bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROSES PRODUKSI PIE UBI UNGU
Authors: Dwi Prasetyo Wati Nadila , Yudhistira Bara
Published: September 2019

Purple sweet potato pie is a processed food made from the main ingredients of wheat flour and purple yams, and some other additives are margarine, refined sugar, milk and eggs. The process of making purple sweet potato pie includes stages of preparation of raw materials, weighing, mixing, printing, baking, cooling, and packaging. Organoleptic test of purple sweet potato pie showed panelist preferences was formulation of 60% wheat flour and 40% purple sweet potato. The content of antioxidant purple sweet potato pie was 83% and shelf life until 5 days. Economic analysis of purple sweet potato pie produced 2000 cardboard (1 month), with each cardboard containing 5 pcs. The price of purple sweet potato pie is Rp 8.000,00. The net profit of sales is Rp 8,264,953,00. Purple sweet potato pie business has reached the break even point (BEP) at the production level of 1,483 boxes. POT value or payback within 4.5 months. Net B / C value of purple sweet potato pie production is 1.16%. The NPV value is 61,027,031. IRR value of 31%, so that the business of purple sweet potato pie is feasible to run.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE USE OF FLY ASH AS AN ADDITIVE PORTLAND COMPOSITE CEMENT (PCC)
Authors: Rumiyanti Leni , Listiani Listiani , Damayanti Tika
Published: September 2019

Research has been carried out on the optimization of the use of Lahat Fly Ash as an Additive Portland Composite Cement (PCC) which aims to determine the optimum conditions for adding Lahat fly ash to produce cement with physical and chemical requirements in accordance with SNI 7064:2014 and discover the ideal composition of cement with fly additions Lahat ash from various cement compositions. The quality analysis in making PCC cement is chemically in the form of Insoluble Residue (IR), Loss of Ignition (LOI), and free lime (FCaO) as well as the quality of physics in the form of Blaine, setting time, and cement mortar compressive strength. The results obtained after the process of making PCC cement with the addition of 14% Lahat fly ash, namely PCC cement in optimum conditions with physical and chemical requirements in accordance with SNI 7064: 2014 where the ideal composition of PCC cement manufacture is 14% Lahat fly ash, clinker 62%, 3% gypsum, 18% limestone, and 3% pozzolans in making PCC cement. Therefore, Lahat fly ash can be used as an alternative mixture in making PCC cement.
FLUIDIZATION OF A BED OF SOLID PARTICLES IN A TWO DIMENSIONAL VERTICAL BOX
Authors: Rudiawan Aufa Numan Fadhilah , Sari Kurnia Novita , Notsu Hirofumi , Viridi Sparisoma
Published: September 2019

Simulation of fluidization of a bed of solid particles in a two-dimensional box is performed using molecular dynamics methods by assuming that superposition of buoyant, gravitational, viscous, collision force will make the particle to move in two dimensions. Two different fluid type is used in this simulation, i.e., gas and liquid fluid. By increasing the fluid velocity from small to high, then minimum fluidization condition reached. As a result, fluidization of alumina particle with liquid fluid has a minimum fluidization velocity lower than gas fluid.
BIOSENSOR SYSTEM DESIGN FOR DISSOLVED OXYGEN MEASUREMENT USING CURRENT MIRROR CIRCUIT
Authors: Umar Lazuardi , Setiadi Rahmondia N. , Arfianti  , Linda Tetty M.
Published: September 2019

It has been designed a biosensor system using the current mirror circuit. Biosensor system usually implements an amperometric circuit such as a trans-impedance to measure the current value that flows in the solution due to the dissolved oxygen in it. The trans-impedance circuit causing rather high noise, besides that the power supply used must be bipolar; otherwise the measurement range would be narrower. In this paper, a current mirror circuit is used to convert the flowing current in the solution. The current mirror circuit has a lower noise level, besides the power supply needed is just unipolar, and the measurement range much wider. By utilizing this circuit, the biosensor measurement system can be optimized with its achieved advantages
Quality of Life of Kurdish Women from Martyrs’ Families in Kurdistan Region of Iraq as a Middle East Conflict Area
Authors: Ahmed Hamdia Mirkhan
Published: September 2019

Background

Quality of life (QOL) research develops data and insight into issues that pertain not only to the individual but also can apply to the population as a whole. This study aimed to analyze the QOL of Kurdish women from martyr families of Kurdistan region of Iraq.Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted on 380 women from martyrs’ families who were patients at the Medical Center of Martyr Families in Erbil City during the period of January 2018 to April 2019. Through direct interviews data were collected and the WHOQOL-BREF scale was used for measuring the QOL. The samples were divided into four categories (quartiles) according their QOL score: 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartile. Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-Square tests were used for data Analysis.Results

The QOL domains of the study sample were set in following quartiles: Overall QOL and General Health Domain (66.6%) and Physical and Psychological Health Domain (56.9%) in 1st and 2nd quartiles, Social Relationships (47.9%) in 3rd quartile, Environment Domain (85.6%) in 2nd and 3rd quartile. The total QOL of more than half (52.1%) of the studied women were in 1st and 2nd quartiles.Conclusion

Women of martyr families were not satisfied with their QOL especially in Physical and Psychological Domains. International political and humanitarian actions are needed to reduce the destructive consequences of war and conflicts on these suffering women.
Primary surgery versus no surgery in synchronous metastatic breast cancer: Patient-reported Quality-of-Life outcomes of the prospective randomized multicenter ABCSG-28 Posytive Trial
Authors: Bjelic-Radisic Vesna , Fitzal Florian , Knauer Michael , Steger Guenther , Egle Daniel , Greil Richard , Schrenk Peter , Balic Marija , Singer Christian , Exner Ruth , Soelkner Lidija , Gnant Michael
Published: September 2019

Background: The ABCSG-28 trial compared primary surgery followed by systemic therapy versus primary systemic therapy without surgery in patients with de novo stage IV BC. The present report describes QoL results of this trial. Methods: 90 patients with primary operable MBC were randomised to surgery of the primary tumor followed by systemic therapy or to primary systemic therapy without surgery. QoL analyses covering the results at baseline, 6,12,18 and 24 months follow up of 79 (88%) patients, was assessed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in any of the scales of the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires between the two groups over the time. Baseline global health status and physical functioning were predictors for OS (patients with a higher score lived longer (p=0.0250, p=0.0225; p=0.0355, p=0.0355)). Global health status, social functioning scale, breast symptoms and future perspective were predictors for longer TTPd (p=0.0244; p=0.0140, p=0.020; p=0.0438, p=0.0123). Patients in both arms reported significant improvement on the emotional functioning scale. Cognitive functioning decreased over time in both groups. Younger women had clinically relevant better physical and sexual functioning scores (p=0.039 and 0.024). Conclusion: Primary surgery does not improve nor alter QoL of patients with de novo stage IV BC. Global health status and physical functioning were predictors for OS and could be use as additional marker for prediction of OS and TTTd in patients with de novo stage IV BC.
Estimating indirect costs in a pediatric trial: patient diaries and interview data collection
Authors: JEANNIC Anaïs LE , Maoulida Hassani , Guilmin-Crépon Sophie , Alberti Corinne , Tubiana-Rufi Nadia , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle
Published: September 2019

Background: In France the pertinence of including indirect costs in economic evaluations of therapeutic strategies is left to author judgment. However productivity losses represent a significant amount of resources in particular for chronic pediatric conditions when caregivers are involved in addition to patients. In order to explore how best to collect indirect cost information, we investigated whether or not a patient diary provided additional information compared to retrospective investigator-led interviews and whether a diary filled intermittently produced more or less information than a continuous diary. The main objective of this study was to identify which type of data collection was most effective to obtain information on indirect costs over a 9-month study period. Methods : Start-In! is a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of three strategies of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for 12 months in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. We designed an ancillary study to compare three collection methods of indirect costs: 1) retrospectively by investigators during quarterly follow up visits and prospectively with diaries filled by children or families used 2) either continuously or 3) intermittently. Were collected the amount of information on absence from school and work, and carer time for diabetes cares, and compared to the information given to the investigator during the quarterly follow up visit in the case report form. Results: At the end of the 9-month study 42% participants had not returned their diary, less than 10% of data were collected in patients’ diaries versus 82% in investigators’ filled case report forms. Conclusions: Our study only supports the hypothesis that data collection by investigators during quarterly visits would lead to fewer missing data than a diary, that it be filled up on a trimester or every three months. Diaries might represent an important additional burden to children and their families. Trial registration: Start-In! trial registry name: Study of Insulin Therapy Augmented by Real Time Sensor IN Type 1 Children and Adolescents (START-IN!). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00949221. Registered on July 30, 2009.
The effectiveness of collaborative infertility counseling (CIC) on pregnancy outcome in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bidgoli Mahboobeh Rasoulzadeh , roudsari robab latifnejad , montazeri ali
Published: September 2019

Background: Infertility is an emotional tension which influences the whole aspects of relationships in infertile couples. A main objective of infertility treatments is elevation of pregnancy rate. The present study aimed to examine the effect of collaborative counseling on pregnancy rate in infertile women, undergoing in vitro fertilization in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: In this clinical trial, 60 women with primary infertility were selected from an infertility research center and were randomly allocated into intervention (n=29) and control (n=31) groups. The intervention group received individual counseling, based on the collaborative reproductive healthcare model with collaboration of a midwife, a gynecologist and a clinical psychologist in five sessions during a two-month period. The control group received routine care. Positive pregnancy test was considered as a criterion of treatment success at the end of the study. Data were analyzed using statistical tests including independent samples t-test. Results: There was no significant difference in pregnancy rate between intervention and control groups (P = 0.298). Also, there were no significant differences in follicle and embryo numbers between two groups. However, a significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of oocyte numbers where the intervention group had more oocyte (P = 0.014). Conclusion: Overall the findings indicated that the collaborative infertility counseling did not improve treatment success in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization
Effect of prenatal counseling on breastfeeding self-efficacy and frequency of breastfeeding problems in Mothers with Previous Unsuccessful Breastfeeding: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: shafaei fahimeh sehhatie , mirghafourvand mojgan , havizari shiva
Published: September 2019

Background: Breastfeeding is one of the most important factors in the health of infants. Monitoring the performance of mothers and providing feedback to them so that they increase self-efficacy, their interest in learning and their level of performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prenatal counseling on the self-efficacy and frequency of breast-feeding problems in mothers with Previous Unsuccessful Breastfeeding.Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 108 pregnant women with unsuccessful breastfeeding in Tabriz health centers in 2017-18. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group, four pre-natal counseling sessions and control group received routine care only. After childbirth, mothers received a counseling session up to 4 months after delivery, and the breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaire (BSES) and the frequency of breast feeding problems checklist on the 15th, 2nd and 4th month by the intervention and control groups were completed.Results: The mean score of self-efficacy on the 15th day, in the 2 and 4 months after delivery in the intervention group and control group indicated a significant difference (P<0.05). Frequency of breastfeeding problems on the 15th, 2nd and 4th months after delivery was significantly different in most cases in the intervention group compared to the control group.Conclusion: The results of the study showed that prenatal counseling would increase the breastfeeding self-efficacy of mothers and lead to solving most breastfeeding problems during postpartum period. Trial registration: IRCT20100109003027N19 Key words: Self-efficacy, problems, exclusive breastfeeding, infant, counseling
Predicting successful lumbar plexus block using blood flow index measured by laser speckle contrast imaging
Authors: Wu Xi , Li Pengcheng , Liu Xiaohu , Meng Liangwei , Wang Dan , Huang Yujie , Mei Wei
Published: September 2019

Background: Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a powerful optical imaging technique for real-time and dynamic measurement of regional blood flow. The objective of this prospective observational study was to investigate blood flow after changes blockade of lumbar plexus or its three major branches respectively, with LSCI technique.Methods: This study included 47 adult patients scheduled for elective lower limb surgery. For the selective blockade of lumbar plexus, femoral nerve, obturator nerve, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, blood flow images and pinprick sensory scores of the blocked lower limb were recorded 5 min pre block and every 5 min for 30 min post block. Blood flow index (BFI) values of toes were calculated by LSCI software.Results: In this study, we have 21 cases of successful lumbar plexus blocks, 2 cases of failed lumbar plexus block, 8 cases of successful femoral nerve blocks, 8 cases of successful obturator nerve blocks, and 8 cases of successful lateral femoral cutaneous nerve blocks. The BFI values of all five toes were significantly increased as early as 5 min after successful lumbar plexus block, whereas no signiﬁcant difference was found in BFI values after failed lumbar plexus block. BFI changes after successful selective blockade of femoral nerve, obturator nerve, or lateral femoral cutaneous nerve were negligible. BFI value of the big toe at 5 min after the successful lumbar plexus block was increased by 2.57 fold compared with the baseline value, which represented the highest increase among five tested toes. BFI value of the big toe at 10 min after lumbar plexus block showed great power to predict block outcome with a sensitivity of 100% and a speciﬁcity of 100%. The optimal cut-off value given by ROC analysis was 22.11 PU.Conclusions: Increased blood flow index measured by laser speckle contrast imaging is a reliable indicator of successful lumbar plexus block, but cannot indicate successful selective blocks of three major branches of the lumbar plexus. BFI value of the big toe at 10 min after lumbar plexus block could well predict block outcome with the cut-off value of 22.11 PU.Trial registration: NCT03169517 (Date of registration: May 25, 2017).
Delay in maternal near miss case and associated factors among women admitted in Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnin Amsalu Worku , Mengesha Endalkachew Worku , Dinku Getu
Published: September 2019

Background: The current discrepancies in maternal mortality and near miss cases of high and low income countries are usually due to the differences in timely management of obstetric complications and the differences in time management comes up with idea of delay in receiving obstetric care. For each maternal death there will be 20 others that suffer as maternal near miss cases worldwide. This study aimed to assess delay of maternal near miss (MNM) and associated factors among women in Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (FHCSH), Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Cross sectional facility based study was conducted among 287 women who were managed as MNM from May 2018 to September 30, 2018. A checklist and structured questionnaire was used to retrieve information from the patient and her medical document. The collected data was cleaned, coded and entered for analysis. The results were presented in tables. Binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were calculated at 95 % CI.Results: There were 2694 patients admitted in wards in the study period and proportion of maternal near miss was 10.65% with maternal near miss mortality ratio of 31.9 and mortality index of 3%. From all maternal near misses studied 44.3% had first delay and 35% had second delay with 51.2% had third delay. Seventy four percent of them had at least one delay. Determinant factors identified were rural residence [AOR, 3.2 P = 0.001], distance more than 10 Kms away from hospital [AOR, 2.18, p =0.025], lack of ambulance [AOR, 3.9 P= 0.009] and lack of awareness on obstetric complications [AOR,27.9, p = 0.001] which were statistically associated with any maternal delay. Conclusion: Maternal near miss proportion is still high in study site and majority of them had at least one delay in receiving care which needs an intervention at community and low level health institutions.
Analysis of the clinical characteristics of pregnant women who were hospitalized for more than 7 days after the implementation of the two-child policy
Authors: Yan Xin , Wang Yongqing
Published: September 2019

Background: To analyze the clinical characteristics of pregnant women who were hospitalized for more than 7 days after the implementation of the two-child policy. Methods: The patients who were hospitalized for more than 7 days before and after the implementation of the two-child policy were divided into a study group (after the implementation of the two-child policy) and a control group (before the implementation of the two-child policy). Data on the clinical diagnosis, rate of cesarean sections, incidence of severe placenta previa, characteristics of the ICU cases and cost of hospitalization in the two groups were analyzed and compared. Result: The proportion of patients who were hospitalized for more than 7 days after the implementation of the two-child policy increased from 28.09% to 32.44% (P < 0.05). Regarding older patients, the proportion of those with a cesarean section history increased from 15.92% to 30.15%; however, the rate of cesarean section decreased from 59.26% to 54.35% (P < 0.05). Among patients who underwent cesarean sections, the proportion of those with placental previa, postpartum hemorrhage, ART and a cesarean section history increased (P < 0.05). Compared with that in the control group, the proportion of patients with severe placenta previa in the study group increased from 3.86% to 8.73 (P < 0.05). The proportion of patients admitted to the ICU increased from 2.90% to 4.68% (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Changes in the characteristics of obstetrics inpatients after the implementation of the two-child policy are a challenge for obstetricians. Diagnosis and treatment standardization, a more detailed and comprehensive inpatient management approach, and the rational use of health resources should be promoted.
Glycated Albumin in Pregnancy: Reference Intervals Establishment and Its Predictive Value in Adverse Pregnant Outcomes
Authors: Dong Ying , Zhai Yanhong , Wang Jing , Xie Xin , Zhang Chunhong , Liu Jingrui , Tang Guodong , Han Lican , Li Lin , Cao Zheng
Published: September 2019

Background As one of the most common pregnant complications, the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with significant adverse pregnant outcomes and it is crucial to accurately monitor the glycemic states of GDM patients. The HbA1c which is a traditional long-term glycemic marker used in diabetic patients, is not recommended in GDM patients during pregnancy. Recently, many efforts have been focused on the alternative marker glycated albumin (GA) and its application in pregnancy during which profound physiological changes take place. Our objective was to determine the reference intervals (RIs) of GA in healthy Chinese pregnant women and to assess the predictive value of serum GA in adverse pregnant outcomes. Methods Totally 479 healthy subjects including 153 in the first trimester, 174 in the second trimester, and 152 in the third trimester were enrolled from March to July 2019, for the purpose of establishing the trimester-specific RIs of GA. The diagnostic value of GA for GDM patients was evaluated and compared with that of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at 24-28 weeks of gestation. The association between GA in the late pregnancy and the adverse pregnant outcomes was analyzed retrospectively with the data collected from January to June 2018 at our hospital. Results The estimated RIs of GA in present study were 10.87-15.09 %, 10.04-13.50 %, and 9.78-13.03 % in the first, second, and third trimesters respectively. The areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were 0.503 for GA and 0.705 for FPG. More importantly, the GA levels of the third trimester did not show significant changes in women with large-for-date birth weight, preterm delivery, postpartum hemorrhage or hypertension when compared in women with normal pregnancy outcomes. The exception was that the GDM patients who developed preeclampsia did have a lower GA level in their late pregnancy. Conclusions Our results show that the GA was continuously decreased as the gestational age went up. It has limited value in diagnosing GDM and predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Cyclosporine-A Attenuates Retinal Inflammation by Inhibiting HMGB-1 Formation in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Fei , Zhang Xuedong
Published: September 2019

Background:Cyclosporine-A has been regarded as an immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of various immune inflammatory diseases. However, the effect of Cyclosporine-A on the retina of type 2 diabetic rats and the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of Cyclosporine-A on diabetic retinopathy. Methods:Male Sprague-Dawley rats were established to type 2 diabetic model.After 6 weeks, diabetic rats and normal controls were intravitreally injected with Cs-A (42 ng/2 μL) to the left eye, and 2μL DMSO to the right eye for the control. Another part of normal wild-type rats was subjected to intravitreal injections into the left eyes with 5 μL PBS or HMGB-1 (5 ng/5 μL) or HMGB-1(5 ng/5 μL) plus Cs-A (42 ng/2 μL), respectively. Retinal morphological changes were observed with hematoxylin–eosin staining. Expressions of HMGB-1, IL-1β and TNF-α were detected by immunohistochemistry, ELISA or western blot. Results:Retinal expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were upregulated in type 2 diabetic rats and in normal rats with intravitreal injection of HMGB-1, which were attenuated by intravitreal Cs-A. Moreover, Cs-A decreased HMGB-1 expression in diabetic retina and relieved the retinopathy in type 2 diabetic rats. Conclusions:Intravitreal administration of Cs-A showed a protective effect on retina of diabetic rats, possibly by downregulating retinal expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α via the suppression of HMGB-1.
Induced Mild Oxidative Stress by Ozone/Oxygen Therapy Enhances Therapy Antioxidant Capacities and Protects Testicular Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Naserzadeh Parvaneh , Jamali Zhaleh , Choobineh Hamid , Izadi Morteza , Salimi Ahmad
Published: September 2019

Background Testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury is an urgent situation which needs a timely and precise diagnosis for prevention of testis damages. Methods In here we investigated the preventive effect of combination ozone/oxygen therapy in testicular ischemia induced by reperfusion injury. For this purpose, animal was divided to four groups; control, torsion/detortion, torsion/detortion + ozone/oxygen (30 µg/ml) and only ozone/oxygen. Four hours after detorsion, in all groups orchiectomy was done on the animal at for measurement of oxidative stress and mitochondrial toxicity parameters. Also, we preformed analysis of testicular spermatogenesis after three months. Results Our data indicated that testicular torsion-detorsion induced a remarkable decline in the enzymes such ad catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), activities and also a significant raise in mitochondrial toxicity and decrease of spermatogenesis, malondialdehyde and GSSG levels were shown. The rats treated with ozone/oxygen therapy indicated a significant raise in GPx, SOD and CAT activities. Also, spermatogenesis, a remarkable decrease in malondialdehyde GSSG levels and mitochondrial toxicities were observed when compared with torsion-detorsion group. Conclusion Obtained results for this research proved that mild ozone/oxygen therapy enhance antioxidant properties in the spermatogenic cells and protects testes from ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Exogenous abscisic acid induces on lipid and flavonoid metabolism of tea plant under drought stress
Authors: Gai Zhongshuai , Wang Yu , Ding Yiqian , Qian Wenjun , Xie Hui , Sun Litao , Jiang Zhongwu , Ma Qingping , Wang Linjun , Ding Zhaotang
Published: September 2019

Background: Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important phytohormone responsible for activating drought resistance, but the regulation mechanism of exogenous ABA on tea plants under drought stress was rarely reported. Results: The results showed that the exogenous ABA significantly induced the metabolic pathways of tea leaves under drought stress, including the chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, sucrose and starch metabolism, TCA cycle, glycolysis, lipid metabolism and flavonoids biosynthesis. In which, the exogenous ABA could up-regulated the genes related to lipid metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis, including LPCAT , ALDH, FLS, CHI, DFR, and down-regulated the genes related to lipid metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis, including FATB, EKI, DGK , PAL, 4CL . The exogenous ABA could also increase the contents of flavone, anthocyanins, flavonol, isoflavone of tea leaves under drought stress, including delphinidin 3-O-glucosidewere, cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside, kaempferitrin, sakuranetin, prunetin, kaempferol, and decrease the contents of glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids and fatty acids of tea leaves under drought stress, including LysoPE 14:0, LysoPE 16:0, LysoPE 18:0, LysoPE 18:1, LysoPC 15:1 and LysoPC 16:0. And there were strong correlations between the genes and metabolites. Conclusions: The results suggested that the exogenous ABA could alleviate the damages of tea leaves under drought stress through inducing the expressions of the genes and altering the contents of metabolites in response to drought stress. The data also provide a good foundation for further research on the roles of the genes and metabolites in response to ABA.
MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) and MTRR (A66G) polymorphisms associated with the risk of megaloblastic anemia in China
Authors: Zhang Jihong , Wang Shaokun
Published: September 2019

Purpose MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) and MTRR (A66G) polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications, and neural tube defects, except megaloblastic anemia (MA). Therefore, here, we investigated the correlation between MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) and MTRR (A66G) polymorphisms and the risk of MA. Methods MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) and MTRR (A66G) mutations in 41 newly diagnosed MA patients and 40 controls were detected by real-time PCR. Results We found that the homozygous mutant 677TT, rather than the heterozygous mutant 677CT, in MA patients is more frequent than that in controls. However, no significant differences were noted in MTHFR (A1298C) and MTRR (A66G) polymorphisms. In combined genotypes, the proportion of homozygous mutations in patients was significantly higher than that in wild and heterozygous mutation types. Furthermore, the clinical examination indices such as mean corpuscular volume, homocysteine, vitamin B12, hemoglobin and red blood cells levels were more abnormal in MA patients with 677TT, 66GG and 66AG genotypes than those in wild genotypes. Finally, a linear correlation between scores and clinical features of MA in scoring system was derived. High risk group exhibited higher prevalence rate of MA and showed more abnormal clinical examination indices than those showed by the low risk group. Conclusions The proportion of homozygous MTHFR (C677T, A1298G) and MTRR (A66G) mutations has positive correlation with the morbidity of MA in China. The polymorphism scoring system might be useful to assess the risk of MA effectively.
A nurse-led health coaching intervention for stroke survivors and their family caregivers in hospital to home transition care in Chongqing, China: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Shuanglan , Xiao Lily , Chamberlain Diane
Published: September 2019

Background: Hospital to home transition care is a most stressful period for stroke survivors and their caregivers to learn self-management of stroke-related health conditions and to engage in rehabilitation. Health coaching has been identified as a strategy to enhance self-management of poststroke care at home. However, interventions in this field that are informed by a health coaching framework are scarce. This study will address a gap in research by testing the hypothesis that a nurse-led health coaching intervention can improve health outcomes for stroke survivors and their family caregivers in hospital to home transition care.Methods: This is a single-blind, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial of a nurse-led health coaching program versus routine care situated in two tertiary hospitals in Chongqing, China. Stroke survivors and their primary family caregivers will be recruited together as “participant dyads”, and the estimated sample size is 140 (70 in each group). The intervention includes a 12-week nurse-led health coaching program in hospital to home transition care commencing at discharge from the hospital. The primary outcomes are changes in self-efficacy and quality of life of stroke survivors at 12 weeks from the baseline. The secondary outcomes are changes in stroke survivors’ functional ability, stroke-related knowledge, the number of adverse events, and unplanned hospital admissions, and caregivers’ self-efficacy and caregiver-related burden at 12 weeks from the baseline. The outcomes will be measured at 12 weeks and 24 weeks from the baseline.Discussion: This study will examine the effect of nurse-led health coaching on hospital to home transition care for stroke survivors and their caregivers. It is anticipated that findings from this trial will provide research evidence to inform policy, and resource and practice development to improve hospital to home transition care for stroke survivors and their caregivers.Trial registration: The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12619000321145, registered on 1st March 2019.
Isoniazid causes heart looping disorder of zebrafish embryo by inducing oxidative stress
Authors: WANG Hongye , Yihai Liu , Xiyi Wei , cao cheng , Tingting Hu
Published: September 2019

The cardiotoxicity of isoniazid on zebrafish embryos and its underlying mechanism remained unclear. Here, we exposed zebrafish embryos at 4 hours post fertilization to different levels of isoniazid and recorded the morphology and number of malformed and dead embryos under the microscope. The high concentration of isoniazid group showed more malformed and dead embryos compared with low dose of isoniazid group and control group. Besides, the morphology of heart and its alteration were visualized using the transgenic zebrafish (cmlc2: GFP) and confirmed by in situ hybridization. The negative effects of isoniazid on the developing heart were characterized by lower heart rate and more heart looping disorders. Mechanistically, PCR showed decreased expression of heart-specific transcription factors exposed to isoniazid. Oxidative stress was induced by Isoniazid in cardiomyocytes, mediated by decreased activity of CAT and SOD, which could be rescued by ROS scavenger. In conclusion, we demonstrated that isoniazid lead to heart looping disturbance by downregulating cardiac specific transcription factors and inducing cardiomyocytes apoptosis.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of sepsis-associated encephalopathy in the ICU: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Tong Dao-Ming , Zhou Ye-Ting , Wang Shao=Dan , Wang Guang-Sheng , Wang Yuan-Wei , Wang Ying
Published: September 2019

Background Sepsis has an annual incidence of 30 million new cases around worldwide. However, the epidemiological and clinical characteristics in patients with sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) remain understudy.Methods We prospectively enrolled patients with acute critically ill from ICU during 2 years period (2014-2015). The epidemiological and clinical characteristics for critically ill adults with SAE in ICU were analyzed by related statistics.Results Of the 1349 ICU patients with acute critically ill, 748 were enrolled. Among these, the prevalence of sepsis was 48.4% (362/748), with fatality at initial 30 days was 62.4%. The prevalence of SAE accounted for 97.2% of sepsis (352/362), with fatality at initial 30 days was 65.1%. We found that the two strong clinical predictors for SAE were systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) ≥2 (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 0.304- 0.673) and sequential (sepsis-related) organ function assessment (SOFA) score ≥6 (GCS<13)(OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 0.304-0.673); the sensitivity was 67.3% and specificity was 55.3% for SIRS≥2, while the sensitivity was 99.1% and specificity was 99.0% for SOFA score≥6. Cox logistic adjusted analysis revealed that lower mean arterial pressure (OR, 1.504; 95% CI, 1.001-1.707),higher SOFA score (OR, 1.783; 95% CI, 1.145- 1.923), and no using antibiotics treatment in initial 3 hours (OR, 0.683; 95% CI, 0.492-0.947) were the powerful predictors of the risk of death among ICU patients with SAE.Conclusion SAE is a best frequent epidemiological type of sepsis in ICU, with an high hospital fatality. No using antibiotics treatment within initial 3 hours was related to the worse survival SAE.
Genome-wide analysis of Myo-inositol oxygenase gene family in tomato reveals their involvement in ascorbic acid accumulation
Authors: Munir Shoaib , Mumtaz Muhammad Ali , Ahiakpa John Kojo , Liu Genzhong , Zheng Wei , Zhou Guolin , Zheng Wei , Ye Zhibiao , Zhang Yayang
Published: September 2019

Background Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C, AsA) is an antioxidant metabolite involved in plant development and environmental stimuli. AsA biosynthesis has been well studied in plants and MIOX is a critical enzyme in plants AsA biosynthesis pathway. However, myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX) gene family members and their involvement in AsA biosynthesis and response to abiotic stress remain unclear. Results In this study, five tomato genes encoding MIOX proteins and possessing MIOX motifs were identified. Structural analysis and distribution mapping showed that 5 MIOX genes contain different intron/exon patterns and unevenly distributed among four chromosomes. In addition, expression analyses indicated the remarkable expression of SlMIOX genes in different plant tissues. Furthermore, transgenic lines were obtained by over-expression of MIOX4 gene in tomato. The overexpression lines showed a significant increase in total ascorbate in leaves and red fruits compared to control. Expression analysis revealed that increased accumulation of AsA in MIOX4 overexpression lines is possible as a consequence of the multiple genes involved in AsA biosynthesis. Myo inositol (MI) feeding in leaf and fruit implied that AsA biosynthesis was mainly improved by Myo-inositol pathway in leaves and fruits. MIOX4 overexpression lines exhibited a betterlight response, abiotic stress tolerance, and AsA biosynthesis capacity. Conclusions These results showed that MIOX4 transgenic lines contribute to AsA biosynthesis, evident as better light response and improved oxidative stress tolerance. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of MIOX gene family and their involvement in ascorbate biosynthesis in tomato.
Effect of Lactobacillus spp. on adhesion, invasion, and translocation of Campylobacter jejuni in chicken and pig small-intestinal epithelial cell lines
Authors: Pogačar Maja Šikić , Pogačar Maja Šikić , Klančnik Anja , Langerholc Tomaž , Mičetić-Turk Dušanka , Možina Sonja Smole
Published: September 2019

Background: Campylobacter spp. are a major cause of bacterial food-borne diarrhoeal disease. This mainly arises through contamination of meat products during processing. For infection, Campylobacter spp. must adhere to epithelial cells of the mucus layer, survive conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, and colonise the intestine of the host. Addition of probiotic bacteria might promote competitive adhesion to epithelial cells, consequently reducing Campylobacter jejuni colonisation. Effect of Lactobacillus spp. (PCS20, PCS22, PCS25, LGG, PCK9) on C. jejuni adhesion, invasion and translocation in pig (PSI cl.1) and chicken (B1OXI) small-intestine cell lines, as well as pig enterocytes (CLAB) was investigated.Results Overall, in competitive adhesion assays with PSI cl.1 and CLAB cell monolayers, the addition of Lactobacillus spp. reduced C. jejuni adherence to the cell surface, and negatively affected the C. jejuni invasion. In addition, Lactobacillus spp. significantly impaired C. jejuni adhesion in three-dimensional functional PSI cl.1 and B1OXI cell models. Also, C. jejuni did not translocate across PSI cl.1 and B1OXI cell monolayers when co-incubated with probiotics. Among selected probiotics, L. rhamnosus LGG was the strain that reduced adhesion efficacy of C. jejuni most significantly under co-culture conditions.Conclusion The addition of Lactobacillus spp. to feed additives in livestock nutrition might be an effective novel strategy that targets Campylobacter adhesion to epithelial cells, and thus prevents colonisation, reduces the transmission, and finally lowers the incidence of human campylobacteriosis.
Prevalence and factors associated with the contamination of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus during pig transport to slaughterhouses in Colombia
Authors: Ortiz Maria del Pilar Pineda , Morales Johanna Paola Corrales , Herrera Gilma Hernández , Pena Carlos Enrique Trillos , Moreno Diana Corina Zambrano
Published: September 2019

Abstract:
Background: Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is an infectious disease that mainly affects neonatal piglets with a morbidity rate of 80%–100% and a mortality rate of 50%–90%. Prior to March 2014, PED was an exotic disease in Colombia with no historical epidemiological data and this study was conducted at the beginning of the spread of the virus in the country. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) contamination in pig transportation to slaughterhouses in Colombia through a cross-sectional study involving a sample of 518 pig trucks visiting the 32 main slaughterhouses authorized by the regulatory agency of the govern, the INVIMA. Samples were obtained using proportional allocation stratified sampling of pig trucks entering and leaving slaughterhouses for the diagnosis of PEDV through RT-PCR, as well as conducting a survey of the drivers of the sampled trucks. The sampling was performed from June to November 2014, during the first outbreak.
Results: The prevalence of PEDV at the time of entry of the plant was 71.8% (CI 95%: 70.8–72.8) versus 70.5% (CI 95%: 69.5–71.5) on exit (p=0.375). Associated factors found to increase the possibility of contamination included: the type of slaughterhouse either national (OR 15.9, CI 95%: 4.9–51.85) or national–exportation (OR 9.0, CI 95%: 2.20–36.91), the zone of highest slaughter (OR 9.05, CI 95%: 2.9–27.63), the non-exclusive use of vehicles for the transport of pigs (OR 3.75, CI 95%: 1.55–9.08) and visiting animal feed plants (OR 13.5, CI 95%: 4.1–44.12). Factors identified to reduce the possibility of contamination included: the cleaning of vehicles, the use of disinfectants on the vehicle and the exclusive of the vehicle for pig transportation.
Conclusions: The results showed that the high degree of truck mobilization, with poor biosafety compliance and dissemination characteristics of the virus, facilitated the spread of PEDV throughout the national territory. These factors contributed to establishing the disease as an endemic problem in Colombia.
Keywords: coronavirus, epidemiology, PEDV, prevalence, swine.
Ethnoveterinary survey of medicinal plants used for treatment of animal diseases in Ambo District of Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia
Authors: Berhanu Mulugeta , Tintagu Tarekegn , Fentahun Selamawit , Giday Mirutse -
Published: September 2019

Background: Traditional knowledge on the use of medicinal plants is in danger of extinction because of different changes taking place all over the world including Ethiopia and thus there is a need for its immediate documentation for the purpose of conservation, sustainable utilization and development. Thus, an ethnobotanical study was conducted in Ambo District, Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia to document and analyze local knowledge on medicinal plants used for the treatment of animal diseases.Methods: Data were collected between November, 2017 and April, 2018 mainly through semi-interviews conducted with purposively selected informants. Data collected mainly included demographic information of respondents, local names of medicinal plants, plant parts used, preparation methods, mode of applications, diseases treated, and habit and habitat of the reported plants. Based on data obtained through interviews, Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) values were computed.Results: A total of 55 medicinal plants used to manage livestock ailment were reported by informants in the Ambo District. Herbs were commonly used in the preparation of remedies. Leaf was the most frequently utilized plant part accounting for 49.1% of the total reported medicinal plants. The majority (69.0%) of the medicinal plants used in the study District were uncultivated ones mainly harvested from edges of forests and bushlands, roadsides, river banks and grasslands. High ICF values were obtained for ophthalmological (0.82), dermatological (0.79), febrile (0.77) and gastro-intestinal ailments (0.77).Conclusion: The current study shows that there is still rich traditional knowledge on the use of plants to control various animal diseases in study District. However, such claim needs to be scientifically verified with priority given to medicinal plants used in the treatment of ailment categories with high ICF values as such plants are considered to be good candidates for further pharmacological evaluation.
Clinical outcome of surgical management for symptomatic metastatic spinal cord compression from prostate cancer
Authors: Miyoshi Yasuhide , Kawahara Takashi , Yao Masahiro , Uemura Hiroji
Published: September 2019

BackgroundMetastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) from prostate cancer (PC) influence to not only prognosis but also quality of life of patients. However little were known about clinical outcome of surgery for MSCC from PC. We evaluated both oncological and functional outcome of decompression and reconstruction surgery for patients with symptomatic MSCC from PC. MethodsWe assessed 19 patients who were performed decompression and reconstruction surgery for symptomatic MSCC from PC. Those of 19 patients, 8 were patients with metastatic hormone naïve prostate cancer (mHNPC) and 11 were patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). ResultsMedian age of MSCC of patients with mHNPC and mCRPC were 72 and 65, respectively. Median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels at diagnosed as MSCC of patients with mHNPC and mCRPC were 910 ng/mL and 67 ng/mL, respectively. Although 2 out of 8 patients (25.0 %) with mHNPC were ambulatory preoperatively, 6 patients (75.0 %) were ambulatory postoperatively. Among 11 patients with mCRPC, only 3 patients (27.3 %) were ambulatory preoperatively, 6 patients (54.5 %) were ambulatory postoperatively. Median postoperative overall survival among men with mHNPC and mCPRC were not reached and 8 months, respectively. ConclusionsOur current study demonstrated that decompression and reconstruction surgery for symptomatic MSCC form PC might contribute favorable functional outcome among men with mHNCP and mCRPC. However, its role for improving the oncological outcome remains unclear. Anyway, treatment strategy should be made by shared-decision making among patients, urologists, radiation oncologists, and orthopedic surgeons.
Psychological interventions for managing postpartum psychosis: A qualitative analysis of women’s and family members’ experiences and preferences
Authors: Forde Rebecca , Peters Sarah , Wittkowski Anja
Published: September 2019

Background Postpartum psychosis is a rare, yet severe disorder, in which early identification and immediate intervention is crucial. Despite recommendations for psychological input, little is known about the types of psychological intervention reported to be helpful. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences, needs and preferences for psychological intervention from the perspective of women with postpartum psychosis and from the perspective of family members.Methods Thirteen women and eight family members, including partners were interviewed. The data from these semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and inductively analysed using thematic analysis.Results Twelve subthemes were identified and then organised around three main themes: 1) Seeking safety and containment, 2) Recognising and responding to the psychological impact and 3) Planning for the future . These themes highlight the temporal element of recovery from postpartum psychosis, because women’s psychological needs and preferences changed over time. During the acute phase, emphasis was placed on ensuring safety. Women subsequently needed to connect, process and adjust to their experiences and benefitted from long-term psychological support, which often incorporated managing the fear of relapse and reaching a decision about future pregnancies.Conclusion The results illustrate a range of areas in which psychological intervention could be delivered to facilitate and enhance recovery. Further research is needed to develop meaningful and effective psychological interventions and to investigate the most appropriate timing for this to be offered.