bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Pengaruh Pembiayaan Murabahah, Tingkat Bagi Hasil Dan Suku Bunga Acuan BI Terhadap Volume Pembiayaan Mudharabah Perbankan Syariah Di Indonesia (Periode 2016-2018)
Authors: Widyastuti Emy
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of murabahah financing, profit-sharing rate and BI rate on the volume of Islamic banking mudharabah financing in Indonesia during the period of 2016-2018. The sample used in this study is all Islamic Commercial Banks in Indonesia in 2016-2018. The data analysis method used in this study is multiple linear regression to find the effect of each variable on the volume of mudharabah financing of Islamic banking in Indonesia. The results showed that simultaneously murabahah financing variables, profit-sharing rates, and BI reference interest rates influenced mudharabah financing. While partially murabahah financing variable and BI reference interest rate have a significant negative effect on mudharabah financing, while the interest rate variable has a significant positive effect on mudharabah financing. The limitation of this study is that it uses a few variables so that it has not been able to show the full variables that affect mudharabah financing volume.
Flow Induced Vibration and Movements Modelling on Multiphase Pipeline on Russian Far North Green Field
Authors: Goridko Kirill , Khabibullin Rinat , Verbitsky Vladimir
Published: October 2019

Novoportovskoe field is located on the Yamal peninsula, Russian Far North. Production started in 2016. The production gathering system utilizes an 8 km, 800 mm ID multiphase pipeline located on surface. Due to permafrost the pipe lays 1 to 5 meters above surface on a concrete support. In order to reduce the risk of temperature influence, 35 U-shaped expansion units are used. An oil field experience high GOR grows with average fluid velocity in pipeline about 15 m/sec and GOR above 500 m3/m3. The slug flow condition and high fluid velocities leads to severe flow impact on the pipeline.

A model based on dynamic multiphase flow simulator and simplified mechanical influence was built to investigate pipeline operation conditions. Vibration measurements gathered on site were used to calibrate the model. Recommendations for further oil field infrastructure development were proposed.
Identification of novel alternative splicing isoform biomarkers and their association with overall survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Jia Hongtao , Wang Aili , Lian Haifeng , Shen Yuanyuan , Wang Qian , Zhou Zhenru , Zhang Ranran , Li Kun , Liu Chengxia
Published: October 2019

Alternative splicing is an important mechanism of regulating eukaryotic gene expression. Understanding the most common alternative splicing events in colorectal cancer (CRC) will help developing diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic tools in CRC. Publicly available RNA-seq data of 31 pairs of CRC and normal tissues and 18 pairs of metastatic and normal tissues were used to identify alternative splicing events using PSI and DEXSeq methods. The highly significant splicing events were used to search a database of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We identified alternative splicing events in 10 genes marking the signature of CRC (more inclusion of CLK1-E4, COL6A3-E6, CD44v8-10, alternative first exon regulation of ARHGEF9, CHEK1, HKDC1 and HNF4A) or metastasis (decrease of SERPINA1-E1a, CALD-E5b, E6 and FBLN2-E9). Except for CHEK1, all other 9 splicing events were confirmed by TCGA data with 382 CRC tumors and 52 normal controls. Two splicing events (COL6A3 and HKDC1) were found to be significantly associated with patient overall survival. The alternative splicing signatures of the 10 genes are highly consistent with previous reports and/or relevant to cancer biology. The significant association of higher expression of the COL6A3 E5-E6 junction and HKDC1 E1-E2 with better overall survival was firstly reported. This study might be of significant value in the future biomarker, prognosis marker and therapeutics development of CRC.
Shear Wave Elasticity by Tracing Total Nodule Showed High Reproducibility and Concordance with Fibrosis in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Yoo Myung Hi , Kim Hye Jeong , Choi In Ho , Park Suyeon , Kim Sang Jin , Park Hyeong Kyu , Byun Dong Won , Suh Kyoil
Published: October 2019

Background Although shear wave elastography (SWE) is reported to be useful in detecting malignant thyroid nodules, it showed a wide range of cut-off values of elasticity index (EI) in detecting malignant nodules. The cause of discrepancy has not been clarified yet. Fibrosis of the tumors is known to increase the EI in SWE, and matching of SWE and surgical histopathology has not been fully illustrated in thyroid cancer. We aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of the new total nodular region of interest (ROI) method excluding the subjective features of focal circular ROI placement and to determine the lesion that causes the elevation of EI on SWE and on histopathology.
Methods A total of 29 thyroid cancers from 28 patients were included. We evaluated the reproducibility of EI in the new total nodular ROI using Q-Box Trace program and compared the EI in focal nodular ROI using a 3-mm circular area. We analyzed the correlation between fibrosis and EI.
Result The coefficient of variation (CV) of the intrarater assay was significantly lower in total nodular ROI than in focal nodular ROI within the image in rater 1 (1.7% vs. 13.4%, p<0.001) and in rater 2 (1.4% vs. 16.9%, p<0.001) and in different images in rater 1 (7.6% vs. 12.3%, p=0.040) and in rater 2 (7.5% vs. 19.8%, p=0.004). Moreover, CV of the interrater assay showed similar results (14.9% vs. 19%, p=0.030). Interrater intraclass correlation coefficient showed better agreement in total nodular ROI than in focal nodular ROI (0.863 vs. 0.783). The degree of fibrosis on histopathology showed significant correlations with EI (EMean, p<0.001; EMax, p=0.027), and the location of fibrosis was concordant with the high EI area on SWE.
Conclusion Our study revealed that the new total nodular ROI method showed higher reproducibility and better agreement in intra- and interrater assay than the focal nodular ROI method, suggesting a valuable and standardized method in clinical practice. Moreover, our results showed that fibrosis in the histopathology increased EI on SWE and might lead to the discrepancy of the cut-off values in detecting thyroid cancer.
Cytokeratin 7-Negative and GATA Binding Protein 3-Negative Breast Cancers: Clinicopathological Features and Prognostic Significance
Authors: Lu Shaolei , Yakirevich Evgeny , Wang Li Juan , Resnick Murray B , Wang Yihong
Published: October 2019

Background: Cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) are considered as immunohistochemical hallmarks of breast cancers; however, there are breast tumors lacking these markers. Clinicopathological characterization of CK7 negative breast cancer has not been addressed previously and similar studies on GATA3 negative tumors are limited.
Methods: This study included 196 consecutive cases of Nottingham Grade 3 breast cancers with 159 cases of Grade 1 and Grade 2 tumors for comparison. CK7 and GATA3 expression was correlated with patient’s age, histological type, pathological grade and stage, hormone receptor status, molecular subtype and overall survival.
Results: CK7 negativity was seen in 13% of Grade 3, 9% of Grade 2, and 2% of Grade 1 cases (P=0.0457). Similarly, 28% of Grade 3, 5% of Grade 2 and 2 % of Grade 1 cases were GATA3 negative (P<0.0001). CK7 negative tumors did not show association with other clinicopathological parameters. GATA3 negative tumors were enriched in the basal-like molecular subgroup and were associated with negative estrogen receptor (ER) and negative progesterone receptor (PR) statuses. Both CK7 and GATA3 expression showed no association with overall survival in patients with Grade 3 tumor.
Conclusions: This is the first study to characterize CK7 negative breast tumors in the context of clinicopathology. Profiling the CK7 negative and GATA3 negative breast cancers helps to understand the biology of these specific tumor subgroups and may aid in their diagnosis.
Hygiene protocols for the treatment of denture-related stomatitis: local and systemic parameters analysis - a randomized, double-blind trial protocol.
Authors: Author) Adriana Barbosa Ribeiro(Former Corresponding , de Araújo Camila Borba , Silva Luiz Eduardo , Fazan-Junior Rubens , Salgado Helio Cesar , Ribeiro Aline Barbosa , Fortes Caroline Vieira , Bueno Frank Lucarini , Oliveira Viviane de Cássia , Paranhos Helena de Feitas Oliveira , Watanabe Evandro , Silva-Lovato Cláudia Helena
Published: October 2019

Background. The Denture-related stomatitis (DS) is a chronic multifactorial inflammation, strongly related to the presence of the biofilm that is the complex structure formed by microorganism held together by a mucus-like a matrix of carbohydrate that adheres to different surfaces, including denture surface. DS has recently been correlated with deleterious cardiovascular alterations. The potential effect of hygiene protocols in the control of DS and Randomized clinical trials that address this oral condition with cardiovascular complications are necessary for clinical decision-making.
Material/design. A clinical trial, randomized, double-blind, of parallel groups, will be conducted in Brazil and the sample will be composed of 100 patients without teeth in both arches, users of at least maxillary complete dentures, diagnosed with DS that will be allocated in groups (n=25), according to the different hygiene protocols: (1) brushing of the palate and immersion of the prosthesis in 0.25% sodium hypochlorite solution (positive control); (2) brushing of the palate and immersion of the prosthesis in 0.15% Triclosan solution; (3) brushing of the palate and immersion of the prostheses in lactose monohydrate; (4) brushing the palate with citric acid and immersing the prosthesis in lactose monohydrate. The response variables will be: heart rate variability and alteration of blood pressure (systemic level), remission of Denture-related Stomatitis, removal of biofilm, reduction of microbial load (CFU), mouth and prosthesis odor level, expression of MUC1, proinflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein level - CRP, viscosity, pH and salivary flow (locally); qualitative analysis patient-centred will also be held. Measurements will be performed in the Baseline and ten days after the interventions. The results obtained will be submitted to the pertinent statistical analysis with a level of significance of 0.05.
Discussion. This study will provide a guideline of clinical practice regarding the use of hygiene protocols in the treatment of oral diseases (DS) mediated by biofilm. Also, it may provide evidence of correlation of oral manifestation with cardiac risk.
International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) - the propagation of knowledge in ultrasound for the improvement of OB/GYN care worldwide: experience of basic ultrasound training in Oman
Authors: Vrachnis Nikolaos , Papageorghiou Aris T. , Bilardo Caterina M. , Abuhamad Alfred , Tabor Ann , Cohen-Overbeek Titia E. , Xilakis Eleni , Mates Flora , Johnson Sarah , Hyett Jon
Published: October 2019

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate effectiveness of a new ISUOG (International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology) Outreach Teaching and Training Program delivered in Muscat, Oman.
Methods: Quantitative assessments to evaluate knowledge and practical skills were administered before and after an ultrasound course for sonologists attending the ISUOG Outreach Course, which took place in November, 2017, in Oman. Trainees were selected from each region of the country following a national vetting process conducted by the Oman Ministry of Health. Twenty-eight of the participants were included in the analysis. Pre- and post-training practical and theoretical scores were evaluated and compared.
Results: Participants achieved statistically significant improvements, on average by 47% (p<0.001), in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Specifically, the mean score in the theoretical knowledge test significantly increased from 55.6% (± 14.0%) to 81.6% (± 8.2%), while in the practical test, the mean score increased from 44.6% (± 19.5%) to 65.7% (± 23.0%) (p<0.001). Performance was improved post-course among 27/28 participants (96.4%) in the theoretical test (range: 14% to 200%) and among 24/28 (85.7%) trainees in the practical skills test (range: 5% to 217%).
Conclusion: Application of the ISUOG Basic Training Curriculum and Outreach Teaching and Training Course improved the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of local health personnel. Long-term re-evaluation is, however, considered imperative to ascertain and ensure knowledge retention.
Functional categorization of de novo transcriptome assembly of Vanilla planifolia Jacks. potentially points to a translational regulation during early stages of infection by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae
Authors: Cruz Marco Tulio Solano-De la , Adame-García Jacel , Gregorio-Jorge Josefat , Jiménez-Jacinto Verónica , Vega-Alvarado Leticia , Iglesias-Andreu Lourdes Georgina , Escobar-Hernández Esteban Elías , Luna-Rodríguez Mauricio
Published: October 2019

Background Upon exposure to unfavorable environmental conditions, plants need to respond quickly to maintain their homeostasis. For instance, physiological, biochemical and transcriptional changes occur during plant-pathogen interaction. In the case of Vanilla planifolia Jacks., a worldwide economically important crop, it is susceptible to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae (Fov). This pathogen causes root and stem rot (RSR) in vanilla plants that lead to plant death. To investigate how vanilla plants, respond at the transcriptional level upon infection with Fov, here we employed the RNA-Seq approach to analyze the dynamics of whole-transcriptome changes during two-time frames of the infection. Results Analysis of global gene expression profiles upon infection by Fov indicated that the major transcriptional change occurred at 2 days post-inoculation (dpi), in comparison to 10 dpi. Briefly, the RNA-Seq analysis carried out in roots found that 3420 and 839 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected at 2 and 10 dpi, respectively, as compared to the control. In the case of DEGs at 2 dpi, 1563 genes were found to be up-regulated, whereas 1857 genes were down-regulated. Moreover, functional categorization of DEGs at 2 dpi indicated that up-regulated genes are mainly associated to translation, whereas down-regulated genes are involved in cell wall remodeling. Among the translational-related transcripts, ribosomal proteins (RPs) were found increased their expression exclusively at 2 dpi. Conclusions The screening of transcriptional changes of V. planifolia Jacks upon infection by Fov provides insights into the plant molecular response, particularly at early stages of infection. The accumulation of translational-related transcripts at early stages of infection potentially points to a transcriptional reprogramming coupled with a translational regulation in vanilla plants upon infection by Fov. Altogether, the results presented here highlight potential molecular players that might be further studied to improve Fov-induced resistance in vanilla plants.
The new complement inhibitor CRIg/FH ameliorates lupus nephritis in lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Shi Yu , Yao Wen , Sun Li , Li Guomin , Liu Haimei , Ding peipei , Hu Weiguo , Xu Hong
Published: October 2019

Backgrounds: The aberrant activation of complement system is critically involved in lupus nephropathy. Recent study showed complement C3 inhibitor was effective in the treatment of lupus nephropathy. In this study, we investigate the effect of a novel complement C3 inhibitor, CRIg/FH, in the treatment of lupus nephropathy in MRL/lpr lupus mice.
Methods: We treated MRL/lpr female mice with a dose escalation of CRIg/FH (10, 5 and 2 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection twice weekly since 12 weeks age. In addition, MRL/lpr mice treated with intraperitoneal injection of normal saline or oral prednisone, along with C57BL/6J healthy mice were maintained to serve as controls. We started 8-hour urine collection weekly to screen proteinuria by measuring the levels of urine urea/creatinine. Serum samples was collected at week 16 and 20 to measure levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, and immunological markers (C3, C4, A-ds-DNA) before the mice were sacrificed at 20 weeks age to collect kidneys for histopathological examinations.
Results: Overt skin lesions were observed in MRL/lpr mice treated with normal saline, while skin lesion was not observed in CRIg/FH treated MRL/lpr mice. There was no overt proteinuria observed in MRL/lpr mice treated with CRIg/FH. Serum creatinine and BUN levels in MRL/lpr mice was maintained in highest CRIg/FH dose (10 mg/kg twice a week) to be significantly lower than that in prednisone treated MRL/lpr mice at 20 weeks age. In addition, CRIg/FH treatment in MRL/lpr mice results in a significantly elevated serum C3 and C4 levels when compared to prednisone treatment at both 16 and 20 weeks. Furthermore, our study identified that serum level of A-ds-DNA was also significantly lower in CRIg/FH treatment than that in predisone treated MRL/lpr mice. Renal pathology confirmed that kidneys from CRIg/FH treated MRL/lpr mice suffered less from nephritis and complement disposition.
Conclusion: Our results showed that the complement inhibitor CRIg/FH can protect MRL/lpr mice from lupus nephropathy by preserving renal function and glomerulus complement activation. Our findings support the positive effect of complement inhibitors in the treatment of lupus nephropathy.
Purification of the recombinant green fluorescent protein from tobacco plants using alcohol/salt aqueous two-phase system and hydrophobic interaction chromatography
Authors: Dong Jie , Ding Xiangzhen , Wang Sheng
Published: October 2019

Background: The green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been regarded as a valuable tool and widely applied as a biomarker in medical applications and diagnostics. A cost-efficient upstream expression system and an inexpensive downstream purification process will meet the demands of the GFP protein with high-purity.
Results : The recombinant GFP was transiently expressed in an active form in agoinoculated N. benthamiana leaves by using Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) RNA-based overexpression vector (TRBO). The yield of recombinant GFP was up to ~60% of total soluble proteins (TSP). Purification of recombinant GFP from the clarified lysate of N. benthaniana leaves was achieved by using an alcohol/salt aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) and following with a further hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC). The purification process takes only ~4 h and can recover 34.1 % of the protein. The purity of purified GFP was more than 95% and there were no changes in its spectroscopic characteristics.
Conclusions: The strategy described here combines the advantages of both the economy and efficiency of plant virus-based expression platform and the simplicity and rapidity of environmentally friendly alcohol/salt ATPS. It has a considerable potential for the development of a cost-efficient alternative for production of recombinant GFP.
Keywords: Green fluorescent protein, Plant virus, Transient gene expression, Aqueous two-phase system, Hydrophobic interaction chromatography
The effect of an organic rumen-protected fat supplement on performance, metabolic status, and health of dairy cows
Authors: Manriquez Diego , Chen Liang , Melendez Pedro , Pinedo Pablo
Published: October 2019

Background Negative energy balance during the transition period is a concern for both conventional and certified organic dairy systems. During early lactation, supplemental strategies are used to cope with nutrient deficiencies that are associated with impaired health, production, and reproduction. As organic certified dairies in the United States face restricted access to dietary supplements, the evaluation of products especially formulated for organic production is needed. Our objective was to assess the effect of supplementing 0.45 kg/d of an organic rumen-protected fat (RPF) on health, metabolic status, and productive and reproductive performance of organic certified Holstein cows from 1 to 150 days in milk (DIM). Two-hundred and two cows were enrolled in a randomized blocked controlled trial conducted from January to July, 2017 in a certified organic dairy located in Northern Colorado (USA). Two groups were randomly assigned to be individually supplemented with organic RPF (ORG; n = 100) or control pellets (CON; n = 102) once per day, in addition to the total mixed ration (TMR). Outcomes of interest included disease occurrence, culling, mortality, serum concentration of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), milk yield (kg/d) and milk components, resumption of cyclicity, time-to-first artificial insemination (AI), conception at first AI, and conception within 150 DIM. Results A significant effect for the inclusion of RPF was found in daily milk yield; RPF supplemented cows had greater milk yield (1.6 kg/d) compared to CON cows up to 150 DIM (P = 0.03). During grazing, multiparous (MP) ORG cows had greater milk yield compared to MP CON cows, whereas no effect was found in primiparous (PP) cows. Health outcomes, serum metabolite concentrations, and reproductive performance were not affected by the inclusion of RPF. Body condition loss was smaller in the ORG group up to 80 DIM; however, there was no effect on body condition during the grazing season and in the overall study period. Conclusions These results indicate that supplementation of RPF increased daily milk yield and prevented body condition loss during transition. However, RPF supplementation did not affect health, serum metabolite concentration, milk components, and reproductive outcomes.
Association between anemia and frailty in 13,175 community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and older in China
Authors: Ruan Ye , Guo Yanfei , Kowal Paul , Lu Ye , Liu Chazhen , Sun Shuangyuan , Huang Zhezhou , Zheng Yang , Wang Wenjing , Li Gan , Shi Yan , Wu Fan
Published: October 2019

Background: Anemia and frailty contribute to poor health outcomes in older adults; however, most current research in lower income countries has concentrated on anemia or frailty alone rather than in combination. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between anemia and frailty in community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and older in China.
Methods: The study population was sourced from the 2007/10 SAGE China Wave 1. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin less than 13g/dL for men and less than 12g/dL for women. A Frailty Index (FI) was compiled to assess frailty. The association between anemia and frailty was evaluated using a 2-level hierarchical logistic model.
Results: The prevalence of anemia was 31.0% ( 95%CI : 28.4%, 33.8%) and frailty 14.7% ( 95%CI : 13.5%, 16.0%). In the univariate regression model, presence of anemia was significantly associated with frailty (OR=1.62, 95% CI : 1.39, 1.90) and the effect remained consistent after adjusting for various potential confounding factors including age, gender, residence, education, household wealth, fruit and vegetable intake, tobacco use, alcohol comsumption and physical activity (adjusted OR =1.31, 95% CI :1.09, 1.57). Each 1 g/dL increase in hemoglobin concentration was associated with 4% decrease in the odds of frailty after adjusting for several confounding variables (adjusted OR =0.96, 95% CI : 0.93, 0.99).
Conclusion: Anemia and low hemoglobin concentrations were significantly associated with frailty. Therefore, health care professionals caring for older adults should increase screening, assessment of causes and treatment of anemia as one method of avoiding, delaying or even reversing frailty.
Impact of NPS MedicineWise general practitioner education programs and Choosing Wisely Australia recommendations on prescribing of proton pump inhibitors in Australia
Authors: Wu Jianyun , Dickinson Scott , Elgebaly Zain , Blogg Suzanne Gaye , Heaney Aine , Soo Yien , Daniels Benjamin , Weekes Lynn
Published: October 2019

Background: This study evaluated the impact of multifaceted NPS MedicineWise programs conducted in 2009 and 2015 that targeted general practitioners (GPs) to reduce unnecessary prescribing of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Methods: Time series analyses was conducted of the dispensing rates of concessional PPI scripts between January 2006 and June 2016 using the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) databases in Australia. Participants were GPs with dispensed PPI prescriptions to concessional patients between January 2006 and June 2016. The interventions were national NPS MedicineWise PPI educational programs in 2009 and 2015 delivered to all practising GPs in Australia. The 2015 intervention coincided with the release of Choosing Wisely Australia recommendations from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). Outcome measures included monthly dispensing rates of standard and low strength PPIs prescribed by GPs among concessional patients in Australia.

Results : Following the 2009 NPS MedicineWise program we observed a 6.7% reduction in the expected dispensing rate of standard strength PPIs among concessional patients between January 2006 and March 2015, and a total 8.6% reduction by June 2016 following the launch of the 2015 program. We observed a significant increase of 5.6% in the dispensing rate of low strength PPIs among concessional patients between April 2009 and March 2015, and no significant change in trend following the 2015 program.

Conclusions: The NPS MedicineWise programs were associated with reductions in the dispensing rate of standard strength PPIs, and with an increase in the dispensing rate of low-strength PPIs by June 2016 although a causal relation was not confirmed. Although the rate of standard strength PPI prescribing is declining, these formulations still constitute the majority of PPIs used in Australia. Regular interventions to sustain and improve PPI management by GPs may be warranted.
Recurrent episodes of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy in three Chinese families with GJB1 mutations in X-linked Charcot-Marie-tooth type 1 disease： cases report
Authors: Liang Youlong , Liu Jingli , Cheng Daobin , Wu Yu , Mo Liuhong , huang wen
Published: October 2019

Background The X-linked form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1(CMTX1) is an inherited peripheral neuropathy that arises in patients with mutations in the gap-junction beta-1 gene (GJB1).
Case presentation Three young male patients from Southern China with pes cavus experienced multiple episodes of transient central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Three patients all had reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy as detected by brain diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI-DWI). Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) showed sensorimotor polyneuropathy with mixed demyelinating and axonal features. Genetic testing indicated a c.425G>A (p. Arg 142 Glu) or c.563 C>T (p. Thr 188 Ile) or c.103G>C (p. Val 35 Leu) mutation in GJB1. The unique feature of this report is two novel mutations: c.563 C>T and sc.103G>C of GJB1 gene detected in two families respectively. Another unique feature is that peripheral neuropathy symptoms in three patients were insidious and found at the onset of CNS symptoms
Conclusions Central nervous system involvement in patients with CMTX1 indicates that myelin damage in the CNS and peripheral nerve system may have similar pathogenetic mechanisms.
Comparative study on the effects of different feeding habits and diets on intestinal microbiota in Acipenser baeri Brandt and Huso huso
Authors: Xu Guanling , Xing Wei , Li Tieliang , Xue Min , Ma Zhihong , Jiang Na , Luo Lin
Published: October 2019

Background: Siberian sturgeon ( Acipenser baeri Brandt) and Beluga sturgeon ( Huso huso ) are two important commercial fish in China, and the feeding habits of them are very different. Diets and feeding habits are two significant factors to affect the gastrointestinal microbiota in ﬁsh. The intestinal microbiota has been reported to play a key role in nutrition and immunity. However, it is rarely reported about the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and feeding habits/diets on different Acipenseridae fish. This study is to comparative analysis of gut microbial community in Siberian sturgeon and Beluga sturgeon fed with the same diet/Beluga sturgeon fed with different diets in order to determine the effects of different feeding habits/diets on the fish intestinal microbiota.

Results: According to the experimental objectives, BL and BH groups were Beluga sturgeon ( Huso huso ) fed with low fishmeal diet and high fishmeal diet, respectively. SH group represented Siberian sturgeon ( Acipenser baeri Brandt) fed with the same diet as BH group. After 16 weeks feeding trial, the intestinal microbiota was examined by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology. On the phylum level, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were signiﬁcantly higher in BL group than BH group, and Cyanobacteria showed the opposite trend. Compared with BH group, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were signiﬁcantly increased in SH group, whereas Cyanobacteria were clearly decreased. At the genus level, Pseudomonas and Citrobacter in BL group were signiﬁcantly higher comparing with BH group, while Bacillus , Luteibacter , Staphylococcus and Oceanobacillus was lower in BH group than SH group.

Conclusions: Alpha and beta diversities indicated that the intestinal microﬂora were significant difference between Siberian sturgeon and Beluga sturgeon when they fed with the same diet. Meanwhile, Beluga sturgeon fed with low fishmeal diet can increase the species diversity of intestinal microbiota than it fed with high fishmeal diet. Therefore, feeding habits clearly affected the gastrointestinal microbiota of sturgeons. Moreover, the impact of changes in food on the gut microbiota of sturgeons should be taken into consideration during the process of sturgeon aquaculture.
Cerebrovascular events in hemodialysis patients; a retrospective observational study
Authors: Ozelsancak Ruya , Micozkadioglu Hasan , Torun Dilek , Tekkarismaz Nihan
Published: October 2019

Background: This study reports findings in subjects who underwent brain imaging for any reason, and examined factors influencing cerebrovascular events (CVEs) in hemodialysis (HD) patients.
Methods: We reviewed the files of patients on HD between January 2015 and January 2018. A total of 432 patients who underwent HD for at least 5 months by the January 2015 and who were older than 18 years were included in the study; 264 had been examined by cerebral computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging examination within the 3 years. Cerebrovascular pathology was detected in 139 of 264 patients.
Results: Of the 139 patients, 65 (24.62 %) had ischemic lesions, 25 (9.47%) had hemorrhagic lesions, and 49 (18.56%) had cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). We compared recorded data and later clinical findings between patients with and those without CVEs. The cause of end-stage renal disease was diabetes in 58.5% of patients with ischemic lesions, 52% in those with hemorrhagic lesions, and 55% in those with CSVD (P < 0.05). Patients with cerebrovascular ischemia were older (P = 0.0001) and had lower serum creatinine (sCr) (P = 0.0001) and higher serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (P = 0.002) levels than normal subjects. Hemorrhagic patients were older (P = 0.003) and had lower sCr (P = 0.003) and serum predialysis potassium (P = 0.003) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (P = 0.004) levels than normal subjects. Patients with CSVD were older (P < 0.0001) and had lower sCr (P < 0.0001), phosphorus (P < 0.007), and PTH (P < 0.013) and higher CRP (P < 0.002) levels than normal subjects.
Conclusions: HD patients with CVEs are older and typically have diabetes mellitus and lower sCr levels.
Efficacy and clinical predictors of response to rTMS treatment in pharmacoresistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): A retrospective study
Authors: Rostami Reza , Kazemi Reza , Jabbari Arezoo , Madani Azam , Rostami Hosseinreza , Taherpour Mohammad Amin , Jaafari Nematollah , Kuo Min-Fang , Vicario Carmelo M. , Nitsche Michael A. , Salehinejad Mohammad Ali
Published: October 2019

Background: Application of the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been promising but effects differ between patients. Knowledge about clinical predictors of rTMS response may help to increase clinical efficacy but is not available so far.
Methods: In a retrospective study, we investigated the efficacy of rTMS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or supplementary motor area (SMA) in 65 pharamcoresistant OCD outpatients recruited for the rTMS treatment from July 2015 to May 2017. Patients received either SMA rTMS or bilateral DLPFC rTMS based on their symptoms and OCD symptoms and depression/anxiety states were measured at baseline (before the 1st session) and after the 20th session of rTMS. Additionally, we performed a binary logistic regression analysis on the demographic variables and clinical variables based on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) items and factors to investigate demographic and clinical predictors for rTMS response in the rTMS responders and non-responders.
Results: Patients’ scores in Y-BOCS and Beck anxiety/depression inventories were significantly decreased following rTMS treatment. 46.2% of all patients responded to rTMS, based on at least a 30% reduction in Y-BOCS scores. The stimulation target (DLPFC vs. SMA) did not significantly differ in rTMS efficacy. No significant demographic predictors were found. “Interference due to obsessions”, “resistance against compulsions” and “disturbance” factor could significantly predict response failure to rTMS.
Conclusions: Patients with less intrusive/interfering thoughts and low scores in the “disturbance” factor might benefit more from rTMS treatment. Identifying clinical and non-clinical predictors of response are needed to personalize and adapt rTMS protocols in pharmaco-resistant OCD patients. Interpretation of rTMS efficacy should be cautious due to the Lack of sham condition.
Physical, Behavioral and Sociodemographic determinants of hypertension among adult population in Nekemte town, western Ethiopia: Community based study.
Authors: Geleta Gemechis Teshome , Cheme Melese Chego , Roro Elias Merdassa
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Although hypertension is a growing public health problem in many developing countries there is inadequacy of scientific evidences on community based level of hypertension among the population. The study aimed at exploring prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among adults in Nekemte town, Ethiopia. Community based cross sectional study was conducted on 711 adults selected by multistage sampling procedure and data obtained by interview. Height, Weight, Blood Pressure and waist circumference were measured with standard procedures. Data was analyzed by SPSS 20 version and multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the independent risk factors for hypertension.Result

The overall prevalence of hypertension was 34.9% of which only about half (52.7%) of them knew that they were hypertensive and only 22.4% of them were on medication. Older age; age group >65 year (AOR =5.85, 95% CI; 1.74-20), 41-64 year (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI; 1.49-4.57), Obesity and overweight (AOR =1.71, 95% CI; 1.09-2.67), chat chewers in the past year (AOR =2.44, 95% CI; 1.05-5.68) and lower educational status (AOR =2.75, 95% CI; 1.26-6.03) had higher risk of hypertension.
The Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) to improve patient flow in an Emergency Department: A model of care implementation pilot study
Authors: Ebker-White Anja , Bein Kendall , Russell Saartje Berendsen , Dinh Michael
Published: October 2019

Background

The Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) is a validated clinical analytics tool designed to estimate the probability of in-patient admission based on Emergency Department triage characteristics.

Methods

This was a single centre pilot implementation study using a matched case control sample of patients assessed at ED triage. Patients in the intervention group were identified at triage by the START tool as likely requiring in-patient admission and briefly assessed by an ED Consultant. Bed management were notified of these patients and their likely admitting team based on senior early assessment. Matched controls were identified on the same day of presentation if they were admitted to the same in-patient teams as patients in the intervention group and same START score category. Outcomes were ED length of stay and proportion of patients correctly classified as an in-patient admission by the START tool.

Results

One hundred and thirteen patients were assessed using the START-based model of care. When compared with matched control patients, this intervention model of care was associated with a significant reduction in ED length of stay [301 minutes (IQR 225-397) versus 423 minutes (IQR 297-587) p<0.001] and proportion of patients meeting four hour length of stay thresholds increased from 24% to 45% (p<0.001).

Conclusion

In this small pilot implementation study, the START tool, when used in conjunction with senior early assessment was associated with a reduction in ED length of stay. Further controlled studies are now underway to further examine its utility across other ED settings.
Δ133p53/FLp53 predicts poor clinical outcome in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tu qimin , Gong Hongjian , Yuan Chunhui , Liu Gao , Huang Jinqi , Li Zhichao , Luo Jianfei
Published: October 2019

Background

p53 isoform Δ133p53 is directly transactivated by p53 and antagonizes p53 activities in cancer progression. However, its correlation with prognosis and cancer recurrence in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is still unclear.Methods

Expression of Δ133p53 and Δ133p53/full-length p53 (FLp53) in tissues and serums of 180 ESCC patients was evaluated using qRT-PCR.Results

Tissue Δ133p53 expression and Δ133p53/FLp53 ratio were significantly increased in ESCC tissue compared with adjacent normal tissue. Pre-operative Δ133p53 expression and Δ133p53/FLp53 ratio in tissue or serum samples were positively associated with TNM stage and post-operative recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curve and multivariate cox regression analyses revealed that the tissue and serum Δ133p53/FLp53 ratio (cutoff value: 2.9160) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in ESCC patients, and showed no statistical difference in receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, while serum Δ133p53 showed no significant prognostic value. More importantly, the serum Δ133p53/FLp53 ratio in ESCC patients was significantly decreased within 72 h post tumor resection and patients with a consistently high serum Δ133p53/FLp53 ratio (≥ 2.9160) had higher recurrence rates than those with consistently low ratio values. In addition, dynamic detection in each follow-up timepoint showed that serum Δ133p53/FLp53 ratios were higher than 2.9160 upon recurrence, and they even increased prior to radiologic progression.Conclusion

the serum Δ133p53/FLp53 ratio can be a novel predictor for survival outcome and may serve as a real-time parameter for monitoring recurrence in ESCC patients after surgery.
Clinical significance and prognostic role of tumor-associated macrophages infiltration according to histologic location in canine mammary carcinomas
Authors: Monteiro Lidianne Narducci , Reis Diego Carlos dos , Salgado Breno Souza , Cassali Geovanni
Published: October 2019

Background: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been involved in growth and metastases of human and canine mammary tumors. However, the prognostic importance of TAM specific location in canine mammary tumors (CMT) was not evaluated. In this study we evaluated the potential role of TAMs in specific histologic locations – intratumoral (iTAM) and stromal (sTAM), as well as total macrophage (tTAM) counts – as prognostic indicators in CMT. Results: Clinico-pathologic data from 66 animals with mammary carcinoma and their tumors were used in this study. Samples were stained with anti-macrophage antibody for subsequent TAM count. High levels of iTAM, sTAM, and tTAM were related with clinical stage and vascular invasion. Additionally, tTAM alone revealed a relation with tumor size, while high levels of sTAM and tTAM also were correlated with node metastasis and a poor prognosis based on survival analysis. Conclusions: CMT with aggressive features can reveal higher TAM counts. TAMs are associated with vascular invasion and nodal metastasis, and sTAM and tTAM counts are correlated with overall survival, consequently leading to the conclusion that sTAM and/or tTAM counts could be used as prognostic indicators in canine mammary invasive carcinomas.
Resection of retrohepatic inferior vena cava without reconstruction in ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation: a retrospective study
Authors: Yang Xianwei , Wang Tao , Kong Junjie , Huang Bin , Wang Wentao
Published: October 2019

Background: Retrohepatic inferior vena cava (RIVC) resection without reconstruction in ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ERAT) for advanced alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is unclear. Methods: Depending on the presence of a rich collateral circulation and stable blood volume in ERAT, we chose not to rebuild the RIVC. Then, we chose an appropriate revascularization technique for the hepatic and renal veins. Finally, all ERAT procedures were completed, and short- and long-term outcomes were observed. Results: Between February 2014 and August 2018, 5 advanced HAE patients who underwent ERAT required the described technique. One patient died of circulatory failure 1 day after surgery. Another four patients, with a median follow-up duration of 18 months (range, 10-25 months), demonstrated normal liver and kidney function, no thrombosis and no HAE recurrence. Conclusions: Through the long-term results of ERAT, the pros and cons of not reconstructing the RIVC need to be re-examined. In cases with a rich collateral circulation, the RIVC can be reconstructed. However, in cases requiring the resection of multiple organs, RIVC reconstruction is prudential.
Feasibility of combining two individualized lung recruitment maneuvers at birth for very low gestational age infants: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kanaan Zalfa , Bloch-Queyrat Coralie , Boubaya Marouane , Lévy Vincent , Bolot Pascal , Waszak Paul
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND Lung recruitment at birth has been advocated as an effective method of improving the respiratory transition at birth. Sustained inflations (SI) and dynamic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) were assessed in clinical and animal studies to define the optimal level. Our working hypothesis was that very low gestational age infants (VLGAI) < 32 weeks’ gestation require an individualized lung recruitment based on combining both manoeuvers. METHODS Between 2014 and 2016, 100 and 102 inborn VLGAI were enrolled before and after introducing these manoeuvers based on progressive increase in SI up to 15 seconds, with simultaneous gradual increase in PEEP up to 15 cmH2O, according to the cardiorespiratory response. Retrospective comparisons of the rate of mechanical ventilation (MV) < 72h of life, short- and mid-term morbidity were then performed. RESULTS Among extremely low gestational age infants (ELGAI) < 29 weeks’ gestation, MV and its mean duration < 72h of life, consumption of a 2 nd dose of surfactant, and postnatal corticosteroids decreased significantly from 92 to 71%, 42 to 12h, 35 to 12%, and 49 to 24%, respectively. Among VLGAI, most of these results, and the rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (decreasing from 14 to 6%), were significant after a multivariate analysis. Neonatal mortality and morbidity were not different. CONCLUSIONS In our setting, combining two individualized lung recruitment maneuvers at birth was feasible and may be beneficial on short- and mid-term pulmonary outcomes, especially in ELGAI < 29 weeks’ gestation. A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these results.
Association among biofilm formation, virulence gene expression, and antibiotic resistance in Proteus mirabilis isolates from diarrhetic animals in northeast China
Authors: Sun Yadong , Wen Shanshan , Zhao Lili , Xia Qiqi , Pan Yue , Liu Hanghang , Wei Chengwei , Chen Hongyan , Ge Junwei , Wang Hongbin
Published: October 2019

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the association among biofilm formation, virulence gene expression, and antibiotic resistance in P. mirabilis isolates collected from diarrhetic animals (n = 176) in northeast China between September 2014 and October 2016. Results Approximately 92.05% of the isolates were biofilm producers, whereas 7.95% of the isolates were non-producers. The prevalence of virulence genes in biofilm producers was significantly higher than that in non-producers. Biofilm production was significantly associated with the expression of ureC , zapA , rsmA , hmpA , mrpA , atfA , and pmfA ( P < 0.05). Drug susceptibility tests revealed that approximately 76.7% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Biofilm production was significantly associated with resistance to doxycycline, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, kanamycin, and cephalothin ( P < 0.05). Although the pathogenicity of the biofilm producers was stronger than that of the non-producers, the biofilm-forming ability of the isolates was not significantly associated with morbidity and mortality in mice ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Our findings suggested that a high level of multidrug resistance in diarrhetic animals infected with P. mirabilis in northeast China.The results of this study indicated that the positive rates of the genes expressed by biofilm-producing P. mirabilis isolates were significantly higher than those expressed by non-producing isolates.
Different effects of cortisol on pro-inflammatory gene expressions of LPS-, heat-killed E.coli-, or live E.coli-stimulated bovine endometrial epithelial cells
Authors: Cui Luying , Wang Yali , Wang Heng , Dong Junsheng , Li Zixiang , Li Jun , Qian Chen , Li Jianji
Published: October 2019

Background: Bacterial infections are common in postpartum dairy cows. Cortisol level has been observed to increase in dairy cows during peripartum period, and is associated with the endometrial innate immunity against pathogen like E.coli . However, the mechanism underlying how cortisol regulates E.coli -induced inflammatory response in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEEC) remains elusive. Results: Cortisol decreased the expressions of IL1β, IL6, TNF-α, IL8, and TLR4 mRNA in BEEC treated with LPS or heat-killed E.coli , but up-regulated the these gene expressions in BEEC stimulated by live E.coli . Conclusion: Cortisol exerted the anti-inflammation action on LPS- or heat-killed E.coli -stimulated BEEC, but the pro-inflammation action on live E.coli -induced BEEC.