bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International tuberculosis contact-tracing notifications in Germany: Analysis of national data from 2010-2018 and implications for efficiency
Authors: Glasauer Saskia , Kröger Stefan , Haas Walter , Perumal Nita
Published: February 2020

Background

International contact-tracing (CT) following exposure during long-distance air travel is resource-intensive, whereas evidence for risk of tuberculosis (TB) transmission during international travel is weak. In this study, we systematically analyzed the information from international requests for CT received at the national level in Germany in order to evaluate the continued utility of the current approach and to identify areas for improvement.

Methods

An anonymized archive of international CT notifications received by the Robert Koch Institute between 2010 and 2018 was searched for key parameters for data collection. A total of 31 parameters, such as characteristics of TB patients and their identified contacts, were extracted from each CT notification and collated into a dataset. Descriptive data analysis and trend analyses were performed to identify key characteristics of CT notifications, patients, and contacts over the years.

Results

192 CT notifications, each corresponding to a single TB index case were included in the study, increasing from 12 in 2010 to 41 in 2018. The majority of notifications (N=130, 67.7%) concerned international air travel, followed by private contact (N=39, 20.3%) and work exposure (N=16, 8.3%). 159 (82.8%) patients had sputum smear results available, of which 147 (92.5%) were positive. Of 119 (62.0%) patients with drug susceptibility testing results, most (N=92, 77.3%) had pan-sensitive TB, followed by 15 (12.6%) with multi-drug resistant TB. 115 (59.9%) patients had information on infectiousness, of whom 99 (86.1%) were considered infectious during the exposure period. 7 (5.3%) patients travelled on long-distance flights despite a prior diagnosis of active TB. Of the 771 contact persons, 34 (4.4%) could not be reached for CT measures due to lack of contact information.

Conclusion

The high variability in completeness of information contained within the international CT requests emphasizes the need for international standards for reporting of CT information. With the large proportion of TB patients reported to have travelled while being infectious in our study, we feel that raising awareness among patients and health professionals to detect TB early and prevent international long-distance travel during the infectious disease phase should be a cornerstone strategy to safeguard against possible transmission during international travel.
Circular RNA expression profiling in dorsal root ganglion of rats with peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Xiong Wanxia , Liu Fan , wang jie , wang zhiyao
Published: February 2020

Background : Circular RNAs (circRNAs) comprise a class of endogenous species of RNA consisting of a covalently closed loop structure that is crucial for genetic and epigenetic regulation. The significance of circRNA in neuropathic pain remains to be investigated. Methods : The sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was established to induce neuropathic pain. We performed genome-wide circRNA analysis of 4 paired DRG sample from CCI and NC rats via next generation sequencing technology. The differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were identified by differential expression analysis and the expression profile of circRNAs was validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Functional annotation analysis was performed to predict the function of DEcircRNAs. Results : A total of 374 DEcirRNAs were identified between CCI and NC rats using circRNA High-throughput sequencing (HTS). Expression levels of 9 DEcircRNAs were validated by qPCR. Functional annotation analysis showed that DEcircRNAs were mainly enriched in pathways and functions such as ‘dopaminergic synapse’, ‘renin secretion’, ‘MAPK signaling pathway’ and ‘neurogenesis’. Competing endogenous RNAs analysis showed that top 50 circRNAs exhibited interactions with four pain related miRNAs. Circ:chr2:33950934-33955969 is the largest node in the circRNA-miRNA interaction network. Conclusion : DEcircRNAs may advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain. Key words : neuropathic pain, circRNA, CCI, differential expression analysis
Correlation between social media addiction and social media bullying: A cross sectional analytic study in Indonesian Youth
Authors: Alfaray Ricky Indra , Ibrahim Yusuf , Faizun Rafiqy Sa’adiy , Irfana Laily
Published: February 2020

BackgroundSocial media had eased communication among people in the last twenty years. However, the ease of being constantly connected also lead to problems, including social media addiction and social media bullying. Association between these two problems has not been researched extensively in Indonesia. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world and said to be the most social media-addicted nation. Approximately 50% of the population is categorized as Youth Generation (Generation Y and Z) who consider social media as a necessity in their daily lives. We conducted this nation-wide study to examine the correlation between social media addiction and the experience of being bullied in a social media platform in Indonesian youth.MethodsAn observational analytic study with a cross sectional design was conducted with a total of 1403 respondents. The samples were collected via consecutive sampling on Instagram. To determine social media addiction, the standard Social Media Disorder (SMD) Scale was used and the experience of being bullied is evaluated using a self-made questionnaire. Chi-square and Coefficient contingency analysis is used to determine the correlation.ResultsAlmost half of the respondents (n = 671, 47.9%) are classified as addicted to social media. More than half of the respondents claimed to have experienced bullying when interacting with people via social media (n = 923, 66%). Analyzing the two nominal independent variables results in a weak yet significant correlation (r = 0.097, p = 0.032).ConclusionThere is a significant correlation between social media addiction and the experience of being bullied in a social media platform in Indonesian youth. Future research are needed to help government prevents social media addiction that proved has correlation with bullying.
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase localised in the endoplasmic reticulum plays a role in scavenging H2O2 to enhance rice chilling tolerance
Authors: Author) Changxun Fang(Former Corresponding , Zhang Pengli , Li Lanlan , Yang Luke , Mu Dan , Yan Xue , Li Zhong , Author) Wenxiong Lin(New Corresponding
Published: February 2020

Background: Rice is a temperature-sensitive crop that can sustain dramatic damage from low temperatures. Overexpression of the Lsi1 gene (Lsi1-OX) in rice enhances its chilling tolerance. This study revealed that a serine hydroxymethyltransferase (OsSHMT) mainly localised in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in increasing tolerance to chilling. Results: A higher transcription level of OsSHMT was detected in Lsi1-OX rice than in the wild type. Histone H1 and nucleic acid binding protein were found to bind to the promoter region of OsSHMT and regulate its expression, and the transcription levels of these proteins were also up-regulated in the Lsi1-OX rice. Moreover, OsSHMT interacts with ATP synthase subunit α, heat shock protein Hsp70, mitochondrial substrate carrier family protein, ascorbate peroxidase 1 and ATP synthase subunit β. Lsi1-encoded protein OsNIP2;1 also interacts with ATP synthase subunit β, and the coordination of these proteins appears to function in reducing reactive oxygen species, as the H2O2 content of transgenic OsSHMT Arabidopsis thaliana was lower than that of the non-transgenic line under chilling treatment. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ER-localised OsSHMT plays a role in scavenging H2O2 to enhance the chilling tolerance of Lsi1-OX rice and that ATP synthase subunit β is an intermediate junction between Lsi1 and OsSHMT.
INTRABEAM intraoperative radiotherapy combined with portal vein infusion chemotherapy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus
Authors: Song Xiaodong , He Yong , Liang Huihong , Han Menling , Shao Zili
Published: February 2020

Background Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies indicate that more aggressive treatments, including surgical resection or locoregional treatment, may benefit select HCC patients with PVTT. External radiation therapy and infusion chemotherapy were found to achieve good outcomes; however, the use of low-energy x-ray radiation system (INTRABEAM), intraoperative radiation therapy, and portal vein infusion chemotherapy for PVTT has not been reported. Case Summary We present a case of HCC with PVTT. The patient underwent hemihepatectomy and thrombectomy along with intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) using a portable INTRABEAM radiation system. Subsequently, to treat PVTT, portal vein infusion chemotherapy with of FOLFOX (leucovorin [Folinic acid], fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin) regimen was administered. There were no obvious post-operative complications. After 14 months follow-up period, no obvious tumor recurrence had been observed, and PVTT gradually disappeared completely. Conclusions IORT using the INTRABEAM radiation system combined with portal vein infusion chemotherapy is promising for select patients with PVTT.
Regulatory Effect of Liraglutide on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Non-alcoholic Fatty Pancreas Disease
Authors: Chen Yong-peng , Chen Jiang-mu , Hu Wei-tao , Chen Zong-chi , Huang Si-ying , Fang Tai-yong
Published: February 2020

Background The pathophysiology and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) have not been well established. Thus, the aim is to prove hypotheses that endoplasmic reticulum (ER)stress may take part in the pathogenesis of NAFPD. Methods The mice were randomly grouped into normal-group, model-group and experimental-group. The normal-group was fed with regular-diet, while model-group and experimental-group were fed with high-fat-diet for 16 weeks. After the NAFPD model was established successfully, the experimental-group began to give liraglutide 0.6 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 for 4 weeks. The normal-group and model-group were received saline only, total pancreatectomy was performed and pancreas samples were divided for western-blot and immunohistochemical, to detect the expression of GRP78、PERK、eLF2α、ATF4、CASPASE12 and CHOP. Results Western-blot and immunohistochemistry both revealed that the expression of above proteins of model-group were significantly increased compared with normal-group and were also obviously increased compared with experimental-group. (all P ≤0.05). The weight of body and the pancreas of the model-group was markedly higher than that of normal-group, and was also dramatically higher than that of experimental-group (all P ≤0.01). Conclusion Those results show ER stress may be one of the pathogenesis of NAFPD and liraglutide have the effect on regulating ER stress in NAFPD. Those findings have great significance in figuring out the pathophysiology of NAFPD.
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Remdesivir in Adult Patients with Severe Pneumonia caused by COVID-19 virus Infection: study protocol for a Phase 3 Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicentre trial
Authors: Wang Yeming , Zhou Fei , Zhang Dingyu , Zhao Jianping , Du Ronghui , Hu Yi , Cheng Zhenshun , Gao Ling , Jin Yang , Luo Guangwei , Fu Shouzhi , Lu Qiaofa , Du Guanghua , Wang Ke , Lue Yang , Fan Guohui , Zhang Yi , Liu Ying , Ruan Shunan , Liu Wen , Jaki Thomas , Hayden Frederick G. , Horby Peter W , Cao Bin , Wang Chen
Published: February 2020

Background: A novel coronavirus emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China towards the end of 2019 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 virus). Large scale spread within China and internationally led the World Health Organisation to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30th January 2020. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 virus infection include asymptomatic infection, mild upper respiratory symptoms, severe viral pneumonia with respiratory failure and even death. There are no antivirals of proven clinical efficacy in coronavirus infections. Remdesivir (GS-5734), a nucleoside analogue, has inhibitory effects on animal and human highly pathogenic coronaviruses, including highkly pathogenic MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, in in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. It is also inhibitory against COVID-19 virus in-vitro. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of remdesivir in adult patients with severe pneumonia caused by COVID-19 virus infection.Methods: The protocol is prepared in accordance with the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) guidelines. This is a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial. Adults (≥18 years) with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 virus infection, and severe pneumonia signs or symptoms, and radiologically confirmed severe pneumonia are randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to intravenous remdesivir or placebo for 10 days. The primary endpoint is time to clinical improvement (censored at Day 28), defined as the time (in days) from randomization of study treatment (remdesivir or placebo) until a decline of two categories on a six-category ordinal scale of clinical status (1 ꞊ discharged; 6 ꞊ death). One interim analysis for efficacy and futility will be conducted once half of the total number of events required had been observed.Discussion: This is the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 2019-nCoV. Enrolment began in sites in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China on 6th February 2020.
Correlation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Stemness Indices and Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis
Authors: Li Juan , Zhang Chunting , Yuan Xin , Yu Zujiang
Published: February 2020

Background Recent studies have shown that cancer stem cell (CSC) is related to the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), but the mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the relationship between HCC stem cells and the survival time of HCC patients and its mechanism to guide the treatment. Methods We downloaded the RNA-Seq data and clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). The mRNA gene expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) and DNA methylation-based stemness index (mDNAsi) were calculated through one-class logistic regression (OCLR). By applying the univariable Cox regression analysis, we found that mRNAsi and mRNAsi were signiﬁcantly correlated with overall survival (OS). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis were used to seek for different genes, and searched for hub genes through protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. The spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test was applied to analyze the relationship between these hub genes and the stemness indices. Results The mRNA gene expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) and DNA methylation-based stemness index (mDNAsi) levels of HCC samples from TCGA and ICGC were significantly negatively related to clinical characteristics and OS. Analysis of differentially expressed genes and PPI revealed that SNAP25, KPT19, GABBR1 and EPCAM were significantly negative correlation with mDNAsi. Conclusion Our new model based on stemness indices-related genes was available for predicting prognosis. The SNAP25, KPT19, GABBR1 and EPCAM were potentially therapeutic targets for HCC patients.
Metropolitan age-specific mortality trends at borough and neighbourhood level: The case of Mexico City
Authors: Baca-Lopez Karol , Fresno Cristobal , Espinal-Enriquez Jesus , Flores-Merino Miriam V. , Camacho-Lopez Miguel A. , Hernandez-Lemus Enrique
Published: February 2020

BackgroundUnderstanding the spatial and temporal patterns of mortality rates in a highly inhomogeneous metropolis, is a matter of public policy interest. In this context, there is no previous study that correlates both spatio-temporal and age-specific mortality rates in Mexico City. Methods Spatio-temporal kriging modelling was used over six age-specific mortality rates (from the years 2000 to 2016 in Mexico City), to gain both spatial (borough and neighbourhood) and temporal (year and trimester) data level description. Resulting data were modelled using time-evolution mixed effect models to unblurred mortality age-specific patterns. Posterior tests were carried out to compare mortality averages between geospatial locations. Results Mortality correlation extends in all study groups for as long as 12 years and as far as 13.27 km. The highest mortality rate takes place in the Cuauhtémoc borough, as it is the commercial, touristic and cultural core downtown Mexico City. On the contrary, Tlalpan borough is the one with the lowest mortality rates in all the study groups. Interestingly, post-productive mortality is the first age-specific cause of death, followed by infant, productive, pre-school and scholar groups. Conclusion The combinations of spatio-temporal Kriging estimation and time-evolution mixed effect models, allowed us to unveil relevant time and location trends that may be useful for public policy planning in Mexico City.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis of cartilage for osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Bin , Zhong Jun-Long , Lin Nan , Chen Yu-Feng , Lu Hua-Ding
Published: February 2020

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease which threatens the health of older people around the world. However, its pathological mechanism remains unclear. In the current study, we aimed to identify the key genes and underlying pathological mechanisms associated with OA. Methods Firstly, GSE117999 was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We then obtained the DEGs, hub genes and key genes of the dataset using bioinformatics analysis, after which we analyzed these items using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO). Furthermore, the target miRNAs of key genes were predicted by miRDB. The Drug Gene Interaction database (DGIdb) was used to predict target drugs for key genes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of key genes. Results: A total of 974 DEGs were identified. Furthermore, we found 19 hub genes and 10 key genes. We then predicted that hsa-mir-3613-3p, hsa-mir-548e-5p and hsa-mir-5692a would be closely related to key genes through web tools, and that two drugs, etoposide and everolimus, were highly specific to some key genes. Finally, we analyzed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of key genes in the samples and speculated that ESR1 may be a biomarker of OA. Conclusions This study deepens our understanding of OA and may be beneficial for further explorations of the pathological mechanism of the disease.
Clinical efficacy and radiographic K-Rod stabilization for the treatment of multilevel degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Fu Chaohua , Chen Tianju , Yang Yuhao , Yang Hua , Diao Maohui , Zhang Guowei , Ji Zhisheng , Lin Hongsheng
Published: February 2020

Background: This study compares the use of radiographic K-Rod dynamic stabilization to the rigid system for the treatment of multisegmental degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (MDLSS). Methods: A total of 40 patients with MDLSS who underwent surgical treatment using the K-Rod (n=25) and rigid systems (n=15) from March 2013 to March 2017 were assessed. The mean follow-up period was 29.1 months. JOA, ODI, VAS and modified Macnab were assessed. Radiographic evaluations included lumbar lordosis angle, ISR value, operative and proximal adjacent ROM. Changes in intervertebral disc signal were classified according to Pfirrmann grade and UCLA system. Results: JOA, ODI and VAS changed significantly after the operation to comparable levels between the groups. However, the lumbar lordosis significantly decreased at final follow-up between both groups. The ROM of the proximal adjacent segment increased at final follow-up, but the number of fixed segment ROMs in the K-Rod group were significantly lower at the final follow-up than observed prior to the operation. In both groups, the ISR of the proximal adjacent segment decreased, most notably in the rigid group. The ISR of the non-fusion fixed segments in the K-Rod group increased post-operation and during final follow-up. The levels of adjacent segment degeneration were higher in the rigid group vs. the K-Rod group according to modified Pfirrmann grading and the UCLA system. Conclusions: Compared with the rigid system for treatment of MDLSS, dynamic K-Rod stabilization achieves improved radiographic outcomes and improves the mobility of the stabilized segments, minimizing the influence on the proximal adjacent segment.
Association between endometrial indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expression level and pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing first in vitro fertilization treatment
Authors: Liu Su , Wei Hongxia , Li Yuye , Lian Ruochun , Wang Xiaohui , Chen Lanna , Zeng Yong
Published: February 2020

BackgroundIndoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) has been reported to play a key role in placental development during normal pregnancy. However, the question of whether endometrial IDO expression affects in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy outcomes remains unclear. The current study was undertaken to investigate whether there was any association between endometrial IDO expression and IVF treatment outcome.MethodsThis retrospective study was designed to compare pregnancy outcomes among women with different endometrial IDO expression levels under their first IVF treatment. A total of 140 women undergoing their IVF treatment were selected from January 2017 to December 2017. Endometrial samples were collected during mid-luteal phase before IVF cycle. The endometrial IDO expression levels were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and compared between women who were pregnant or not. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of endometrial IDO expression on live birth.ResultsNo significant differences in the endometrial IDO expression levels were found between women who had clinical pregnancy and those who failed (P>0.05). However, the endometrial IDO expression level was significantly higher among women who had live birth compared with those who had no live birth (P=0.031). Additionally, after adjusting for differences in maternal age, BMI and duration of gonadotropin stimulation, women with higher IDO expression level had an increased live birth rate (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.863, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.180-6.947). ConclusionsHigher endometrial IDO expression level during mid-luteal phase is associated with an increased live birth rate in women undergoing their first IVF treatment.
Discussion on the Efficacy of Vascular Smooth Muscle Technology in the Treatment of Thin Endometrial Infertility
Authors: sun caixia , wang zhongmin
Published: February 2020

Objective: To clarify the efficacy of vascular smooth muscle technology in the treatment of thin endometrial infertility, and to provide a theoretical basis for the further diagnosis and treatment of thin endometrial infertility. Methods: In accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2015.01-2020.01 selected thin endometrial infertility patients undergoing freeze-thaw embryo transfer at the Female Pelvic Floor Urinary Reconstructive Center in Dalian Municipal Women and Children’s Medical Center were selected according to different treatment methods. For the two groups, pure estrogen therapy was used as the control group, and vascular smooth muscle technology combined with estrogen therapy was used as the study group. All patients' endometrial thickness and pregnancy and delivery were recorded before and after treatment. Results: 1. The endometrial thickness of the study group was significantly larger than that of the control group after treatment, the difference was statistically significant ( P <0.05); 2. 80 patients in the study group, 13 cases of successful pregnancy and delivery, 5 cases of biochemical pregnancy; the endometrial changes of the 50 patients in the control group was not obvious after treatment, none of the endometrial thicknesses reached the embryo transfer standard, and none were transplanted. Conclusion: Vascular smooth muscle technology can effectively increase the thickness of endometrium, with the aim of assisting to improve the pregnancy success rate of thin endometrial infertility through vascular smooth muscle technology.
Impact of ovarian metastatectomy on survival outcome of colorectal cancer patients with ovarian metastasis: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Xiaofen , Huang Hai , Ran Longyao , Fang Chao , Yu Yongyang , Luo Manxi , Qiu Meng
Published: February 2020

Background

Ovarian metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) is rare and lacks standard treatment. The benefit of metastatectomy remains to be elucidated. This study was conducted to assess the impact of metastatectomy on survival outcome and explore prognostic factors in ovarian metastatic CRC patients.

Results

Information of ovarian metastatic CRC patients between January 2008 and December 2017 were collected retrospectively from database of West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Totally, 68 female patients from a cohort of 2170 metastatic CRC cases were eligible. The median age at diagnosis was 46.5 years old. The median DSS was 25.0 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 21.0-29.0 months). Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test showed that complete resection of ovarian metastases (median DSS: 33.0 months) could significantly prolong patients’ survival time, comparing with palliative and no resection (median DSS: 20.0 months and 22.0 months, respectively), regardless of systemic chemotherapy (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated regional lymph nodes metastasis of primary tumor (hazard ratio (HR): 3.438, 95%CI: 1.094-10.810, P=0.035), primary tumor resection (HR: 6.436, 95%CI: 1.770-23.399, P=0.005), differentiation grade (HR: 0.272, 95%CI: 0.107-0.693, P=0.006), complete resection of ovarian metastases (versus palliative resection: HR: 17.091, 95%CI: 3.040-96.099, P=0.001; versus no resection: HR: 9.519, 95%CI: 1.581-57.320, P=0.014), and systemic chemotherapy (HR: 3.059, 95%CI: 1.089-8.595 P=0.034) were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Complete resection of ovarian metastases could independently predict favorable survival in ovarian metastatic CRC, while palliative resection could not improve patients’ prognosis compared with no resection.
Primary renal NUT carcinoma identified by next-generation sequencing: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yang Fei , Shen Danhua , Shi Junping
Published: February 2020

Background NUT carcinoma is a rare aggressive squamous cell carcinoma subtype genetically defined by NUTM1 rearrangements. NUT carcinoma usually has a primitive differentiation state and can be easily misdiagnosed as an undifferentiated carcinoma or Ewing sarcoma. Case presentation We report a case of NUT carcinoma of renal origin initially diagnosed as a malignant small round-cell tumor, likely to be Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor. Based on next-generation sequencing (NGS), the diagnosis was revised to NUT carcinoma with a characteristic NUTM1 rearrangement. The patient relapsed after surgery and received a standard NUT carcinoma treatment. However, due to advanced neoplasm progression, first-line chemotherapy failed and the patient died. Conclusion Routine NUT immunohistochemistry staining, NGS, and/or fluorescent in situ hybridization for poorly differentiated carcinoma and sarcoma tumors can help avoid misdiagnosis of NUT carcinoma-related tumors, allowing patients to benefit from bromodomain and extra-terminal motif inhibitor therapy.
Psychotropic use in children and adolescents in Scandinavia and Catalonia: a 10 years population-based study.
Authors: Gomez-Lumbreras Ainhoa , García-Sangenís Ana , Vallverdú Oriol Prat , Carbó Anna Gatell , Urgell Cristina Vedia , Gustemps Laura Gisbert , Pérez Xavier Bruna , Quiroga Antoni Ramos , Pedrós Rosa Morros
Published: February 2020

Background: Psychotropic drugs have not been deeply studied in the paediatric population as normally this population is not included in clinical trials and these drugs are not authorised for it use in under 18 years. Objectives: To describe the use of psychotropic drugs in children and adolescents in the North of Europe and Catalonia. Methods: Data on psychotropic drug consumption in children and adolescents were retrieved from the databases of Catalonia, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden from 2008 to 2017. Psychotropic drugs were divided in antipsychotics, anxiolytics (also hypnotics and sedatives), antidepressants and psychostimulants. Data were stratified by group of age (0-4, 5-9, 10-14 and 15-19/ 15-17 for Denmark and Catalonia) and sex. Results: Overall the group of anxiolytics shows the highest consumption and the group of antipsychotics the lowest. Sweden is the country with the highest consumption of psychotropic drugs and the highest increase in its consumption. Denmark has the lowest consumption for all groups. Catalonia shows a decrease in psychotropic drugs. Girls consume more than twice as many antidepressants as boys and the opposite is for psychostimulants. Risperidone and quetiapine are among the most consumed antipsychotics in the Nordic countries, in Catalonia they are risperidone and aripiprazole. Among the antidepressants sertraline is the most consumed. No differences are found among the psychostimulants. Differences regarding the use of anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives are found between the Nordic countries (melatonin is the most consumed) and Catalonia (hydroxyzine). Conclusions: Psychotropic consumption in younger populations is increasing though there are differences among the active substances among countries. Nordic countries show a higher prevalence of use than Catalonia. Psychotropic drug consumption increases with age being the only exception the psychostimulants consumption, which is highest in the 10-14 years group.
Effect of 1.8-mm steep-axis clear corneal incision on the posterior corneal astigmatism in candidates for toric IOL implantation
Authors: Li Xi , Chen Xiang , He Suhong , Xu Wen
Published: February 2020

PURPOSE

In the present study, we aimed to analyze the effects of cataract surgery using a 1.8-mm steep-axis clear corneal incision (CCI) on the posterior corneal surfaces based on the keratometry from the rotating Scheimpflug imaging device (Pentacam HR) in candidates for toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

METHODS

Preoperative and at least 1-month postoperative data measured by Pentacam HR were collected in patients for toric IOL implantation. Surgically induced astigmatism on the posterior cornea (P-SIA) was calculated based on the preoperative and postoperative keratometric data, and the related factors of P-SIA were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 60 eyes from 56 patients were enrolled. The preoperative anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism was 1.58±0.61 D and 0.28±0.22 D, respectively. The postoperative anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism was 1.26±0.68 D and 0.41±0.26 D, respectively. The astigmatism was significantly decreased on anterior surface (P<0.001, paired t-test) and increased on posterior surface (P<0.001, paired t-test). The mean of P-SIA calculated by Holladay–Cravy–Koch method was 0.34±0.20 D, with 0.5 D or greater accounting for 26.7%. P-SIA showed no significant difference among with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism, against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism and oblique astigmatism (F=1.85, P=0.167). A statistically significant correlation was observed between the P-SIA and preoperative anterior corneal astigmatism (r = 0.29, P=0.024), as well as preoperative posterior corneal astigmatism (r=0.27, P=0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

In candidates for toric IOL implantation with a 1.8-mm steep-axis CCI, the incision caused a significant reduction of the anterior corneal astigmatism but an increase of the corneal posterior astigmatism. P-SIA could not be ignored, and it played a significant role in SIA, especially in cases with higher preoperative anterior or posterior corneal astigmatism.
The Change of Visual Acuity Correlated with Choroidal Thickness in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zhang Xingyi , Li Fengjiao , Jiao Wanzhen , Ma Aihua , Zhao Bojun
Published: February 2020

Background

To probe the change of macular choroidal thickness (MCT) in diabetic retinopathy (DR) by using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).

Methods

A retrospective research was conducted among 136 eyes. Patients’ mean age was 57.34±9.42 years. 67 eyes were suffered from diabetic retinopathy (DR) without macular edema (ME), 69 eyes with ME and age matched 64 healthy eyes were as control. The choriocapillaris and the medium vascular layers (Sattler’s layer) were defined as the choroidal inner layer, and the large vessel layer (Haller’s layer) was defined as the choroidal outer layer.

Results

The whole, inner and out layers of choroid in macular area of the eyes with DR were significantly thinner compared to that of control (P<0.001). The whole and out choroidal layers in DR with ME were significantly thinner than that in DR without ME (P<0.001). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, LogMar) was 0.41±0.37and 0.70±0.45 for DR without ME and DR with ME, respectively. Univariate linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation between MCT and BCVA in either DR with or without ME groups (P=0.023,P=0.006). A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the elucidative variables strong association with MCT were BCVA and central macular thickness (CMT) in DR eyes.

Conclusion

In the eyes with DR, MCT was thinner compared to that of healthy control and this change was more substantial in ME eyes. MCT had a positive correction with BCVA. Our results indicate that the pathological change occurred in choroidal layer of the eyes with DR and this change correlated with impairment of BCVA.
INSTITUTIONAL TOOLS FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
Authors: Myroshnychenko Iu. , Lapin Ie.
Published: February 2020

The article deals with modern institutional tools for supporting the industrial development of Ukraine. The problems and advantages of industrial sector development are identified in this manuscript. Particular attention is given to identifying priority sectors of the economy as a driving force for the development of Industry 4.0 and the conditions of financial, legislative and technical support. Algorithm for implementing strategic industrial priorities
and tools for regulating industrial development in Ukraine are proposed by authors.

Keywords: institutional tools, Industry 4.0, industrial development, smart regulation
MODEL DEVELOPMENT OF INVESTMENT EFFICIENCY ASSESSMENT IN INNOVATION PROJECTS (Part 2)
Authors: Zaitsev O.
Published: February 2020

The mechanisms for calculating the effectiveness of innovative investments are complex, that is, they are estimated through a system of indicators. From this point of view, we believe that the inclusion in the mechanism of evaluating the effectiveness of investment projects of commodity product index and its harmonious "integration" into the system of financial and economic indicators can be one of the directions for the further development of evaluation methods of investment efficiency in innovative projects.

Keywords: investments, innovations, efficiency, products, costs, profits, taxes.
ENTERPRISE`S ACTIVITIES MONITORING IN STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
Authors: Vasilyeva Т. , Lyeonov S. , Antoniuk N. , Tverezovska O.
Published: February 2020

The article deals with the questions of formation of monitoring key indicators of enterprise financial and economic activity mechanism. Emphasized that the provision of adequate conditions for sustainable development and preservation of financial stability of domestic enterprises in today's economic realities require continuous monitoring of the main indicators of their activity, including the estimation of the financial condition of the company and its investment attractiveness. Analyzed one of the major domestic problems of the Ukrainian economy as the underfunding of the real sector of the economy is the result of the processes of financialization and globalization of world capital. It is proved that for today there is a necessity of formation of the mechanism of monitoring of key indicators of financial and economic activities of enterprises, the results of which can be applied for development of strategy of development of separate entity. The results of the analysis of the dynamics of direct investments into the economy of Sumy region showed a general decrease in volume and a minor volume of investments in the industry compared to other industries. The results of the study identified the key 2 indicator - investment attractiveness of the enterprise and the dynamics of added value and establishing acceptable for a specific enterprise corridor variations AV. Monitoring of such deviations in the dynamics will allow us to have adequate information to identify trends for future development of the enterprise. The article presents the method of calculation of added value based on the financial statements, which is one of the key indicators in predicting trends in the development of the enterprise.
Keywords: monitoring, strategic development, financial and economic activity of the enterprise, investment attractiveness, value added, labor productivity, financial status, managerial decisions, forecasting of enterprise development.
Phenotypic Variation in Leaf Morphology of the USDA, ARS Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) Germplasm Collection
Authors: Jackson D. Michael , Harrison Howard F. , Jarret Robert L. , Wadl Phillip A.
Published: February 2020

During 2012–14, 737 sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (Convolvulaceae), plant introduction (PI) accessions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA, ARS) sweetpotato germplasm collection were evaluated for several phenotypic leaf and plant characteristics, and a photographic record of each accession was made. Data were prepared for placement in the USDA, ARS Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) database and the sweetpotato ontology. The parameters recorded for each genotype were canopy coverage, vine length, general leaf outline, leaf lobing, shape of the central leaf lobe, number of leaf points, leaf petiole length, leaf width, leaf length, leaf width × length, and leaf width/length (aspect ratio). The data indicate that there is wide genetic diversity for vegetative phenotypic characteristics within the USDA, ARS sweetpotato germplasm collection. This study provides important phenotype information for the USDA, ARS sweetpotato collection that has been lacking and can be used for curation of the collection and by researchers and breeders working with this important global food crop.
Continuous and Intermittent Light at Night, Using Red and Blue LEDs to Suppress Basil Downy Mildew Sporulation
Authors: Radetsky Leora , Patel Jaimin S. , Rea Mark S.
Published: February 2020

Lighting from red and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is common for crop production in controlled environments. Continuous application of red or blue light at night has been shown to suppress sporulation by Peronospora belbahrii, the causal organism of basil downy mildew (DM), but the suppressing effects of intermittent applications of red and blue LEDs have not been thoroughly researched. This study examined the effects of red (λmax = 670 nm) and blue (λmax = 458 nm) LED top lighting, at two photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD = ≈12 and ≈60 µmol·m−2·s−1), using continuous (10-hour) nighttime and two intermittent nighttime exposures, to suppress basil DM sporulation. The two intermittent treatments consisted of one 4-hour exposure and three 1.3-hour exposures spaced 3 hours apart. Continuous nighttime treatments with blue or red LED top lighting at ≈60 µmol·m−2·s−1 were able to suppress basil DM sporulation by more than 99%. At a given nighttime dose of light that did not completely suppress sporulation, continuous lighting was more effective than intermittent lighting, and for these partially suppressing doses, red LEDs were not significantly different from blue LEDs for suppressing sporulation. The present study showed that horticultural lighting systems using red and blue LEDs to grow crops during the day can also be used at night to suppress basil DM sporulation by up to 100%.
Use of Polyethylene and Plastic Biodegradable Mulches among Tennessee Fruit and Vegetable Growers
Authors: Velandia Margarita , DeLong Karen L. , Wszelaki Annette , Schexnayder Susan , Clark Christopher , Jensen Kimberly
Published: February 2020

Polyethylene (PE) mulch provides significant benefits to fruit and vegetable producers because it has the potential to improve crop quality and increase yield. However, the use of PE mulch generates plastic pollution, posing challenges to the sustainability of fruit and vegetable production. Plastic biodegradable mulches (BDMs) are a sustainable alternative to PE mulch because they are designed to decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and microbial biomass. We surveyed Tennessee fruit and vegetable growers to assess their use of PE mulch, BDM, or both; the differences in the characteristics of BDM users and nonusers; and their interest in using BDM. Our results indicate a large percentage of fruit and vegetable growers have used PE mulch compared with BDM. In general, BDM users tend to have more acres in fruit and vegetable production, have used dumping and burying as PE mulch disposal methods, and have spent more hours removing and disposing of PE mulch. Results indicate that even at prices higher than the current average market price for BDM, there is a percentage of Tennessee fruit and vegetable growers interested in using BDM.
Crystal-chemistry of sulfates from the Apuan Alps (Tuscany, Italy). VI. Tl-bearing alum-(K) and voltaite from the Fornovolasco mining complex
Authors: Biagioni Cristian , Mauro Daniela , Pasero Marco , Bonaccorsi Elena , Lepore Giovanni Orazio , Zaccarini Federica , Skogby Henrik
Published: February 2020

Thallium-bearing samples of alum-(K) and voltaite from the Fornovolasco mining complex (Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy) have been characterized through X-ray diffraction, chemical analyses, micro-Raman, infrared (FTIR), Mössbauer, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Alum-(K) occurs as anhedral colorless grains or rarely as octahedral crystals, up to 5 mm. Electron-microprobe analysis points to the chemical formula (K0.74Tl0.10)Σ0.84(Al0.84Fe0.14)Σ0.98S2.03O8·12H2O. The occurrence of minor NH4+ was detected through FTIR spectroscopy. Its unit-cell parameter is a = 12.2030(2) Å, V = 1817.19(9) Å3, space group Pa3. Its crystal structure has been refined down to R1 = 0.0351 for 648 reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo) and 61 refined parameters. The crystal structure refinement agrees with the partial substitution of K by 12 mol% Tl. This substitution is confirmed by XAS data, showing the presence of Tl+ having a first coordination shell mainly formed by 6 O atoms at 2.84(2) Å. Voltaite occurs as dark green cubic crystals, up to 1 mm in size. Voltaite is chemically zoned, with distinct domains having chemical formula (K1.94Tl0.28)Σ2.22(Fe3.572+Mg0.94Mn0.55)Σ5.06Fe3.063+Al0.98S11.92O48·18H2O and (K2.04Tl0.32)Σ2.36(Fe3.832+Mg0.91Mn0.29)Σ5.03Fe3.053+Al0.97S11.92O48·18H2O, respectively. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the occurrence of minor NH4+ also in voltaite. Its unit-cell parameter is a = 27.2635 Å, V = 20265(4) Å3, space group Fd3c. The crystal structure was refined down to R1 = 0.0434 for 817 reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo) and 87 refined parameters. The partial replacement of K by Tl is confirmed by the structural refinement. XAS spectroscopy showed that Tl+ is bonded to six O atoms, at 2.89(2) Å. The multi-technique characterization of thallium-bearing alum-(K) and voltaite improves our understanding of the role of K-bearing sulfates in immobilizing Tl in acid mine drainage systems, temporarily avoiding its dispersion in the environment.
The peculiarities of establishing the charter air transportation: European experience in Ukraine
Authors: Prymak Tetyana , Ivchenko Liubov , Pohuda Nataliia , Levchenko Valentyna , Trynchuk Viktor
Published: February 2020

This paper highlights the problems associated with the poor quality of services and the lack of effective marketing interaction between all the participants of the charter air transportation in the tourist summer season of 2018 in Ukraine. The paper aims to develop an algorithm for the actions of all participants of tourist services market in order to establish effective marketing interaction based on the analysis of the reasons influencing the destabilization of the tourist services market in the field of charter air transportation. Flight delay statistics were selected for June-July 2018 due to the fact that it was during this period that the problem manifested itself especially sharply. So, not time-series data, but cross-sectional data were selected for the analysis of the problem cause. At the same time, for confident conclusions about the increase in passenger traffic, 5-year periods were chosen, namely, the period 2014–2018 was compared with the period 2009–2013. During the research, statistical methods of one-factor linear correlation-regression analysis were used, as well as a comparative analysis of the indicators of the charter air transportation participants’ performance in Ukraine. The analysis of charter air transportation market showed that increasing the age of the aircraft in a year leads to a decrease in the proportion of timely flights by 2.5%. The marketing analysis proves that the rapid increase in the number of passengers was caused by the explosive increase in irregular flights. The results of the study also indicate that the well-organized interaction between the tour operator and the airlines significantly affects the timeliness of the flights. Based on defined problems of the charter air transportation market, a set of recommendations has been proposed for improving the marketing interaction of all market participants: tourists, tour operators, airlines and government agencies.
The impact of human resource development practices on employee engagement and performance in Jordanian family restaurants
Authors: Abu Rumman Amani , Al-Abbadi Lina , Alshawabkeh Rawan
Published: February 2020

Given the organizational positive outcomes of human resource development (HRD) practices like organizational effectiveness, sustainable competitive advantage, and organizational commitment, the current study was designed to detect the impact of HRD practices (employee training, employee empowerment, employee promotion) as independent variables on employee engagement and employee performance as dependent variables and to notify those who are interested. A quantitative descriptive-analytical method was adopted for the current research paper. Data were collected conveniently via a questionnaire from employees of family restaurants. Usable responses were analyzed using IBM SPSS and AMOS on the strength of structural equation modeling (SEM).The current data identified employee training, employee empowerment, and employee promotion as key predictors of both employee engagement and employee performance. Employee empowerment has the highest impact on employee engagement, followed by employee promotion, while employee training has the highest effect on employee performance. Furthermore, employee engagement is positively related to employee performance.