uptake only. Soil samples were also analyzed using a modified Hedley extraction. Furrow‐irrigated soils contained greater inorganic P concentrations in the soluble+aluminum (Al)‐bound+iron (Fe)‐bound, occluded, and amorphous Fe‐bound pools. Phosphorus K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was unable to detect Fe‐associated P but indicated greater amounts of apatite‐like or octacalcium phosphate‐like P in furrow‐irrigated producer soils, while sprinkler‐irrigated fields had lower amounts of apatite‐like P and greater proportions of P bound to calcite. Findings from a controlled USDA‐ARS sprinkler‐ versus furrow‐irrigation study suggested that changes in P dynamics occur slowly over time, as few differences were observed. Overall findings suggest that Fe redox chemistry or changes in calcium (Ca)‐associated P in flooded conditions altered P availability under furrow irrigation, even in aridic, calcareous soils, contributing to greater Olsen‐extractable P concentrations in long‐term furrow‐irrigated fields.

Core Ideas

Irrigation type may greatly affect soil P dynamics in calcareous systems.

Furrow irrigated fields contained more plant‐available P than sprinkler irrigated fields.

Furrow irrigation leads to Fe chemistry alterations, release of P, and increases available P.

Available P increases under furrow irrigation could limit amendment application based on P, not N, crop needs.

We still do not fully understand P dynamics in irrigated calcareous systems.
Microhydrological Niches in Soils: How Mucilage and EPS Alter the Biophysical Properties of the Rhizosphere and Other Biological Hotspots
Authors: Benard Pascal , Zarebanadkouki Mohsen , Brax Mathilde , Kaltenbach Robin , Jerjen Iwan , Marone Federica , Couradeau Estelle , Felde Vincent J.M.N.L. , Kaestner Anders , Carminati Andrea
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

Plant mucilage and bacterial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) prevent the breakup of the soil liquid phase.

Formation of continuous structures buffers soil hydraulic properties.

The release of viscous polymeric substances represents a universal strategy.

Plant roots and bacteria are capable of buffering erratic fluctuations of water content in their local soil environment by releasing a diverse, highly polymeric blend of substances (e.g. extracellular polymeric substances [EPS] and mucilage). Although this concept is well accepted, the physical mechanisms by which EPS and mucilage interact with the soil matrix and determine the soil water dynamics remain unclear. High‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography revealed that upon drying in porous media, mucilage (from maize [Zea mays L.] roots) and EPS (from intact biocrusts) form filaments and two‐dimensional interconnected structures spanning across multiple pores. Unlike water, these mucilage and EPS structures connecting soil particles did not break up upon drying, which is explained by the high viscosity and low surface tension of EPS and mucilage. Measurements of water retention and evaporation with soils mixed with seed mucilage show how these one‐ and two‐dimensional pore‐scale structures affect macroscopic hydraulic properties (i.e., they enhance water retention, preserve the continuity of the liquid phase in drying soils, and decrease vapor diffusivity and local drying rates). In conclusion, we propose that the release of viscous polymeric substances and the consequent creation of a network bridging the soil pore space represent a universal strategy of plants and bacteria to engineer their own soil microhydrological niches where stable conditions for life are preserved.
Analyst and etching protocol effects on the reproducibility of apatite confined fission-track length measurement, and ambient-temperature annealing at decadal timescales
Authors: Tamer Murat T. , Chung Ling , Ketcham Richard A. , Gleadow Andrew J.W.
Published: June 2019

Previous inter-laboratory experiments on confined fission-track length measurements in apatite have consistently reported variation substantially in excess of statistical expectation. There are two primary causes for this variation: (1) differences in laboratory procedures and instrumentation, and (2) personal differences in perception and assessment between analysts. In this study, we narrow these elements down to two categories, etching procedure and analyst bias. We assembled a set of eight samples with induced tracks from four apatite varieties, initially irradiated between 2 and 43 years prior to etching. Two mounts were made containing aliquots of each sample to ensure identical etching conditions for all apatites on a mount. We employed two widely used etching protocols, 5.0 M HNO3 at 20 °C for 20 s and 5.5 M HNO3 at 21 °C for 20 s. Sets of track images were then captured by an automated system and exchanged between two analysts, so that measurements could be carried out on the same tracks and etch figures, in the same image data, allowing us to isolate and examine the effects of analyst bias. An additional 5 s of etching was then used to evaluate etching behavior at track tips. In total, 8391 confined fission-track length measurements were performed; along with 1480 etch figure length measurements. When the analysts evaluated each other's track selections within the same images for suitability for measurement, the average rejection rate was ~14%. For tracks judged as suitable by both analysts, measurements of 2D and 3D length, dip, and c-axis angle were in excellent agreement, with slightly less dispersion when using the 5.5 M etch. Lengths were shorter in the 5.0 M etched mount than the 5.5 M etched one, which we interpret to be caused by more prevalent under-etching in the former, at least for some apatite compositions. After an additional 5 s of etching, 5.0 M tracks saw greater lengthening and more reduction in dispersion than 5.5 M tracks, additional evidence that they were more likely to be under-etched after the initial etching step. Systematic differences between analysts were minimal, with the main exception being likelihood of observing tracks near perpendicular to the crystallographic c axis, which may reflect different use of transmitted vs. reflected light when scanning for tracks. Etch figure measurements were more consistent between analysts for the 5.5 M etch, though one apatite variety showed high dispersion for both. Within a given etching protocol, each sample reflected a decrease of mean track length with time since irradiation, giving evidence of 0.2–0.3 μm of annealing over year to decade timescales.
Identification of interstratified mica and pyrophyllite monolayers within chlorite using advanced scanning/transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Wang Guanyu , Wang Hejing , Wen Jianguo
Published: June 2019

Interstratified clay minerals reflect the weathering degree and record climatic conditions and the pedogenic processes in the soil. It is hard to distinguish a few layers of interstratified clay minerals from the chlorite matrix, due to their similar two-dimensional tetrahedral-octahedral-tetrahedral (TOT) structure and electron-beam sensitive nature during transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. Here, we used multiple advanced TEM techniques including low-dose high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) imaging combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) mapping to study interstratified layers in a chlo-rite sample from Changping, Beijing, China. We demonstrated an interstratified mica or pyrophyllite monolayer could be well distinguished from the chlorite matrix by projected atomic structures, lattice spacings, and chemical compositions with advanced TEM techniques. Further investigation showed two different transformation mechanisms from mica or pyrophyllite to chlorite: either a 4 Å increase or decrease in the lattice spacing. This characterization approach can be extended to the studies of other electron-beam sensitive minerals.
Evaluación de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud pre y post trasplante hepático, en pacientes de un hospital de alta complejidad
Authors: Mejía Gilberto , Gómez María Teresa , Moreno-Medina Karen
Published: June 2019

El trasplante hepático es la alternativa terapéutica indicada en pacientes con enfermedad hepática terminal para mejorar su sobrevida y calidad de vida. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) de pacientes con cirrosis hepática antes y después de trasplante hepático. Se incluyeron 33 personas adultas que estaban en lista de espera para trasplante en la institución, se aplicó una serie de cuestionarios antes y después del trasplante: para evaluar la calidad de vida se utilizaron el LDQOL-1 (específico para enfermedad y trasplante hepático) y SF36 (para población general); para evaluar los síntomas depresivos y ansiosos, se utilizaron el BDI y STAI, respectivamente. Los resultados señalan una mejoría en la CVRS, así como disminución de los síntomas ansiosos y depresivos posterior al trasplante.
Biologically Active Substances of Siberian Medical Plants in Functional Wgey-Based Drinks
Authors: Иванова Светлана , Ivanova Svetlana , Милентьева Ирина , Milenteva Irina , Асякина Людмила , Asyakina Lyudmila , Лукин Андрей , Lukin Andrey , Кригер Ольга , Kriger Olga , Петров Андрей , Petrov Andrey
Published: June 2019

The use of infusions and extracts from domestic plant materials is a promising direction in the development of functional beverages since they contain a wide range of substances of various pharmacological properties. Drinks fortified with physiologically active natural components maintain a certain level of this content in human body. They can have a healing or prophylactic effect. However, there is a lack of technologies for the effective production of biologically active substances from plant materials. Moreover, the development of cultivated botanical medicinal plant species remains quite poor. The present study features the qualitative and quantitative composition of biologically active substances of medicinal plants that are endemics of Siberia. They are Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola rosea L.) and maral root (Rhaponticum carthamoides). The paper introduces a method for increasing their biosynthetic activity. An experiment helped to select a composition of the nutrient medium for the cultivation of callus cultures of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola rosea L.) and maral root (Rhaponticum carthamoides) in vitro, which contributed to an increase in the biosynthesis of biologically active substances. For callus cultures of Rhodiola Rosea (line R.r-1k) the following composition was used: mineral base – MS; sucrose – 30 g; inositol – 100 mg; thiamine – 1.0 mg; pyridoxine – 1.0 mg; Ca-panthetonate – 10 mg; kinetin – 0.05 g; naphthyl acetic acid – 0.1 g; 2.4-D – 0.5. For callus cultures of maral root (line R.c -2k): mineral base – SH; sucrose – 30 g; inositol – 100 mg; thiamine – 5.0 mg; pyridoxine – 0.5 mg; nicotinic acid – 5.0 mg; kinetin – 0.1 g; indoleacetic acid – 1.0 g. The authors developed a technology for the production of functional whey-based tonic drink fortified with extract of carotenoids isolated from the fruits of mountain ash and the extract of biologically active substances Rhodiola rosea and maral root. The presence of biologically active substances in the plant and medicinal raw materials gives the drink antioxidant and bactericidal properties, as well as helps to raise the overall state of the organizm and strengthen the immune system.
Strategic Planning of Innovation Development of industrial Enterprises Under Growing Competition and Risks
Authors: Мизанбекова Салима , Mizanbekova Salima , Богомолова Ирина , Bogomolova Irina , Василенко Ирина , Vasilenko Irina , Богомолов Антон , Bogomolov Anton
Published: June 2019

The paper describes a comprehensive study of the strategic planning of innovative development at industrial enterprises: the main directions, the basic principles, and the system as a whole. The research features the planning mechanism of innovations and investments. It introduces a scheme of strategic management of innovative development of industrial economic entities and their typological classification. Based on foreign and domestic academic sources, the authors systematized innovative strategies and prospective directions of feed industry development. Oil cake and seed cake production make up an important part of feed industry worldwide. The research included monitoring of this industry segment. It featured a case of a regional experimental compound feed plant (stock company OAO Voronezh). The study revealed some basic conditions and directions of innovativedevelopment of feed production under the import substitution and strategic goals policy.
Exposição solar: conhecimento e hábitos de alunos de agronomia
Authors: Mariano da Rocha Camila Roos , Hofmann Agatha , Spessatto Gabriela , Chichelero Georgia , Alves Nabarros Luiza , De Moura Virgínia de Carli , Tonial Fabiana
Published: June 2019

Exposure to sun light: knowledge and habits of agronomy students
Integralidade na perspectiva dos usuários da Estratégia Saúde da Família
Authors: Batista dos Santos Paula Fernanda Brandão , Moraes de Souza Lincoln , De Medeiros Eliabe Rodrigues , Bispo Willyana Freire , Dos Santos Wesp Luiza Helena , Galvão Pinto Erika Simone
Published: June 2019

Integrality in the perception of Family Health Strategy users
Caracterização das dislipidemias na população adulta de Vitória/ES
Authors: Oliosa Polyana Romano , Mill José Geraldo , Nickel Valerio Elry Cristine
Published: June 2019

Characterization of dyslipidemias in the adult population of Vitória/ES, Brazil
Schizophrenia Patient Shows a Rare Interleukin 15 Receptor alpha Variant Disrupting Signal Transduction
Authors: Pan Yanli , Wang Zhimin , Zhang Guangping , Guo Junhua , Zhu Xuequan , Zhou Jia , Zhang Zhenrong , Sun Zuoli , Yang Jian , Kastin Abba J. , Pan Weihong , Wu Xiaojun , Zhang Jianliang , Wang Xiaomin , Wang Chuanyue , He Yi
Published: June 2019

Background:

Schizophrenia is a complex and debilitating mental disorder with strong heritability. Its pathogenesis involves immune dysregulation. Interleukin 15 and interleukin 15 receptor alpha(IL-15Rα) are classical immune molecules. They also help maintain normal brain function, leading to our hypothesis that IL-15Rα gene(IL- 15RA) variants contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Objective:

We determine whether the genetic variants of IL-15RA are associated with the development and progression of schizophrenia and whether IL-15RA single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) plays a key role in downstream signaling transduction.

Methods and results:

We sequenced IL-15RA exon from 132 Chinese schizophrenic patients and identified a rare variant(rs528238821) in a patient diagnosed with catatonic schizophrenia and ankylosing spondylitis(AS). We overexpressed this missense variant in cells driven by pBI-CMV vector. The cells showed attenuated STAT3 phosphorylation in response to interleukin15.

Conclusion:

IL-15RA mutation is rare in schizophrenic patients but interfered with IL- 15Rα intracellular signal transduction. Given the similarity of symptoms of catatonic schizophrenia and the known phenotype of IL-15Rα knockout mice, gene variation might offer diagnostic value for sub-types of schizophrenia.
Sodium Hydrosulfide Post-conditioning Protects Hippocampal CA1 Neurons from Neuronal Cell Injury in the Rat Model of Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia Through Activation of Extracellular-regulated Kinases Signaling
Authors: Bai ChengPing , Zhao ChenLiang
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

The effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on global cerebral ischemia remains partially understood. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a donor of H2S) post-conditioning and its underlying mechanism in a transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI) model.

Materials & Methods:

The tGCI rat model was established by the four-vessel occlusion method. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: sham, tGCI, tGCI +NaHS, tGCI+vehicle, tGCI+U0126 and tGCI+U0126+NaHS groups. Neurons survival was assessed by Nissl staining and NeuN immunostaining. Levels of extracellular extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2 and p-ERK1/2 were determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Intraperitoneal injection of NaHS (24 μmol/kg) at 24 h post-tGCI attenuated tGCI-induced decrease of the survival and NeuN-positive neurons in the hippocampal CA1 subregion.

Results:

Compared to the sham group, tGCI significantly up-regulated p-ERK1/2 protein at 26 and 48 h post-tGCI. NaHS post-conditioning further enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 at 26, 48 and 168 h post-tGCI. Nevertheless, U0126 (an inhibitor of MEK1/2) pre-treatment reduced the p-ERK1/2 level in both the tGCI+ U0126 group and the tGCI+ U0126+ NaHS group. IHC staining revealed that p-ERK1/2-positive cell could be observed in several hippocampal subregions of the rats receiving NaHS post-conditioning. Immunofluorescence staining showed that some neurons were double-stained with p-ERK1/2 and NeuN. Furthermore, U0126 pre-treatment significantly attenuated the protective effect of NaHS post-conditioning on the neurons survival and NeuNpositive neurons in CA1 subregion.

Conclusion:

These results suggested that NaHS post-conditioning can protect hippocampal CA1 neurons from tGCI-induced injury, at least partially, through activation of ERK1/2 signaling.
A Potential Role for the Existence of Pericytes in the Neurovascular Unit of the Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus of the Rat Preoptic Area to Control Blood-Brain Barrier Function
Authors: He Zhen , Patterson Tucker A.
Published: June 2019

Background:

The present study aimed at determining pericytes, a missing component
in the previously proposed living neurovascular unit (NVU) of the sexually dimorphic nucleus of
the preoptic area (SDN-POA) in rats.

Materials and Mehods:

Calbindin D28K-immunoreactivities (CB28-irs) were used to delineate
the SDN-POA in which CD13-immunoreactivities (CD13-irs) or alpha-smooth muscle actinimmunoreactivities
(αSMA-irs), two pericyte biomarkers serving the indexes of pericytes, were
tagged using two adjacent brain sections (90-micron intervals). In addition, the nestinimmunoreactive
(nestin-ir) cells in the SDN-POA were counted as pericytes referring to additional
standards: location and nucleic and cellular morphology. Male SDN-POA volume (5.0±0.3x10-3
mm3) was significantly larger than the female (1.7±0.3x10-3 mm3). Within the SDN-POA, the
CD13-irs were characterized as dots, densely packed and net-like in distribution, while the αSMAirs,
excluding pipe-like or circular structures, appeared as short rod-like structures that were
sparsely distributed.

Results:

The immunoreactive counts of alpha-smooth muscle actin were 353±57/mm2 in males
and 124±46/mm2 in females (p<0.05). On the other hand, densities of the dot-like CD13-irs were
similar between males (4009±301/mm2) and females (4018±414/ mm2). There was no difference
between the male and the female in the nestin-ir pericyte count in the SDN-POA.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the present study adds new information concerning pericytes to the living
NVU of the SDN-POA. There is a difference of sex in the count of the αSMA-irs in the living
NVU of the SDN-POA. However, why such a difference exists warrants further investigations.
Methotrexate Hepatotoxicity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Analysis of the Physicians’ Policy
Authors: Anvari Bita
Published: June 2019

Background::

Methotrexate hepatotoxicity could be a reason for the discontinuation or
dose reduction in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA); however, the consequence of different
policies in this situation is unclear and the physicians need to know what would happen after their
decision.

Objective::

To demonstrate the consequence of multiple approaches towards transaminitis management
in patients with RA receiving Methotrexate (MTX).

Method::

Data were obtained from the previous work (2006) on 295 patients with RA undergoing
MTX treatment. Those who developed transaminitis at least one time were selected for this study.
Then, the physicians’ decisions regarding discontinuing, decreasing, or prescribing a fixed dose of
MTX along with the effect of each decision on the next liver enzyme were evaluated.

Results::

Strategies of decreasing dose or discontinuing MTX were adopted in 31.4% of patients
and prescribing fixed dose was done in 53.9% of patients, leading to 93% and 65% next enzyme
normalization, respectively. Thirty-four patients had definite MTX induced transaminitis and
55.9% of the physicians decided to decrease MTX dose for them, causing normalization of the next
enzyme in 83% of these patients. In contrast, continuing MTX, even with the same dose, in definite
MTX induced transaminitis cases led to consecutive enzyme elevations in 88.9% of these patients
(p=0.001).

Conclusion::

Normalization of liver enzymes was observed after decreasing dose or discontinuing
MTX, suggesting this policy as the best practice for the management of MTX induced transaminitis.
However, the trend to improvement, despite the type of physicians’ decision, was observed.
This trend was not found in definite MTX induced transaminitis, revealing the prominence of the
physician’s policy in this situation.
Distinctive Features in Spondyloarthritis Between Women and Man in Moroccan Context: Disease Beginning, Clinical Manifestations, Disease Activity and Function Scores
Authors: Nihad Siar , Nessrine Akasbi , Sofia Zoukal , Salma Ghazzali , Khadija El Kohen , Taoufik Harzy
Published: June 2019

Background:

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a common group of chronic rheumatic
inflammatory diseases, which usually affects the axial skeleton, and are more frequently observed
in males than in females. Several differences have been brought up in the clinical presentation of
axSpA, according to the patient’s gender. In fact; axSpA severity in women tends to be moderate,
leading then, to an underdiagnosis in this category of patients. While male axSpA patients seem to
set forth more spinal destructions on radiographs.

Objective:

As the main goal, our study aims to bring up the particularities of female axial spondyloarthritis,
all the while comparing them with the male form.

Materials and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study carried out in the period lying between January
2012 and December 2017, at a single rheumatology department in Morocco. All patients with
an axial spondyloarthritis meeting the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society
(ASAS) classification criteria 2010, and who have been admitted in our department, during that period,
were included. The data was recorded and analyzed using SPSS v20 univariate and bivariate
analysis. A value of p <0.005 has been used to identify factors associated with axSpA in women.

Results:

A total of 277 patients were enrolled, of which 147 are female and 130 are male with a sex
ratio of 1.1. Cervical stiffness was more common in men. On the other hand, women had more arthritis
and enthesitis. However, no considerable divergences have been underscored between the
two genders, neither in the prevalence of extra-articular manifestations, nor in disease activity
BASDAI and BASFI. Men had more radiographic sacroiliitis compared to women (57.5% vs.
42.5%, p=0.01), more coxitis (66.7% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.0001). The Multivariate logistic regression
analysis showed that female gender was associated with a greater age at the diagnosis onset (IC:
1.053-1.103, OR=1.07, p=0.001) and arthritis (IC: 2.37-4.26, OR=2.3, p=0.004). While the male
sex was associated with a young age of onset (CI: 4.50-19.52, OR = 9.3), coxitis (CI: 2.53-4.23,
OR = 3.3) and smoking (CI: 15.667-900.18, OR = 118.7).

Conclusion :

The comparison between male and female patients suffering from axial spondyloarthritis
found many differences and similarities as well, in the disease expression. This study showed
actually that women had the less severe form of spondyloarthritis.
Ideal 1:1 stoichiometry curcumin inclusion complex induced potential apoptosisin colorectal adenocarcinoma cells: The clear image of necrosis and functionalized dying effect
Authors: K Kavitha , Mohamed J Muthu , Karthikeyini S Chitra
Published: June 2019

Background:

This study investigates the inclusion complex of curcumin (CMN) enhance the solubility, which can be utilized for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) greater to free CMN.

Methods:

CMN solid dispersion (SD) prepared by a hot melt method using CMN with several carriers of poloxamers (P-407 and P-188), gelucire 50/13 (GLR) and mannitol (MNT). Prior, molecular modelling and phase solubility studieswere performed with drug and carriers. The SD characterized by in vitrodrug release, SEM and functionalize dyeing test. Additionally, the cytotoxicity and image of apoptosisresolved to utilize the colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines.

Results:

The result showed that CMN-P-407 inclusion complex produced significant properties towards solubility (318 ± 14.46 fold) and dissolution (91 ± 0.431% at 30 min). Similarly, these data fit with insilico model. The IC50 value for inclusion complex found to be 74 and 52 µM/mL, while that for free CMN ranged from 146 and 116 µM/mL on the SW480 and Caco-2 cells respectively. Apoptosis study described that the cells are undergoing cell death by apoptosis and the small number of necrosis.

Conclusion:

The profound efﬁciency of CMN-P-407 SD indicated its potential application for CRC treatment by showing a higher capability of inhibiting cell growth compared to that of free CMN.
Investigation of Antioxidant Properties of Three Naturally Isolated Microalgae: Identification and Bioinformatics Evaluation of the Most Efficient Strain
Authors: Morowvat Mohammad Hossein , Goharian Sara , Ghasemi Younes
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives:

In this study, three naturally isolated species of microalgae were investigated for their antioxidant activity using DPPH assay and polyphenol contents through Folin-Ciocalteu analysis.

Methods:

Three different solvents including hexane, ethyl acetate and water, which present different
polarities were utilized to extract the bioactive components from three different microalgal
strains.

Results:

The investigated species exhibited considerable amounts of antioxidants (25.88 ± 0.48
µmol Trolox g-1 in Scenedesmus obliquus) and polyphenol compounds (27.14 ± 0.40 mg GAE g-1
in Chlorella vulgaris). The observed correlation coefficient (R2=0.8265) between the two studied
parameters confirmed the great contribution of the phenolic compounds in the observed antioxidant
activities.

Conclusion:

The phylogenetics and other bioinformatic tools were confirmed as a useful method
for identification of the most prominent species. The obtained data and patents warrant the potentials
of naturally isolated microalgal strains for obtaining different antioxidant and polyphenolic
bioactive compounds.