bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE KINETICS OF THE INACTIVATION OF THE HEPATITIS VIRUS TYPE I (AVIHEPATOVIRUS, PICORNAVIRIDAE)
Authors: Trefilov B. B. , Nikitina N. V. , Leonov I. K.
Published: April 2020

Experimental data on the kinetics of the inactivation of the vaccine strain of the duckling hepatitis virus of the type I with increased temperature and aminoethyl ethylenimine are presented. It was shown that the vaccine strain 3M-UNIIP of the hepatitis virus of ducklings of type I was comparatively thermostable at 56°C and sensitive to the action of aminoethyl ethylenimine; the time of complete inactivation of the virus at a final concentration of 0.1% at 37°C was 24 h. The obtained results suggest that aminoethyl ethylenimine can be used as an inactivator in manufacturing inactivated vaccine against viral hepatitis of ducklings of type I.
MODERN ETHIOTROPIC CHEMOTHERAPY OF HERPESVIRUS INFECTIONS: ADVANCES, NEW TRENDS AND PERSPECTIVES. ALPHAHERPESVIRUSES (PART II)
Authors: Andronova V. L.
Published: April 2020

A key role in the treatment of herpesviral infections is played by modified nucleosides and their predecessors - acyclovir, its L-valine ester (valaciclovir) and famciclovir (prodrug of penciclovir). The biological activity of compounds of this class is determined by their similarity to natural nucleosides. After phosphorylation by viral thymidine kinase and then cell enzymes to the triphosphate forms, acyclovir and penciclovir inhibit the activity of viral DNA polymerase and synthesis of viral DNA. The increasing role of herpesvirus infections in human infectious pathology, as well as the development of drug resistance in viruses, mainly in patients with immunodeficiencies of various origins, necessitate the search for new compounds possessing anti-herpesvirus activity, using as a biological target not DNA polymerase, but other viral proteins and enzymes, unique or different from cellular proteins, performing similar functions.
FEATURES OF EPIDEMIC PROCESS OF INFLUENZA A(H1N1)PDM09 AND A(H3N2) IN RUSSIA FROM 2009 TO 2017
Authors: Karpova L. S. , Volik K. M. , Stolyarov K. A. , Popovtseva N. M. , Stolyarova T. P. , Sominina A. A. , Burtseva E. I.
Published: April 2020

The goal of this work is to compare the key parameters of influenza epidemics of different etiology. Four epidemics of influenza with predominance of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 4 epidemics of influenza A(H3N2) were analyzed using the database of the Federal State Research Institute of Influenza on morbidity, hospitalization, deaths from influenza in 59 cities in the period from 2009 to 2017. The intensity of epidemics involving the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 decreased from high to medium, while the intensity of epidemics of influenza A(H3N2) increased from low to medium. In the epidemic of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in the total population, the incidence of influenza and ARI decreased by a factor of 1.6, while the mortality among patients decreased by a factor of 1.7 in all age groups, except for those over 65 years, for whom the incidence and mortality increased by factors of 1.4 of 2.3, respectively. In the epidemic of A(H3N2), a trend for increasing morbidity and mortality was more pronounced among individuals older than 65 years. Pandemic influenza remains the leading cause of deaths. Among the dead in the epidemic of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, the proportion of young individuals decreased (including a fourfold decrease of lethality in pregnant women), while the proportion of persons over 65 years increased 7.8 times; in the epidemic of influenza A(H3N2) only 2.5-fold increase was observed. In the epidemic of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, the proportion of lethality increased among people with cardiovascular diseases and diseases of the internal organs; in the epidemic of influenza A(H3N2), the proportion of lethality increased among people with immunodeficiency, diseases of the internal organs and respiratory system.
COMPARISON OF IMMUNOARRAYS FOR SYPHILIS DIAGNOSTICS PRODUCED BY CO-POLYMERIZATION IMMOBILIZATION AND NON-CONTACT PRINTING TECHNIQUES
Authors: Shpilevaya M. V. , Runina A. V. , Filippova M. A. , Kubanov A. A.
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of immunoarrays (microarrays) produced by co-polymerization immobilization and non-contact printing techniques for enhancing the capacities of syphilis diagnostics. In diagnostic context immunoarrays of both protein immobilization techniques have shown high sensitivity and specificity together with potency to differentiate syphilis stages in serologic assays. The article discloses the advantages and limitations of non-contact printing techniques as well as the results and problems revealed in the study. Solution of these problems in future may provide the development of new serodiagnostic tools with higher accuracy of the results.
THE PREVALENCE CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT VIRUS MUTATIONS AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC VIRAL HEPATITIS B
Authors: Ostankova Yu. V. , Semenov A. V. , Zueva E. B. , Nogoybaeva K. A. , Kasymbekova K. T. , Tobokalova S. T. , Totolian Areg A.
Published: April 2020

The prevalence of clinically significant virus mutations in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B from the Kyrgyz Republic was analyzed. Blood plasma samples of 64 patients with verified chronic viral hepatitis B obtained from Kyrgyzstan indigenous people were used in the work. Asymmetric PCR was carried out with extended oligonucleotides and the first reaction amplification product was further used in a new PCR with one of the nested pairs overlapping primers that flanked the entire HBV genome together, followed by sequencing. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of 64 HBV isolates obtained from patients from the Kyrgyz Republic, it was shown that only the genotype D virus was present in the examined group, the HBV subgenotype D1 (68.75%) prevailed compared with the HBV subgenotype D2 (18.75%) and subgenotype D3 (12.5%). For all subgenotypes, several independent infection sources are obvious, subclusters that include isolates from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are distinguished, as well as subclusters that include isolates only from Kyrgyzstan, which are less similar to isolates previously deposited in the international database, which probably indicates an independent HBV homologous evolution in the region. Clinically significant mutations were identified in 26.5% of patients. Including 12.5% with escape mutations that prevent the virus detection and / or allow the virus to replicate despite the vaccine (122K, 128V, 133I, 134N). Another 12.5% of the isolates are characterized by mutations that are independently associated with the liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma development, including 21, 24, 27 nucleotides deletions in the Pre-S2 region and the S11F mutation in the PreCore region. In one case, unusual 236S and 250P mutations were found in the positions described as drug resistance sites of the P region associated with the resistance development to adefovir, tenofovir, and entecavir. The hepatitis B virus genetic structure analysis, early virus mutations detection in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus can help to choose the right vaccination strategy, antiviral and immunosuppressive therapy, as well as predict the clinical course and disease progression.
DETECTION METHODS FOR RESULTS OF A LOOP-MEDIATED ISOTHERMAL AMPLIFICATION OF DNA
Authors: Petrusha Olga A. , Faizuloev E. B.
Published: April 2020

The loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) was developed by T. Notomi et al. in 2000. It has become one of the most promising methods for point-of-care diagnostics due to its accuracy, sensitivity and ease of execution. In this review, various methods for detecting the results of the LAMP reaction are considered; their advantages and disadvantages are revealed. Methods for detecting LAMP results can be divided into indirect and direct. Indirect methods aimed at detecting changes in the chemical composition of the reaction mixture include real-time turbidimetry, fluorescence detection with calcein, colorimetric detection with hydroxynaphthol blue, and detection using modified gold nanoparticles. Direct methods based on the detection of accumulation amplicons during the reaction include fluorimetric detection with intercalating dyes, resonance fluorescence energy transfer, enzyme immunoassay, immunochromatography, using cationic polymers and gold nanoparticles. The development in the field of point-of-care diagnostics is characterized by a pronounced tendency to miniaturization, the LAMP reaction on microchips and microfluidic devices with an electrochemical or optical detection method. The most promising for the diagnosis of infectious diseases are turbidimetry methods and the use of intercalating dyes. The development of portable domestic instruments for detecting of LAMP results based on real-time fluorescence detection or turbidimetry will contribute to the widespread introduction of the method into clinical laboratory diagnostic practice. A literature research was conducted in the Pubmed ncbi based on keywords.
Management Accounting and the Control of Organizational Performance
Authors: Wu Hao
Published: April 2020

The increased emphasis upon the value chain and a growing focus on value adding activities has led to several new developments in management accounting. Critically evaluate these contemporary techniques and discuss the extent to which they offer improvements compared to traditional accounting techniques. Furthermore, management accounting will improve accounting techniques when value chain and add value-adding activities develop in the enterprise that searches for new accounting skills in the operation of the company. Generally, parts of traditional accounting techniques are not suitable for use in the current field of accounting, because these traditional accounting techniques could not provide the accurate index of cost, profit, depreciation and other factors considered by managers for operation. So, this essay would discuss several new accounting techniques in order to promote the performance of management and make manager will recognize what accounting techniques they should utilize for gaining better efficient management in the future.
Improving Virtual Reality Applications in CAD through Semantics
Authors: Toro Carlos , Posada Jorge , Wundrak Stefan , Stork André
Published: April 2020

In this article we propose an architecture for the inclusion and exploitation of semantic aspects in a CAD environment. Our schema focuses on the enhancement and improvement of a commercial (general purpose) CAD system on its Virtual Reality (VR) capabilities. There is a need in combining CAD and semantics in the new generation of computer assisted engineering systems. Usually semantic aspects in traditional CAD applications relay on the user’s tacit knowledge, a fact that slows the learning curve while the user is getting trained with a new tool, no matter if he is an expert in others. Moreover, current CAD programs offer a myriad of options to the designer, but their limited integration of the non geometric information (e.g. PDM systems), and in general the semantics of the design process, can still be improved for the current needs of the industry. We argue that the use of semantics could improve the workflow and capabilities of the software and would benefit a new user (non experienced one) in order to produce better results in shorter times. In this paper our main focus is the enhancement of the visualization and VR capabilities in generic CAD applications. Our semantic CAD framework uses ontology modeling as well as engineering standards in order to conceptualize and exploit the information contained in a CAD model. To show some benefits of our proposed schema, we present two cases in different engineering domains (plant design and Steel detailing design), where the inclusion of semantics empowers a VR experience.
Propagation of Mobile Communication with Tree Obstacle used OFDM-QAM at 10 GHz
Authors: Eska Andrita Ceriana
Published: April 2020

This research focused about mobile communication systems at line communication of road. Frequency communication was used 10 GHz. The tree was obstacle at every node of line communication. That communication was modeled with single diffraction. Single knife edge was used for that diffraction model. The communication transmission that used was Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. The modulation variation that used was consisted of 16 QAM and 64 QAM. Analysis that used was consisted of modulation variation, transmitter power variation, and coverage area variation. The result showed that SNR was decreased when transmitter power was increased, the value BER 64 QAM lower than BER 16 QAM, and percentage of coverage area that obtained was around 96%.
Uji Sifat Fisik, Sun Protecting Factor, dan In Vivo ZnO Terdispersi dalam Sediaan Nanoemulgel
Authors: Ermawati Dian Eka , Yugatama Adi , Wulandari Wening
Published: April 2020

Sediaan topikal yang memiliki kemampuan tabir surya semakin meningkat permintaannya seiring dengan kenaikan angka kejadian kanker kulit. Sunblock direkomendasikan pada rentang nilai sun protecting factor (SPF) 15-30. Seng oksida (ZnO) memiliki kemampuan untuk menghalau sinar ultraviolet (UV) dan mampu memberikan nilai SPF yang tinggi. Konsentrasi maksimum ZnO pada produk kosmetik sangat terbatas dan memiliki efek iritasi kulit apabila terlalu sering digunakan, sehingga perlu adanya inovasi teknologi formulasi untuk mengoptimalkan efek sunblock dari ZnO. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memformulasikan ZnO yang didispersikan ke dalam sediaan nano emulgel berbasis Carbopol. Serbuk ZnO akan didispersikan dalam formula self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system yang terdiri dari minyak zaitun:Tween 80:propilen glikol yang selanjutnya didispersikan dalam polimer hidrogel Carbopol. Formula nanoemulgel dilakukan uji sifat fisik selama 42 hari meliputi: organoleptik, viskositas, daya sebar dan daya lekat; kemampuan SPF; serta uji kemampuan melindungi dari sinar UV B yang dilakukan pada kulit tikus wistar menggunakan skor eritema. Analisa statistik uji sifat fisik menggunakan taraf kepercayaan 95% (p=0,05). Hasil uji sifat fisik sediaan ZnO terdispersi dalam emulgel stabil selama penyimpanan suhu kamar dengan konsistensi semi padat, dan berwarna putih transparan. Karakteristik fisik meliputi daya sebar, daya lekat, dan viskositas memiliki perbedaan yang bermakna selama proses penyimpanan (p<0,05). Hasil uji SPF menunjukkan bahwa sediaan ZnO terdispersi dalam nanoemulgel memiliki nilai SPF 25 (proteksi UV sedang) dan uji in vivo menunjukkan eritema sangat sedikit dengan skor 1.
Follow-up Study on the Effects of Tendon Transfers and Open Reduction on Moderate Glenohumeral Joint Deformity in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
Authors: Vuillermin Carley , Bauer Andrea S. , Kalish Leslie A. , Lewine Eliza B. , Bae Donald S. , Waters Peter M.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Soft-tissue contractures about the shoulder in patients with brachial plexus birth injury are common and can lead to progressive shoulder displacement and glenohumeral dysplasia. Open or arthroscopic reduction with musculotendinous lengthening and tendon transfers have become the standard of care. The clinical function and radiographic joint remodeling beyond the first 2 years after surgery are not well understood.

Methods:

We performed a follow-up study of 20 patients with preexisting mild to moderate glenohumeral joint deformity who had undergone open glenohumeral joint reduction with latissimus dorsi and teres major tendon transfers and concomitant musculotendinous lengthening of the pectoralis major and/or subscapularis. Prospective collection of Modified Mallet and Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores and radiographic analysis of cross-sectional imaging for glenoid version, humeral head subluxation, and glenohumeral joint deformity classification were analyzed for changes over time.

Results:

The average duration of radiographic follow-up was 4.2 years (range, 2 to 6 years). The mean glenoid version improved from −31.8° to −15.4° (p < 0.0001). The mean percentage of the humeral head anterior to the middle of the glenoid (PHHA) improved from 9.6% to 30.4% (p < 0.0001). The mean glenohumeral joint deformity score improved from 3.7 to 2.1 (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

All parameters showed the greatest magnitude of improvement between preoperative measurements and 1 year of follow-up. There were no significant changes beyond the 1-year time point in the Mallet scores, AMS scores, or radiographic outcome measures, possibly because of insufficient power, although trends of improvement were noted for some outcomes. No decline in outcome measures was found during the study period.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Prognostic Value of a Novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Classification for Septic Arthritis of the Shoulder
Authors: Rhee Sung-Min , Lee Dong Ki , Park Ji Seon , Rhee Yong Girl
Published: April 2020

Background:

The purposes of the present study were (1) to create a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based classification system for septic shoulder arthritis and to show the results of arthroscopic debridement based on the classification in eradicating the infection, and (2) to determine the distribution of the Gächter stages, which are determined on the basis of arthroscopic findings only, in each grade of the novel classification system.

Methods:

The present study included 31 patients who underwent arthroscopic debridement for the treatment of acute septic arthritis of the shoulder between January 2001 and December 2015. The mean duration of follow-up was 2.3 years. The included patients were assessed with use of a novel classification system based on preoperative radiographic and MRI findings. MRI findings were classified as Grade I (only synovitis or joint effusion), Grade II (marrow edema in the bare area of the humeral head), Grade III (cartilaginous erosion), Grade IV (osseous erosion), and Grade V (osseous erosion on MRI also observed on radiographs). No changes on radiographs were observed in Grades I to IV. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for interobserver and intraobserver reliability were calculated.

Results:

The overall reinfection rate was 54.8% (17 of 31). Among patients with Grade-I, II, III, IV, and V involvement, the reinfection rates were 0 of 4, 1 of 6, 2 of 4, 9 of 12, and 5 of 5, respectively. A diverse distribution of Gächter stages were found in each grade of the novel classification system, with the exception of Grade V. The ICCs for interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.81 and 0.80 for the novel classification system. The ICCs for interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.75 and 0.78 for Gächter stages.

Conclusions:

This novel classification system for the grading of acute shoulder infections on the basis of radiographs and MRI allows preoperative grading of septic arthritis to be performed objectively. Patients who were classified as Grade III or higher in the novel classification system had higher reinfection rates than those who were classified as Grade I or II and required more aggressive treatment to eradicate the infection.
Spiral artery blood flow during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Schiffer Veronique , Evers Laura , de Haas Sander , Ghossein Chahinda , Al-Nasiry Salwan , Spaanderman Marc
Published: April 2020

Background: Downstream remodeling of the spiral arteries (SpA) decreases utero-placental resistance drastically, allowing sustained and increased blood flow to the placenta at all circumstances. We systematically evaluated available reports to visualize adaptation of spiral arteries throughout pregnancy by ultra-sonographic measurements and evaluated when this process is completed. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of spiral artery flow (pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV)) was performed. English articles were obtained from Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library and included articles were assessed on quality and risk of bias. Weighted means of Doppler indices were calculated using a random-effects model. Results: In healthy pregnancies, PI and RI decreased from 0.80 (95% CI: 0.70-0.89) and 0.50 (95% CI: 0.47-0.54) in the first trimester to 0.50 (95% CI: 0.45-0.55, p<0.001) and 0.39 (95% CI: 0.37-0.42, p<0.001) in the second trimester and to 0.49 (95% CI: 0.44-0.53, p=0.752) and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.35-0.38, p=0.037) in the third trimester, respectively. In parallel, PSV altered from 0.22 m/s (95% CI: 0.13-0.30 m/s) to 0.28 m/s (95% CI: 0.17-0.40 m/s, p=0.377) and to 0.25 m/s (95% CI: 0.20-0.30 m/s, p=0.560) in the three trimesters. In absence of second and third trimester Doppler data in complicated gestation, only a difference in PI was observed between complicated and healthy pregnancies during the first trimester (1.49 vs 0.80, p<0.001). Although individual studies have identified differences in PI between SpA located in the central part of the placental bed versus those located at its periphery, this meta-analysis could not confirm this (p=0.349). Conclusions: This review and meta-analysis concludes that an observed decrease of SpA PI and RI from the first towards the second trimester parallels the physiological trophoblast invasion converting SpA during early gestation, a process completed in the midst of the second trimester. Higher PI was found in SpA of complicated pregnancies compared to healthy pregnancies, possibly reflecting suboptimal utero-placental circulation. Longitudinal studies examining comprehensively the predictive value of spiral artery Doppler for complicated pregnancies are yet to be carried out.
Constructing Stability – A Classic Grounded Theory Of Next-Of-Kin In Palliative Cancer Care
Authors: Harstade Carina Werkander , Sandgren Anna
Published: April 2020

Background: Being next-of-kin to someone with cancer requiring palliative care involves a complex life situation. Changes in roles and relationships might occur and the next-of-kin thereby try to adapt by being involved in the ill person’s experiences and care even though they can feel unprepared for the care they are expected to provide. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a classic grounded theory of next-of-kin in palliative cancer care. Method: Forty-two next-of-kin to persons with cancer in palliative phase or persons who had died from cancer were interviewed. Theoretical sampling was used during data collection. The data was analysed using classic Grounded Theory methodology to conceptualize patterns of human behaviour. Results: Constructing stability emerged as the pattern of behaviour through which next-of-kin deal with their main concern; struggling with helplessness . This helplessness includes an involuntary waiting for the inevitable. The waiting causes sadness and frustration, which in turn increases the helplessness. The theory involves; Shielding, Acknowledging the reality, Going all in, Putting up boundaries, Asking for help, and Planning for the inescapable . These strategies can be used separately or simultaneously and they can also overlap each other. There are several conditions that may impact the theory Constructing stability , which strategies are used, and what the outcomes might be. Some conditions that emerged in this theory are time, personal finances, attitudes from extended family and friends and availability of healthcare resources. Conclusions: The theory shows the complexities of being next-of-kin to someone receiving palliative care, while striving to construct stability. This theory can increase healthcare professionals’ awareness of how next-of-kin struggle with helplessness and thus generates insight into how to support them in this struggle. Keywords cancer, constructing stability, grounded theory, next-of-kin, palliative care
Individual and community-level factors associated with unmet need for contraception among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. A multi-level analysis of 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Yalew Melaku , Adane Bezawit , Kefale Bereket , Damtie Yitayish
Published: April 2020

Background: There is limited evidence on the unmet need for contraceptives among married reproductive-age women especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess individual and community-level factors associated with unmet need for contraception among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia.
Method: A secondary analysis was done on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) dataset which were collected cross-sectional. A total of 9,056 women who were fecund, married and/or sexually active were included in the analysis. Multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was done by STATA version 14.0 to identify individual and community-level factors. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to show the strength and direction of the association and statistical significance was declared at P value less than 0.05.
Result: Factors significantly associated with unmet need were; ages of women between 45-49 years [AOR=2.25, 95% CI: (1.34, 3.79)], greater than or equal to three living children [AOR=1.87, 95 % CI: (1.40, 2.49)], belong to richer household [AOR=0.73, 95% CI: (0.54, 0.97)], Muslim followers [AOR=1.37, 95% CI: (1.02, 1.83)], married more than once [AOR=1.31, 95 % CI: (1.06, 1.62)]. From community level variables, belong to Somali region [AOR=0.34, 95% CI: (0.19, 0.61)] were significantly associated with unmet need.
Conclusion: Both individual and community-level factors were significant determinants of unmet need. From individual-level factors: advanced ages of women, many total numbers of living children, live in the richer wealth quintile, being Muslim follower and married more than once and from community-level variables: belong to the Somali region were significantly associated with unmet need for contraception. The findings suggested that health care providers should mainly focus on women nearly on menopauses, who live in the poorest household and who had many numbers of living children and married more than once to decrease the unmet need for contraceptives.
Prevalence of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in a Tertiary Hospital in Beijing, China, January 2013 to December 2018
Authors: HUANG Jing-jing , LI Ying-xing , ZHAO Ying , YANG Wen-hang , XIAO Meng , KUDINHA Timothy , XU Ying-chun
Published: April 2020

Background To investigate the species distribution of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) among tuberculosis (TB) specimens collected from January 2013 to December 2018 at Peking Union Medical Hospital (Beijing), China. NTM species identification was carried out by DNA microarray chip.
Results Mycobacterial species were detected in 1514 specimens from 1508 patients, among which NTM accounted for 37.3% (565/1514), increasing from a proportion of 15.6% in 2013 to 46.1% in 2018 ( P <0.001). Among the 565 NTM positive specimens, the majority (55.2%) were from female patients. Furthermore, patients aged 45-65 years accounted for 49.6% of the total patients tested. Among 223 NTM positive specimens characterized further, the majority (86.2%) were from respiratory tract, whilst 3.6% and 3.1% were from lymph nodes and pus, respectively. Mycobacterium intracellulare (31.8%) and Mycobacterium chelonae / Mycobacterium abscessus (21.5%) were the most frequently detected species, followed by M. avium (13.5%), M. gordonae (11.7%), M. kansasii (7.6%), and others.
Conclusion The proportion of NTM among mycobacterial species detected in a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China, increased rapidly from year 2013 to 2018. Middle-aged patients are more likely to be infected with NTM, especially females. Mycobacterium intracellulare and Mycobacterium chelonae / Mycobacterium abscessus were the most frequently detected NTM pathogens. Accurate and timely identification of NTM is important for diagnosis and treatment.
Efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy for treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma: a retrospective study and an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Jiawei , Zheng Ziye , Shen Jing , Lian Xin , Miao Zheng , Shen Jie , Zhang Fuquan
Published: April 2020

Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy. Surgical resection is the standard treatment for localized ACC, but the local recurrence remains high. Adjuvant radiation (ART) has been proposed as a means to reduce recurrence rates in ACC after surgery with conflicting results from nonrandomized studies. We performed a retrospective study and a meta-analysis to determine the impact of ART on survival outcomes.Methods: A retrospective study of the adrenocortical cancer database in Peking Union Medical College was conducted. We selected postoperative ACC patients with or without ART. A meta-analysis is also performed to compare the outcomes between ART and only surgical resection in ACC patients. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and Stata 15.0 statistical software. Differences between two groups were compared using the log-rank test for retrospective analysis and estimated by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for meta-analysis.Results: Of a total of 75 patients available in the database, 12 patients underwent postoperative ART and were matched one to one to patients with only surgical resection. There was no significant difference on overall survival between ART group and control group (log-rank P = 0.149). Locoregional recurrence was diagnosed in 2 of the ART group, and in 4 of the control group (P=0.64). A total of 238 participants were selected for the meta-analysis, of which 111 and 127 patients underwent ART after surgical resection and only surgical resection, respectively. Overall survival is significantly higher in ART group, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.41 (95% CI of 1.33, 4.38; P = 0.004). Besides, meta-analysis significantly favored ART for locoregional recurrence-free survival and disease-free survival, with an OR of 4.08 and 2.27, respectively. Conclusions: Our results show that compared to only surgical resection, ART is an effective postoperative treatment for ACC.
Development and validation of a new method for visual acuity assesment on tablet in pediatric population: eMOVA test
Authors: STOLL NOEMIE , SPEEG-SCHATZ Claude , Foggia Elsa Di , Sauer Arnaud
Published: April 2020

Background Amblyopia is a major public health problem. Its screening and management require reliable methods of assessing visual acuity. Many tests are available, some of which are used as a reference and the advent of new technologies sees many others whose validity is not proven. The objective of our study was to develop a tablet-based visual acuity test adapted to the pediatric population: the eMOVA test (electronic Measurement Of Visual Acuity). Methods We did a study comparing the eMOVA test with the Rossano-Weiss test. All children aged 3 to 8 attending the ophthalmic and pediatric consultation between September 2016 and June 2017 were included. The results in terms of visual acuity were compared as well as the duration of each test, its comprehension, its acceptability and the attention of the child during the test. Results The eMOVA test overestimated visual acuity by 0.06 logMAR. This difference, statistically significant, was not clinically relevant. The duration of the eMOVA test was longer than the reference test, but it was less painful and more appreciated by children and their parents. Conclusion The e-MOVA test appears as a reliable method of assessing visual acuity that could be used both in consultation and on a larger scale in the context of screening as well as for the care of the most difficult children.
Ordinal outcome analysis improves the detection of between-hospital differences in outcome
Authors: Ceyisakar Iris E. , Leeuwen Nikki van , Dippel Diederik W.J. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Lingsma Hester F.
Published: April 2020

Background There is a growing interest in assessment of the quality of hospital care, based on outcome measures. Many quality of care comparisons rely on binary outcomes, for example mortality rates. Due to low numbers, the observed differences in outcome are partly subject to chance. Methods We aimed to quantify the gain in efficiency by ordinal instead of binary outcome analyses for hospital comparisons. We analyzed patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke as examples. We sampled patients from two trials. We simulated ordinal and dichotomous outcomes based on the modified Rankin Scale (stroke) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (TBI) in scenarios with and without true differences between hospitals in outcome. The potential efficiency gain of ordinal outcomes, analyzed with ordinal logistic regression, compared to dichotomous outcomes, analyzed with binary logistic regression was expressed as the possible reduction in sample size while keeping the same statistical power to detect outliers. In the IMPACT study (8,799 patients in 265 hospitals, mean number of patients per hospital = 36), the analysis of the ordinal scale rather than the dichotomized scale (‘unfavorable outcome’), allowed for up to 32% less patients in the analysis without a loss of power. In the PRACTISE trial (1,657 patients in 12 hospitals, mean number of patients per hospital = 138), ordinal analysis allowed for 13% less patients. Compared to mortality, ordinal outcome analyses allowed for up to 37% to 63% less patients. Conclusion Ordinal analyses provide the statistical power of substantially larger studies which have been analyzed with dichotomization of endpoints. We advise to exploit ordinal outcome measures for hospital comparisons, in order to increase efficiency in quality of care measurements.
Effect of AIDS-defining events at initiation of antiretroviral therapy on long-term mortality of HIV/AIDS patients in southwestern China: a cohort study
Authors: Huang Yunxuan , Zhou Oulu , Zheng Zhigang , Xu Yuexiang , Shao Yi , Qin Chunwei , Qin Fengxiang , Lai Jingzhen , Liu Huifang , Chen Rongfeng , Ye Li , Liang Hao , Qin Xionglin , Jiang Junjun
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate the impact of AIDS-defining events (ADE) on long-term mortality of HIV positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART), a retrospective HIV/AIDS treatment cohort study was performed in southwestern China.

Methods

The cohort was established based on HIV/AIDS patients on ART recruited in Guigang city, Guangxi, China, from January 2004 to December 2018. Participants were divided into ADE and non-ADE groups, and were followed-up every six months to observe treatment outcomes. Comparison of mortality between groups was performed using the log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to explore the risk factors of mortality. 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance confounding factors and adjust the mortality risk.

Results

Of 6,757 participants with 29,096.06 person-years of follow-up, 16.86% (1,139/6,757) belonged to ADE group while the others (83.14%) belonged to the non-ADE group. The most common cause of death by ADE was disseminated mycosis (31.65%), followed by recurrent severe bacterial pneumonia (28.48%), herpes zoster(17.72%), and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (8.86%). The mortality of the ADE group was significantly higher than that of the non-ADE group [3.45/100 person-years (95% CI: 2.92-3.97) vs. 2.34/100 person-years (95%CI: 2.15-2.52), P<0.001]. The death risk of the ADE group was also higher than that of the non- ADE group [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) =1.291, 95% CI: 1.061-1.571, P =0.011], which was confirmed by PSM analysis (aHR=1.581, 95% CI: 1.192-2.099, P =0.002). Cox analysis indicated that ADE, older age, male gender, previous non-use of cotrimoxazole, advanced WHO clinical stage, and low baseline CD4+ cell count were the risk factors for death.

Conclusions

Even on ART, the mortality risk of HIV positive individuals with ADE was higher than those without ADE. Active testing, earlier diagnosis, and timely therapy with ART may reduce the death risk of ADE.
Frequently abnormal serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity is associated with future development of fatty liver: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fujii Hideki , Doi Haruna , Ko Tetsuhisa , Fukuma Taito , Kadono Toru , Asaeda Kohei , Kobayashi Reo , Nakano Takahiro , Doi Toshifumi , Nakatsugawa Yoshikazu , Yamada Shinya , Nishimura Takeshi , Tomatsuri Naoya , Sato Hideki
Published: April 2020

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation. Some individuals frequently present elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels without fatty liver ultrasound images and other abnormal liver enzymes levels. However, whether these individuals are at an elevated risk for developing fatty liver is unclear. We compared fatty liver change rates and risk factors between individuals with frequently elevated GGT levels and those with normal levels.MethodsWe designed a retrospective cohort study on the basis of complete medical checkup records. One group of individuals had presented normal serum GGT levels during the observation period (Normal-GGT group, n = 2713). Another group had had abnormal elevated serum GGT levels frequently (Abnormal-GGT group, n = 264). We determined the fatty liver change incident rates before and after propensity score matching. We explored confounding factors affecting fatty changes in each group using univariate and multivariate Cox models.ResultsThe change incidence rates were 5.80/1000 and 10.02/1000 person-years in the Normal-GGT and Abnormal-GGT groups, respectively. After propensity score matching, the incidence rates were 3.08/1000 and 10.18/1000 person-years in the Normal-GGT and Abnormal-GGT groups, respectively (p = 0.026). The factors associated with fatty liver changes in the Normal-GGT group included body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, triglyceride (TG), fasting blood sugar, and high-density lipoprotein levels. Those in the Abnormal-GGT group were platelet counts and TG. In our multivariable analysis, BMI, ALT, albumin, and TG levels were independent predictors of fatty changes in the Normal-GGT group, and high TG level was the only independent predictor in the Abnormal-GGT group.ConclusionsThe incidence rate of fatty liver change in the Abnormal-GGT group was higher than that in the Normal-GGT group. Consecutive elevated GGT levels increase the risk for fatty liver, and high TG levels in those individuals further independently increase the risk.
Bacillus subtilis HG-15, a Halotolerant Rhizoplane Bacterium, Promotes Growth and Salinity Tolerance in Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Ji Chao , Tian Huimei , Wang Xiaohui , Hao Liping , Wang Changdong , Zhou Yanyan , Xu Ruiping , Song Xin , Liu Yue , Du Jianfeng , Liu Xunli
Published: April 2020

Background : Certain plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) reduce salt stress damage in plants. Bacillus subtilis HG-15 is a halotolerant bacterium (able to withstand NaCl concentrations as high as 30%) isolated from the wheat rhizoplane in the Yellow River delta. A qualitative and quantitative investigation of the plant growth-promoting characteristics of this strain confirmed nitrogen fixation, potassium dissolution, and ammonia, plant hormone, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase, and proline production abilities. B. subtilis HG-15 colonization of wheat roots, stems, and leaves was examined via scanning electron microscopy , rep-PCR, and double antibiotic screening.Results : Compared with a no B. subtilis HG-15 treatment control, in rhizosphere soil inoculated with the HG-15 strain, the pH (1.08–2.69%), electrical conductivity (3.17–11.48%), and Na + (12.98–15.55%) concentrations significantly decreased ( p < 0.05). Inoculation with the HG-15 strain increased the total N, available N, organic matter, K + , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ concentrations in the rhizosphere soil of wheat. Under non-salt stress (0.15% NaCl), low-salt stress (0.25% NaCl), and high-salt stress (0.35% NaCl) conditions, respectively, this strain also significantly increased ( p < 0.05) the dry weight (17.76%, 24.46%, 9.31%), fresh weight (12.80%, 20.48%, 7.43%), plant height (7.79%, 5.86%, 13.13%), root length (10.28%, 17.87%, 48.95%), and other wheat parameters. Through redundancy analysis and Pearson correlation analyses, photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, and osmotic regulation by the wheat plants showed a significant negative correlation with pH, EC, and Na + concentrations in rhizosphere soil.Conclusions : Our results indicated that B . subtilis HG-15 can effectively improve the growth of wheat and elicit induced systemic tolerance in these plant, thus, showing its potential as a microbial inoculant that can protect wheat in salt stress conditions. Furthermore, we determined that the rhizoplane of saline-alkali land plants is an important reservoir for salt-tolerant PGPB.
Population genetic structure and gene flow of rare and endangered Tetraena mongolica Maxim revealed by reduced representation sequencing
Authors: Jin Cheng , Kao Huixia , Dong Shubin
Published: April 2020

BackgroundStudying population genetic structure and gene flow of plant populations and their influence factors is crucial in field of conservation biology, especially rare and endangered plants. Tetraena mongolica Maxim (TM), belong to Zygophyllaceae family, a rare and endangered plant with narrow distribution. Due to excessive logging, urban expansion, industrial development and development of the scenic spot in the last decades, has caused habitat fragments and decline.ResultsIn this study, the genetic diversity, the population genetic structure and gene flow of TM populations were evaluated by reduced representation sequencing technology, a total of more than 133.45 GB high-quality clean reads and 38,097 high-quality SNPs were generated. Analysis based on multiple methods, we found existing TM populations have moderate levels of genetic diversity, very low genetic differentiation and high levels of gene flow between populations. Population structure and principal coordinates analysis showed that 8 TM populations can be divided into two groups, Mantel test detected no significant correlation between geographical distances and genetic distance for the whole sampling. The migration model indicated that the gene flow is more of an north to south migration pattern in history.ConclusionsOur study demonstrate that the present genetic structure is mainly due to habitat fragmentation caused by urban sprawl, industrial development and coal mining. For recommendations of conservation management, all 8 populations should be protected as a whole population, rather than just those in the core area of TM nature reserve, especially the populations near the edge of TM distribution in cities and industrial areas deserve our special protection.
Model to assess workload of village doctors in the National E sential Public Health Services Program in six provinces of China
Authors: Yin Delu , Yin Tao , Yang Huiming , Wang Lihong , Chen Bowen
Published: April 2020

Background: Village doctors face many challenges in providing the National Essential Public Health Service (NEPHS) program, and many factors affect the provision of these services. However, there are no studies (particularly quantitative analyses) regarding the workload of public health services provided by village doctors. In this study, we aimed to develop a quantitative analysis approach to measure the workload of NEPHS provided by village doctors in six provinces of China in 2016. Methods: Based on survey data from 300 town hospital centers (THCs) located in 60 counties in the six selected provinces, we calculated village doctors’ share of workload under the NEPHS using the equivalent value (EV) model. To define the workload and corresponding EV of each NEPHS, a series of five meetings was held with THC managers, public health workers, family physicians, nurses and village doctors. Field observations were conducted to verify the workload and EV of each service. Results: Village doctors’ share of the workload under the NEPHS program was 47.0% across the 300 sampled THCs in six provinces. The village doctors’ workload shares for different NEPHS ranged from 17.1% to 57.0%. The percentage workload undertaken by village doctors under the NEPHS program varied across different provinces, with the highest proportion 63.4% and the lowest 28.5%. Conclusions: The total NEPHS workload assigned to village doctors by THCs in the six sampled provinces exceeded the Chinese government’s requirement of 40%, but the workload proportion in some provinces was less than 40%. We suggest that local governments conduct district-level analysis of the workload among village doctors under the NEPHS program using the EV method, to identify priorities and influencing factors and implement targeted measures to promote health service provision. An EV model of the NEPHS could be built to monitor village doctors’ workload and ensure that assigned workloads are manageable.
Locomotion approach of bipedal robot utilizing passive wheel without swing leg based on stability margin maximization and fall prevention functions
Authors: Kimura Kohei , Imaoka Noriaki , Noda Shintaro , Kakiuchi Yohei , Okada Kei , Inaba Masayuki
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes a locomotion approach of leg-wheel robot utilizing passive wheel attached to the foot of bipedal robot. The key feature of this approach is bipedal mobility without swing leg. This mobility contributes the stability based on expansion of support polygon during locomotion, the robustness for obstacles and stopping to prevent fall, and the adaptability by prevention of body swing sideways. To achieve these, we propose the stability margin maximization to optimize center of gravity projection for support polygon and the fall prevention functions for real environment that is a diﬃcult situation to prevent unexpected fall by the only planning. Finally, we apply the proposed methods to leg-wheel phases through locomotion and verify the contribution by experiments using real bipedal robot.
Parallel and non-parallel changes of the gut microbiota during trophic diversification in repeated young adaptive radiations of sympatric cichlid fish
Authors: Härer Andreas , Torres-Dowdall Julián , Rometsch Sina J. , Yohannes Elizabeth , Machado-Schiaffino Gonzalo , Meyer Axel
Published: April 2020

Background: Recent increases in understanding the ecological and evolutionary roles of microbial communities has underscored the importance for their hosts’ biology. Yet, little is known about gut microbiota dynamics during early stages of ecological diversification and speciation. We sequenced the V4 region of the 16s rRNA gene to study the gut microbiota of Nicaraguan Midas cichlid fish ( Amphilophus cf. citrinellus ). Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that parallel divergence in trophic ecology in extremely young adaptive radiations from two crater lakes is associated with parallel changes of their gut microbiota.Results: Bacterial communities of fish guts and lake water were highly distinct, indicating that the gut microbiota is shaped by host-specific factors. Among individuals of the same crater lake, differentiation in trophic ecology was weakly associated with gut microbiota differentiation, suggesting that diet, to some extent, affects the gut microbiota. However, differences in trophic ecology were much more pronounced across than within species whereas similar patterns were not observed for taxonomic and functional differences of the gut microbiota. Across the two crater lakes, we could not detect conclusive evidence for parallel changes of the gut microbiota associated with trophic ecology.Conclusions: A lack of clearly differentiated niches during early stages of ecological diversification might result in non-parallel changes of gut microbial communities, as observed in our study system as well as in other recently diverged fish species.