bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific Business Models for Romanian Companies – Shared Services
Authors: Petrişor Ioan , Cozmiuc Diana
Published: August 2020

Shared service centres have emerged since the 1990s and refer to a variety of functions: information technology, SAP support, accounting, payroll, management reporting, purchasing, call centres, helplines, market surveys via phone or the internet. Shared service units can be organized in several forms but are in each case, a particular value pattern distinct from the standard market price/ shareholder profit pattern. The purpose of this article is to analyze value patterns, and this article is part of broader research on value-based management. Shared service units can be organized according to the organizational design of the matrix organization, or according to the multidimensional organization. Shared service units may be charged via a transfer price system to the receiving corporate-related company. These are iterative activities, organized according to the activity-based costing logic. Alternatively, shared services can refer to more complex functions that provide service to corporate functions. They can be organized according to the multidimensional organization logic as allocations to the operating units. The value proposition of shared service units differs from market price and profit-driven financial statements. Shared service units require low personnel cost and stability, both of which indicate to Romania as a favourable location. These are the two arguments in favour of shared services as a specific model for Romanian companies, a country in which we find evidence shared services have been set up in the past ten years as parts of corporations.
An Index to Measure the Integrity of Investment Companies Investing Responsibility
Authors: Andrew Don
Published: August 2020

Stakeholders realise the value and impact of Responsible Investment (RI) upon making informed decisions about investments. Due to this, more organisations are pressured to report on RI performances and put positive and/or negative strategies in place to address ESG issues and to implement ESG policies into the primary strategy of their operations. There are many governments and organisations globally which support sustainable investment and as one such administration, South Africa has legislated to manage RI issues (www.gov.za). Recognition is given to the both CRISA and PRI as well as taking the integrated environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into the investment decision making process into consideration when assisting in identifying, managing and mitigating potential ESG risks to achieve sustainable long-term investment outcomes.
Building Bridges on the Silk Road: A Strategy for Vietnam
Authors: Greiman A.
Published: August 2020

In March 2015, the Chinese government published an official document entitled “Vision and Actions on Jointly Building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road,” commonly known by the Chinese as “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR, 2015). The purpose of this massive initiative is to instill vigor and vitality into the ancient Silk Road, connecting Asian, European and African countries and their adjacent seas, more closely and to promote mutually beneficial cooperation to a new high and in new forms. Despite the establishment of the initiative, there has been very little scholarly discussion on the role of foreign direct investment in the important countries on the Silk Road and the impact of these investments on the people of these less-developed regions of the world. Vietnam is a critical partner in this initiative because it shares both maritime and land frontiers with China. Vietnam also serves as China’s largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with two-way trade approaching $75 billion in 2016. China has always expressed a preference for bilateral negotiations in the contested waters of the Maritime Silk Road, despite efforts by ASEAN and other regional organizations to develop more multilateral approaches. Through empirical research, this paper analyzes the challenges and opportunities for China in advancing Silk Road initiatives bilaterally with Vietnam as one of its most important strategic partners. The paper also sets forth Vietnam’s strengths and challenges in integrating its own Five-Year Development Plan into strategic partnerships, regional trade agreements and bilateral arrangements on the Belt and Silk Road including how the country can improve its strategy for foreign direct investment. Through integrating the development strategies of Vietnam, the overall plans for expansion of the Belt and Maritime Silk Roads may become a reality, and serve as a model to facilitate trade and investment throughout the region.
REVISÃO BIBLIOMÉTRICA DA CERTIFICAÇÃO AMBIENTAL LEED-ND COM VISTAS AO DESENVOLVIMENTO DE BAIRROS SUSTENTÁVEIS
Authors: Lublo Rafael , Neto Arnoldo Debatin
Published: August 2020

Este artigo analisa o atual modelo de desenvolvimento de bairro, no sentido de compreender a importância da relação entre bairro e cidade. Nessa perspectiva, busca-se a potencialidade da ferramenta de certificação ambiental Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development - LEED-ND. A hipótese de conhecer e avaliar o resultado de pesquisas científicas aplicadas em estudos de caso, num recorte temporal de 2009 a 2019 que tenham sido publicadas nos portais de bases de dados Scopus e Web of Science, amplia o conhecimento para desenvolver cidades sustentáveis. O resultado encontrado indica que 30% da amostragem abrange totalmente as 5 seções do LEED-ND, e destes, 84% contempla a seção Localização Estratégica, 72% a seção Padrão e Projeto do Bairro, 62% a seção Infraestrutura e Edifícios Verdes, 40% a seção Inovação e Design de Processos e 60% a seção Créditos de Prioridade Regional.
DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL, TEORIA INSTITUCIONAL E O PAPEL DO SETOR PÚBLICO NESTE CONTEXTO: UMA ANÁLISE DA LITERATURA
Authors: Nora Gabriela Almeida Marcon
Published: August 2020

O desenvolvimento sustentável é um dos desafios da sociedade moderna, que se torna preocupação global a partir do avanço das tecnologias e difusão de informações. Esta pesquisa se propõe a expandir a fronteira do conhecimento, tendo por objetivo fornecer um panorama geral das direções atuais no campo do desenvolvimento sustentável e o papel do setor público à luz da teoria institucional, a partir de uma análise bibliométrica. Foi adotada uma abordagem quanti-qualitativa com intuito de capturar o contexto da temática na literatura acadêmica existente. A ênfase foi em responder às questões: Que periódicos publicam mais? Quais as principais áreas? De onde são os autores? Quais são os principais interesses desses estudos? Como esses trabalhos são citados na literatura? Qual a distribuição de publicações por ano? Qual a principal abordagem metodológica? A busca foi conduzida entre os meses de agosto e setembro de 2019, inspirada na metodologia Proknow-C. A coleção formada por 55 artigos reuniu 215 palavras-chave. A análise permitiu evidenciar a natureza multidisciplinar do campo, o que se traduziu em grande variedade de métodos. Destacam-se publicações europeias e norte-americanas. Para estudos futuros, recomenda-se uma revisão profunda da literatura a fim de evidenciar categorias de análise e preocupações a serem melhor examinadas empiricamente.
ABRIGO TEMPORÁRIO PARA REFUGIADOS VENEZUELANOS INDÍGENAS EM BOA VISTA, RORAIMA
Authors: Carbonari Luana Toralles , Librelotto Lisiane Ilha
Published: August 2020

Neste artigo é apresentado um estudo de caso, realizado em agosto de 2018, em um abrigo temporário instalado na cidade de Boa Vista, Roraima, para assistência aos refugiados venezuelanos indígenas. O objetivo do estudo é analisar aspectos gerais do abrigo e avaliar suas características físico-espaciais e funcionais, principais serviços, instalações e infraestrutura, destacando seus aspectos mais relevantes e particularidades com relação aos outros abrigos instalados na cidade. A metodologia aplicada utiliza a estratégia de estudo de caso exploratório com uma abordagem qualitativa, fazendo uma análise comparativa entre os dados coletados durante a pesquisa de campo e as categorias de análise identificadas pela técnica de análise de conteúdo na literatura de referência. Os resultados evidenciam a importância de um planejamento prévio de abrigos temporários, considerando situações de superlotação, em que seja necessário fornecer não apenas mais alojamentos, mas também expandir a infraestrutura e as instalações de apoio existentes no local. Por fim, destaca-se a necessidade de se considerarem os aspectos socioeconômicos e culturais no planejamento e projeto de abrigos temporários, considerando as necessidades específicas da população afetada.
VIABILIDADE TÉCNICA DE LAJES MISTAS DE BAMBU-CONCRETO SEM A PRESENÇA DE AÇO
Authors: Lopes Augusto Milani Augusto Milani , Carbonari Gilberto , Corbacho Felipe Augusto Favaretto , Neto Benedito Teodoro
Published: August 2020

O bambu é um material que possui diversas vantagens, tais como leveza, versatilidade, resistência, crescimento rápido e excelentes propriedades mecânicas. Este trabalho tem como objetivo verificar os parâmetros carga e deslocamento teórico para uma laje pré-moldada de concreto, com vigotas de bambu em substituição ao aço, e enchimento com placas de EPS. Desta forma, foram executadas seis lajes mistas de concreto-bambu sem a presença de aço, com conectores com espaçamento variado, malha para distribuição de esforços também feita de bambu e EPS para fechamento dos espaços entre bambus. Essas lajes foram ensaiadas até a ruptura, de modo que fosse possível a obtenção de resultados a fim de compará-los com normas já existentes e então pudesse ser verificada a viabilidade desse tipo de estrutura. Os bons resultados obtidos demonstraram a viabilidade desse tipo de estrutura tanto para ELU quanto para ELS, possuindo assim grande potencial de utilização na construção civil.
Exploration of the STOP Act and Opioid Deaths in North Carolina, 2010–2018
Authors: Hughes Phillip , Denslow Sheri , Ostrach Bayla , Fusco Carriedelle , Tak Casey
Published: August 2020

Objectives. To examine the impact of North Carolina’s 2017 Strengthening Opioid Misuse Prevention (STOP) Act on opioid overdose deaths.

Methods. We used quarterly data from the North Carolina Opioid Dashboard to conduct an interrupted time series analysis ranging from 2010 to 2018. Results were stratified by heroin–fentanyl deaths and other opioid deaths.

Results. After the STOP Act, there was an initial rate increase of 0.60 opioid deaths per 100 000 population (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.04, 1.15) and a decrease of 0.42 (95% CI = −0.56, −0.29) every quarter thereafter. Results differed by stratification.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that North Carolina’s STOP Act was associated with a reduction in opioid deaths in the year following enactment. The changes in opioid overdose death trends coinciding with the STOP Act were similar to outcomes seen with previous opioid policies.

Public Health Implications. Future policies designed to reduce the availability of opioids may benefit from encouraging and increasing the availability of evidence-based treatment of opioid use disorder.
A Community-Based Participatory Research Approach to Hurricane Katrina: When Disasters, Environmental Health Threats, and Disparities Collide
Authors: Lichtveld Maureen , Covert Hannah , El-Dahr Jane , Grimsley L. Faye , Cohn Richard , Watson Claire Hayes , Thornton Eleanor , Kennedy Suzanne
Published: August 2020

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina resulted in long-term flooding of 80% of New Orleans, Louisiana. Mold-infested homes gave rise to concerns about increased childhood asthma. To address these concerns, a diverse community–academic partnership used a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to implement the Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) study in 2007.

The study examined the relationship between post-Katrina mold and other environmental exposures and asthma morbidity, while testing an asthma counselor (AC) intervention. Both the AC intervention and the CBPR approach were effectively implemented in the postdisaster setting. However, homes had lower levels of mold and other allergens than expected, possibly because of the timing of environmental sampling. Also, HEAL illustrated the vulnerability of the study community, especially to the interconnected threats of health disparities, environmental health stressors, and disasters.

We examine the implications of these threats for public health science, policy, and practice, not only through the lens of Hurricane Katrina but also for future disasters faced by communities in the Gulf Coast and nationally.
Colonial Neglect and the Right to Health in Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria
Authors: Joseph Samantha Rivera , Voyles Caroline , Williams Kimberly D. , Smith Erica , Chilton Mariana
Published: August 2020

The humanitarian crisis revealed as a result of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico demonstrates a long history of US colonial neglect and human rights violations. This reality has made it especially difficult for the people of Puerto Rico to achieve their right to the highest attainable standard of health.

The impacts are pervasive, resulting in disparities in Puerto Rican health, including water access and quality; wealth, including economic loss and disinvestment; and sustainability of the island’s resources. As a result of failed governmental protection and support, public health issues related to access to care, a failing infrastructure, and discrimination all contributed to crisis on the island. A human rights framework is necessary to assess the ongoing human rights violations of the quality of life to support millions of American citizens on the island.

This essay utilizes a rights-based approach to reveal historical disenfranchisement of Puerto Rico before the storms, identifies the specific human rights violations that resulted from the US government’s lack of emergency preparedness and responsiveness, and demands rebuilding the island to reconcile all that has been lost.
Purchaser Licensing, Point-of-Sale Background Check Laws, and Firearm Homicide and Suicide in 4 US States, 1985–2017
Authors: McCourt Alexander D. , Crifasi Cassandra K. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Vernick Jon S. , Kagawa Rose M. C. , Wintemute Garen J. , Webster Daniel W.
Published: August 2020

Objectives. To estimate and compare the effects of state background check policies on firearm-related mortality in 4 US states.

Methods. Annual data from 1985 to 2017 were used to examine Maryland and Pennsylvania, which implemented point-of-sale comprehensive background check (CBC) laws for handgun purchasers; Connecticut, which adopted a handgun purchaser licensing law; and Missouri, which repealed a similar law. Using synthetic control methods, we estimated the effects of these laws on homicide and suicide rates stratified by firearm involvement.

Results. There was no consistent relationship between CBC laws and mortality rates. There were estimated decreases in firearm homicide (27.8%) and firearm suicide (23.2%–40.5%) rates associated with Connecticut’s law. There were estimated increases in firearm homicide (47.3%), nonfirearm homicide (18.1%), and firearm suicide (23.5%) rates associated with Missouri’s repeal.

Conclusions. Purchaser licensing laws coupled with CBC requirements were consistently associated with lower firearm homicide and suicide rates, but CBC laws alone were not.

Public Health Implications. Our results contribute to a body of research showing that CBC laws are not associated with reductions in firearm-related deaths unless they are coupled with handgun purchaser licensing laws.
Identifying Incidents of Public Health Significance Using the National Poison Data System, 2013–2018
Authors: Carpenter Joseph E. , Chang Arthur S. , Bronstein Alvin C. , Thomas Richard G. , Law Royal K.
Published: August 2020

Data System. The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) jointly monitor the National Poison Data System (NPDS) for incidents of public health significance (IPHSs).

Data Collection/Processing. NPDS is the data repository for US poison centers, which together cover all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and multiple territories. Information from calls to poison centers is uploaded to NPDS in near real time and continuously monitored for specific exposures and anomalies relative to historic data.

Data Analysis/Dissemination. AAPCC and CDC toxicologists analyze NPDS-generated anomalies for evidence of public health significance. Presumptive results are confirmed with the receiving poison center to correctly identify IPHSs. Once verified, CDC notifies the state public health department.

Implications. During 2013 to 2018, 3.7% of all NPDS-generated anomalies represented IPHSs. NPDS surveillance findings may be the first alert to state epidemiologists of IPHSs. Data are used locally and nationally to enhance situational awareness during a suspected or known public health threat. NPDS improves CDC’s national surveillance capacity by identifying early markers of IPHSs.
Grafting and Other Ramifications
Authors: Tucker Sherrie , Heffner Hayes Michelle
Published: August 2020

Beginning in 2008, American studies professor Sherrie Tucker and dance professor Michelle Heffner Hayes developed a series of concurrent course offerings across American Studies and Dance at the University of Kansas. In this collaboratively authored article, Tucker and Hayes reflect on the surprising ramifications of that first grafted class in 2008, and subsequent collaborations, in order to posit a model of improvisational pedagogy of grafting across disciplines that may invigorate research across disciplines in the liberal arts. Tucker and Hayes describe a praxis that motivates teaching and inspires research in a dynamic interactive relationship.
Intentional Carbofuran Poisoning in 7 dogs
Authors: Pivariu Dalma , Oros Adrian Nechita , Tabaran Flaviu , Gal Adrian , Martonos Cristian , Nagy Andras Laszlo
Published: August 2020

Background: Carbofuran is a widely used broad-spectrum pesticide that, despite strict regulation and being banned for more than a decade, is still encountered in cases of intentional poisoning in dogs and wildlife. The objective of the study was to provide a complete and detailed description of the pathological, histological and toxicological findings of 7 cases of intentional carbofuran poisoning in dogs.Results: In this retrospective study, 7 cases of carbofuran intoxication recorded from July 2015 to June 2017 were analyzed. Following complete history recording, all cases were examined by complete necropsy and histopathology. Carbofuran intoxication was confirmed in all cases by gas chromatography. The postmortem examination revealed extensive hemorrhaging and congestion located mainly within the respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems, accompanied by degeneration and necrosis within the lungs, heart, and kidneys.Conclusions: Although carbamates have been banned in the European Union, carbamate poisoning is still frequently encountered, especially in wild animals. This paper will contribute to a better understanding of the occurrence and pathogenesis of acute carbofuran exposure in dogs and contribute some peculiar pathological features of this type of poisoning to the current literature.
The DLC-1 tumor suppressor is involved in regulating immunomodulation of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells through interacting with the Notch1 protein
Authors: Na Tao , Zhang Kehua , Yuan Bao-Zhu
Published: August 2020

Background

Immunomodulatory activities of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) has been widely recognized as the most critical function of hMSCs for exerting its therapeutic effects. However, the detailed mechanisms responsible for regulating the immunomodulation of hMSCs still remain largely unknown. Previous studies revealed that the Notch1 protein exerted a pro-immunomodulatory function probably through interacting with the protein(s) subjective to proteasome-mediated protein degradation. The DLC-1 protein represents a well characterized tumor suppressor subjective to proteasome-mediated degradation. However, the detailed signaling pathway of Notch1 and the involvement of DLC-1 in regulating the immunomodulation of hMSCs have not been studied before.

Methods

The transfection with cDNA or siRNA into hMSCs assisted by co-culture of hMSCs with peripheral blood mononuclear cells and small molecule inhibitors of signaling proteins, followed by immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, RT-PCR, and flowcytometry, were employed to characterize the Notch1 signaling, to identify DLC-1 as a candidate proteasome-targeted protein, and to characterize DLC-1 signaling pathway and its interaction with the Notch1 signaling, in the regulation of immunomodulation of hMSCs, specifically, the inhibition of pro-inflammatory CD4 + -Th1 lymphocytes, and the release of immunomodulatory molecule IDO1.

Statistical analysis

One-way ANOVA was utilized as a statistical tool to analyze the data presented as means ± SEM of at least three separate experiments.

Results

The present study revealed that the Notch1-Hey1 axis, but not the Notch1-Hes1 axis, was likely responsible for mediating the pro-immunomodulatory function of the Notch1 signaling. The DLC-1 protein was found subjective to proteasome-mediated protein degradation mediated by the DDB1 and FBXW5 E3 ligases and served as an inhibitor of the immunomodulation of hMSCs through inhibiting Rock1, but not Rock2, downstream the DLC-1 signaling. The Notch1 signaling in the Notch1-Hey1 pathway and the DLC-1 signaling in the DLC-1-Rock1-FBXW5 pathway exhibited a mutual exclusion interaction in the regulation of immunomodulation of hMSCs.

Conclusions

The present study uncovers a novel function of DLC-1 tumor suppressor in regulating the immunomodulation of hMSCs. It also proposes a novel mutual exclusion mechanism between the DLC-1 signaling and the Notch1 signaling that is possibly responsible for fine-tuning the immunomodulation of hMSCs with different clinical implications in hMSCs therapy.
An illustrated step-by-step guide to establish a disinfection facility for reuse of personal protective equipment
Authors: Saini Vikram , Kalra Priya
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 pandemic has created unforeseen public health challenges including the disruption of a steady supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers (HCWs). Several approaches have been evaluated for safe disinfection of used PPEs to allow their selective reuse. We have recently shown that Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) is a safe, easy-to-scale up, economical and environment friendly method to disinfect PPE (coveralls, N-95 masks and face-shields) without compromising their quality and integrity even after repeated cycles of disinfection (Saini et al., 2020). Based on this method, we have operationalized a PPE disinfection research facility at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, a tertiary care medical centre in India. Considering the immense potential of this approach, we have been repeatedly approached by various hospitals to provide a detailed standard operating guideline to run such a facility. Herein, we present a step-by-step illustrative guide that we believe would be helpful to operationalize a PPE disinfection facility at health care settings. This guide incorporates elements and steps of biosafety necessary to handle used PPE during COVID-19 settings and can be adapted for various methods of PPE disinfection, and various pathogens.
Differences in Achilles tendon stiffness in people with gout: a pilot study
Authors: Otter Simon , Payne Catherine , Jones Anna-Marie , Webborn Nick , Watt Peter
Published: August 2020

Background: Gout has been associated with weaker foot/leg muscles and altered gait patterns. There is also evidence of on-going foot pain and an increased risk of tendinopathy, with the Achilles and patella tendons most frequently affected in gout. Additionally, the inflammation associated with gout may change tissue elasticity. Ultrasound imaging utilising shear wave elastography (SWE) offers a non-invasive method of quantifying changes in tendon stiffness. SWE findings have not previously been reported in individuals with gout. We sought to determine differences in Achilles tendon stiffness in people with gout compared to controls (non-gout).Methods: A cross sectional study comparing 24 people with gout and 26 age/sex-matched controls. Clinical and demographic data were collated, and US imaging used to determine tendon thickness, presence of gouty tophi and/or aggregates and levels of angiogenesis. Ten shear wave elastography (SWE) measures were taken along the centre of a longitudinal section of the mid-portion of each Achilles tendon. Prior to data collection, intra-observer error was good (0.75). Data were summarised using descriptive statistics and a repeated measures ANCOVA was used to compare SWE measures between the two groups for the left and right foot separately after accounting for Body Mass Index (BMI).Results: A small proportion of those with gout presented with intra-tendon aggregates and/or intra-tendon tophi in one or both tendons. There was no statistically significant difference in tendon thickness between groups. Neo-vascularity was present in a third of gout participants. SWE findings demonstrated significantly reduced tendon stiffness in those with gout compared to controls: right Achilles mdiff =1.04m/s (95% CI (0.38 to 1.7) p=0.003 and left Achilles mdiff = 0.7m/s (95% CI 0.09 to 1.32) p=0.025. No relationship between the presence of tophi and SWE values were detected. Conclusion: Subjects with chronic gout show significantly reduced Achilles tendon stiffness compared to non-gout controls. From a clinical standpoint, our findings were similar to SWE measurements in subjects with Achilles tendinopathy and who did not have gout.
Oral Lactobacillus strains reduce cytotoxicity and cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans subtypes in vitro.
Authors: Pahumunto Nuntiya , Basic Amina , Östberg Anna-Karin , Teanpaisan Rawee , Dahlen Gunnar
Published: August 2020

Background: This study evaluated the effect of oral lactobacilli on the cytotoxicity and cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) when exposed to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans subtypes in vitro. The supernatants and cell wall extracts (CWEs) of eight A. actinomycetemcomitans strains, representing different subtypes, and three Lactobacillus strains were used. The PBMCs from six blood donors were exposed to supernatants and CWEs of A. actinomycetemcomitans or Lactobacillus strains alone or combinations and untreated cells as control. The cytotoxicity was determined by trypan blue exclusion method and IL-1β secretion by ELISA. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 secretions were measured using Bioplex Multiplex Immunoassay. Results: Supernatants or CWEs from all bacterial strains showed cytotoxicity and IL-1β secretion and the subtypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans showed generally a significantly higher effect on PBMCs than that of the Lactobacillus strains. Two highly toxic A. actinomycetemcomitans strains (JP2 and JP2-like) induced a higher response than all other strains. When combined, Lactobacillus significantly reduced the toxicity and the IL-1β secretion induced by A. acinomycetemcomitans . The effect varied between the subtypes and the reduction was highest for the JP2 and JP2-like strains. The Lactobacillus paracasei strain SD1 had a higher reducing effect than the other Lactobacillus strains. This strain had a consistent reducing effect on all subtypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans cytotoxicity, and release of IL-1β , IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α from PBMCs of the blood donors. A strong and significant variation in cytokine release between the six blood donors was noticed. Conclusions: Lactobacillus spp. and L. paracasei SD1 in particular, showed a limited but statistically significant reducing interaction with A. actinomycetemcomitans toxicity and release of cytokines in vitro .
Correlation between bone turnover and metabolic markers with age and gender: a cross-sectional study of hospital information system data
Authors: Ju Shao , Zhou Shaosong , Qu Yuan , Liang Bibo , Yu Qing-Hong , Wu Jing
Published: August 2020

Background: Bone turnover and metabolic indicators are related to age and gender. Age and gender should be matched in subjects in disease control research of bone turnover and metabolism, but strict matching of gender and age increases the difficulty and cost of the research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to solve it is necessary to strictly match age and gender in clinical research in bone metabolism.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from the data were extracted from the HIS of ZhuJiang Hospital. Data relating to seven bone turnover and metabolic indicators from 1036 patients between January 2018 and October 2019 were analyzed.RESULTS: P1NP, β-CTx and 25(OH)D were significant different in individuals younger than 20 years of age. ALP was significantly higher in those under 20 years of age and lower at age 20-39 compared with other age groups. The concentrations of Ca and P were different among the groups aged 0-19, 20-39, and 40-59 years of age groups but exhibited no difference above 60 years of age. PTH expression was not dependent on age. P1NP, β-CTx and PTH concentrations were not significantly different between the genders within the same age group. ALP was significantly different between genders within the age range 20-59 years. Ca and 25(OH)D were significantly different between the genders for those older than 60. Serum P was significantly different in the two genders for those aged 40-79. Patients received both alfacalcidol and calcium treatment differently from the others in P1NP, β-CTx, Serum Ca, P and ALP.CONCLUSION: P1NP and β-CTx were highly correlated with age. If these two indictors require analysis in a case control study, the patients and controls should be strictly matched by age under 20 years. The demarcation point for ALP was 40 years of age. Ca and P were strongly recommended strict matching according to age in disease research. The difference in P1NP, β-CTx, 25(OH)D and ALP between genders depends on age differences. Medication history should be considered in bone turnover and metabolic clinical research.
Clinical outcomes of early gastric cardiac cancer treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with different indications
Authors: Fan Ting , Sun Qi , Cao Shouli , Fan Xiangshan , Huang Qin , Zhang Shu , Lv Ying , Zhang Xiaoqi , Ling Tingsheng , Wang Lei , Xu Guifang , Zou Xiaoping
Published: August 2020

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been accepted as a standard treatment for early gastric cardiac cancer (EGCC). Here, we investigate the clinical outcomes of the EGCC patients who underwent ESD in different indications. Methods: From January 2011 to October 2019, we enrolled 502 EGCC lesions from 495 patients which were resected by ESD at our center. We retrospectively analyzed the short-term and long-term clinical outcomes among different indication groups. Results: The number of the patients in the absolute indication (AI), expanded indication (EI) and beyond the expanded indication (BEI) groups was 265, 137 and 93, respectively. The en bloc resection rate was 100%, 100% and 98.9% ( P =0.185). The complete resection rate was 99.3%, 98.5% and 74.5%, respectively ( P <0.001). During a median follow-up of 48.1 months, the lymph node metastasis rate was 0%, 0% and 2.3% ( P <0.001). The distant metastasis rate was 0.4%, 0% and 2.3% ( P =0.150). The five-year disease-specific survival rate in the BEI group was 96.6% ( P =0.016), compared to 99.6% in the AI group and 100% in the EI group. Conclusion: The efficacy for ESD patients in EI group was almost equal to the AI group. Patients in the BEI group showed generally favorable clinical outcomes and needed to be carefully checked after ESD. ESD may be an optional treatment for patients unsuitable for gastrectomy.
Genome-wide analysis of the AREB/ABF gene lineage in land plants and functional analysis of TaABF3 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Fangfang , Mei Fangming , Zhang Yifang , Li Shumin , Kang Zhensheng , Mao Hude
Published: August 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown that ABFs (abscisic acid-responsive transcription factors) are important ABA-signaling components that participate in abiotic stress response. However, little is known about the function of ABFs in Triticum aestivum. In addition, although various ABFs have been identified in other species, the phylogenetic relationship between ABF transcription factors has not been systemically investigated in land plants. Results: In this study, we systemically collected ABFs from land plants and analyzed the phylogenetic relationship of these ABF genes. The ABF genes are present in all the land plants we investigated, including moss, lycophyte, monocots, and eudicots. Furthermore, these ABF genes are phylogenetically divided into seven subgroups, differentiations that are supported by variation in the gene structure, protein properties, and motif patterns. We further demonstrated that the expression of ABF genes varies among different tissues and developmental stages, and are induced by one or more environmental stresses. Furthermore, we found that three wheat ABFs (TaABF1, TaABF2, and TaABF3) were significantly induced by drought stress. Compared with wild-type (WT) plants, transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing TaABF3 displayed enhanced drought tolerance. Conclusions: These results provide important ground work for understanding the phylogenetic relationships between plant ABF genes. Our results also indicate that TaABFs may participate in regulating plant response to abiotic stresses.
Integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of hormone pathways in Acer rubrum during developmental leaf senescence
Authors: Zhu Chen , Xiaoyu Lu , Junlan Gao , Yun Xuan , Ren Jie
Published: August 2020

Background: To fully elucidate the roles and mechanisms of plant hormones in leaf senescence, we adopted an integrated analysis of both non-senescing and senescing leaves from red maple with transcriptome and metabolome data.Results: Transcription and metabolite profiles were generated through a combination of deep sequencing, third-generation sequencing data analysis, and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatograph Q extractive mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS), respectively. We investigated the accumulation of compounds and the expression of biosynthesis and signaling genes for eight hormones. The results revealed that ethylene and abscisic acid concentrations increased during the leaf senescence process, while the contents of cytokinin, auxin, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid continued to decrease. Correlation tests between the hormone content and transcriptional changes were analyzed, and in six pathways, genes closely linked with leaf senescence were identified.Conclusions: These results will enrich our understanding of the mechanisms of plant hormones that regulate leaf senescence in red maple, while establishing a foundation for the genetic modification of Acer in the future.
Components of antenatal care received by women in fishing communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda; a cross sectional survey
Authors: Ssetaala Ali , Nabawanuka Joan , Matovu Gideon , Nakiragga Nusula , Namugga Judith , Nalubega Phiona , Kaluuma Henry Lutalo , Chinyenze Kundai , Perehudoff Katrina , Michielsen Kristien , Bagaya Bernard , Price Matt , Kiwanuka Noah , Degomme Olivier
Published: August 2020

Background: Uganda has one of the highest maternal deaths at a ratio of 336 per 100,000 live births. As Uganda strives to achieve sustainable development goals, appropriate antenatal care is key to reduction of maternal mortality. We explored women’s reported receipt of seven of the Uganda guidelines components of antenatal care, and associated factors in hard to reach Lake Victoria island fishing communities of Kalangala district. Methods: A cross sectional survey among 486 consenting women aged 15-49 years, who were pregnant at any time in the past 6 months was conducted in 6 island fishing communities of Kalangala district, Uganda, during January-May 2018. Interviewer administered questionnaires, were used to collect data on socio-demographics and receipt of seven of the Uganda guidelines components of antenatal care. Regression modeling was used to determine factors associated with receipt of all seven components. Results: Over three fifths (65.0%) had at least one ANC visit during current or most recent pregnancy. Fewer than a quarter of women who reported attending care at least four times received all seven ANC components [(23.6%), P<0.05]. Women who reported receipt of ANC from the mainland were twice as likely to have received all seven components as those who received care from islands (aOR=1.8; 95% CI:0.9-3.7). Receipt of care from a doctor was associated with thrice likelihood of receiving all components relative to ANC by a midwife or nurse (aOR=3.2; 95% CI:1.1-9.1). Conclusions: We observed that the delivery of antenatal care components per Ugandan guidelines is poor in these communities. Cost effective endeavors to improve components of antenatal care received by women are urgently needed. Task shifting some components of ANC to community health workers may improve care in these island communities. Trial Registration: PACTR201903906459874 (Retrospectively registered).
LncRNA SNHG10 is downregulated in non-small cell lung cancer and predicts poor survival
Authors: Liang Meng , Wang Linlin , Cao Chuanhua , Song Shimao , wu feng
Published: August 2020

Background: LncRNA SNHG10 has been reported to be an oncogenic lncRNA in liver cancer. However, its roles in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. Methods: Tumor and paired non-tumor tissues were harvested from 62 NSCLC patients. RT-qPCR was used to detected the expression of SNHG10 and miR-21 in tissues. Overexpression experiments were used to evaluate the interaction between SNHG10 or miR-21 in NSCLC cells. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell proliferation. Results: We observed the expression of SNHG10 was down-regulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with that in non-tumor tissues. Moreover, we found that high expression levels of SNHG10 predicted favorable survival of NSCLC patients, and the expression of miR-21 were increased in NSCLC and inversely correlated with SNHG10 expression. In NSCLC cells, overexpression of SNHG10 resulted in increased miR-21 gene methylation and decreased miR-21 expression. Moreover, overexpression of SNHG10 attenuated the enhancing effect of miR-21 overexpression on cell proliferation. Conclusions: SNHG10 may involve in NSCLC cell proliferation by regulating the miR-21 gene methylation.
Effects of Unweighting on Gait Kinematics During Walking on a Lower-Body Positive Pressure Treadmill in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kataoka Yoshiaki , Shimizu Tomohiro , Takeda Ryo , Tadano Shigeru , Saito Yuki , Osuka Satoshi , Ishida Tomoya , Samukawa Mina , Irie Tohru , Takahashi Daisuke , Iwasaki Norimasa , Tohyama Harukazu
Published: August 2020

Background: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a musculoskeletal condition that makes walking difficult due to pain induced by weight-bearing activity. Treadmills that support body weight reduce the load on the lower limbs, and those equipped with a lower-body positive pressure (LBPP) device, developed as a new method for unweighting, significantly reduce pain in patients with knee OA. However, the effects of unweighting on gait kinematics remain unclear in patients with hip OA. Therefore, we investigated the effects of unweighting on kinematics in patients with hip OA during walking on a treadmill equipped with an LBPP device.Methods: Fifteen women with hip OA and fifteen age-matched female controls wore a three-dimensional motion analysis system and walked at a self-selected speed on the LBPP treadmill. Data regarding hip pain using a numeric rating scale under three different unweighting conditions (100%, 75%, and 50% bodyweight) were collected. Three-dimensional peak joint angles during gait under each condition were calculated and compared.Results: In the hip OA group, numerical rating scores at the unweighted conditions were significantly decreased compared to the 100% bodyweight condition, and peak hip extension angle decreased compared to the healthy controls. In both groups, unweighting significantly decreased the peak hip and knee flexion angle and increased the peak ankle plantarflexion angle during walking.Conclusions: Although unweighting by LBPP decreased pain in the hip OA group, gait kinematics did not alter despite less load on the hip joint. Therefore, clinicians should consider the benefits of pain reduction, rather than the alternation of gait kinematics, when considering LBPP treadmill for patients with hip OA.
Patient Safety Culture In Primary And Home Care Services
Authors: Lousada Letícia , Dutra Francisco Clécio , Silva Beatriz , Oliveira Natália , Bastos Ismael , Vasconcelos Patrícia , de Carvalho Rhanna Emanuela Fontenele Lima
Published: August 2020

Background: Safety culture is still a poorly studied subject in primary care and home care, although these settings are considered gateways to access to healthcare. This study aims to evaluate safety culture in primary and home care settings.Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out with 147 professionals from nine districts covered by one home care program and six primary healthcare centres. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) was used to evaluate the safety culture, in which scores ≥ 75 are indicative of a positive safety culture. Results: A total of 56 (86,1%) questionnaires returned from the home care professionals and 91 (86,6%) from the primary care professionals. The Job satisfaction domain was the best evaluated, achieving a score of 88.8 in home care and 75.1 in primary care. The achievement of high scores on Safety Climate, Job Satisfaction, Teamwork Climate, and Total SAQ was related to male gender, and time of professional experience of three to four years. Perception of management and Working conditions had the lowest scores, and this result was related with long time of experience.Conclusions: It is concluded that professionals working in home care gave higher scores for safety culture in their workplace than the primary care workers.
The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Pilot RCT Part II: Diabetes Health Outcomes
Authors: Alshehri Mohammed , Alothman Shaima A. , Alenazi Aqeel M. , Rucker Jason L. , Phadnis Milind A. , Miles John M. , Siengsukon Catherine F. , Kluding Patricia M.
Published: August 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown the negative impact of sleep disturbances, specifically insomnia symptoms, on glucose metabolism for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). People with insomnia symptoms are at risk of poor glycemic control and suboptimal diabetes self-care behavior (DSCB). Investigating the impact of a safe and effective intervention for individuals with T2D and insomnia symptoms on diabetes’ health outcomes is needed. Therefore, the aim of this exploratory study is to examine the effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) on glycemic control, DSCB, and fatigue. Methods: Twenty-eight participants with T2D and insomnia symptoms, after passing an eligibility criteria at a medical research center, were randomly assigned to CBT-I (n=14) or Health Education (HE; n=14). The CBT-I and HE groups received 6 weekly one-hour sessions. This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) used a non-inferiority framework to test the effectiveness of CBT-I. Validated assessments were administered at baseline and post-intervention to assess glycemic control, DSCB, and fatigue. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was utilized to compare within-group changes from baseline to post-intervention. A Mann-Whitney test was utilized to measure the between-group differences. Linear regression was used to assess the association between the blood glucose level and the number of days in the CBT-I group. Results: The recruitment duration was from October 2018 to May 2019. A total of 13 participants completed the interventions in each group and are included in the final analysis. No adverse events, because of being a part of this RCT, were reported. CBT-I participants showed significantly greater improvement in glycemic control, DSCB, and fatigue. There was a significant association between the number of days in the CBT-I intervention with the blood glucose level before bedtime (B=-0.56, p=.009) and after awakening in the morning (B=-0.57, p=.007). Conclusions: This study demonstrated a clinically meaningful effect of CBT-I on glycemic control in people with T2D and insomnia symptoms. Also, CBT-I positively impacted daytime functioning, including DSCB and fatigue. Future research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of CBT-I on laboratory tests of glycemic control and to understand the underlying mechanisms of any improvements.Trial registration: Clinical Trials Registry (NCT03713996). Retrospectively registered on 22 October 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03713996
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management in the community: how could primary care team contribute?
Authors: CHEN Catherine Xiao Rui , Leung Siu Hong , Li Yim Chu
Published: August 2020

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease commonly encountered in the primary care. This study aimed to audit COPD care at primary care clinics of Hong Kong and to work out improvement strategies. Method: All COPD patients aged 40 or above and had been followed up at 13 public primary care clinics of Kowloon Central Cluster (KCC), the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong, were included in this clinic audit. Evidence-based audit criteria and performance standards were established after thorough literature review. Phase 1 was from 01/04/2016 to 31/03/2017, with deficiencies identified, followed by one-year implementation phase with improvement strategies being executed. Phase 2 was from 01/04/2018 to 31/03/2019 with outcome of enhancement reviewed. Chi-square test and student’s t test were used to compare the significance of relevant changes noted. Results: 2,358 COPD cases were identified in phase 1. Among the 658 smokers, 332 (50.5%) had been referred to Smoking Counselling and Cessation and Service (SCCS) and 289 (43.9%) actually attended it. 991 cases (42%) received Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (SIV) and 938 (39.8%) received Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV). 698 (29.6%) patients had spirometry done before and 423 cases (17.9%) had been admitted to hospital due to acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). With the concerted effort taken during the implementation phase, phase 2 data showed significance improvement in almost all criteria. There was a marked improvement in SIV and PCV coverage, spirometry performance rate and most important of all, a reduction in the AECOPD (n=294, 13.5%, P=0.000043). However, the SCCS referral rate and attendance rate among smokers remained stagnant (both P>0.05). Conclusion: COPD care at primary care clinics of KCC has been tremendously improved in most of the audit criteria via a systematic team approach, therefore reducing the burden to specialist and hospital.