bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Dietary Nutrients and Physical Activity on Charlson Comorbidity Index Using Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial Regression Model: NHANES 2013–2014
Authors: Zhao Hantong , Wang Changcong , Pan Yingan , Guo Yinpei , Yao Nan , Wang Han , Jin Lina , Li Bo
Published: September 2019

Background: In recent years, chronic medical conditions have gradually became the dominant cause of death and disability, which combined with the increasing life expectancy, leading to multimorbidity became an increasingly serious global public health challenge. However, most existing studies have focused on the coexistence of specific diseases or relatively few diseases. Given one person may have various diseases at the same time, we applied Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to synthetically evaluate one's 10-year mortality. In this study, we explored the effects of nutrients and physical activity on one's 10-year mortality using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 data.Methods: The study sample consists of one continuous cycle (2013–2014) of NHANES, and 4386 eligible subjects were included in the study. We utilized zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression to investigate the effects in nutrients and physical activity on CCI by adjusting seven baseline covariates (age, gender, race, education, income, smoking and drinking). Results: In Part 1 of the model, taking an extra gram of niacin resulted in 1.621 times of CCI versus eating less (RR=1.621, p=0.016). Conversely, lutein and zeaxanthin have a negative correlation with CCI (RR=0.974, p=0.031). Besides, sedentary time was also concerned significantly with CCI (RR=1.035, p=0.005). Moreover, those who do not have vigorous work activity would be more likely to have higher CCI than those who have (RR=1.275, P=0.045). In Part 2 of the model, those who do not have vigorous recreational activity have 0.541 times of taking CCI scored zero versus those who have (OR=0.541, p=0.004), and those who do not have moderate recreational activity have 0.708 times of taking CCI equals zero versus those who have (OR=0.708, p=0.017).Conclusions: With the increasing intakes of niacin, participants were more likely to suffer from chronic diseases. However, lutein and zeaxanthin might have beneficial impact on individuals’ health and decrease mortality. In the respect of physical activity, the death rate among people who have higher sedentary time and do not have vigorous work activity will be more likely to increase. In addition, persons do not have vigorous or moderate physical activity have the risk of death compared with those who have.
First time mothers’ expectations and experiences of postnatal care in England: a longitudinal qualitative descriptive study
Authors: McLeish Jenny , Harvey Merryl , Redshaw Maggie , Henderson Jane , Malouf Reem , Alderdice Fiona
Published: September 2019

Background: Effective postnatal care can support a safe and confident transition to parenthood, but it is the aspect of maternity care with which women in England are least satisfied. Little is known about first time mothers’ expectations of postnatal care in hospitals, in birth centres and in the community, or how these expectations relate to their subsequent experiences and appraisal of care.Methods: A longitudinal qualitative descriptive study, based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with first time mothers in England. Each mother took part in two interviews: the first in her third trimester of pregnancy, and the second when her baby was 2-3 months old. Interview transcripts were analysed using trajectory analysis to identify thematic patterns in the relationships between postnatal care expectations, needs, experiences and confidence. Individual cases were chosen to illustrate each trajectory and the variation within trajectories.Results: 32 women took part. Expectations of postnatal care did not shape their appraisal of care as actually experienced. Instead the main influence on satisfaction with care and self-described parental confidence was the extent to which their actual postnatal needs for support were met. Five trajectories were identified: (1) ‘Low needs, low support, confident’, (2) ‘High needs, high support, confident’, (3) ‘High needs, low support, not confident’, (4) ‘High needs, high support, additional risk factors, not confident’, (5) ‘High needs, low support, additional protective factors, confident’.Conclusions: Longitudinal qualitative research using trajectory analysis is a useful and feasible method of exploring expectations and subsequent experiences in the perinatal period. First time mothers’ satisfaction with postnatal care and their confidence as new mothers were primarily influenced not by the extent to which their expectations were met, but the varied extent to which their postnatal needs were met. Rapid and responsive assessment of needs both antenatally and postnatally, and appropriate adjustment of care, is key in supporting women effectively at this time. Providing tailored information on postnatal care, self-care and transition to parenthood during pregnancy may facilitate improvements in women’s experiences of care after birth in the hospital and community.
The growing use of the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist: Lessons learned at the Yaounde Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Cameroon
Authors: DOHBIT Julius Sama , Woks Namanou Ines Emma , KOUDJINE Carlin Héméry , TAFEN Willy , FOUMANE Pascal , Assumpta Lucienne Bella , Ogu Rosemary Nkemdilim , III Fru Fobuzshi ANGWAFO
Published: September 2019

Background: Safe childbirth remains a daunting challenge, particularly in low-resource settings where most pregnancy-related deaths occur. Cameroon’s maternal mortality rate, estimated at 782 per 100,000 live births in 2011 is significantly high. Adherence to good practice standards by birth attendants is key to improving pregnancy outcomes. The WHO Safe Childbirth checklist was designed as a tool to improve the quality of care provided to women giving birth. This checklist was implemented at the Yaounde Gyneco-Obsteric and Pediatric Hospital. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of its utilization is essential to secure a change in attitudes and practice and determine improvement in maternal health. Objective: Evaluate a change in attitudes and practice and determine improvement in outcomes 6 months after initiation of the safe childbirth checklist use. Methods: A cross sectional and retrospective study was conducted over a 6 month period (January – June 2018). Predesigned questionnaires were used to collect qualitative data from personnel of the Gynecology and Obstetrics unit and quantitative data from patient delivery records. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. Chi square test was used to compare categorical variables, while the student test was used to compare continuous variables. P -values below 5% were considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 1001 files retrieved from the archives, 25 were excluded. The checklist was used in 828/976 (84.8%) files. We observed an increasing trend in the usage rate, with a peak at 93.9% during the last 2 months. Pages 2 and 3 were least completed, in <10% of cases during the first 5 months. A significant reduction in the onset of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia was noted with the use of the checklist (2·1% Vs 5·4%, p = 0·017). The proportion of neonatal deaths recorded amongst cases with a used checklist was smaller compared to cases without checklists (0·2% Vs 0·7%, p = 0·380). Fifty percent of the staff reported that the checklist increased workload while 37.5% mentioned laziness and absence of checklists in some files as a hindrance to its proper use. Conclusion: The use of the checklist improved progressively with a simultaneous reduction in obstetrical and neonatal complications.
miRNA and mRNA studies reveal pollination activates hormonal signaling and increases fruit set in the apomictic tree Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim
Authors: Fei Xitong , Ma Yao , Yang Tuxi , Wei Anzhi
Published: September 2019

Background Apomixis is a form of reproduction that does not involve fertilization of female by male gametes but instead produces offspring from the female parent directly. The progeny of apomixis is genotypically identical to the female parent and so maintains any elite traits of the female parent. Apomixis has considerable potential in genetic plant breeding. However, the mechanism of apomictic reproduction remains unclear. Zanthoxylum bungeanum is an apomictic plant. Studies on miRNAs, mRNAs, hormone changes and fertilization process of the pollinated and non-pollinated materials of Zanthoxylum bungeanum allows screening of the important regulatory factors of the apomictic process at both physiological and molecular levels. This information should be of considerable help in understanding the mechanism of apomixis in this species.Results Our results show that Zanthoxylum bungeanum pollen can germinate on the stigma, and that the pollen tube can extend to the ovary wall after two days but that it then degenerates about the fifth day and before reaching the egg cell. So fertilization does not occur. Nevertheless, pollination did increase fruit set from 74.12% (unpollinated) to 89.31% (pollinated). The reproductive mode of the Zanthoxylum bungeanum cultivar ‘Hancheng Dahongpao’ was identified as obligate apomixis. Enrichment analysis of differential genes indicates that pollination activates genes involved in the synthesis of ABA, IAA, GA3 and JA, and that genes related to asexual development, genes involved in flower development, and transcription factors are also activated. RT-qPCR verification shows that the relative expression levels of mRNAs and miRNAs related to hormone signaling pathways and flower development were negatively correlated. Also, that miRNA is an important factor influencing hormone regulation after pollination of this apomictic species. The contents of ABA, IAA, GA3 and JA were all significantly increased following pollination.Conclusions In general, although pollination does not result in fertilization in this species, it does activate mRNAs and miRNAs which serve as signals to activate the anabolic pathways for ABA, IAA, GA3 and JA. Increased levels of these hormones result in increased fruit set.
Milk and dairy products consumption and the risk of oral or oropharyngeal cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Jian , Li Wen , Sun Wei , Deng Shuli
Published: September 2019

Background Previous studies have been conducted to assess the association of milk and dairy products consumption and oral or oropharyngeal cancer risk, with inconsistent results. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to explore the role of milk and dairy products consumption on oral or oropharyngeal cancer risk.Methods Databases of PubMed, Embase and Chinese Wanfang database were investigated until June 30th, 2019. The overall and subgroup associations were pooled with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results This study involving 4635 cases and 50777 participants from 12 publications suggested that an inverse association was found between milk and dairy products consumption and oral or oropharyngeal cancer risk (OR= 0.74, 95%CI= 0.59-0.92; I2= 65.9%, Pfor heterogeneity = 0.001). Four studies reported milk consumption on oral cancer risk, but no significant association was found (OR= 0.91, 95%CI= 0.61-1.37). Six studies about milk consumption and oropharyngeal cancer risk found that there was a positive association between them (OR= 0.63, 95%CI= 0.44-0.90).Conclusion Findings from our meta-analysis indicated that milk and dairy products consumption may be associated with decreased risk of oral or oropharyngeal cancer.
Inflammation biomarker discovery in Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms
Authors: Santaella Anna , Kuiperij H. Bea , Rumund Anouke van , Esselink Rianne A.J. , Gool Alain J. van , Bloem Bas R. , Verbeek Marcel
Published: September 2019

Background : Parkinson’s disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonisms (APD) have overlapping symptoms challenging an early diagnosis. Diagnostic accuracy is important because PD and APD have different prognosis and response to treatment. We aimed to identify inflammatory biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using the multiplex proximity extension assay (PEA) technology to identify diagnostic biomarkers of PD and APD and to study possible correlations of biomarkers with disease progression. Methods : CSF from a longitudinal cohort study consisting of PD and APD patients (PD, n = 46; multiple system atrophy (MSA) , n = 15; vascular parkinsonism (VaP) , n = 9; and PD with VaP, n = 7) and controls (n = 25) were analyzed. Results : Concentrations of CCL28 were elevated in PD compared to controls (p < 0.05). Five other biomarkers differentiated both MSA and PD from controls (p < 0.05) and 10 biomarkers differentiated MSA from controls, of which two proteins, i.e. beta nerve growth factor (β-NGF) and Delta and Notch like epidermal growth factor-related receptor (DNER) , were also present at lower levels in MSA compared to PD (both p = 0.032). Two biomarkers (MCP-1 and MMP-10) positively correlated with PD progression (rho > 0.600; p < 0.01). Conclusions : PEA technique identified potential new CSF biomarkers to help to predict the prognosis of PD. Also, we identified new candidate biomarkers to distinguish MSA from PD.
Evaluating physicians' perspective on the efficiency and effectiveness of the electronic prescribing system
Authors: Khajouei Reza , Abbasi Reza , Raeesi Ahmad
Published: September 2019

Background The implementation of the electronic prescribing system follows certain objectives and the users' perspectives can contribute to understanding the efficiency and effectiveness of this system. The aim of this study was to evaluate physicians' perspective on the efficiency and effectiveness of the electronic prescribing system.Methods This study was conducted on all physicians using the electronic prescribing system in clinics and hospitals affiliated with the treatment deputy of the Social Security Organization in Sistan and Baluchistan province in Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a reliability of α=94% that was developed and validated for this study.Results The mean and standard deviation of the efficiency and effectiveness of the electronic prescribing system were 3.68±0.67 and 3.84±0.65, respectively. Patient safety had the highest mean score among all the dimensions (4.0±0.64). Most participants (n=55, 79%) considered the efficiency and effectiveness of this system high. More than 90% of the physicians (n=63) believed that the electronic prescribing system enables a better medication prescription by providing alerts and access to patients’ medication history.Conclusion The findings showed that most physicians believed that the electronic prescribing system of Iran's SSO has high efficiency and effectiveness. In particular, using this system improves patient safety and reduces costs.
Cardiovascular Disease Prediction System Using Extra Trees Classifier
Authors: Shafique Rahman , Mehmood Arif , ullah Saleem , Choi Gyu Sang
Published: September 2019

Heart Disease as cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. It is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in present society. Therefore, researchers are working to help health care professionals in diagnosing process by using data mining techniques. Although the health care industry is richer in the database this data is not properly mined in order to discover hidden patterns and can able to make decisions based on these patterns. The major goal of this learning refers the extraction of hidden layers by applying numerous data mining techniques that probably give remarkable results in order to ensure the presence of cardiovascular disease among peoples. Data mining classification techniques are used to discover these patterns for research in medical industry. The dataset containing 13 attributes has analyzed for prediction system. The dataset contains some commonly used medical terms like blood pressure, cholesterol level, chest pain and 11 other attributes used to predict cardiovascular disease. The most common and effective classification techniques that are used in mining process are Verdict Tree commonly known as Decision Tree, Extra Trees Classifier, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Naive Bays and Logistic Regression has analyzed in this paper. Diagnosing and controlling ratio of deaths from cardiovascular disease Extra classifier trees consider is the best approach. We evaluate these prediction models by using evaluation parameters which are Accuracy, Precision, Recall, and F1-score. As per our experimental results shows accuracy of Extra trees classifier, Logistic Model tree classifier, support vector machine, and naive bays classifiers are 90%, 88%, 87%, 86% respectively. So as per our experiment analysis Extra Tree classifier with highest accuracy considered best approach for predication cardiovascular disease.
Men’s view on participation in decisions about Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening: Patient and public involvement in development of a survey
Authors: Birkeland Søren , Pedersen Susanne S , Haakonsson Anders K , Barry Michael J , Rottmann Nina
Published: September 2019

Background: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening for early detection of prostate cancer (PCa) may prevent some cancer deaths, but also may miss some cancers or lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment. Therefore, involving patients in decision-making about PSA screening may be warranted. However, we know little about the views of men on their participation in decisions about PSA screening and how to assess such views. The purpose of this paper is to describe patient and public participation in the development of a national, web-based case vignette survey for studying men’s view on participation in decision-making about PSA screening.

Methods: The survey includes multiple vignette variants representing various levels of patient participation in decision-making about PSA screening with different outcomes. Additionally, the survey includes questions on respondents’ satisfaction with imagined courses of health care, their propensity to initiate a malpractice complaint, their own health care experiences, socio-demography, personality, and preferences for control regarding health care decision-making. Following feedback from a workshop with academic peers on study aims and procedures, a group of 30 adult men was engaged to help develop case vignette versions and questionnaire items by providing feedback on structure, comprehension, response patterns, and time required to complete the survey. Furthermore, a panel of three patients with PCa experience was assembled to assist development through a separate review-and-feedback process.

Results: Based on reviews of survey drafts, the large group made further suggestions about construction of the survey (e.g. clarification and modification of case vignette versions, deletion of items and adjustment of wording, changes of instructions to guide respondents, replacement of technical terms, and optimization of sequence of survey elements). The patient panel ensured fine-tuning of vignette versions and questionnaire items and helped review the internet version of the survey.

Conclusions: Patient and public involvement during various phases of the survey development helped to improve survey structure and content. The survey exemplifies a way to measure health care users’ satisfaction with imagined courses of health care and wish to complain, taking into account their characteristics.
International publication trends in Biomedical Signal Processing research: A bibliometric analysis (2009-2018)
Authors: Cui Yanbin , Zhang Ping , Kang Yan , Zhou Liang
Published: September 2019

Background This study aimed to analyze and assess the scientific outputs of biomedical signal processing by using bibliometric analysis.Methods Data were obtained from the WoSCC of Thomson Reuters, on January 21, 2019. VOSviewer (Leiden University, Van Eck and Waltman, Netherlands) and carrot 2 (Poznan University of Technology, Dawid Weiss, Poland) were used to analyze the knowledge maps and clusters of countries, research area and hot topics.Results A total of 335 articles on biomedical signal processing were identified. The number of publications increased only mildly during from 2009 (n=14) to 2018 (n=62). The majority of articles were published in the USA, and the leading institute was University of California System. Van Huffel S was the top authors on the topic, and the research area of “Engineering” generated the most publications. Cluter analysis (keywords and terms) indicated that “algorithm” and “extracted features” was the most hot topics on biomedical signal processing.Conclusion Overall, Through analysis of biosignal single processing related research in the past 10 years, the results found that the close international cooperation in this field, and the future research trends may be the signal acquisition methods and signal processing algorithms. They can provide reference for researchers in related field to choose research directions and find cooperative resources.
Avatar-based versus conventional vital signs display in a central monitor for monitoring multiple patients: A multicenter computer-based laboratory study
Authors: Garot Olivier , Rössler Julian , Pfarr Juliane , Ganter Michael T. , Spahn Donat R. , Nöthiger Christoph B. , Tscholl David Werner
Published: September 2019

Background Maintaining adequate situation awareness is crucial for patient safety. Previous studies found that the use of avatar-based monitoring (Visual Patient Technology) improved the perception of vital signs compared to conventional monitoring showing numerical and waveform data; and was further associated with a reduction of perceived workload. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Visual Patient Technology on perceptive performance and perceived workload when monitoring multiple patients at the same time, such as in central station monitors in intensive care units or operating rooms.Methods A prospective, within-subject, computer-based laboratory study was performed in two tertiary care hospitals in Switzerland in 2018. Thirty-eight physician and nurse anesthetists volunteered for the study. The participants were shown four different central monitor scenarios in sequence, where each scenario displayed two critical and four healthy patients simultaneously for 10 or 30 seconds. After each scenario, participants had to recall the vital signs of the critical patients. Perceived workload was assessed with the National Aeronautics and Space Association Task-Load-Index (NASA TLX) questionnaire.Results In the 10-second scenarios, the median number of perceived vital signs significantly improved from 7 to 11 using avatar-based versus conventional monitoring with a median of differences of 5 vital signs, p < 0.001. At the same time, the median NASA TLX scores were significantly lower for avatar-based monitoring (67 vs. 77) with a median of differences of 5 points, p = 0.024. In the 30-second scenarios, vital sign perception and workload did not differ significantly.Conclusions In central monitor multiple patient monitoring, we found a significant improvement of vital sign perception and reduction of perceived cognitive workload using Visual Patient Technology, compared to conventional monitoring. The technology enabled improved assessment of patient status and may, thereby, increase situation awareness and enhance patient safety.
miRNA-210 promotes the progression of hepatitis B cirrhosis to liver cancer via targeting inhibition of EGR3
Authors: Li Xiaojie , Yuan Mei , Song Lu , Wang Yan
Published: September 2019

Background: This paper was aimed to research the mechanism of miRNA-210 in the progression of hepatitis B cirrhosis to liver cancer. Methods: Health examiners liver tissues (Control group), liver tissues of patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis (Cirrhosis group) and liver cancer tissues of patients induced by hepatitis B virus infection (Liver cancer group) were collected. HL-7702, HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells were cultured. HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells were transfected by miRNA-210 inhibitor (miRNA-210 Inhibitor group) and its negative control (miRNA-210-NC group). Normal HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells were named Blank group. Cells proliferation and apoptosis was analyzed. qRT-PCR technology, Western blot analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene assay were performed. Results: Tissues of Liver cancer group had higher miRNA-210 and lower EGR3 expression than Cirrhosis group (P < 0.05). Increased miRNA-210 and decreased EGR3 expression in HepG2.2.15 cells was presented when compared with those in HepG2 cells (P < 0.05). Compared to Blank group and miRNA-210-NC group, HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells of miRNA-210 Inhibitor group had lower A590 value, higher apoptosis rate and EGR3 expression (P < 0.05). EGR3 was directly inhibited by miRNA-210. Conclusions: miRNA-210 might promote the progression of hepatitis B cirrhosis to liver cancer via targeting inhibition of EGR3.
Antioxidant activity and in vitro protein digestibility of chicken feather protein hydrolysates
Authors: oluba olarewaju Michael , Akpor Oghenerobor B. , Alabi Olayinka O. , Shoyombo Ayoola J. , Adeyonu Abigail G. , Adebiyi Feyikemi D.
Published: September 2019

Objective The hydrolysis of chicken feather waste was carried out using sodium hydroxide and the hydrolysed feather solution precipitated using different acids (nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and trichloroacetic acid). Hydrolysates of the different acids were evaluated for antioxidant activity via 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing power and metal chelating activities. In addition, the in vitro protein digestibility of the respective acid hydrolysates was carried out. Results: Data obtained showed that nitric acid-precipitated hydrolysate had the highest DPPH scavenging activity while the hydrolysate precipitated with trichloroacetic acid exhibited the highest ferric (Fe3+) reduction potential. On the other hand, trichloroacetic acid-, sulfuric acid- and nitric acid-precipitated hydrolysates showed similar metal chelating potential compared to hydrochloric acid-precipitated hydrolysate with the least chelating potential. The in vitro protein digestibility of the different hydrolysates ranged from 62.30 ± 1.0% (nitric acid) to 73.10 ± 1.3% (trichloroacetic acid) and were significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to 23.80 ± 0.5% (raw feather). These results indicate that alkaline-hydrolysed chicken feather hydrolysate may be useful as supplementary protein and antioxidants in animal feed formulations.
Computational MHC-I epitope predictor identifies 95% of experimentally mapped HIV-1 clade A and D epitopes in a Ugandan cohort.
Authors: Lule Daniel Bugembe , Ekii Andrew Obuku , Watera Christine , Ndembi Nicaise , Serwanga Jennifer , Kaleebu Pontiano , Pala Pietro
Published: September 2019

Background: Identifying immunogens that induce HIV-specific immune responses is a lengthy process that can benefit from computational methods, which predict T-cell epitopes for various HLA types. Methods: We tested the performance of the NetMHCpan4.0 computational neural network in re-identifying 93 T-cell epitopes that had been previously independently mapped using the whole proteome IFN-g ELISPOT assays in 6 HLA class I typed Ugandan individuals infected with HIV-1 subtypes A1 and D. Results: NetMHCpan4.0 correctly predicted 88 of the 93 experimentally mapped epitopes for a set length of 9-mer and matched HLA class I alleles. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis gave an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.928. Setting NetMHCpan4.0 to predict 11-14mer length did not improve the prediction (37-79 of 93 peptides) with an inverse correlation between the number of predictions and length set. Late time point peptides were significantly stronger binders than early peptides (Wilcoxon signed rank test: p =0.0000005). Conclusion: NetMHCpan4.0 class I epitope predictions covered 95% of the epitope landscape recognised by HIV-1 infected individuals, and would have reduced the number of experimental confirmatory tests by >80%. Algorithmic epitope prediction in conjunction with HLA allele frequency information can cost-effectively assist immunogen design. Keywords: HIV-1, epitope mapping, T-cell, artificial neural network, in-silico and NetMHCpan4.0.
Characterization of genome-wide genetic variation between two varieties of tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and development of InDel markers for genetics research
Authors: Liu Shengrui , An Yanlin , Tong Wei , Qin Xiuju , Samarina Lidia , Guo Rui , Xia Xiaobo , Wei Chaoling
Published: September 2019

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and Insertions/Deletions (InDels) are the major genetic variations and distributed extensively across the plant whole genome. Few investigations of these variations, however, have been performed in the long-lived perennial tea plant. Here, we have investigated the genome-wide genetic variation between Camellia sinensis var. sinensis ‘Shuchazao’ and Camellia sinensis var. assamica ‘Yunkang 10’, generating 7,511,731 SNPs and 255,218 InDels based on their whole genome sequences, and subsequently analyzed their distinct types and distribution patterns. A total of 48 InDel markers that yielded polymorphic and unambiguous fragments were developed when screening six tea cultivars. These markers were further deployed on forty-six tea cultivars for transferability and genetic diversity analysis, exhibiting informative with an average 4.02 of the number of alleles ( Na ) and 0.457 of polymorphism information content (PIC). The dendrogram showed that the phylogenetic relationships among these tea cultivars are highly consistent with their genetic backgrounds or original places. Interestingly, we observed that the content of catechin/caffeine between ‘Shuchazao’ and ‘Yunkang 10’ were significantly different, and a large number of SNPs/InDels were identified within catechin/caffeine biosynthesis-related genes. The identified genome-wide genetic variation and newly-developed InDel markers will provide a valuable resource for tea plant genetics and genomics studies, especially those SNPs/InDels within catechin/caffeine biosynthesis-related genes can be served as pivotal candidates for elucidating the molecular mechanism of catechin/caffeine biosynthesis.
Insights on bio-degumming of kenaf bast based on metagenomi and proteomics
Authors: Duan Shengwen , Cheng Lifeng , Feng Xiangyuan , Yang Qi , Liu Zhiyuan , Zheng Ke , Peng Yuande
Published: September 2019

Background: Microbia play important roles in kanef-degumming. This study is to identify the key candidate microbia and proteins responsible for the degumming of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) bast. Kenaf bast was cut into species and immersed into microbial fermentation liquid collected from different sites. Fermentation liquid samples were collected at 0, 40, 110 and 150 h and the subjected to the 16S/18S rRNA sequencing analysis and isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) analysis. The microbial (bacterial and fungal) diversity and the differentially expressed proteins/peptides (DEPs) were identified. Results: With the prolonged degumming time, the weight loss rate increased, the bacterial diversity was decreased. [Weeksellaceae], Enterobacteriaceae and Moraxellaceae were rapidly increased at 0~40 h, and then decreased and were gradually replaced by Bacteroidaceae from 40 h to 150 h. Similarly, Chryseobacterium and Dysgonomonas were gradually increased at 0~110 h and then decreased; Acinetobacter and Lactococcus were increased at 0~40 h, followed by decrease. Bacteroides was the dominant genus at 150 h. 18S rRNA-seq showed the gradually decreased Wallemiaichthyophaga and increased Sclerotiniahomoeocarpa LT30 during degumming. iTRAQ data analysis showed Rds1, and pyruvate kinase I was decreased and increased in the kanef-degumming. Other DEPs of ferredoxin I, superoxide dismutase and aconitatehydratase were identified to be related to the Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism (ko00630). Conclusions: Bacteria including Chryseobacterium, Dysgonomonas, Acinetobacter, Lactococcus and Bacteroidesand fungi like Wallemia ichthyophaga are key candidate microbia for kanef degumming.
Triplicate renal biopsies using core-cutting needles of different gauges in dogs
Authors: Crivellenti Leandro Zuccolotto , Borin-Crivellenti Sofia , BRaz Larissa Ayane do Nascimento , Maia Suellen Rodrigues , Farias Luciano Alves , Pereira Daniel Peixoto
Published: September 2019

Renal biopsy plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of renal disease, and core needle biopsy remains one of the most important investigation tools for this purpose in dogs. The size and quality of the biopsy material are likely to be important factors in achieving an accurate diagnosis. The aim of this study was to compare the success and complication rates of renal biopsy procedures performed in triplicates using needles of different gauges during open surgery.
RESULTS: One hundred fifty-six biopsy samples were obtained from 52 dogs. Renal biopsies were performed using semi-automated biopsy needles of three different gauges, and subjected to histopathological examination and evaluation of complications. The 14G needle produced more severe hematomas than the 18G and 16G needles ( P = 0.019 ). The longest post-biopsy microscopic hematuria observed ceased within five days after the procedure. Microscopic hematuria lasted longer in animals subjected to biopsy using 18G needles. There were no significant differences between needle gauges regarding macroscopic hematuria and number of erythrocytes in the urine immediately after biopsy. The numbers of glomeruli retrieved using 14G (29.8±26.5) or 16G (27.1±14.6) needles differed from those retrieved using 18G needles (17.5±9.3).
CONCLUSION: The three needle gauges tested in this study are safe for use in renal biopsy using a semi-automated biopsy gun. The thicker needles provide more glomeruli, and, therefore, are more useful for diagnostic purposes. The use of 14G needles may be associated with more complications, and the 16G needle appears to offer the best compromise between diagnostic usefulness and biopsy-related complications.
Direct detection of tick-borne pathogens in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from dogs and cats in Tuscany, Italy
Authors: Chisu Valentina , Foxi Cipriano , Masu Gabriella , Amaddio Barbara D' , Masala Giovanna
Published: September 2019

Ticks are able to transmit pathogens which represent an health risk for domestic animals and humans. In this study, ticks morphologically identified as Ixodes ricinus were collected from dogs and cats presented at local veterinary practice in Pistoia, Tuscany. Ticks were examined by PCR in order to detect tick-borne pathogens. Out of 37 I. ricinus ticks analyzed, one tick (3%) was 100% similar to R. helvetica after PCR analyses and sequencing. DNA of Eh. canis was detected in four I. ricinus ticks (12%) . Bartonella spp. DNAs with 100% identity with Bartonella henselae were identified in two I. ricinus (5%) collected from one dog and one cat. One tick showed 100% similarity with C. abortus , while 16 I. ricinus ticks exhibithed DNA of C. psittaci . DNAs of piroplasmids, Anaplasma spp., and C. burnetii were not detected in this study. Findings expand knowledge about the repertoire of tick-borne bacteria present in ticks from Tuscany and indicate that cats and dogs are exposed to tick-borne pathogen which represent a medical risk for their owners.
The ultrastructural damage of Eugenia zeyheri and Syzygium legatii acetone leaf extracts on pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Famuyide Ibukun M. , Fasina Folorunso O. , Eloff Jacobus , McGaw Lyndy J.
Published: September 2019

Background: Antibiotics are commonly added to livestock feeds in sub-therapeutic doses as growth promoters and for prophylaxis against pathogenic microbes, especially those implicated in diarrhoea. While this practice has improved livestock production, it is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance in microbes against livestock and humans. This has led to the banning of prophylactic antibiotic use in animals in many countries. To compensate for this, alternatives have been sought from natural sources such as plants. While many studies have reported the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants with potential for use as phytogenic/botanical feed additives, little information exists on their mode of action. This study is based on our earlier work and describes ultrastructural damage induced by acetone crude leaf extracts of Syzygium legatii and Eugenia zeyheri (Myrtaceae) active against diarrhoeagenic E. coli of swine origin using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescent microscopy (FM). Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to investigate the chemical composition of plant extracts.Results: The extracts damaged the internal and external anatomy of the cytoplasmic membrane and inner structure at a concentration of 0.04 mg/mL. Extracts also led to an increased influx of propidium iodide into treated bacterial cells suggesting compromised cellular integrity and cellular damage. Non-polar compounds such as α-amyrin, friedelan-3-one, lupeol, and β-sitosterol were abundant in the extracts.Conclusions: The extracts of S. legatii and E. zeyheri caused ultrastructural damage to E. coli cells characterized by altered external and internal morphology. These observations may assist in elucidating the mode of action of the extracts.
Treatment of calcaneal fracture with calcaneal reduction forceps and external fixation
Authors: Jianchuan Wang , Song Qin , Tienan Wang , Chongjun Xia
Published: September 2019

Background:The optimal treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures remains controversial.Conservative treatment has been proven to be ineffective for these fractures. Usually,surgical treatment methods include open reduction and internal fixation, arthroscopic-assisted reduction,balloon dilatation and plasty.However,there is no consensus on which methods are more effective.This paper reports the clinical effect of the minimally invasive treatment of calcaneal fractures by closed reduction using calcaneal plastic reduction forceps combined with threaded-pin external fixation. Method:The clinical data of 16 patients,including 14 males and 2 females,with a unilateral calcaneal fracture were analysed retrospectively.The Bohler angle,Gissane angle,and calcaneal width, height and length were measured before and after the operation.The ankle function was evaluated according to the AOFAS score at 6 and 12 months after the operation. Result:The average Bohler angle was 16.7 before the operation and 25.8 after correction; the average angle at the final follow-up was 25.2. The average Gissane angle before and after the operation was 103.6 and 120.9, respectively; the average angle measured at the final follow-up was 119.6. The average calcaneal width before and after the operation was 39.5 mm and 35.2 mm, respectively; the average width measured at the final follow-up was 36.5 mm. The average height before and after the operation was 46.9 mm and 48.5 mm; the average height measured at the final follow-up was 48.9 mm.The average length before and after the operation was 67.5 mm and 71.2 mm, respectively; the average length measured at the final follow-up was 70.9 mm. The average AOFAS score was 60.1 at 6 months after the operation and 80.6 at 12 months after the operation, which was significantly higher than the average AOFAS score at 6 months after the operation (P < 0.001).At the final follow-up, the AOFAS score was excellent, good, moderate,and poor in 11 cases, 3 cases,1 case and 1 case,respectively,with a rate of excellent and good scores of 87.5%. Conclusion:The application of closed reduction using calcaneal plastic reduction forceps combined with threaded-pin external fixation is effective for the treatment of displaced calcaneal fractures, with a simple procedure, minimal trauma, fewer skin and soft tissue complications, and satisfactory clinical results.
Anti-leukotriene drugs in modern pediatric practice
Authors: Mizernitsky Yu. L. , Sulaimanov Sh. A.
Published: September 2019

The article summarizes the modern data on the role of leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases of the respiratory tract, in particular, bronchial asthma in children. It determines the role of anti-leukotriene drugs in the treatment of these diseases, the perspectives and key indications for the use of Montelukast in children with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. The article pays attention to highly effective generics, in particular Singlon®.
Dairy products in the nutrition of young children: the evolution from tradition to functionality
Authors: Faizullina R. A. , Samorodnova E. A. , Fedotova O. B.
Published: September 2019

Dairy products are the most popular and important in their nutritional value products in the diet of adults and children. There are about 400 known types of these products in the world. Traditional dairy products are widely used both in daily diet and complex treatment of various infectious and non-infectious diseases. The probiotic and prebiotic components in their composition makes these products functional, since their regular use has a positive effect on the digestive processes, immune system, and the indicators of the physical development of young children. The surveys demonstrated the effectiveness of functional dairy products both in healthy children for the prevention of diseases and in children with various pathologies in the complex therapy.
Disorders of carnitine metabolism in premature infants with fan-associated pneumonia
Authors: Garmaeva V. V. , Dementieva G. M. , Kushnareva M. V. , Baydakova G. V. , Sukhorukov V. S. , Keshishyan E. S. , Zakharova E. Yu.
Published: September 2019

We studied the concentration of carnitine and its fractions in peripheral blood in 22 premature infants with fan-associated pneumonia and in 20 conditionally healthy premature infants by tandem mass spectrometry. The birth body weight of children was 2,086.32 ± 117.13 and 2,140.9 ± 74.4 g, gestational age was 33.7 ± 0.41 and 34.16 ± 0.51 weeks, respectively. The concentration of  total carnitine was at the lower limit or decreased in 10 (45%) children in the acute period of the disease. 4 newborns with fan-associated pneumonia demonstrated persistent carnitine deficiency: the content of free carnitine was very low: 7.47 – 8, 37 μmol/l (7.97 ± 0.197 μmol/l), the concentration of total carnitine was also reduced (21.55 – 22.01 μmol/l, 21.7 ± 0.366 μmol/l). The fractions of acylcarnitines varied widely throughout the disease. One child had high rates of C18OH (0.282 μmol/l; norm 0–0.110 μmol/l) and C18:1OH (0.282 μmol/l; norm 0–0.180 μmol/l) during the entire neonatal period. It could be associated with mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency. The study of total carnitine and its fractions in premature infants with fan-associated pneumonia allowed us to identify violations of its metabolism, both secondary and hereditary at early stage.
New approaches to the prevention of recurrent respiratory diseases in preschool age
Authors: Krasnozhen V. N. , Zakirova A. M. , Malanicheva T. G. , Rashitovа E. L.
Published: September 2019

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the natural terpenoids complex in preschool children with recurrent acute respiratory infections (ARI).

Material and methods. There were examined 7129 children of 3-7 years old, they were divided into 3 groups. In main group (n = 2400) there was endonasally (on the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity with cotton buds) used a complex of natural terpenoids 2 times a day (morning and evening) 5 days a week for 1 - 3 months. Prevention and treatment of children from the comparison group (n = 2,379) was carried out with dioxotetrahydroxy tetrahydronaphthalene. The control group consisted of children (n = 2,350), who received no therapy. Upon completion of the course of therapy, children were examined in dynamics.

Results. The authors noted positive clinical effect of the natural terpenoid complex, as evidenced by a 1.6 times decrease in acute respiratory infections during the year and the duration of the acute episode of the disease by 2.5 days, as well as a positive effect on the elimination of Epstein Barr virusin frequently ill children when using drug for 65.51 ± 2.98 days. The authors observed a favorable clinical effect against the decrease in neutrophils and eosinophils in the rhinocytogram, as well as mixed flora and cocci, indicating a decrease in mucosal neutrophilic inflammation and prevention of bacterial complications.
Hamman–Rich syndrome in a young child
Authors: Minenkova T. A. , Mizernitsky Yu. L. , Razinkova N. S. , Serezhkina A. V. , Kostyuchenko M. V.
Published: September 2019

Hamman–Rich syndrome (idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis) is a lung disease of unknown nature, characterized by non-infectious inflammation of the interstitium, alveoli and terminal bronchioles with an outcome in progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis in young children, despite the timely verification of the diagnosis and therapy, is characterized by an unfavorable prognosis and rapidly progressive course. The article describes the clinical case of Hamman–Rich syndrome in a child of 8 months, its main clinical manifestations and diagnostic features.
Multiplier effect of factors influencing the inflation processes in Ukraine in 2014-2018
Authors: Shyfrina Nadiia , Lesnaya Iryna
Published: September 2019

Inflation is a complex economic phenomenon in terms of form, development and consequences. Inflation undermines the possibilities of the economic regulation mechanism, nullifies the efforts to carry out structural changes and restore destroyed proportions. The aim of the article is to construct a regression model of the factors influencing the inflation processes in Ukraine and determine the multiplier effect of each factor on the resulting indicator. The object of the research is the inflation processes in Ukraine in 2014-2018. Mathematical modelling methods have been used in the base of the analysis.
A correlation-regression analysis of inflation factors in Ukraine was conducted in the article. As a result of research, the presence of inflation of propositions (charges) in Ukraine is well-proven, that was conditioned in a greater degree by the increase of cost of commodities and services of natural monopolies, devaluation of national currency and increase in average salary. The value of inflation multipliers of these parameters and their functional influence on the cost-of-living-index have been determined. The dependence of the increase of the average salary is set on the change of the level of the minimum one has been determined. The most optimal directions of stimulant fiscal and monetary politics for the increase of the efficiency of government regulation of inflationary processes in Ukraine have been offered.