bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The primary cilium dampens proliferative signaling and represses a G2/M transcriptional network in quiescent myoblasts
Authors: Venugopal Nisha , Ghosh Ananga , Gala Hardik , Aloysius Ajoy , Vyas Neha , Dhawan Jyotsna
Published: February 2020

Background Reversible cell cycle arrest (quiescence/G0) is characteristic of adult stem cells and is actively controlled at multiple levels. Quiescent cells also extend a primary cilium, which functions as a signaling hub. Primary cilia have been shown to be important in multiple developmental processes, and are implicated in numerous developmental disorders. Although the association of the cilium with G0 is established, the role of the cilium in the control of the quiescence program is still poorly understood. Results Primary cilia are dynamically regulated across different states of cell cycle exit in skeletal muscle myoblasts: quiescent myoblasts elaborate a primary cilium in vivo and in vitro , but terminally differentiated myofibers do not. Myoblasts where ciliogenesis is ablated using RNAi against a key ciliary assembly protein (IFT88) can exit the cell cycle but display an altered quiescence program and impaired self-renewal. Specifically, the G0 transcriptome in IFT88 knockdown cells is aberrantly enriched for G2/M regulators, suggesting a focused repression of this network by the cilium. Cilium-ablated cells also exhibit features of activation including enhanced activity of Wnt and mitogen signaling and elevated protein synthesis via inactivation of the translational repressor 4E-BP1. Conclusions Taken together, our results show that the primary cilium integrates and dampens proliferative signaling, represses translation and G2/M genes, and is integral to the establishment of the quiescence program.
Characterization of two in vivo challenge models to measure functional activity of monoclonal antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein
Authors: Raghunandan Rama , Mayer Bryan T , Flores-Garcia Yevel , Gerber Monica W , Gottardo Raphael , Jhun Hugo , Herrera Sonia M , Perez-Ramos Daniel W , Locke Emily , King C Richter , Zavala Fidel
Published: February 2020

Background

New strategies are needed to reduce the incidence of malaria, and promising approaches include the development of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target the circumsporozoite protein (CSP). To select the best candidates and speed development, it is essential to standardize preclinical assays to measure the potency of such interventions in animal models.

Methods

Two assay configurations were studied using transgenic Plasmodium berghei expressing Plasmodium falciparum full-length circumsporozoite protein. The assays measured 1) reduction in parasite infection of the liver (liver burden) following an intravenous (i.v) administration of sporozoites and 2) protection from parasitaemia following mosquito bite challenge. Two human CSP mAbs, AB311 and AB317, were compared for their ability to inhibit infection. Multiple independent experiments were conducted to define assay variability and resultant impact on the ability to discriminate differences in mAb functional activity.

Results

Overall, the assays produced highly consistent results in that all individual experiments showed greater functional activity for AB317 compared to AB311 as calculated by the dose required for 50% inhibition (ID50) as well as the serum concentration required for 50% inhibition (IC50). The data were then used to model experimental designs with adequate statistical power to rigorously screen, compare, and rank order novel anti-CSP mAbs.

Conclusion

The results indicate that in vivo assays described here can provide reliable information for comparing the functional activity of mAbs. The results also provide guidance regarding selection of the appropriate experimental design, dose selection, and group sizes.
Incidence and Epidemiology of Acute Kidney Injury in a Pediatric Malawian Trauma Cohort: a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Bjornstad Erica C. , Muronya William , Smith Zachary H. , Gibson Keisha , Mottl Amy K , Charles Anthony , Marshall Stephen W. , Golightly Yvonne M. , Munthali Charles K. , Gower Emily W.
Published: February 2020

Introduction Acute kidney injury (AKI) is highly associated with mortality risk in children worldwide. Trauma can lead to AKI and is a leading cause of pediatric death in Africa. However, there is no information regarding the epidemiology of pediatric, trauma-associated AKI in Africa. Methods Prospective cohort study of pediatric trauma patients admitted to a tertiary referral hospital in Malawi. Participants enrolled at admission were followed prospectively throughout their hospitalization. AKI was defined by creatinine-only Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. We calculated descriptive statistics and univariate relative risks (RR) for hypothesis-generation of potential risk factors associated with AKI. Results We analyzed data from 114 participants. Depending on baseline creatinine definition, AKI incidence ranged from 4-10%. The new Schwartz equation estimated baseline creatinine values best and yielded an AKI incidence of 9.7%. Almost one in ten children died during hospitalization, but those with AKI (n=4) were at significantly higher risk of death compared to those without AKI (40.0% vs 6.2%; RR 6.5, 95% CI 2.2-19.1). Burn injuries were most commonly associated with AKI (63.6%). Other potential AKI risk factors included multiple injuries, trunk or facial injuries, and recent consumption of herbal remedies. Conclusions AKI occurs in up to 10% of admitted pediatric trauma patients in Malawi and increases the risk of death 7-fold compared to those without AKI. This large unrecognized burden in trauma requires further investment by researchers, clinicians and policymakers to develop evidenced-based triage, recognition, and management approaches to prevent the associated sequelae and potential mortality from AKI.
Supervised exercise protocol for lower limbs in subjects with chronic venous disease: an evaluator-blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Volpe Esther Tinoco , Resqueti Vanessa Regiane , Silva Ana Aline Marcelino , Gualdi Lucien Peroni , Fregonezi Guilherme Augusto de Freitas
Published: February 2020

Background : Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) causes pathophysiological changes in lower limb muscles, particularly calf muscles, and limits ankle range of motion (ROM). These changes reduce functional activities and decrease quality of life (QOL). Although several studies have shown benefits of exercise (strengthening the calf muscles to improve calf muscle pumping and QOL) in patients with CVI, few studies are randomized controlled trials. This has led to a weak indication of exercise for the treatment of patients with CVI. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of a supervised exercise program to improve calf muscle endurance as well as QOL in patients with CVI. Methods: This is an evaluator-blind, randomized clinical trial with an 8-week duration and a follow-up evaluation at week 16. A pilot study with subjects with CVI diagnosis will be performed to calculate sample size. The participants will be randomly allocated (1:1) into a treatment or control group (usual care/no intervention). The treatment intervention consists of a bi-weekly supervised exercise program of the lower limbs that will include aerobic training, strengthening, and cardiovascular exercises. The participants from both groups will participate in a health education lecture. Primary outcomes are changes in calf muscle endurance and QOL score. Secondary outcomes are changes in exercise capacity, ankle ROM, electrical muscle activity and cardiac output. First statistical comparison will be performed after 8 weeks intervention. Discussion : Patients with CVI may have an impaired calf muscle pump and decreased exercise capacity. A randomized controlled trial evaluating a supervised exercise program will provide much needed information on the management of CVI to promote health and independence.
Simulation study of a coincidence detection system for non-invasive determination of arterial blood time-activity curve measurements
Authors: Toufique Yassine , Bouhali Othmane , Negre Pauline , Doherty Jim O
Published: February 2020

Background : Arterial sampling in PET studies for the purposes of kinetic modeling remains an invasive, time intensive and expensive procedure. Alternatives to derive the blood time-activity curve (BTAC) non-invasively are either reliant on large vessels in the field of view or are laborious to implement and analyse as well as being prone to many processing errors. An alternative method is proposed in this work by the simulation of a non-invasive coincidence detection unit. Results: We utilized GATE simulations of a human forearm phantom with a blood flow model, as well as a model for dynamic radioactive bolus activity concentration based on clinical measurements. A fixed configuration of 14, and also separately, 8 detectors were employed around the phantom, and simulations performed to investigate signal detection parameters. BGO crystals proved to show the highest detection efficiency and sensitivity to a simulated BTAC with a maximum coincidence rate of 575 cps. Repeatable location of the blood vessels in the forearm allowed a half-ring design with only 8 detectors. Using this configuration, maximum coincident rates of 250 cps and 42 cps were achieved with simulation of activity concentration determined from 15 O and 18 F arterial blood sampling. NECR simulated in a water phantom at 3 different vertical positions inside the 8-detector system (Y=-1 cm, Y=-2 cm and Y=-3 cm) was 8360 cps, 13041 cps and 20476 cps at an activity of 3.5 MBq. Addition of extra axial detection planes to the half-ring configuration provided increases in system sensitivity by a factor of approximately 10. Conclusions: Initial simulations demonstrated that the configuration of a single half-ring 8 detector of monolithic BGO crystals could describe the a simulated BTAC in a clinically relevant forearm phantom with good signal properties, and an increased number of axial detection planes can provide increased sensitivity of the system. The system would find use in the derivation of the BTAC for use in the application of kinetic models without physical arterial sampling or reliance on image-based techniques.
ENGTL based antenna for Wi-Fi and 5G
Authors: Nelaturi Suman , Sundar Ramesh
Published: February 2020

This article reported patch antenna functioning at Wi- Fi and 5G bands. Wi-Fi band (2.4 GHz) is obtained by loading Epsilon Negative Transmission Line (ENGTL) metamaterials into the patch radiating at 5G band (3.5 GHz). To acquire Circular Polarization (CP) at 5G band, conventional square patch is embedded with poly fractals. The experimental and simulated data are in close proximity. The obtained impedance bandwidth is 4.01% at Wi-Fi and is 10.68% at 5G band. CP bandwidth is 2.43% at 5G. This mix of ENGTL as well as fractals provides good compactness appropriate for portable gadgets
Development and validation of functional markers from Dw1 and Dw2 loci to accurately predict apple rootstock dwarfing ability
Authors: Yang Feng , Shen Fei , Liu Zhi , He Mingli , Wang Yi , Wu Ting , Xu Xuefeng , Li Wei , Qiu Changpeng , Zhang Xinzhong , Han Zhenhai
Published: February 2020

Background: ‘M9’ is a widely used apple dwarfing rootstock due to the outstanding effects on both precocity and vigorous control. Two quantitative trait loci (QTLs), Dw1 and Dw2 , for the dwarfing effect were previously mapped on ‘M9’, but the genetic variations that underpin the dwarfing ability have not been elucidated to date. Result: By using ‘Red Fuji’ trees grafted on 1123 hybrids from ‘ M alus baccata ’ × ‘M9’, the intervals of Dw1 and Dw2 were narrowed down. MdLBD3 and MdARF6 were predicted as candidate genes from Dw1 , while MdG3OX3 was a candidate gene from Dw2 . An 11 bp deletion at -339 bp upstream of the transcription start site (TSS) of MdLBD3 generated a new cis-element binding site with MdWRKY2 and caused increased expression of MdLBD3 . Coincidently, a ten bp deletion at -278 bp upstream of the TSS of MdG3OX3 created an additional binding site of MdABI5 , leading to higher expression of MdG3OX3 . At -954 bp of the MdARF6 promoter, a 14 bp insertion destroyed the binding ability by MdABI5 and reduced MdARF6 expression. The genotype effects of these insertion and deletions as diagnostic markers on dwarfing traits (tree height, trunk diameter, and canopy width) were estimated in 108 F1 hybrids. The genomic predicted genetic values (GEGV) were calculated by adding up the genotype effects of the three markers and the population mean phenotype. The GEGV of the dwarfing traits exhibited high correlation coefficients of 0.93, 0.94, and 0.93 in terms of tree height, trunk diameter, and canopy width for the observed phenotype values, respectively. The predictability of GEGV was validated in 64 Malus accessions. Conclusion : The development of the three functional markers, Ld/Li, Ad/Ai, and Gd/Gi, ensures the accurate genomic assisted prediction of dwarfing ability in apple rootstock breeding. The data also suggested that ABA, auxin, GA, and zeatin signals may be involved in the regulation of apple rootstock dwarfing mechanism.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for high-normal blood pressure: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Wang Yu , Shi Guang-Xia , Tian Zhong-Xue , Liu Jun-Hong , Qi You-Sheng , Tu Jian-Feng , Yang Jing-Wen , Wang Li-Qiong , Liu Cun-Zhi
Published: February 2020

Background: High-normal blood pressure (BP) is associated with increased all-cause, cardiovascular mortality and frequently progresses to hypertension. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) might be a non-pharmaceutical therapy option to control BP. This trial aims to determine the efficacy and safety of TEAS combined with lifestyle modification for high-normal BP. Methods/design: This prospective, randomized and parallel clinical trial will be conducted in a community service center in China. Sixty participants with high-normal BP will be randomly allocated to receive TEAS plus lifestyle modification (intervention group) or lifestyle modification alone (control group) in a 1:1 ratio. In addition to lifestyle modification, the intervention group will receive TEAS at four acupoints for 30 minutes, 4 times weekly for 12 weeks for a total of 48 sessions at home. The control group will receive same lifestyle modification but no TEAS. The primary outcome will be the change in mean systolic blood pressure at 12-week from the baseline measurement. Secondary outcomes include the change of mean diastolic blood pressure, proportion of subjects with progression to hypertension, quality of life, physical activity, body mass index and waist circumference. Adverse events during the trial will be monitored. Discussion: This trial will explore the feasibility and provide potential evidence for the efficacy and safety of TEAS plus lifestyle modification for high-normal BP. The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900024982. Registered on August 6, 2019.
Acupuncture for osteoporosis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huang M , Lai MX , Wang XY , Wang YF , Yang J , Yang ZG , Ren ZQ , Mei R , Li JY , Zhao R , Wang ZH
Published: February 2020

Background: The rapid increase in the prevalence of osteoporosis and the rate of fractures after osteoporosis indicates that osteoporosis has become a serious global public health problem. A recent meta-analysis showed that oral alendronate and parenteral injection of zoledronate had no statistical significance in preventing postmenopausal hip fractures. Acupuncture and moxibustion are widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis due to their good analgesic effects. Early observation showed that integral adjustment of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy could improve the quality of life of patients with osteoporosis and prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis fractures. As the observation period of fracture is too long, it is necessary to carry out a large and strictly designed multi-center randomized trial covering the risk factors of fracture and fracture induction, so as to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of primary osteoporosis.Methods/Design: A multicenter randomized controlled trial will be performed in three hospitals. 312 participants patients within primary osteoporosis will be divided into an experimental group and a control group randomly. The experimental group is treated with acupuncture and western medicine while the control group is treated with Western medicine. All the patients will receive a 3-month treatment and 6-month,and one year follow-ups. The primary outcome is the bone mineral density (BMD), the secondary outcome is Bone-derived alkaline phosphatase(BALP), bone glaprotein(BGP), visual pain scale score(VAS),Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, quality of daily life score(QOL) and adverse events. Outcome measures (including primary and secondary outcome measures) are collected at baseline,3 months of the intervention, Causes and number of falls are collected at 6 months and one year after the intervention.Discussion: This study will provide clinical evidence for the treatment of primary osteoporosis with holistic adjustment acupuncture. This study will evaluate the synergistic effect of acupuncture treatment for primary osteoporosis and provide evidence for clinical treatment.Trial registration: This trial was registed at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration date: 5 August 2018.URL:http://www.chictr.org.cn,registration number:ChiCTR1800017581.
The β-catenin/TCF-4 pathway regulates the expression of OPN in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes
Authors: Tian Jian , Gao Shu-Guang , Li Yu-Sheng , Cheng Chao , Deng Zhen-Han , Luo Wei , Zhang Fang-Jie
Published: February 2020

Background Cartilage destruction is the main characteristic of osteoarthritis (OA), and osteopontin (OPN) is elevated in OA articular cartilage; however, the reason for the increased OPN level is not determined. In addition, Wnt/β-catenin signaling participates in the progression of OA. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether canonical Wnt signaling could regulate the expression of OPN in human chondrocytes in vitro. Methods Human chondrocytes were cultured in vitro, and we first assayed the mRNA levels of OPN and β-catenin in chondrocytes. Next, we performed transient transfection of TCF 4 shRNA into chondrocytes to inhibit TCF 4 expression and explore changes in the OPN level. Then, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor dinkkopf-1 (Dkk-1) was incubated with chondrocytes, and we assayed the changes in β-catenin and OPN. Results Our results showed that the expression of both β-catenin and OPN was increased in OA chondrocytes, but there were no correlations between β-catenin and OPN expression. TCF4 shRNA downregulated the expression of TCF 4 and OPN in chondrocytes, while after treatment with rDKK-1 at a concentration of 400 ng/ml for 24 h, the mRNA and protein expression of both β-catenin and OPN was significantly decreased in chondrocytes. Conclusions Elevated OPN expression might be regulated by the β-catenin/TCF-4 pathway, and the Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor DKK1 could inhibit the expression of β-catenin and OPN in OA chondrocytes.
Measuring spatial accessibility and disparity to county hospitals in western China: based on the web map navigation data
Authors: Shen Chi , Zhou Zhongliang , Lai Sha , Lu Li , Dong Wanyue , Su Min , Zhang Jian , Wang Xinyu , Deng Qiwei , Chen Yaru , Chen Xi
Published: February 2020

Background The Chinese government proposed the initiative of "XIAO BING BU CHU CUN, DA BING BU CHU XIAN” in 2016, which means the rate of health care service provided by county hospitals should reach 90%. The prerequisite for achieving this goal is that residents can access to county hospitals’ services conveniently and impartially. However, little research reported the level of spatial accessibility of county hospitals in western China. Therefore, we aim to measure the spatial accessibility to county hospitals of county residents and identify regional disparities in Shaanxi Province in western China. Methods We implemented a novel method – navigation data of the AutoNavi map (knows as Gaode map in Chinese) – to assess time and distance from villages and neighborhoods to county hospitals. The navigation data was collected by requesting an application-programming-interface using a web crawler in Python. The minimum driving time and distance were extracted from the navigation data. The travel impedance to the nearest provider was used to measure spatial accessibility. Results The results show that county residents in northwestern China's Shaanxi Province have poor spatial accessibility to county hospitals. Only 68.8% of villages and neighborhoods can reach the county hospitals within 60 minutes, while 13.4% of them are reachable beyond 90 minutes. Moreover, a significant within-province disparity exists, with residents in the central area most accessible to county hospitals, while the north and south areas still need improvement. Conclusions Health resource planning is required to improve spatial accessibility and eliminate the regional disparity. Further studies are called for to integrate navigation data of web map with GIS methods to measure spatial accessibility of health facilities in more complex contexts.
Setting Health Care Services Tariffs in Iran: Half a Century Quest for a Window of Opportunity
Authors: Doshmangir Leila , Rashidian Arash , Kouhi Farhad , Gordeev Vladimir S
Published: February 2020

Background Pricing health services remains to be a contentious issue in Iran. The Universal Health Services Insurance Law of 1994 aimed at introducing structural and legal bases for pricing health services to enhance efficiency and to equate demand and supply, while referring to equity objectives. Until now, the implementation of this law has failed to meet its original objectives. This paper explores the experience of setting health care services tariffs in the Iranian health care system over the last five decades. Methods We analyzed data collected through documentary and literature reviews of the official documents developed at the various levels of the Iranian health using inductive and deductive content analysis. 22 face-to-face semi-structured interviews supplemented the analysis. Policy triangle policy analysis model was used to guide data analysis. Results Our comprehensive overview of changes in the medical pricing system provides valuable lessons for major stakeholders. Most changes were implemented in a sporadic, inadequate, and a non-evidence-based manner. Disparities in prices between public and private sectors make tariffs setting a contentious issue in Iran. Lack of clarity in pricing health care services makes negotiations between various stakeholders difficult and can potentially become a source of a corrupt income. Such clarity can be achieved by using adequate and technically sound pricing. Technical aspects of pricing health services should be separated from the political negotiations over the overall payment to the medical professionals. Transparency regarding a conflict of interest and establishing punitive measures against those violating the rules could help improving trust in the doctor-patient relationship. Conclusion Evidence-based changes in medical pricing policies can help striking the right balance in the health care services provision process. A sensitive application of policy models can offer significant insights into the nature of medical price policy setting and highlight existing constraints and opportunities.
First cured patient with 2019 novel coronavirus in Changsha, China, a case report
Authors: Zhou Jian , Jiang Di-xuan , Cao Zi-qin , Wang Wanchun , Huang Kang , Zheng Fang , Xie Yuan-lin , Zhou Zhi-guo
Published: February 2020

Background: In December, 2019, the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) firstly occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It spreads rapidly and many cases are identified in multiple countries, which pose a great threat to people's health. Here we report the first cured patient with 2019-nCoV infection in Changsha, China, and the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management of this patient are all described in the present study.
Case presentation: A 57 year old woman developed cough and fever after returning from Wuhan to Changsha on January 9, 2020. She was tested positive for 2019-nCoV infection, which was supported by Chest CT. Lopinavir and ritonavir tablets and interferon alfa-2b injection were used for treatment. A small dose of glucocorticoids were used in a short period to control the immune response in bilateral lung and this patient avoided the occurrence of cytokine storms. The clinical condition of this patient improved and negative result was obtained for 2019-nCoV assay on January 25, 2020. This patient was recovered and discharged on January 30, 2020.
Conclusions: At present, many reports about 2019-nCoV infection focused on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of this disease. This case described the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management of a cured patient with 2019-nCoV infection, which may provide information for the treatment of 2019-nCoV infection.
Development, Validation and Regulatory Acceptance of Improved Purification and Simplified Quality Control of [13N] Ammonia
Authors: Yokell Daniel L , Rice Peter A , Neelamegam Ramesh , Fakhri Georges N El
Published: February 2020

Background: [ 13 N]Ammonia is a widely used cyclotron produced myocardial perfusion imaging agent. With the development of high-yielding [ 13 N]Ammonia cyclotron targets using a solution of 5mM ethanol in water, there was a need to develop and validate an automated purification and formulation system for [ 13 N]Ammonia to be in a physiological compatible formulation of 0.9% sodium chloride since there is no widely available commercial system at this time. Due to its short half-life of 10 minutes, FDA and USP regulations allow [ 13 N]Ammonia to be tested in quality control (QC) sub-batches with limited quality control testing performed on the sub-batches for patient use. The current EP and the original USP method for the determination of the radiochemical purity and identity of [ 13 N]Ammonia depended on an HPLC method using a conductivity detector and a solvent free of other salts. This HPLC method created issues in a modern cGMP high volume PET manufacturing facility where the HPLC is used with salt containing mobile phase buffers for quality control analysis of other PET radiopharmaceuticals. Flushing of the HPLC system of residual salt buffers which may interfere with the [ 13 N]Ammonia assay can take several hours of instrument time. Since there are no mass limits on [ 13 N]Ammonia, a simplified TLC assay to determine radiochemical identity and purity could be developed to simplify and streamline QC. Results: We have developed and validated a streamlined automated synthesis for [ 13 N]Ammonia which provides the drug product in 8mL of 0.9% sodium chloride for injection. A novel radio-TLC method was developed and validated to demonstrate feasibility to quantitate [ 13 N]Ammonia and separate it from all known radiochemical impurities. Conclusions: The process for automated synthesis of [ 13 N]Ammonia simplifies and automates the purification and formulation of [ 13 N]Ammonia in a cGMP compliant manner needed for high-throughput manufacture of [ 13 N]Ammonia. The novel radio-TLC method has simplified [ 13 N]Ammonia quality control (QC) and now enables it to be tested using the same QC equipment as F-18 Fludeoxyglucose. Both the streamlined automated synthesis of [ 13 N]Ammonia and the novel radio-TLC method have been accepted and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the cGMP manufacture of [ 13 N]Ammonia.
Effect of hyaluronic acid on osteoblast function in vivo and on fracture healing in an experimental rabbit model
Authors: Li Xiang , Xie Ruimin , Wang Xiong , LI Bohua , Wang Yongping
Published: February 2020

Background Fracture healing is regulated by endocrine hormones and biochemical and biophysical factors, including hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a component of the extracellular matrix. The prerequisites for biological responses that promote fracture healing, such as biomechanical conditions, and molecular factors, can be investigated in bone cell cultures. Methods In cell experiments, CCK-8 was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of HA on MC3T3-E1 cells after cell intervention. After 10% of HA interfered with MC3T3-E1 cells, they were cultured in induction medium and observed for their mineralization Impact. Total protein was extracted from cells to observe Runx2 and OCN protein expression. After successful modeling in animal experiments, X-rays of the fracture site were taken to determine bone density at the fracture end. After the fracture site was taken, histological examination was performed and the callus was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results In this study, HA promoted the formation of calcium nodules and the expression of runt-related transcription factor (Runx)2 and osteocalcin (OCN) proteins in MC3T3-E1 cells; In a rabbit tibial fracture model, HA promoted formation of larger calluses than those in control or sham-treated animals at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks ( P < 0.05). Osteophytes were larger in HA-treated than in control animals at 4 and 6 weeks ( P < 0.05). Bone mineral density was greater in HA-treated than in control animals at 4, 6, and 8 weeks ( P < 0.05). Conclusions The results showed that HA promoted the formation of calcified nodules in bone cell cultures and healing of rabbit tibial fractures.
Mutation analysis and prenatal diagnosis of 419 cases of Spinal Muscular Atrophy in China
Authors: Sun YingJie , Kong Xiangdong , Zhao Xuechao , Zhao Zhenhua
Published: February 2020

Background Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a common and lethal autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease, which is caused by mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. At present, the gene therapy medicine for SMA, i.e. , Spinraza (Nusinersen), has been approved by the FDA, bringing hope to SMA patients and families. In this study, we analyzed the deletion of SMN gene in patients suspected of SMA, and performed prenatal genetic diagnosis of SMA. Methods In this study, we collected the peripheral blood of 419 probands and their parents who were treated in the genetic counseling clinic at our hospital from January 2010 to September 2019, and extracted DNA from the blood samples for analysis. Patients who were diagnosed with SMA were first tested by MLPA. The patients with negative MLPA results were further analysed with long-range PCR combined with nest PCR and validated by Sanger sequencing to look for point mutations. In 293 families, pregnant women were subjected to chorionic villus or amniotic fluid sampling for prenatal genetic diagnosis depending on gestational weeks. In addition to the above methods used for genetic diagnosis, we also used QF-PCR in all prenatal diagnoses, which can help detect the presence of trisomy of chromosome while eliminating maternal contamination. Results 1. Homozygous deletion of SMN1 exon 7 was detected in 96.40% (404/419) of patients. Homozygous deletion of SMN1 exon 7 alone was detected in 15 patients (3.60%). 2. In total, 10 point mutations were detected in the 15 pedigrees. Five of these variants have not been previously reported in the literature. 3. Among the 293 pedigrees that underwent one prenatal diagnosis, 118 foetuses were normal, 149 foetuses were carriers of heterozygous variants, and the remaining 72 foetuses harboured compound heterozygous variants or homozygous variants. 4. In all prenatal diagnoses, we found one 21-trisomy fetus by QF-PCR. Couples whose foetuses were normal or carriers continued the pregnancy, whereas couples whose foetuses harboured compound heterozygous variants or homozygous variants decided to terminate the pregnancy. The follow-up results were consistent with the prenatal diagnosis.
Validation of the arabic version of the low anterior resection syndrome score
Authors: Essangri Hajar , Majbar Mohammed Anass , Benkabbou Amine , Amrani Laila , Mohsine Raouf , Amine Souadka
Published: February 2020

Purpose: Sphincter sparing surgery is oftentimes associated with bowel dysfunction complaints, namely the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). The LARS questionnaire is widely used to assess this syndrome. The aim of this study is to translate this tool into arabic and test its psychometric properties in rectal cancer patients, in order to ease its use in clinical practice and future research. Methods: The LARS questionnaire was translated to arabic and administered to a total of 143 patients. A subgroup of 42 patients took the test twice for test-retest reliability. Internal consistency was examined through cronbach’s alpha. The score results were correlated to the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire for convergent validity assessment while discriminant validity was established through the ability of the LARS score to differentiate patients with different clinical and pathological criteria. Results: The arabic version of the LARS score was completed by 143 patients. The internal consistency was demonstrated through a cronbach alpha score of 0.66. The agreement between the test and retest was established by a Bland Altman plot with 95% limits of agreement. 85.6% of patients remained in the same LARS category. The LARS score showed negative correlation with all five of the QLQ-C30 functional scales as well as positive correlation to the diarrhea symptom scale. The questionnaire score differed between patients according to their tumor location, Chemoradiotherapy, type of mesorectal excision and anastomosis. Conclusion: The Arabic version of the LARS score shows good psychometric properties and can be used for bowel dysfunction assessment in clinical and research settings.
Neurological and psychological mechanisms of the specific and nonspecific effects of acupuncture on knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized, controlled, crossover trial
Authors: Li Jin-Ling , Zhang Na , Yan Chao-Qun , Tu Jian-Feng , Wang Li-Qiong , Qi You-Sheng , Liu Jun-Hong , Wang Xu , Liu Cun-Zhi
Published: February 2020

Background Acupuncture, as one of the promising non-pharmacological interventions, has been proved to be beneficial for patients. However, the magnitude of acupuncture’s specific and nonspecific effects, as well as their neurological and psychological determinants, remain unclear. Therefore, this study is designed to examine the acupuncture efficacy, investigate whether the brain mechanisms between the specific and nonspecific effects of acupuncture are different, and to evaluate how psychological factors affect the acupuncture effects. Methods This is a randomized, controlled, crossover clinical trial. A total of 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis will receive 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment and 4 weeks of sham acupuncture treatment in a random order separated by a washout period of 2 weeks. The changes in clinical characteristics based on pain-related scales will be assessed to investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans will be used to identify the brain activity changes related to the specific and nonspecific effects of acupuncture. The questionnaires of psychological factors will be used to evaluate patients’ psychological properties. Correlation and mediation analyses will be conducted among psychological factors, brain activity changes and symptoms improvement to explore the neurological and psychological correlates of the acupuncture effects. Discussion This study will concentrate on distinguishing and clarifying the specific and nonspecific effects of acupuncture. The results of this study may contribute to rationally optimize the acupuncture therapies by flexible application of the specific and nonspecific effects of acupuncture.
Detection of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in patients with influenza-like illness (ILI)
Authors: Kong Wen-Hua , Li Yao , Peng Ming-Wei , Kong De-Guang , Yang Xiao-Bing , Wang Leyi , Liu Man-Qing
Published: February 2020

2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is firstly found in Wuhan and has caused over 14,000 infections all over the world. We retrospectively investigated the presence of 2019-nCoV among influenza-like illness patients in Wuhan. Nine cases in January 2020 were 2019-nCoV positive, suggesting the virus has established community transmission in Wuhan, the origin and center of this epidemic.Authors Wen-Hua Kong, Yao Li, and Ming-Wei Peng contributed equally to this work.
Pengembangan Kemampuan Matematika Anak UsiA 5-6 Tahun Melalui Kegiatan di Sentra Seni
Authors: Pujiastuti Sri Indah , Sarifah Iva , Rachmawati Finka
Published: February 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan kemampuan matematika pada anak usia 5-6 tahun di TTKA Rawamangun Ceria, Jakarta Timur melalui kegiatan di pusat-pusat seni pada bulan Oktober-November 2010. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian tindakan kelas yang dilakukan melalui satu siklus terdiri dari perencanaan, tindakan, observasi, dan refleksi. Subyek adalah 6 anak. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan rata-rata yaitu kuantitatif dan proporsi yang dipelajari harus meningkatkan 20%, dan kualitatif sebagai reduksi data, data display, dan verifikasi/kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peningkatan 35,52% pada siklus I, sehingga penelitian ini dihentikan pada siklus II. Dengan demikian, dapat dikatakan bahwa kegiatan di pusat-pusat seni bisa mengembangkan matematika pada anak-anak usia 5-6 tahun. Kata kunci: matematika, seni pusat, kegiatan, anak usia 5-6 tahun.
Insurreições femininas: resistências de mulheres quebradeiras de coco babaçu
Authors: Carvalho Andressa , Macedo João Paulo
Published: February 2020

Este estudo tem como objetivo refletir sobre os modos de vida e de luta de mulheres quebradeiras de coco piauienses junto ao Movimento Interestadual de Quebradeiras de Coco Babaçu (MIQCB). Tratou-se de um estudo cartográfico realizado em três comunidades da zona rural da cidade de Esperantina, no Piauí, onde está localizada a sede regional do MIQCB. Para a produção dos dados, utilizamos como recursos a intervenção fotográfica e a produção de narrativas de vida. Assim, destacamos, por um lado, as relações de poder com os patrões que marcaram as trajetórias de vida das mulheres, produzindo assujeitamento; mas por outro, evidenciamos suas formas de luta. Para isso, utilizamos a noção de parresía foucaultiana e da amizade como exercício político enquanto formas de contraconduta e resistência às sujeições e como modos de reinvenção de si, contribuindo para o fortalecimento da luta.
Análise e criação de dispositivos: tarefas para uma Psicologia Social
Authors: Gama Isabela , Andrade Roberto , Mizoguchi Danichi Hausen
Published: February 2020

No presente artigo buscaremos traçar uma análise genealógica de constituição da Psicologia Social como campo epistemológico, entendendo-o a partir de sua fragmentação e como terreno de disputa conceitual. Defenderemos nossa aposta a partir de tal compreensão dos jogos de força históricos e políticos que constituíram esse saber, de invenção da Psicologia Social, que desafie a lógica dualista dos binômios indivíduo-sociedade, mente-corpo, dentro-fora e que assuma seu compromisso ético-político de intervenção no mundo, abandonando desde já a pretensão de ciência supostamente asséptica e apolítica. Para que seja possível tal operação, faremos uso do conceito foucaultiano de dispositivo, entendendo-o como ponto essencial para análise e criação de movimentos contemporâneos de produção de subjetividade.
Alice e os Paradoxos da Escrita Acadêmica
Authors: Kroeff Renata Fischer da Silveira , Prudente Jéssica
Published: February 2020

O texto aborda a escrita acadêmica como experiência agonística. Utilizamos o recurso da ficção como estratégia para compor uma narrativa que visa a incidir nos modos de produção de verdades, por meio da convocação de afetos que transcendam o conteúdo da escrita. A experiência agonística é discutida pela personagem Alice, por meio da problematização de três paradoxos: o aspecto informativo e experiencial da escrita na constituição das políticas de produção, o engendramento entre virtualidade e atualização nos processos de subjetivação e a presença-ausente do autor na produção de autoria. Uma posição ético-estético-política é tecida a partir da problematização desses elementos, apostando na potência de um texto-experimentação para provocar fissuras nos modos de produção de conhecimento no âmbito acadêmico.
A polifonia na escrita: rastros, riscos e experiência
Authors: Goulart Martins Fernanda
Published: February 2020

O texto propõe uma experimentação metodológica, com o intuito de colocar em operação a narrativa ficcional em forma de contos, utilizando o cenário urbano e o estilo literário para dar visibilidade ao engendramento de linhas e forças que compõem tanto um texto, quanto um mapa ou um desenho de trajetos na cidade. Trata-se da aposta em tocar um campo de virtualidade que desenha fluxos visíveis e invisíveis no espaço urbano, por meio do relato de percursos e personagens, da exploração de ritmos e da explicitação de ressonâncias. Nas bordas da escrita acadêmica, o texto busca produzir a transgressão das generalidades que estabelecem a lei do conceito e, com base na filosofia da diferença, compartilha a tentativa de abrir espaço na página escrita para o que dizem os sons, cores, histórias, rastros e riscos, organizados em verbetes-experiência, que desobedecem a ordem alfabética e provocam a reflexão acerca da descrição de conceitos na construção de conhecimento.
Os silêncios das traduções e das prisões.
Authors: OLIVEIRA Érika
Published: February 2020

Trata-se de resenha.
Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) population dynamics and restoration of fire-dependent northern mixed-grass prairie
Authors: Murphy Robert K. , Smith Karen A.
Published: February 2020

Case studies of Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) population dynamics before and during re-introduction of fire to northern mixed-grass prairies that lacked fire for multiple decades are unavailable. At a 108-km2 northern mixed-grass prairie refuge in North Dakota, fire was suppressed from the early 1900s through late 1970s. Nine management units (total area 16.8 km2, 15.7% of the refuge) received initial prescribed fire treatments during 1979–1984. The mean annual density of male Sharp-tailed Grouse attending leks on these units during 1981–1985 (9.0 males/km2) was twice that on the same units during 1961–1965 (4.2 males/km2), amid the fire exclusion era; nonoverlap of 90% CIs encompassing the means suggested a significant treatment effect. However, densities of males on units managed without prescribed fire during 1961–1965 and 1981–1985 did not change between the two periods. By 1987, fire had been re–introduced to >50% of the refuge overall. Mean annual abundance (i.e., total numbers) of lekking males on the entire refuge did not differ between 1961–1965 and 1981–1985 but was significantly greater during 1989–1993 than during 1961–1965 and 1981–1985. Changes in density and abundance of lekking males coincided with fire-induced reductions in woody cover and increases in herbaceous cover. Our study illustrates the marked capacity of Sharp-tailed Grouse to respond to reductions of tree and shrub cover resulting from prescribed fire in northern mixed-grass prairie and the species’ attraction to habitat disturbance in general.
Publishing and spatial planning - the driving role of the institute through the prism of the journal Savremene urbanisticke teme (1961-1981)
Authors: Milinkovic Milena , Petric Jasna , Nikovic Ana
Published: February 2020

This paper emphasises the role of people who have been employed at the
Institute of Architecture and Urban & Spatial Planning of Serbia as well as
a number of its external associates in the development of spatial planning
in Serbia. It highlights the significance of the publishing role of the
Institute, which goes hand in hand with its work on scientific research and
professional projects, with a special focus on the journal Savremene
urbanisticke teme (Engl. Contemporary Urban Themes), one of its five serial
publications. This journal is significant because it published analytical
and study articles, translations, critical reviews, and reviews of important
achievements in urban and spatial planning at a time when spatial planning
in Serbia was still in its pioneering phase, which resulted in the launch of
ambitious projects with a wider social impact. The important contribution of
this paper is the bibliography of the journal Savremene urbanisticke teme,
as well as four accompanying registers that present all of the authors of
its texts and all of the published titles.
Computer image processing and neural network technology for boiler thermal energy diagnosis
Authors: Wu Qinghong
Published: February 2020

The paper uses the flame image processing technology to diagnose the furnace flame combustion achieve the measurement of boiler heat energy. The paper obtains the combustion image of the flame image processing system, and extracts the flame image characteristics of the boiler thermal energy diagnosis, constructs the neural network model of the boiler thermal energy diagnosis, and trains and tests the extracted flame image feature parameter values as the input of the neural network. A rough diagnosis of the boiler?s thermal energy is obtained while predicting the state of combustion. According to the research results, a boiler thermal energy diagnosis system was designed and tested on the boiler of 200 MW unit. The experimental results confirmed the applicability of the system, which can realize on-line monitoring of boiler heat energy and evaluate the combustion situation.
Front Matter (Cover, Editorial Board, Journal Profile and Citations, Indexing and Abstracting, Table of Content)
Authors: Editorial Editorial
Published: February 2020

Front Matter (Cover, Editorial Board, Journal Profile and Citations, Indexing and Abstracting, Table of Content)
PENGEMBANGAN MODUL E-BOOK PADA MATA KULIAH PERAWATAN KULIT WAJAH UNIVERSITAS NEGERI PADANG
Authors: Fauzani Asrah Rezki , Novrita Sri Zulfia , Dewi Siska Miga
Published: February 2020

Proses belajar pada mata kuliah Perawatan Kulit Wajah belum maksimal, hal ini disebabkan belum tersedianya media pembelajaran seperti modul pembelajaran atau e-book yang dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai salah satu sarana sumber belajar. Selain itu kurangnya pengembangan bahan ajar yang inovatif sehingga menyebabkan kurangnya pemahaman mahasiswa terhadap konsep materi yang diajarkan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini mengembangkan sumber pembelajaran yaitu Modul E-Book yang valid, praktis, dan efektif pada mata kuliah Perawatan Kulit Wajah. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian dan pengembangan Research and Development (R&D) dengan menggunakan model pengembangan ADDIE.  Model ADDIE mencakup lima fase utama, yakni: 1) Analysis, 2) Design, 3) Development, 4) Implementation, dan 5) Evaluation. Pelaksanaan penelitian pengembangan modul e-book dimulai dari tahap analisis yakni observasi kelas, dan studi pustaka, tahap perancangan terdiri dari Rencana Pembelajaran Semester (RPS) dan bahan ajarperangkat pembelajaran seperti modul e-book, tahap pengembangan menghasilkan dan memvalidasi modul ebook perawatan kulit wajah yang dilakukan oleh ahli validator, tahap implementasi berkaitan dengan praktikalitas dosen dan mahasiswa dalam penggunaan modul e-book, tahap evaluasi berkaitan dengan keefektifan modul yang diperoleh berdasarkan nilai pretest dan posttest yang terdapat peningkatan pada hasil belajar mahasiswa. Modul e-book pada mata kuliah perawatan kulit wajah layak digunakan dan dinyatakan valid untuk mata kuliah perawatan kulit wajah yang sangat efektif untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar mahasiswa.