bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Widespread occurrence of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi' in elm species in Germany
Authors: Schneider Bernd , Kätzel Ralf , Kube Michael
Published: February 2020

Background: Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi' is the agent associated with elm yellows and has been categorised in the European Union as a quarantine pathogen. For central and northern European countries, information on the occurrence and distribution of the pathogen and its impact on elms is scarce, so a survey of native elm trees has been conducted in Germany. Results: About 6,500 samples from Ulmus minor , Ulmus laevis and Ulmus glabra , were collected nationwide. Phytoplasma detection was performed by applying a universal 16Sr DNA-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay and a novel ' Ca. P. ulmi' specific qPCR assay targeting the 16S-23S spacer region. Both assays revealed that 28% of the samples were infected by ‘ Ca. P. ulmi’, but infection rates of the elm species and regional incidences differed. The phytoplasma presence in the trees was not correlated to disease-specific symptoms. The survey identified a regional disparity of infection which was high in east, south and central Germany, whereas only a few infected sites were found in the western and northern parts of the country. Monitoring the seasonal titre of ‘Ca. P. ulmi’ in an infected tree by qPCR revealed a high colonisation in all parts of the tree throughout the year. Conclusions: ‘ Ca. P. ulmi’ is widely present in elms in Germany. The rare occurrence of symptoms indicates either a high degree of tolerance in elm populations or a low virulence of pathogen strains enabling high infection rates in a long-living host.
Applicability of the Five Case Model to African eHealth investment decisions
Authors: Broomhead Sean C , Mars Maurice , Scott Richard E. , Jones Tom
Published: February 2020

Background: eHealth programmes in African countries face fierce competition for scarce resources. Such initiatives should not proceed without adequate appraisal of their probable impacts, thereby acknowledging their opportunity costs and the need for appraisals to promote optimal use of available resources. However, since there is no broadly accepted eHealth impact appraisal framework available to provide guidance, and local expertise is limited, African health ministries have difficulty completing such appraisals. The Five Case Model, used in several countries outside Africa, has the potential to function as a decision-making tool in African eHealth environments and serve as a key component of an eHealth impact model for Africa. Methods: This study identifies internationally recognised metrics and readily accessible data sources to assess the applicability of the model’s five cases to African countries. Results: Ten metrics are identified that align with the Five Case Model’s five cases, including nine component metrics and one summary metric that aggregates the nine. The metrics cover the eHealth environment, human capital and governance, technology development, and finance and economics. Fifty-four African countries are scored for each metric. Visualisation of the metric scores using spider charts reveals profiles of the countries’ relative performance and provides an eHealth Investment Readiness Assessment Tool. Conclusion: The utility of these comparisons to strengthen eHealth investment planning suggests that the five cases are applicable to African countries’ eHealth investment decisions. The potential for the Five Case Model to have a role in an eHealth impact appraisal framework for Africa should be validated through field testing.
Resistance Profile From Staphylococcus Aureus And Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Obtained From Tracheostomized Children
Authors: Almeida Juliana Afonso de , Barros Caroline Espíndola de , Ayres Gustavo Henrique da Silva , Silva Mariana Helena e , Liberal Andressa Santos , Batista Marcos Antonio , Gomes Raylane Pereira , Filho Arlindo Rodrigues Galvão , Silva Carla Afonso da , Wastowski Isabela Jubé , Carneiro Lilian Carla , Avelino Melissa Ameloti Gomes
Published: February 2020

Background

The tracheostomized patients exhibit high risks of bacterial infections, because the tracheal tube acts as a gateway to these microorganisms. The objective was to characterize microbiologically the tracheal secretion of tracheostomized children, to evaluate the biofilm formation, and to study the phenotypic and molecular profile of antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated.

Methods

The study collected 88 tracheal secretion samples. The material processed by phenotypic tests were performed for bacterial identification. For identification of the biofilm, the Congo red agar test and the plaque microtiter test were used, and the qPCR method was used to resistance verification.

Results

Were obtained 27 samples of S. aureus and 71 of P. aeruginosa . All S. aureus samples were positive for biofilm formation on Congo red agar test. In antibiogram test, S. aureus showed resistance to seven drugs. Regarding the identification of resistance genes, were amplificated bla Z in 42.8% from S. aureus and mec A in 28.6% of them. Pseudomonas aeruginosa presented resistance to eight drugs. The most frequent chromosomal genes were bla OXA with 66.7% and bla KPC with 58.3%. To plasmidial DNA, was highlighted bla NDM with 58.3% positive.

Conclusion

The S. aureus and P. aeruginosa characterization of colonization from lower respiratory tract associated with the use of the device in tracheotomy patients, and the physiology and antimicrobial resistance profile, will help health professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment to be administered in children with tracheotomy, increasing the chances of airway restoration and decannulation.
Identification of prognostic factors for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma based on long non-coding RNAs-associated ceRNA network
Authors: Kang Zhichen , Guo Lixin , Zhu Zhuo , Qu Rongfeng
Published: February 2020

Background Accumulating evidence has highlighted the important roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in tumor biology. However, the roles of cancer long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in lncRNA-related ceRNA network of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remain enigmatic. The current study aims to identify prognostic factors in the lncRNA-related ceRNA network of ICC. Methods The transcriptome sequencing data of the lncRNAs, messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miR) were downloaded from SRA, and TCGA database respectively. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), DEmiRs and DEmRNAs were identified and adopted to construct lncRNA-miR-mRNA ceRNA network. ICC-associated DEmRNAs were adopted to construct the PPI network. The expression of the top 6 genes in the hub module was validated in mRNA transcriptome sequencing data and ICC-related gene expression dataset GSE45001, followed by GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The potential function of genes in hub module in the ceRNA network was finally subjected to GSEA. Results Sixty coexpression DEmRNAs were identified in the ceRNA network. The 6 top genes in the hub module consists of FOS, HGF, IGF2, FOXO1, NTF3 (downregulated), and IGF1R (upregulated) in ICC tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues, followed by the successful construction of lncRNA-miR-hub network with 86 ceRNA modules. FOS, IGF2 or IGF1R might regulate the development of ICC by targeting “N-glycan biosynthesis”, “α-linolenic acid metabolism” or “type II diabetes” pathways respectively. Conclusion These results show FOS, IGF2 and IGF1R serve as prognostic factors of ICC patients.
Acute Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on H-reflex and Maximal Voluntary Isometric Strength
Authors: Pagaduan Jeffrey , Wu Sam SX , Fell James W. , Chen Yung-Sheng
Published: February 2020

Background Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV BFB) is a visually-guided paced breathing scheme that stimulates resonance in the cardiovascular system. Up to date, the influence of HRV BFB on neuromuscular function remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a single-session HRV BFB on Hoffman reflex (H-reflex) of the soleus muscle and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) of plantar flexors. Methods Eleven male healthy participants (height: 173.6 ± 7.5 cm; weight: 74.5 ± 17.3 kg; age: 24.6 ± 4.8 yrs) volunteered to undergo a randomized-crossover intervention involving a 10-minute HRV BFB and normal breathing (CON), separated by 48-hours. Pre and post indices for H-reflex, and post-only MVC in HRV BFB were evaluated using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and independent T-test respectively. Results No significant differences in H-reflex markers between HRV BFB and CON were found. Both groups posted non-significant difference in MVC. Conclusion An acute HRV BFB was not sufficient in eliciting significant changes in motoneuron excitability of the soleus muscle and maximal muscle strength of plantar flexors.
Influx of diverse, drug resistant and transmissible Plasmodium falciparum into a malaria-free setting in Gulf Cooperation (GCC) countries.
Authors: Al-Rumhi Abir , Al-Hashami Zainab , Al-Hamidhi Salama , Gadalla Amal , Naeem Raeece , Ranford-Cartwright Lisa C. , Pain Arnab , Sultan Ali A. , Babiker Hamza
Published: February 2020

Background

Successful malaria control programs have interrupted local malaria transmission in almost all the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. However, a massive influx of imported malaria via migrant workers from endemic areas sustains a threat for the re-introduction of local transmission. Here we examined the origin of imported malaria into one of the GCC countries (Qatar) and assessed the extent of genetic diversity, and carriage of drug resistance genes of imported Plasmodium falciparum and it’s potential to re-introduce the disease.

Methods

We examined imported malaria reported in Qatar, between 2013 and 2016. We focused on P. falciparum infections and estimated total parasite and gametocyte density using qPCR and qRT-PCR, respectively. In addition, we examined ten neutral microsatellites and four drug resistance genes, Pfmrp1, Pfcrt, Pfmdr1 and Pfkelch13 , to assess the extent of diversity of imported P. falciparum and its potential carriage of drug resistance genotypes respectively.

Results

The majority of imported malaria comprised P. vivax , while P. falciparum and mixed species infections ( P. falciparum /P. vivax ) were less frequent. The main origin of P. vivax was the Indian subcontinent, while P. falciparum was most apparent among expatriates from Africa. Imported P. falciparum was highly diverse carrying multiple genotypes as well as early and late gametocytes. We observed a high prevalence of SNPs implicated in drug resistance among imported P. falciparum , with some novel SNPs in Pfkelch13 .

Conclusions

The high influx of genetically diverse P. falciparum, with multiple drug resistance marker gene mutations and high capacity of producing gametocytes, sustains threat for re-introduction of drug resistant malaria into GCC countries. This scenario highlights the impact of current globalisation of movement of humans in reintroducing malaria infections to areas targeted for elimination.
Comparison of recombinant MPB70 and SahH and a native 20-kDa protein for the detection of bovine tuberculosis by ELISA
Authors: Cho Yun Sang , Lee Sang Eun , Woo Jong-Tae , Oh Jinsik , Choi Hwan Won , Kwon Jin Hyeok , Kim Jeong-Tae , Ha Gunwoo , Park Chanhee , Jung Sukchan , Kim Jong Man
Published: February 2020

Background Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonosis mainly caused by Mycobacterium bovis . Test-and-cull protocols and gross pathological examinations of abattoir animals as well as milk pasteurisation have been implemented for preventing the spread of tuberculosis from animals to humans worldwide, including in the Republic of Korea. Despite the importance of precise and rapid diagnostic tests, conventional methods, including intradermal skin tests and γ-interferon assays, are limited by the high rate of false negative results for cattle in the late infectious stage as well as laborious and time-consuming procedures. Therefore, antibody detection methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), are urgently needed to supplement established approaches and to expand the diagnostic window. In this study, we developed a bTB ELISA by evaluating candidate recombinant and native proteins and various assay parameters.Results We produced recombinant MPB70 and SahH (rM70S) and a native 20-kDa protein (20K). The 20K ELISA showed 94.4% sensitivity and 98.2% specificity and had an optimal sample-to-positive (S/P) ratio cut-off of 0.531. rM70S ELISA showed 94.4% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity with an S/N ratio cutoff of 1.696.Conclusion The assays showed the same sensitivity but the specificity was higher for 20K ELISA than for rM70S ELISA. Both assays had acceptable diagnostic efficiency and are expected to be useful for bTB diagnosis in combination with established methods for herd screening and for expanding the diagnostic window.
Effectiveness of chitosan-propolis nanoparticle against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in the root canal
Authors: Parolia Abhishek , Kumar Haresh Kumar , Ramamurthy Srinivasan , Pau Allan
Published: February 2020

Background To determine the antibacterial effect of chitosan-propolis nanoparticle (CPN) as an intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm in root canal. Methods 240 extracted human teeth were sectioned to obtain 6mm of the middle third of the root. The root canal was enlarged to an internal diameter of 0.9mm. The specimens were inoculated with E. faecalis for 21 days. Following this, specimens were randomly divided into eight groups ( n=30 ) according to the intracanal medicament placed: group I: saline, groupII: chitosan, group III: propolis100 µg/ml (P100), group IV: propolis 250 µg/ml (P250), group V: chitosan-propolis nanoparticle 100µg/ml (CPN100), group VI: chitosan-propolis nanoparticle 250 µg/ml (CPN250), group VII: calcium hydroxide(CH) and group VIII: 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel. Dentine shavings were collected at 200 and 400 μm depths, and total numbers of CFUs were determined at the end of day one, three and seven. The non-parametric Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the differences in reduction of CFUs between all groups and probability values of P < 0.05 were set as the reference for statistically significant results. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were also performed after exposure to CPNs. The effectiveness of CPNs were also evaluated against E. faecalis isolated obtained from patients having failed root canal treatment. Results Reduction in the number of colony‐forming units was statistically significant in all groups compared to saline (p <.05). On day one and three, at 200 and 400-μm, CPN250 showed significant reduction of CFUs compared to all other groups (p <.05), while CPN100 was significantly better than other groups (p <.05) except CPN250 and CHX. On day seven, at 200-μm CPN250 showed significant reduction of CFUs compared to all other groups (p <.05) except CPN100 and CHX, while at 400 μm CPN250 showed similar effectiveness as CPN100, CH and CHX. SEM and CLSM images also showed the maximum reduction of E. faecalis with CPN250. Conclusion CPN250 was the most effective in reducing E. faecalis colonies on day one, three at both depths and at day seven CPN250 was equally effective as CPN100 and CHX.
Health behaviors in major chronic diseases patients: Trends and regional variations analysis, 2008–2017, Korea
Authors: Jeon Young-Jee , Pyo Jeehee , Park Young-Kwon , Ock Minsu
Published: February 2020

Background: Improving the health behaviors of those with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes is important for disease management. Few in-depth studies have been conducted in Korea on the health behaviors of chronic disease patients. This study examined the health behaviors of chronic disease patients over time and compared them with those of the general population.Methods: Data obtained from the Korea Community Health Survey from 2008 to 2017 were analyzed. Thirteen diseases were included in this analysis, namely, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, angina, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, cataract, and depression. The current smoking rate, drinking rate, and the walking rate, which are leading health behaviors necessary for preventing chronic diseases, were analyzed by disease type. We compared patients’ health behaviors with those of the general population and identified regional variations.Results: Although the current overall smoking rate was seemingly declining, the overall monthly drinking and high-risk drinking rates were increasing. In 2017, patients experiencing depression symptoms had a higher smoking rate than did the general population; hypertension and diabetes patients had a higher risk-drinking rate than did the latter. The general population’s walking rate was highest. There were considerable variations by region among chronic disease patients.Conclusions: Chronic disease patients displayed worse health behaviors than those of the general population, in some instances. Rather than focusing only on chronic disease patients’ medication adherence, strategies must be devised to improve their smoking cessation rate, decrease their drinking rate, and increase their walking rate.
Outlier Detection in Text Data: An Unsupervised Method Based On Text Similarity and Density Peak
Authors: Sereshki Mahnaz Taleb , Zanjireh Morteza Mohammadi
Published: February 2020

Outlier detection is problematic in the text data processing. In this paper, a novel method for detecting outliers in text data is proposed. To recognize the outliers, we concentrate on the similarity between every two documents and the density of similar documents. Afterward, an algorithm, which is based on these two elements, is written. We conducted a series of experiments on real datasets with different volumes to evaluate the performance of our proposed method. Experimental results obviously show that our method outperforms than a few previous methods especially when the volume of a dataset is medium. Furthermore, they represent that, we have no performance in one of the powerful outlier detection algorithms due to small datasets.
Effects of Chinese herbal medicine B307 supplementation on muscle endurance and recovery after exhaustive swimming in ICR mice
Authors: Chuang Tai-Yuan , Lien Chia-Ying , Tsai Ya-Chun , Lin Kuei-Fu , Hsu Chih-Hsiang , Wu Wen-Jhen , Su Li-Yu , Lu Chen-Wen , Wu Chung-Hsin
Published: February 2020

Background: Exhaustive exercise may damage muscles due to oxidative stress and inflammation and cause muscle fatigue and soreness. The study investigated the effects of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) B307 supplementation on muscle endurance and recovery after exhaustive swimming (ES) in ICR mice. Methods: All mice were subjected to ES in the form of a forced swimming test. Thirty-two male ICR mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Sham + ES, CHM B307 pretreatment + ES (Pre+ES), CHM B307 posttreatment + ES (Post+ES), and CHM B307 dual treatment + ES (Dual+ES). Using immunohistochemistry, chemiluminescence, and biochemical analysis, muscular endurance, fatigue, oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage were examined and compared among the groups. Results: Our results revealed that the Pre+ES and Dual+ES groups had remarkably better muscular endurance during ES than the Sham+ES and Post+ES groups. In addition, the Pre+ES, Post+ES, and Dual+ES groups had significantly alleviated fatigue, oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage after ES compared with the Sham+ES group. Conclusion: CHM B307 can be a protective supplement against damage from exhaustive exercise because of its antifatigue, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antidamage functions.
Whole-exome sequencing identifies a novel mutation in GATA4 gene to be congenital heart defects and arrhythmia in a Chinese family
Authors: Zhao Tianli , Sun Guowen , Zhu Yun , Yang Yifeng , Tan Zhiping , Bu Haisong , Hu Shijun
Published: February 2020

Background: CHD which contains congenital heart or great vessel structural defects is one of the major birth defects in the world. GATA4 is one of the most widely investigated genes in CHD, with over 100 known mutation sites. Most mutations in the GATA4 gene are related to the structural heart defect.Methods: 5 patients in this family were enrolled in this study. Punctilious records for the subjects included a complete physical examination, a transthoracic echocardiography, a 12-lead electrocardiograph and a surgical confirming. All noninvasive exam results are confirmed in the surgery. The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of the patients and their parents. Whole-exome capture and HTS were performed on the proband III.1 by the Novogene Bioinformatics Institute (Beijing, China). Sanger sequencing in forward and reverse directions was used to validate the candidate variants identified by WES, and segregation analyses were performed in the family members.Results: 3 patients were identified, the father and two of the daughters, in a Chinese family. The daughter proband III.1 was diagnosed as secundum ASD with atrial septal aneurysm, PAVSD, PS and persistent left superior vena cava by transthoracic echocardiography and sinus tachycardia, frequent junctional premature beat with aberrant ventricular conduction. The father II.2 was diagnosed as secundum ASD, PS and ascending aortic dilatation by transthoracic echocardiography and atrial fibrillation paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia. The other daughter III.3 was diagnosed as secundum ASD, mild PS and persistent left superior vena cava by transthoracic echocardiography and sinus arrhythmia (sinus tachycardia alternating with sinus bradycardia), cardiac rhythm migration between atrionector and junction. 1328 variants were detected in the proband’s exome. 11 variants were identified and prioritized them by patients’ phenotype. The mutation GATA4 NM_002052: exon5: c.T929C: p.M310T could be confirmed in the other two affected family members (II.2 III.3) and could not be detected in other healthy parent or normal control.Conclusions: In this study, we identified a variant in GATA4 gene (c.T929C: p.M310T) in a CHD family with arrhythmias. It suggested that the region coding NLS of GATA4 gene is an important region for development of heart and GATA4 gene may related to tachyarrhythmias.
Flap transfer for traumatic defects of the upper extremity: experience of 35 cases
Authors: Kang Yongqiang , Pan Xiaoyun , Wu Yongwei , Ma Yunhong , Liu Jun , Rui Yongjun
Published: February 2020

Background Despite advances in microsurgical techniques of flap transfer, complex upper extremity trauma reconstruction remains a challenge for surgeons. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from patients undergoing subacute upper extremity flap reconstruction, including flap choices, complications and success of flap reconstructions. Results Thirty-five patients underwent free flap procedures, including 24 anterolateral thigh flaps (68.57%), five latissimus dorsi flaps (14.29%) and six lateral arm flaps (17.14%). Flap sizes ranged from 3 × 4 to 33 × 11 cm 2 . The mean time of flap reconstruction was 14 days (range 5–29). Two flaps developed partial necrosis, both of which were later treated with skin-grafting. Traumatic wound infections occurred in three patients. All upper limb trauma was completely covered. Conclusions All three types of skin flaps used to reconstruct severe upper limb soft tissue defects achieved satisfactory function and appearance with negligible complications and low amputation rates during the subacute period.
Association Between Oral Diseases And Sociodemographic Variables In Children And Adolescents With Cancer
Authors: Velten Deise Berger , Zandonade Eliana , Miotto Maria Helena Monteiro de Barros
Published: February 2020

Objective To evaluate the association between sociodemographic variables and oral diseases in children and adolescents with cancer receiving treatment at the “Nossa Senhora da Glória” State Children Hospital (HEINSG) - Vitória - ES.Method This is a cross-sectional study, in which 51 subjects were evaluated before or three days after the start of chemotherapy from April 2013 to April 2014.Results When the study participants were examined the prevalence of dental caries was 25.4%, xerostomia presented with a frequency of 31%. Other diseases were also observed at lower frequency, such as mucositis, candidiasis and thrush. Caries was significantly associated with poor oral hygiene (OR: 0,114; p - 0.016) and low maternal schooling (OR: 0,188; p - 0.021).Conclusion Some subjects had oral disease before starting chemotherapy; therefore, they were more likely of developing oral manifestations during treatment. The participation of the dental surgeon in the multidisciplinary team of cancer treatment is important to evaluate the oral health status of individuals before and during treatment, thus developing an appropriate treatment plan to prevent or reduce the occurrence of oral manifestations during therapy.Clinical Relevance This study showed and reaffirmed the importance of an evaluation of the oral condition prior to chemotherapy treatment and also the need for a dental surgeon in the team of professionals who accompany cancer patients to treat caries lesions and remove foci of infection, preventing thus the appearance of oral manifestations that may delay chemotherapy, generating unnecessary suffering for these patients.
Design of Shrewd Underwater Routing Synergy using Porous Energy Shells
Authors: Ashraf Shahzad , Ahmed Tauqeer , Raza Asif , Naeem Hamad
Published: February 2020

Underwater sensors link establishment and quality inspection challenges are blurt out during ubiquitous data monitoring. The energy utilization has a direct impact because all active devices are battery dependents and no charging or replacement actions could be made when cost- effective data packet delivery has been set as a benchmark. The hop link inspection and the selection of a Shrewd link through resurrecting link factor was a nothing short of bleak challenge which could only be made possible after going through meticulous research by developing a shrewd underwater routing synergy using extra porous energy shells (SURS-PES) which might never have conducted of before. After broadcasting packets the sensor node conducts a link inspection phase thereby, if any link is found to be less than or equal to 50% shaky; the destination receiving node puts in own residual energy status and return back to the source node which in result adds some unusable energy porous shell to strengthen the link from 50 to 90% at most and send it only to the targeted node and an unaltered data packet delivery is anticipated. Performance evaluation has been carried out using NS2 simulator and obtained results have been compared with DBR and EEDBR to observe the distinguish outcomes thereon results in vouches for the statement that has been made earlier for this research direction.
Hamstring injury in futsal players: the effect of active range of motion (AROM) deficit on the full recovery time
Authors: Smirnova Lyudmila , Derinov Aleksandr , Glazkova Irina
Published: February 2020

Background Hamstring muscle injuries are one of the most common traumas occurring in athletes and football players. Thus, the recovery time is crucial for their return to full athlete activity. Objective This article examines cases of hamstring injury in futsal players and finds association between the active range of motion (AROM) deficit and the full recovery time. Methods For this study, 200 futsal players with acute, first-time, unilateral posterior hamstring injuries were recruited, all men. All patients underwent clinical examination and ultrasonography. In 74 of 200 patients, sonography revealed no abnormalities in the musculoligamentary structures. Thereby, they were excluded from further investigation. Only 126 futsal players underwent measurement of the active range of motion with a 30-cm clear plastic inclinometer. Injured areas were compared with the normal hamstrings in all athletes and with the control group, and the AROM deficit was evaluated. The association between the full recovery time and the AROM deficit was identified. A control group (100 men) underwent examination in the same series of steps as the study group. Results Biceps femoris was the most commonly injured muscle, making up 80% of injuries. The musculotendinous junction, proximal and distal, was involved in 91% of injury cases. Twelve athletes had an AROM deficit of 25 to 35 degrees and reached full recovery at 2.5 months and later. Seventy or 55.5% of athletes had an AROM deficit less than 15 degrees and felt fully recovered only in a month. Conclusions The classification system of hamstring muscle injuries that is offered here is based on an objective clinical marker (active knee ROM deficit), is easily applicable, and is indicative of recovery duration.
Is Laminectomy and Fusion the Better Choice for Multilevel Cervical Myelopathy with Signal Changes on Magnetic Resonance Imaging ? A Comparison of Two Posterior Surgeries.
Authors: He Xin , Zhang Jia Nan , Liu Tuan Jiang , Hao Ding Jun
Published: February 2020

Background This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and complications between laminectomy and fusion (LF) and laminoplasty (LP) for multi-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM) with increased signal intensity (ISI) on T2-weighted images (T2WI). Material and Method In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 52 patients with MCSM with ISI on T2WI who underwent laminoplasty (LP group). The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, the physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS) of Short-Form 36 (SF-36), and the extension and flexion ranges of motion (ROMs) were recorded. As controls, propensity score matching identified 52 patients who underwent laminectomy and fusion (LF group) from January 2014 to June 2016 using 7 independent variables (preoperation): age, sex, JOA score, SF-36 PCS, SF-36 MCS, preoperative symptom duration and high signal intensity ratio (HSIR). Results The operative duration in the LF group was significantly higher than that in the LP group. At the last follow-up, the JOA score, VAS score, and SF-36 (PCS and MCS) scores were all significantly improved in both groups. The extension and flexion ROMs were decreased in both groups but significantly better in the LP group than in the LF group. Both groups demonstrated similar clinical improvements at the final follow-up. The complication rate was higher in the LF group. Conclusion The present study demonstrates that LP for MCSM with ISI on T2WI achieves similar clinical improvement as LF. However, longer operative durations, higher complication rates and lower extension and flexion ROMs were found in the LF group.
Does the approved tariff cover the actual cost of global surgical procedures?
Authors: Zarei Ehsan , Hashemi Maedehalsadadt , Daneshkohan Abbas , Kakemam Edris
Published: February 2020

Background: Following the implementation of the health transformation plan in Iran and the significant increase in medical tariffs, it seems there is still a considerable gap between the actual cost of the Global Surgical procedures (GSPs) and the approved tariffs. The aim of this study was to compare the actual costs of GSPs with approved tariffs in hospitals affiliated to Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2016. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data of 6,126 GSPs performed in three hospitals were extracted from Hospital Information System and approved tariffs were also obtained from the Supreme Council of Health Insurance. The difference between the average actual costs of a GSP and its tariff was considered as the tariff-actual cost gap. Regression test was used to determine the factors affecting the tariff-actual cost gap using SPSS.21. Results: The average actual cost of GPSs was 503 USD while the average tariff was 361 USD, indicating a significant negative gap between the approved tariffs and the actual cost of GPSs. In fact, for each procedure, the hospital suffered an average of 142 USD losses. In 54 of 63 GSPs, the average actual cost was 0.3% to 307.4% higher than the tariff. The highest negative gap was related to the “femoral fracture fixation" with -307.4%. The gap was higher in older patients, females, and patients with a longer stay, orthopedic specialty, and full-time surgeons (p<0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that tariffs covered only 71.8% of actual costs. It is suggested that in the tariff setting of GSPs, factors such as inflation rate, patient's age, comorbidity, disease severity, and hospital function (teaching or referral center) be considered. In addition, hospital management can also reduce the gap by modifying processes and managing resource consumption, especially medicines and consumables items.
Length-Length and Length-Weight Relationships of Lessepsian Saurida undosquamis from the İskenderun Bay (Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey)
Authors: YEDİER Serdar , KONTAŞ Seda , BOSTANCI Derya
Published: February 2020

In this study, the length-length and length-weight relationships were investigated for Saurida undosquamis from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Turkey). All fish sample lengths and weights were recorded to the nearest 0.01 g and to 0.01 cm, respectively. According to t-test results, there were statistically significant differences between sexes in terms of length and weight (P<0.05) for S. undosquamis; therefore, female and male samples were separately evaluated in the current study. The length-weight relationship equations of S. undosquamis were calculated as W=0.0023TL3.330; W=0.0014TL3.487 and W=0.0020TL3.366 for females, males, and all individuals, respectively. It was found that the “b” value in the length-weight relationship equation was statistically different from 3 (P <0.05). As a result of the analysis, it was determined that S. undosquamis showed positive allometric growth in this habitat. When the length-length relationships of S. undosquamis were examined, they were found that the coefficients of determination ranged from 0.98 to 0.99 and they were also highly significant (P<0.001). This study can help provide the necessary information to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks.
GLOSA DO WYROKU SĄDU APELACYJNEGO W SZCZECINIE Z 12 PAŹDZIERNIKA 2017 R., II AKA 53/17, «LEX» NR 2418147
Authors: Kulik Marek
Published: February 2020

Glosa dotyczy zagadnienia prawnej oceny zachowania sprawcy przedkładającego podrobiony lub przerobiony dokument w celu uzyskania kredytu lub pożyczki. Autor podziela pogląd, że samo przedłożenie dokumentu może zostać pochłonięte przez oszustwo kredytowe. Jest jednak zdania, że nie jest to jedynie możliwe rozwiązanie. Uważa bowiem, że w niektórych wypadkach dojdzie do rzeczywistego zbiegu przepisów. W odniesieniu do oceny sytuacji, gdy sprawca najpierw podrabia lub przerabia dokument, a następnie przedkłada go w celu uzyskania kredytu lub pożyczki, autor podziela pogląd, że w grę wchodzi rzeczywisty zbieg przepisów. Uważa jednak, że są możliwe wypadki, gdy dojdzie do zbiegu przestępstw, a nie zbiegu przepisów
ANALIZA PRZESTĘPSTWA STYPIZOWANEGO W ART. 151 K.K.
Authors: Rosiak Łukasz
Published: February 2020

Niniejszy artykuł opisuje historię penalizacji przestępstwa namowy lub udzielenia pomocy w samobójstwie w ramach m.in. polskich kodeksów karnych. Wyżej wymienione przestępstwo zostało ujęte w kodeksie karnym z 1932 r., kodeksie karnym z 1969 r. oraz w kodeksie karnym z 1997 r. Aktualna maksymalna sankcja z tytułu tego występku – w zakresie czasu jej trwania - jest tożsama z tą występującą w kodeksie karnym z 1932 r. oraz w kodeksie karnym z 1969 r. Sankcje karne zawsze powinny być stosowane w ostateczności, niemniej w przypadku tak ważkiego dobra chronionego prawem jak ludzkie życie wydaje się, iż istnieć winna możliwość pociągnięcia do odpowiedzialności karnej danego sprawcy w zakresie kary będącej dla niego realną dolegliwością.
DOPUSZCZALNOŚĆ UMOWNEGO KSZTAŁTOWANIA UZUPEŁNIAJĄCEJ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCI PRACODAWCY ZA WYPADEK PRZY PRACY
Authors: Czarnecki Paweł
Published: February 2020

Przedmiotem artykułu są rozważania na temat możliwości zawierania między pracodawcą a pracownikiem umów łagodzących tzw. uzupełniającą odpowiedzialność pracodawcy z tytułu wypadku przy pracy. Szczególna uwaga poświęcona została odpowiedzialności za szkodę na osobie i szkodę niemajątkową. Autor rozważa możliwość łagodzenia odpowiedzialności zarówno w reżimie kontraktowym jak i deliktowym odnotowując obecne w doktrynie prawa cywilnego poglądy odnośnie do dopuszczalności tego rodzaju modyfikacji
MIĘDZYNARODOWA KONFERENCJA NAUKOWA „PRAWO RZYMSKIE JAKO FUNDAMENT EUROPEJSKIEJ KULTURY PRAWNEJ: DOŚWIADCZENIA UKRAINY I POLSKI”, LWÓW, 9-10 KWIETNIA 2019 R.
Authors: Nancka Grzegorz
Published: February 2020

MIĘDZYNARODOWA KONFERENCJA NAUKOWA„PRAWO RZYMSKIE JAKO FUNDAMENT EUROPEJSKIEJKULTURY PRAWNEJ: DOŚWIADCZENIA UKRAINYI POLSKI”, LWÓW, 9-10 KWIETNIA 2019 R.
Food Potential and Antioxidant Property of Cassia auriculata Seed: A Nutritionally Unexploited Legume
Authors: Khyade Mahendra , Kamble Suresh , Waman Mohan , Padwal Anup , Gunjal Mahesh
Published: February 2020

Background:

Seeds of Cassia auriculata are reported to be used for varying medicinal
purposes; however, information on nutritive value and physical properties of seeds remains unexplored.
Hence, this study is carried out to investigate the proximate, minerals, fatty acid profile, functional
properties, phenolic profiling as well as antioxidant activities of seed in order to give adequate
information on its suitability as a possible future food source.

Methods:

The proximate compositions were evaluated by AOAC, and other standard prescribed
methods. Minerals and fatty acids compositions were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
and UV-visible spectrophotometers, while anti-nutrient determinations were carried out
using standard procedures. Antioxidant activity and phenolic profiles were also analyzed using UVvisible
spectrophotometers and HPLC.

Results:

The results obtained from proximate analysis were: moisture content (9.74%), ash content
(4.95%), protein (23.83%), lipid (6.68%), crude fiber (8.93%), total soluble sugars (53.4%) and energy
value (412.6 Kcal/100g). The mineral analysis showed that nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus
were the predominant elements present in the seeds. Calcium, zinc, sodium, magnesium, copper, and
iron were also detected in appreciable amounts. The analyzed anti-nutritional factors were oxalate
(1.38 μg/mg), phytate (0.12 μ g/mg), tannin (3.02 μg/mg), phenol (1.11 μg/mg) and saponins
(0.0037%). In the seeds oils, palmitic acid (14.01%) was prominent saturated fatty acid followed by
stearic acid (5.12%) and arachidic acid (2.17%), while oleic acid (21.31%) and linoleic acid
(51.52%) constituted the dominant unsaturated fatty acids. The physicochemical and functional properties
revealed that the seeds flour had excellent water absorption index, swelling index, foaming capacity
and foam stability. In addition to that, the flour extracts revealed the dose-dependent antioxidant
properties of tested extracts of the seed flour. Moreover, the HPLC analysis unveiled four phenolic
compounds namely, benzoic acid (0.72 μg/mg), cinnamic acid (0.71 μg/mg), salicylic acid
(0.65 μg/mg) and vanillic acid (0.61 μg/mg).

Conclusion:

The results of the present study revealed that Cassia auriculata seed flour is a good
source of important nutrients such as fat, protein, fibre and minerals along with edible phenolics. So
the seeds would be a valuable source of dietary supplements especially for growing population and
could be used for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes.
Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Pregnancy and Postpartum Period. Risk Factors, Functional Implications and Resolution
Authors: Mota Patricia , Gil Pascoal Augusto , Bo Kari
Published: February 2020

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) or the increased inter rectus distance (IRD) is described as the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles. It can occur during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Mota et al. (2015) found DRA may affect up 100% of pregnant women [1], and it may persist separated in the immediate postpartum period in 35% to 60% of women [2]. Reported prevalence of DRA or increased IRD varies and may be inaccurate due to different cut off points for the diagnosis [1-7] and use of different measurement methods.

To date limited studies about the normal width of the IRD in postpartum women are available [8, 9], and there is scarce information about risk factors for DRA.

There are some theories stating that failure to treat DRA effectively can lead to long term sequelae [10], including abnormal posture [1], lumbo-pelvic pain and cosmetic imperfections [10]. Postnatal women are stimulated to resume abdominal exercises shortly after delivery [3] to improve trunk function and restore abdominal figure and fitness [8]. To date there is scant knowledge on the most effective abdominal exercises both during pregnancy and after childbirth. In particular there is little evidence on which exercises are most efficient in the narrowing of the recti diastasis. The aim of this article is to critically review the literature on the risk factors, functional implications and the effect of exercise on DRA. This information is expected to be relevant for physiotherapists and exercise professionals.
NutRedOx COST Action: Insight into Redox Compounds
Authors: Cherkaoui-Malki Mustapha
Published: February 2020

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IoT Based Comprehensive Autonomous Home Automation and Security System Using M2M Communication
Authors: Ejigu Mesele W. , Santhosh Jayagopalan
Published: February 2020

Background:

In the era of Internet of Things (IoT), automation of home and security systems
is becoming remarkably easy. Many research works have also been conducted to bring the
most convenient way of automating home appliances and security systems. But little research has
been carried out in providing the most comprehensive or autonomous or self-controlled home automation.
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive solution to mitigate the existing need. End users
can interact with household appliances in a variety of means irrespective of platforms used and
their geographical location through a smartphone application. Using their speech as input, users can
also operate the electrical appliances via voice commands. In addition to the mobile application and
voice command by integrating some cloud services, an attractive web interface could be provided as
another alternative for better data presentation and analysis. The autonomous feature would allow
the home to monitor and control its environment by itself through installed sensors, sharing data and
taking a relevant measurement without a need for human intervention.

Method:

In order to achieve those performances the work will deploy an MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) messaging protocol to enable the modules easily communicates one another.

Results:

Multiple alternative means of controlling and interacting with home appliances was provided. Both autonomous mode and safe mode features would make the system to behave and run autonomously.

Conclusion:

The paper also embraces the presentation for an application of multiway, cross-platform and user oriented home automation and security system as well as convenient means of controlling and monitoring household electrical appliances.
Is There a Gap in Canada’s Hate Crime Laws? The Identification Of Soft Violence as a Tool for Current Right-Wing Extremist
Authors: Meyers Sarah
Published: February 2020

Since the beginning of Donald Trump’s campaign for the United States’ presidency, the international community has arguably seen a significant uptick in hate-motivated right-wing extremist (RWE) violence. While this is not the first time that sentiments such as racism, anti- Semitism, and misogyny have gained widespread popularity, it could be argued that the means through which these ideas are being communicated and the ways in which they are being expressed have transformed. One aspect that has not changed is the presence of hate crime in the locations where RWE actors or sentiments are prevalent. These hate crimes can cause fear in the communities that are being targeted by RWE messengers, thereby disrupting community harmony and public safety as a whole.
Illicit Drugs & The Impact Of Canadian Organized Crime Groups
Authors: CASIS
Published: February 2020

On November 22, 2019, the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies hosted its second annual West Coast Security Conference titled: Guns, Drugs, and the Weaponization of Identity. Chief Constable Mike Serr of the Abbotsford Police, presented on “Illicit Drugs & the Impact of Canadian Organized Crime Groups.” The presentation touched upon the nexus between organized crime, and the use of illicit drugs to fund their agendas. Furthermore, the presentation finished with a quick coverage of each drug that is popularly distributed currently in Canada.
Development of thermoelectric boron compounds by powder metallurgical method using metal boride interphase
Authors: Maruyama Satofumi
Published: February 2020

Sintering is an extremely flexible process where micro-scale particles are bonded together through heat and pressure, and is often used to work elements that are compounds with unworkably high melting temperatures. The technology has been used in basic form for thousands of years through
its fundamental role in the production of ceramics and the strengthening of bricks. It is the process that allows ceramics to harden into a range of different useful structures in the kiln oven. During the 19th century, our understanding of the mechanics of sintering vastly expanded through
visionaries such as William D. Coolidge. He used the principles of sintering to create flexible tungsten elements for incandescent light bulb. From there, methods for sintering all sorts of materials were honed. Maruyama's work is now focused on improving the sinterability of boron carbide.
To do this, he is testing a range of different sintering techniques aiming to produce high-quality boron carbide at a lower cost than is currently available.
Bioinspired synthesis of silica nanocups - Polymer-mediated self-assembly of inorganic nanoparticles
Authors: Sugawara-Narutaki Ayae
Published: February 2020

Nature oversees a vast array of amazing shapes formed by organisms such as plants, fungi and animals. Some of these manifest as intricate patterns in structures like coral and the nests of insects and birds. Associate Professor Ayae Sugawara-Narutaki, from the Department of Materials
Chemistry at Nagoya University, Japan has a particular interest in these patterns. Sugawara-Narutaki's team focuses on research inspired by these self-organised nanostructures to develop nanomaterials for a variety of health-related applications. The ability of these nanomaterials to self-assemble
and self-organise in a liquid phase has attracted a great deal of interest from materials scientists the world over.