bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Significance of Leukotriene B4 and Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Xu Shasha , Tang Lijiang , Mi Yafei , Jiang Jianjun , Zhu Min , Chen Baoguo , Wang Bin , Li Tao , Xu Chenkai , Wang Jiaochen , Lu Xianben , Ge Weili , Wang Lin , Huang Jie
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase (EMMPRIN) have been suggested as modulators of atherosclerotic plaque instability. This study sought to evaluate the potential diagnostic implication of LTB4 and EMMPRIN in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods: Patients (n=153) who underwent coronary angiography, including 105 patients diagnosed with ACS, were divided into four groups: stable angina pectoris (SAP, n=19), unstable angina pectoris (UAP, n=39), acute myocardial infarction (AMI, n=66) and control (with normal coronary angiography, n=29). EMMPRIN expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was determined by flow cytometry and serum LTB4 levels were measured by ELISA. To examine whether LTB4 can regulate the expression of EMMPRIN and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in macrophages, differentiated THP-1 macrophages were stimulated with different concentrations of LTB4 (10-10-10-7mmol/L). Expression of EMMPRIN was evaluated by Western blotting. MMP-9 mRNA expression and enzymatic activity were determined by RT-PCR and SDS-PAGE gelatin zymography.

Result: Serum LTB4 concentration was significantly higher in AMI and UAP groups, compared with control and SAP groups (p < 0.01). Subgroups analysis showed that LTB4 was significantly higher in the AMI < 24h group, compared with the AMI > 24h group. Expression of EMMPRIN on circulating monocytes was significantly higher in patients with UAP and AMI ( > 24h), compared with control, SAP and AMI ( < 24h) groups (p < 0.05). In vitro study showed LTB4 up-regulated the expression of EMMPRIN, as well as the expression and activity of MMP-9, in cultured THP-1-derived macrophages (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: LTB4 and EMMPRIN are associated with the pathogenesis of ACS and may be potential biomarkers for patients with ACS.
Prognostic significance of body mass index in breast cancer patients with hormone receptor-positive tumours after curative surgery
Authors: Xing Peng , Li Ji-Guang , Jin Feng , Zhao Ting-Ting , Liu Qun , Dong Hui-Ting , Wei Xiao Lin
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Obesity has been recognized as a significant risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic significance of body mass index (BMI) in hormone receptor-positive, operable breast cancer.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 1,192 consecutive patients with curative resection of primary breast cancer were enrolled. Patients were assigned to two groups according to BMI: normal or underweight (BMI < 23.0 kg/m2) and overweight or obese (BMI ≥23.0 kg/m2). Associations among BMI and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients were assessed.

Results: A high BMI was significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with age, nodal stage, ALNR, ER positivity, PR positivity and menopausal status at diagnosis. Univariate analysis revealed that BMI, pathologic T stage, nodal stage, axillary lymph node ratio (ALNR) and adjuvant radiotherapy history were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with disease-free survival and overall survival, irrespective of tumour hormone receptor status. Multivariate analysis revealed BMI as an independent prognostic factor in all cases and in hormone receptor-positive cases.

Conclusion: A high BMI (≥23.0 kg/m^2) is independently associated with poor prognosis in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Suppression of CUGBP1 inhibits growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Liu Yong , Huang Hai , Yuan Bo , Luo Tianping , Li Jianchao , Qin Xihu
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The multifunctional RNA-binding protein, CUGBP1, regulates splicing, stability and translation of mRNAs. Previous studies have shown that CUGBP1 is expressed at high levels in the liver, although its role in hepatocellular carcinoma is unknown. Our aim was to determine if CUGBP1 could regulate hepatocellular carcinoma growth.

Methods: Expression levels of CUGBP1 were analyzed in 70 hepatic carcinoma and 20 normal hepatic tissue samples by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Using lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA), CUGBP1 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells was knocked-down. The effect of CUGBP1 on hepatic cancer cell growth was investigated.

Results: CUGBP1 was expressed in 85.7% hepatocellular carcinoma specimens compared with 50% in normal liver specimens. CUGBP1 silencing remarkably decreased the proliferation of HepG2 cells, as determined by MTT assay. Flow cytometry analysis showed that knock-down of CUGBP1 led to G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, accompanied by sub-G1 accumulation. Moreover, depletion of CUGBP1 resulted in downregulation of cyclin B1 and upregulation of cyclin D1.

Conclusion: These results suggest that CUGBP1 is essential for the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Knockdown of CUGBP1 might be a potential therapeutic approach for human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Maslinic acid activates mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway in cardiac carcinoma
Authors: Chang Tingmin , Li Xiumin , Chen Xiangyu , Zhang Lili , Yang Fang , Li Zhenjuan , Li Jiansheng
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Cardiac carcinoma is the most common subtype of gastric cancer and its incidence has increased in recent years. The current chemotherapeutic drugs exhibit limited effectiveness and significant side effects in patients. Maslinic acid (MA) exerts an anti-tumor activity on a wide range of cancers and has no significant side effect; however, the anti-tumor effect of MA on cardiac carcinoma has not yet been explored.

Methods: MTT assays, tumor xenograft animal model, immunoblotting, MMP assessment and flow cytometry were performed in this study.

Results: MA was able to suppress the viability of cardiac carcinoma cells in both a time- and dose-dependent manner. This natural compound exhibited no cytotoxicity in normal cells. Its inhibitory effect on tumor growth was further confirmed in a mouse model. Mechanistically, MA induced the activation of p38 MAPK in cardiac carcinoma cells and, in turn, changed their mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Finally, caspase cascades were activated by a series of cleavages, leading to apoptosis in cardiac cancer cells. Inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling was able to rescue the effect of MA on cardiac carcinoma cells.

Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that natural compound, MA, suppressed the growth of cardiac carcinoma by inducing apoptosis via the p38 MAPK/mitochondria/caspase pathway. MA and its derivatives may be promising anti-tumor agents for cardiac carcinoma treatment in the future.

(Supplemental Figures available here.)
Challenges Facing Physician Scientist Trainees: a Survey of Trainees in Canada’s Largest Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs in a Single Centre
Authors: Ballios Brian G , Rosenblum Norman D
Published: May 2017

Purpose: A number of indicators suggest that the physician scientist career track is threatened. As such, it is an opportune time to evaluate current training models. Perspectives on physician scientist education and career path were surveyed in trainees at the University of Toronto, home to Canada’s longest standing physician scientist training programs.

Methods: Trainees from the Clinician Investigator Program (CIP) and MD/PhD Program at the University of Toronto were surveyed. Liekert-style closed-ended questions were used to assess future career goals, present and future perspectives and concerns about and beliefs on training. Demographic information was collected regarding year of study, graduate degree program and focus of clinical and health research. Statistical analysis included non-parametric tests for sub-group comparisons.

Results: Both groups of trainees were motivated to pursue a career as a physician scientist. While confident in their decision to begin and complete physician scientist training, they expressed concerns about the level of integration between clinical and research training in the current programs. They also expressed concerns about career outlook, including the ability to find stable and sustainable careers in academic medicine. Trainees highlighted a number of factors, including career mentorship, as essential for career success.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that while trainees at different stages consistently express career motivation, they identified concerns that are program- and training stage-specific. These concerns mirror those highlighted in the medical education literature regarding threats to the physician scientist career path. Understanding these different and changing perspectives and exploring those differences could form an important basis for trainee program improvements both nationally and internationally.
Adropin: A New Marker for Predicting Late Saphenous Vein Graft Disease after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Demircelik Bora , Cakmak Muzaffer , Nazli Yunus , Gurel Ozgul M , Akkaya Nermin , Cetin Mustafa , Cetin Zehra , Selcoki Yusuf , Kurtul Alparslan , Eryonucu Beyhan
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Saphenous vein graft disease (SVGD), defined as an occlusion of 50% or more of the SVG excluding distal anastomotic occlusion, is an important predictor of morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Late graft occlusion is a serious complication that often limits the use of the saphenous vein as a coronary bypass graft. Late graft occlusion is particularly common in old, degenerated venous grafts with advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Adropin has been implicated in the homeostatic control of metabolism. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether serum adropin levels are associated with late SVGD following CABG.

Methods: Thirty-eight patients with SVGD involving at least one graft (occluded group; 14 females, 24 males) and 42 patients with a patent saphenous vein graft (patent group; 15 females, 27 males) were enrolled in this study. Venous blood samples were taken from all of the participants to measure plasma adropin levels using an enzyme-linked immunsorbent assay kit.

Results: The mean adropin level was significantly lower in the occluded group than in the patent group (3.2 ± 0.71 vs. 4.9 ± 1.51 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the adropin level was the independent predictor of late saphenous vein graft occlusion.

Conclusions: Adropin levels are lower in patients with late saphenous vein graft occlusion and these reduced adropin levels, together with other factors, may lead to saphenous vein graft occlusion. Larger and prospective studies are needed to determine if adropin plays a role in the pathogenesis of SVGD.
Metabolomics in critical care medicine: a new approach to biomarker discovery
Authors: Banoei Mohammad M , Donnelly Sarah J , Mickiewicz Beata , Weljie Aalim , Vogel Hans J , Winston Brent W
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To present an overview and comparison of the main metabolomics techniques (1H NMR, GC-MS, and LC-MS) and their current and potential use in critical care medicine.

Source: This is a focused review, not a systematic review, using the PubMed database as the predominant source of references to compare metabolomics techniques.

Principal Findings: 1H NMR, GC-MS, and LC-MS are complementary techniques that can be used on a variety of biofluids for metabolomics analysis of patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These techniques have been successfully used for diagnosis and prognosis in the ICU and other clinical settings; for example, in patients with septic shock and community-acquired pneumonia.

Conclusion: Metabolomics is a powerful tool that has strong potential to impact diagnosis and prognosis and to examine responses to treatment in critical care medicine through diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and biopattern identification
Prevalence of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis in Patients with Moderate to Severe Asthma in Western Canada
Authors: Li Pen , Ghazala Laith , Wright Erin , Beach Jeremy , Morrish Donald , Vethanayagam Dilini
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Steroids, inhaled and systemic, are used to treat airway inflammation in patients with asthma; however, steroids are recognized to cause a number of side effects, including osteoporosis. We evaluated the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis in patients with moderate-severe asthma managed through the Edmonton Regional Severe Asthma Centre.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review and analyzed 57 charts on patients with moderate-severe asthma followed through the specialty clinic, and recorded their bone mineral density (BMD). Steroid use was reviewed and the frequency of osteopenia/osteoporosis was compared in patients requiring continuous systemic steroids (Group 1, n=15), intermittent systemic steroids (Group 2, n=15) or inhaled steroids only (Group 3, n=27).

Results: The mean age (mean±SD) was 50±14.8 years. Cumulative systemic steroid dose of prednisone equivalent was higher in Group 1 (12.5 mg/day) than Group 2 (3.2 mg/day) (p=0.002). The frequency of osteopenia / osteoporosis was not significantly different between patients in Group 1(67%) and Group 2 (53%, p=0.46) but was significantly greater in patients from Group 1 in comparison with Group 3 (33%, p=0.038).

Conclusion: Patients with moderate-severe asthma have a high prevalence of reduced bone density. Many patients treated with intermittent systemic steroids for exacerbations, or who were stable on inhaled steroids, had either osteopenia or osteoporosis before the age of 50. National and international osteoporosis guidelines should emphasize earlier screening for asthma patients; and increase awareness of the detrimental effects of short-term systemic steroids and inhaled steroids on BMD, especially when started at an early age and in northern climates.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Suppression Post-Therapy in Patients with Graves’ Disease: A Systematic Review of Pathophysiology and Clinical Data
Authors: Yu Huan , Farahani Pendar
Published: May 2017

Background: Post-treatment hypothyroidism is common in Graves’ disease, and clinical guidelines recommend monitoring for it; however, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) can remain suppressed in these patients following treatment. The objectives of this study were to explore the proposed pathophysiology behind the phenomenon of post-therapy TSH suppression and to systematically review existing clinical data on post-therapy TSH suppression in patients with Graves’ disease.

Source: A systematic literature search was performed using EMBASE and PubMed databases, with several combinations of MeSH terms. Bibliography mining was also done on relevant articles to be as inclusive as possible.

Principal findings: A total of 18 articles described possible mechanisms for post-therapy TSH suppression. Several of the studies demonstrate evidence of thyrotroph atrophy and hypothesize that this contributes to the ongoing suppression. TSH receptors have been identified in folliculo-stellate cells of the pituitary as well as astroglial cells of the hypothalamus, mediating paracrine feedback. A few studies have demonstrated inverse correlation between autoantibody titres and TSH levels, suggestive of their role in mediating ongoing TSH suppression in patients with Graves’ disease. In addition, five studies were identified that provided clinical data on the duration of TSH suppression. Combined data show that 45.5% of patients recover TSH by 3 months after treatment, increasing to 69.3% by 6 months, and plateauing to 73.8% by 12 months (p>0.0001). Sub-analysis also shows that for patients who are TBII negative, 80.7% recover their TSH by 6 months compared with only 58.7% in those who are TBII positive (p= 0.003).

Conclusion: Clinical data suggests that TSH recovery is most likely to occur within the first 6 months after treatment, with recovery plateauing at approximately 70% of patients, suggesting that reliance on this assay for monitoring can be very misleading. Furthermore, TBII positivity is associated with lower likelihood of TSH recovery. Pathophysiology behind suppressed TSH involves not only anatomical but also autoimmune mechanisms.
Presence and types of anterior clinoid process pneumatization, evaluated by Multidetector Computerized Tomography
Authors: Burulday Veysel , Muluk Nuray Bayar , Akgül Mehmet H , Kaya Ahmet , Öğden Mustafa
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The types and ratio of anterior clinoid process (ACP) pneumatization in paranasal sinus Multidetector Computerized Tomography (MDCT) were investigated the importance of ACP in neurosurgical approaches discussed.

Methods: Paranasal MDCT images of 499 subjects (259 male, 240 female), between 17 and 65 years of age, were included in the study. Presence and types of pneumatization of the ACP and pneumatization types (I, II or III) were evaluated.

Results: ACP pneumatization was detected in 37.5% of the males and 33.3% of the females. Right, left and bilateral ACP pneumatizations were detected in 12.7%, 9.3% and 15.4% of males and 9.2%, 8.3% and 15.8% of the females, respectively. The most commonly detected types of pneumatization were Type I (49.1%) for right pneumatizations and Type II pneumatization for left (40.9%) and bilateral (37.2%) pneumatizations. In males, Type I (37.1%) and in females, Type II (40.0%) pneumatizations were detected more frequently. Type III pneumatization was detected in 29.9% of the males and 22.5% of the females. ACP pneumatization ratios were higher in younger subjects and lower in older subjects.

Conclusion: Sclerosis process related to aging may be responsible for the lower pneumatization ratios in older subjects. When Type III ACP pneumatization is present, clinoidectomy should not be performed: in this type of ACP pneumatization, cerebrospinal fluid fistula develops in all cases.
HLA-DRB1 shared epitope allele polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Wen-Xin , Jiang Yao , Hu Qing-Xiang , You Xie-Bo
Published: May 2017

Purpose: A meta-analysis was preformed to determine which HLA-DRB1 alleles are associated with increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Asian patients.

Methods: Medline, PubMed, Central, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were searched until November 3, 2015 using the following keywords: rheumatoid arthritis; RA, HLA-DRB1; severity; treatment; and, prognosis. Randomized–controlled-trials, prospective, retrospective, cohort and case-controlled studies that examined the HLA-DRB1 allelic association with RA in Asians were included. The frequencies of allelic types and the shared epitope (SE) were compared between patients with or without RA.

Results: A total of 331 articles were identified after duplicates removed, and 40 studies, with 5470 RA patients and 5837 control patients, were included in the analysis. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) revealed the frequencies of HLA-DRB1*04 and *10 were higher in the RA group, and the frequency of *14 was lower in the RA group as compared to controls (*04: OR = 3.35, 95% CI: 2.28-3.99, p < .001; *10: OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.55-2.78, p < .001; *14: OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54-0.90, p = .006). No associations were noted for *01 and *09. Pooled ORs revealed associations of *0101 (OR = 1.58), *0401 (OR = 2.17), *0404 (OR = 1.91), *0405 (OR = 3.73), *0410 (OR = 2.24), *1001 (OR = 1.78) and SE positive (OR = 2.38) with RA. HLA-DRB1 *14 subtypes did not show associations with RA.

Conclusions: HLA-DRB1 allelic variations are associated with RA in Asian patients.
Effects of neurofeedback therapy in healthy young subjects
Authors: Altan Sümeyra , Berberoglu Bercim , Canan Sinan , Dane Şenol
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Neurofeedback refers to a form of operant conditioning of electrical brain activity, in which desirable brain activity is rewarded and undesirable brain activity is inhibited. The research team aimed to examine the efficacy of neurofeedback therapy on electroencephalogram (EEG) for heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG) and galvanic skin resistance (GSR) parameters in a healthy young male population.

Methods: Forty healthy young male subjects aged between 18 to 30 years participated in this study. Neurofeedback application of one session was made with bipolar electrodes placed on T3 and T4 (temporal 3 and 4) regions and with reference electrode placed on PF1 (prefrontal 1). Electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG) and galvanic skin resistance (GSR) were assessed during Othmer neurofeedback application of one session to regulate slow wave activity for forty minutes thorough the session. Data assessed before neurofeedback application for 5 minutes and during neurofeedback application of 30 minutes and after neurofeedback application for 5 minutes throughout the session of 40 minutes. Means for each 5 minutes, that is to say, a total 8 data points for each subjects over 40 minutes, were assessed.

Results: Galvanic skin resistance increased and heart rate decreased after neurofeedback therapy. Beta activity in EEG increased and alfa activity decreased after neurofeedback therapy.

Conclusions: These results suggest that neurofeedback can be used to restore sympathovagal imbalances. Also, it may be accepted as a preventive therapy for psychological and neurological problems.
Transient neurological symptoms after spinal anesthesia
Authors: Gozdemir Muhammet , Muslu Bunyamin , Sert Huseyin , Usta Burhanettin , Demircioglu Ruveyda Irem , Kasikara Hulya
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of transient neurological symptoms (TNS) after spinal anesthesia with levobupivacaine, bupivacaine, articaine or lidocaine.

Methods: The patients (n=400) were randomly assigned to receive spinal anesthesia with levobupivacaine, bupivacaine, articaine or isobaric lidocaine. Onsets of sensory and motor block were recorded. On postoperative days 1, 2 and 3, patients were interviewed by an investigator blinded to the spinal anaesthetic agent used. The patients were classified as having TNS if there was pain in the hips, thighs and/or lower limbs following recovery from anesthesia.

Results: Time to maximum sensory block was significantly longer in the articaine group than the lidocaine group. The incidence of TNS was much less after spinal anesthesia with levobupivacaine, bupivacaine and articaine than after lidocaine.
Relationship between internet addiction and alexithymia among university students
Authors: Baysan-Arslan Seher , Cebeci Sevsen , Kaya Mehmet , Canbal Metin
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Epidemiological studies concerning internet addiction found that 50% of internet addicts also have other kinds of psychiatric disorders. This study aims to examine the relationship between alexithymia and internet addiction levels among Turgut Özal University students in Ankara, Turkey.

Method: University students (1,107 students; 452 students from 12 associate degree programs and 655 students from 10 undergraduate programs) participated in the study. The researchers used the personal information form, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Internet Addiction Scale. The approval for the current study was received from the Turgut Özal University Medical Faculty Clinical Studies Ethics Committee.

Results: The number of the alexithymic students was 12.5% whereas the number of the students who were internet addicts was 13.5%. The internet addiction scores were higher among alexithymic individuals than the non-alexithymic (p
Risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry
Authors: Bozkurt Sinem , Demirsoy Nesrin , Günendi Zafer
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To evaluate musculoskeletal system-related complaints; identify regions at risk in dentists by observing and inquiring the dentists at work; and find out the associations with age, sex, working years, academic position and departments, positions during work and daily working hours.

Methods: Modified Nordic Questionnaire (m-nMQ) was used to evaluate pain, hospital admissions and absenteeism. Quick Exposure Check (QEC) form was utilized to assess risk exposure levels related with low-back, neck, hand-wrist and shoulder-arm.

Results: 163 dentists were included the most painful regions were found to be back (66.9%), neck (65%) and low back (64.4%). Musculoskeletal symptoms were more prevalent in women and research assistants. QEC scores were found to be lower in those who performed regular exercises.

Conclusion: Dentists should be educated about ergonomics at the beginning of their professional life.
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 affects insulin but not lipid metabolism in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Coriati Adèle , Arslanian Elizabeth , Bouvet Guillaume F , Prat Annik , Seidah Nabil G , Rabasa-Lhoret Rémi , Berthiaume Yves
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disorder and, with improved survival, glucose abnormalities have emerged as a major comorbidity. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a regulator of plasma LDL-cholesterol homeostasis, is associated with lipid and glucose metabolism in healthy individuals. Here we report on the link between PCSK9 and markers of metabolism in CF.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis was performed on CF patients (≥ 18 years, N=94) from the Montreal Cohort, without known diabetes, and on healthy individuals (N=19). The levels of PCSK9 and lipid markers were quantified and all subjects underwent a 2 h oral glucose tolerance test.

Results: No significant differences in PCSK9 levels were found between healthy individuals and patients with CF, or between the groups with different degrees of glucose tolerance. No association was found between PCSK9 and markers of lipid metabolism; however, a positive correlation was found between PCSK9 and total insulin secretion and a negative one with insulin sensitivity in CF patients who had normal glucose tolerance.

Conclusion: Circulating levels of PCSK9 in the CF population are comparable to those in the healthy population. There are no associations between PCSK9 levels and either glucose or lipid homeostasis parameters. Nevertheless, a statistically significant link was observed between PCSK9 and markers of insulin homeostasis, solely in CF patients who presented normal glucose tolerance. Further exploration of the relationship between PCSK9 and insulin homeostasis in CF patients with normal glucose tolerance is warranted.
Liver enzyme normalization predicts success of Hepatitis C oral direct-acting antiviral treatment
Authors: Khan Sarwat T , McGuinty Michaeline , Corsi Daniel J , Cooper Curtis L
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Monitoring of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment response is performed by serial HCV RNA measurements; however, this may not be useful for predicting treatment success or failure with oral direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) therapies. Liver enzyme levels, which are elevated in chronic HCV and tend to decline on therapy, may serve as a more logistically and economically feasible alternative for monitoring treatment response.

Source: The Ottawa Hospital Viral Hepatitis Clinic patients (n=219), receiving interferon-free oral DAA treatments, were assessed for liver enzymes and HCV RNA levels at baseline, week 4 and ≥12 weeks post-treatment. Suppression cut points used for this analysis were ALT ≤ 40U L-1 and AST ≤ 30U L-1. The primary outcome was week 12 sustained virologic response (SVR). By our analysis, all indicators had strong PPV (>90%) but limited NPV (
Peranan Pemimpin Lokal dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Kelompok (Kasus Kelompok Tani di Desa Pulo Kencana Kecamatan Pontang Kabupaten Serang)
Authors: Ibrahim Helda , Zain Majdah , Ibrahim Tanzil
Published: May 2017

Local leaders have a role as opinion leaders and development agencies in supporting the realization of a dynamic group in improving the ability of groups related to communication, motivation, to facilitating and social contacts, knowledge of groups and foster group experience. Rural communities still face problems, especially individuals that have not been able to develop itself in enhancing the ability of the group through the role of local leaders. The purpose of this study is to identify the role of local leaders in improving the ability of a group. This research was conducted in the village of Pulo Kencana, helter subdistrict, Serang regency. The number of respondents was 45 respondents with tree of farmer groups. The results showed that the role of local leaders in improving the ability of the group is high. This is due to the behavior on the actions of the leaders in facilitating the communication, increasing the motivation of group members and facilitating the group.

Key words: local leaders, leaders role, groups ability
Analisis Kebutuhan Pelatihan Guru IPA Berbasis Kompetensi Kepribadian
Authors: Febrianis Irma , Muljono Pudji , Susanto Djoko
Published: May 2017

Deviant behavior and ethic, norm, and moral violations done by the teachers become indicators on how poor is the personalcompetence of the teachers in Indonesia. Training to improve the personal competence of the teachers has got less concern fromthe government. This study offers an alternative in determining the training needs using the Training Needs Assessment (TNA).The study aimed at mapping the actual personality competence of the teachers, establishing training needs and priorities, aswell as providing recommendations for effective training methods. The survey method, interviews and FGDs were conductedto obtain the primary data. Survey was carried on 165 natural science teachers of SMP Negeri Pekanbaru using self evaluationquestionnaire. Result show that actual personality competence of the teachers are below the ideal competence. There are twopriority training programs include the training i.e on ethic code of teachers and training on personality strengthening. The trainingmethods of internal coaching and specific training are effective to improve the personality competence of the teacher.

Keywords: personality competence, training needs analysis, teacher
Partisipasi Masyarakat Terhadap Kegiatan Pengelolaan Daerah Aliran Sungai Cikapundung di kelurahan Dago Bandung
Authors: Radjabaycolle Lorenza R. , Sumardjo Sumardjo
Published: May 2017

Community participation in Cikapundung watershed management activities in Dago Village is the effort of community in maintaining and preserving the watershed.This study aims to determine the level of community participation in Dago Village on Cikapundung watershed management activities, and the factors related to the attitude of watershed management, watershed management and attitude relationship with the level of community participation. Data were analyzed using Rank spearman correlation test and the Chi-square function.This research suggests that the level of community participation in Dago Village appertain passably, and the tendency of people's attitudes in Dago Village is a major component to encourage the participate in watershed management activities.

Keywords: participation, people’s behaviors
Efektivitas Program Beasiswa untuk Meningkatkan Prestasi Mahasiswa (Kasus pada Mahasiswa Penerima Beasiswa Beastudi Etos di Jabodetabek
Authors: Mardiyanti Mardiyanti , Purnaningsih Ninuk , Tjitropranoto Prabowo
Published: May 2017

For achieve educational equity, government, private and non government organization provide scholarships. Scholarships are awarded as an effort to empower the recipients. Therefore this study aims to (1) analyze the scholarship program based on the concept of empowerment, (2) measure the factors that influence academic achievement of grantees. This research was conducted to 41 grantees Beastudi Etos at Jabodetabek during November-December 2013. The results showed that the scholarship is effective to be an empowerment program. Because it increase achievement motivation of grantees, and create positif environment to support learning process.

Keywords: academic achievement, effectiveness of scholarship
Karakteristik Sosial Demografi dan Faktor Pendorong Peningkatan Kinerja Kader Posyandu
Authors: Simanjuntak Megawati
Published: May 2017

Posyandu is one of the community participation approach in health sector that is managed by cadres, with the main problem arises is the declining number of visits of mothers of infants and toddlers. The aimed of this research were to analyze the level of performance of posyandu cadres, and to analyze the factors that influence performance. Research conducted in Ciherang Village with 30 samples that was selected using random sampling. Most of the cadres including productive age, junior secondary education, medium families size, and has been married to a third have children under five. The average of job length was 9 years old, had attended training related to posyandu, a cadre motivation is the desire to help the community. Average cadre incentives was Rp20,000 per person per month with the support of family and community leaders. The result showed that most of cadre’s performance can be categorized high. The higher the incentives received by the cadres and the more participation of cadres in training at least once influenced significantly for the improving of cadre’s performance.

Keywords: cadre, demography, performance, posyandu, social
Persepsi Pembudidaya Ikan Terhadap Kompetensi Penyuluh Perikanan di Kawasan Minapolitan (Kasus di Kabupaten Cirebon, Provinsi Jawa Barat)
Authors: Haryadi Ikhsan , Amanah Siti , Suriatna Suwardi
Published: May 2017

Research objectives were: 1) to describe the profile fish farmers, 2 ) to analyze the perception of fish farmers towards competence of fisheries extension worker, and 3 ) to analyze the relationship between the profile of fish farmers and fisheries extension services towards of fish farmers perceptions of competence of fisheries extension workers. The study was conducted in Cirebon regency, West Java Province. The sample was 100 respondents of fish farmers is determined by the formula Slovin. Processing and analysis of data using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Rank Spearmen). The results showed profiles of fish farmers mostly adult age category (39-57 years). Majority of low educational level or not complete primary school or complete primary school. Participation in fisheries training and experience of fishing bussines is low. Perceptions of fish farmer towards competence of fisheries extension worker is the medium category, except towards personal competence is high category with details of the personal competence is 64%, andragogik competence is 61%, professional competence is 59% and social competence is 60% The better the extension given material, the better the fisheries extension perceptions fish farmers to professional and social competence fisheries extension workers. The better implementation methods and techniques of extension, the better the perception of fish farmers towards personal competence, social and professional of fisheries extension workers.

Keywords: fish farmers’s perception, competence of fisheries extension worker, minapolitan region
Tingkat Difusi-Adopsi Inovasi Biogas di Kecamatan Lembang Kabupaten Bandung Barat
Authors: Novikarumsari Nurul Dwi , Amanah Siti , Sugihen Basita Ginting
Published: May 2017

This study aims to analyse the household characteristics of dairy farmer, perception of biogas innovation, access of information, the meeting with extension workers and factors affecting biogas diffusion and adoption in Lembang Sub District. Lembang Sub District has a potential of 4 149 dairy farmer households as prospected biogas adopters. Suntenjaya and Cibodas villages were selected as the research sites. All of the population member (266 households) were the research respondents. Questionnaires consist of four independent variables include dairy farmers characteristic, perception of biogas, access of information, and the meeting with extension workers were used to collect primary data. Rank Spearman correlation test was used to analyse the data. Research results shows that motivation, complexity, compatibility, and observability has positive correlation with speed of adoption; and dairy farmers experiences, relative advantage, and and triability has positive correlation with diffusion; the access of information and meeting with extension workers do not correlate with biogas diffusion-adoption since the farmers has involved in the biogas program from an international foundation.

Keywords: diffusion, adoption, biogas, perception, inovation
Dinamika Pengelolaan Sampah Rumah Tangga di Desa Gunung Sari Kecamatan Citeureup, Kabupaten Bogor
Authors: Anjani Francisca Gita , Muljono Pudji
Published: May 2017

Domestic Wasted management program is one of PT Indocement's CSR conducted in Gunung Sari Village. This research aimson the evaluation of wasted management program that has been running since 2009. The evaluation was conducted using CIPPconcept from Stufflebeam by analyzing content, input, process, and final product as an outcome from this program. This researchillustrated both the supporting and inhibiting factors from the domestic wasted management program and also described theproceeding programs for these past 5 years. The population for this research was represented by 120 domestic house wivesas corespondent, addressed in RW 04. Domestic wasted management program in Gunung Sari Village is running well. Thesupporting factors for this program are the subsidy cost from PT. Indocement CSR funds, the awareness of UPK managementto be independent, creativity and the society's awareness for a cleaner environment. Meanwhile the inhibiting factors are themarketing for the final product and the lack of communications between the stakeholders.

Keywords: evaluation, CIPP, CSR, domestic wasted management
Tingkat Adopsi Inovasi Pengelolaan Tanaman Terpadu (PTT) Padi Sawah di Kecamatan Leuwiliang, Kabupaten Bogor
Authors: Ismilaili Ismilaili , Purnaningsih Ninuk , Asngari Pang S
Published: May 2017

Integrated crop management (ICM) can increase productivity, economic benefit rice farming through the efficient use of inputs, and conserve land resources for sustainable production systems. The purpose of this study is to analyze the degree of adoption, perception of ICM, and factors that influence the adoption of innovation ICM of paddy in Leuwiliang District. The research location was in Barengkok village and Leuwimekar village, Leuwiliang Sub-district. Research was implemented from May until July 2014. Respondents in this study were 80 farmers. The respondent covered 40 farmers from the Barengkok village and 40 farmers from Leuwimekar village. The data was collected by using a questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Multiple regression analysis test was used to analyze the data. The research results showed (1) The adoption level of integrated crop management (ICM) of paddy in the Leuwiliang Sub district was in high category, and (2) The factors of age, experience, land area, the availability of technology information, knowledge and perceptions of farmers were significantly affected the adoption level of ICM paddy.

Keywords: adoptiom, innovation, paddy field in Leuwiliang, integrated crop management
Dinamika Kelompok Penerima CSR PLN Tarahan Lampung Selatan
Authors: Kusnani Dedeh Kurniasih , Muljono Pudji , Saleh Amiruddin
Published: May 2017

The study aims to: (1) analyze the level of group dynamics; (2) analyze relation between internal and external characteristics of members and group dynamics. The research uses survey method and was conducted in South Lampung. Numbers of samples are 50 respondents. Descriptive and correlational analysis was used to explain this research. The results of the research show that: (1) the level of group dynamics was low because the group goals are not specific, the structure is not clear, group role and function is not implemented optimally, coaching and development of group is not adequate, and there is no positive pressure; (2) the internal and external characteristics of members that related positively with group dynamics are working motivation, intensity of extension, mentoring, and social interaction of the group.
Keywords: coorporate social responsibility, group dynamics, member’s characteritics, frequency of extension
Peranan Penyuluh Swadaya dalam Mendukung Intensifikasi Kakao di Kabupaten Sigi Provinsi Sulawesi Tengah
Authors: Riana Riana , Purnaningsih Ninuk , Satria Arif
Published: May 2017

Self-support extension agents is the main actors who are successful in their business and other community members with his own conscience willing and able to become a counselor. The role of self support extension agents is needed to support the role of civil servants as an alternative that is deemed in accordance with UU No. 16 2006th. But there are still many people, including the main actors themselves who do not know the important role of the non-extension. The purpose of this study is to analyze the role of self-support extension agents in supporting intensification extension cocoa viewed from the aspect of agribusiness. This research is descriptive quantitative survey method with descriptive analysis approach and quantitative paradigm. Research carried out in the Sigi district of Central Sulawesi, which became one of the central largest cocoa producing. The sample in this study is a cocoa farmer extension built by self-help by using the method of proportional cluster random sampling as 96 people. Overall results of farmers' perceptions of the role of self-support extension agents was that extension workers has been instrumentalin supporting themselves-intensification cocoa butonly dominant in farming sector. This happened because the they just get extension related to the cultivation. Whereas if the extension self-given knowledge relating to the harvest and post-harvest and marketing, the role will become more important as supported also by extension the role of self-support extension agents in motivating and help the farmers in the problem solving.
Keywords: role, self-support extension agents, cocoa, farmer’s perception
Persepsi Petani Lada terhadap Diseminasi Teknologi Usahatani Lada di Bangka Belitung
Authors: Panggabean Minas Tiurlina , Amanah Siti , Tjitropranoto Prabowo
Published: May 2017

Usahatani lada yang dilaksanakan oleh masyarakat Bangka Selatan masih menggunakan teknologi tradisional sehingga produksi dan produktivitas lada relatif rendah dan jauh dari potensi optimalnya. Usaha meningkatkan produktifitas dan nilai tambah di tingkat petani pedesaan adalah dengan menerapkan inovasi teknologi yang dihasilkan oleh lembaga penelitian. Penyebarluasan teknologi baru memerlukan teknik diseminasi yang dapat meyakinkan penggunanya. Persepsi petani terhadap teknik diseminasi yang menentukan keyakinan petani terhadap teknologi inovatif yang didiseminasikan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis persepsi petani lada terhadap teknik diseminasi teknologi usahatani lada dan faktor-faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap adopsi teknologi usahatani lada. Penelitian dilaksanakan di tiga desa yaitu Desa Serdang, Desa Delas dan Desa Nyelanding Kabupaten Bangka Selatan dan pengumpulan data dilakukan pada bulan Maret sampai dengan Mei 2015. Penelitian menggunakan disain survey. Jumlah sampel penelitian ini adalah 90 orang. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah deskriptif dan regresi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa persepsi petani terhadap teknik diseminasi teknologi usahatani lada yang baik adalah melalui temu lapang demonstrasi plot dan pameran. Tingkat adopsi inovasi usahatani lada dipengaruhi umur dan lama berusahatani dan pameran.
Kata kunci: persepsi, petani lada, diseminasi, usahatani lada
Peran dan Kinerja Penyuluh Pertanian dalam Memberdayakan Peternak Ayam Petelur di Kabupaten Jember, Provinsi Jawa Timur
Authors: Rahmawati Indri Rafiani , Muksin Muksin , Rizal Rizal
Published: May 2017

Produksi telur ayam ras di Indonesia baru mencukupi kebutuhan pasar dalam negeri sebesar 65% sedangkan sisanya dipenuhi dari telur ayam kampung, itik, dan puyuh. Produksi telur ayam ras di Kabupaten Jember masih tergolong kecil dibandingkan dengan daerah-daerah lain di Jawa Timur. Salah satu upaya untuk meningkatkan kapasitas produksi peternakan ayam ras petelur di Indonesia khususnya di Kabupaten Jember yaitu dengan meningkatkan sumber daya manusia melalui peran, inovasi dan kinerja penyuluh dalam meningkatkan produksi dan keberdayaan peternak ayam ras petelur. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis pengaruh peran, kinerja dan inovasi penyuluh terhadap keberdayaan peternak ayam ras petelur serta menganalisis pengaruh peran dan inovasi penyuluh terhadap kinerja penyuluh di Kabupaten Jember. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa peran, kinerja dan inovasi penyuluh berpengaruh secara langsung dan signfikan terhadap keberdayaan peternak ayam ras petelur di Kabupaten Jember. Peran dan inovasi penyuluh juga berpengaruh terhadap kinerja penyuluh di lapangan. Inovasi penyuluh lebih tinggi pengaruhnya dibandingkan dengan peran dan kinerja penyuluh dalam memberdayakan peternak ayam ras petelur.
Penerapan Inovasi Teknologi Pertanian dan Hubungannya dengan Ketahanan Pangan Rumah Tangga Petani
Authors: Fatchiya Anna , Amanah Siti , Kusumastuti Yatri Indah
Published: May 2017

Penerapan teknologi inovasi pertanian berperan dalam meningkatkan produktivitas usaha tani, sehingga berpeluang untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan hidup, yang salah satunya diindikasikan dari meningkatnya ketahanan pangan rumah tangga petani.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengindentifikasi inovasi teknologi pertanian yang telah diterapkan di lokasi studi, dan menganalisis hubungannya dengan kondisi ketahanan pangan pada rumah tangga petani.Metode penelitian berupa survei di dua desa di Kabupaten Bogor yang masing-masing memiliki tipe pertanian yang berbeda yaitu lahan kering dan basah (sawah), dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 80 orang.Data dianalisis dengan uji statistik Rank Spearman.  Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar petani di lahan sawah telah menerapkan inovasi teknologi berupa sistem jajar legowo secara intensif, dan petani di desa berlahan kering cukup intensif dalam menerapkan inovasisistem tumpang sari dan pengolahan hasil pertanian (on farm).Penerapan teknologi ini berkorelasi positif dengan kondisi ketahanan pangan rumah tangga petani, yaitu petani yang menerapkan inovasi teknologi lebih intensif memiliki tingkat ketahanan pangan yang lebih baik.

 
Persepsi dan Partisipasi Petani dalam Pelaksanaan Rehabilitasi Tanaman Kakao di Kabupaten Sigi Provinsi Sulawesi Tengah
Authors: Azwar Azwar , Muljono Pudji , Herawati Tin
Published: May 2017

Persepsi petani terhadap suatu program merupakan landasan atau dasar utama bagi timbulnya kesediaan untuk ikut terlibat atau berpartisipasi dalam suatu program. Penelitian bertujuan: 1) Menganalisis persepsi petani, 2) Menganalisis tingkat partisipasi petani dalam pelaksanaan rehabilitasi kakao, 3) Menganalisis hubungan karakteristik internal dan eksternal dengan persepsi, serta 4) Menganalisis hubungan karakteristik internal dan eksternal dengan partisipasi petani. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada Februari-Maret 2015 di Kecamatan Palolo Kabupaten Sigi. Jumlah sampel 100 orang dan merupakan petani yang terlibat dalam program gernas kakao. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini terdiri dari data primer dan data sekunder. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis secara statistik deskriptif dan statistik inferensial (Rank Spearman). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan persepsi dan tingkat partisipasi petani terhadap program gernas kakao cukup baik. Karakteristik internal yang berhubungan dengan persepsi petani adalah variabel kosmopolitan dan luas lahan garapan. Faktor eksternal yang berhubungan dengan persepsi adalah dukungan pasar, ketersediaan tenaga kerja, ketersediaan informasi, kelompok tani serta intensitas penyuluhan. Karakteristik internal yang berhubungan dengan partisipasi adalah pengalaman usaha tani, luas lahan garapan dan kosmopolitan. Faktor eksternal tidak berhubungan dengan partisipasi.