bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the English Translation of Color Words in Tang Poetry
Authors: Shanshan Huang , Feng Wang
Published: August 2019

The color word “青” frequently appears in Tang poetry and is deeply loved by poets because of its ambiguity. However, the multiple meanings of “青" also bring difficulties to translation activities. What color does it mean? Thus, from the perspective of Relevance Theory, this study discusses the three basic meanings of the color word "青", taking as examples the misunderstood words that contain "青”  in several classical poems by Li Bai. To achieve the accurate translation of the color word “青", the key is to achieve the optimal relevance, and thus the greatest contextual effect can be obtained.
EKSISTENSI SEDEKAH BUMI DI DESA GONDANG MANIS KUDUS DALAM USAHA MENGOBATI PENYAKIT HATI (KETIDAKPEDULIAN TERHADAP LINGKUNGAN) Fenomena Budaya dikaji dalam perspekstif Tasawuf dan Sains Modern
Authors: Jalil Muhamad
Published: August 2019

Sebagian masyarakat Indonesia masih terkena penyakit kufur nikmat. Terbukti dengan adanya kerusakan alam dimana-mana. Dalam tasawuf, kejahatan yang dilakukan manusia disebabkan oleh adanya hati yang sakit atau mati. Salah satu sarana untuk mengobati penyakit hati adalah sedekah bumi. Penelitian menggunakan library research dengan didukung studi lapangan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah: (1) menjelaskan prosesi sedekah bumi di Gondangmanis; (2) menjelaskan upacara sedekah bumi di Gondangmanis Kudus sebagai sarana untuk mengobati penyakit hati (ketidakpedulian terhadap lingkungan); dan (3) menjelaskan nilai-nilai yang terkandung dalam prosesi sedekah bumi. Hasil yang diperoleh adalah prosesi sedekah bumi di lakukan di dalam Masjid Jami’ dengan cara warga bermuhasabah dengan membaca tahlil. Usaha untuk mengobati penyakit hati ketidakpedulian terhadap lingkungan adalah dengan jalan muhasabah dengan cara bertobat, beristighfar, dan berdzikir dalam rangkaian tahlil. Nilai-nilai yang terkandung adalah syukur, peduli terhadap lingkungan, bangga terhadap identitas nasional, dan tanggung jawab sosial.
Makna Esoteris Ayat-ayat Kauniyah
Authors: Zumrodi Zumrodi
Published: August 2019

Al-qur'an is the last book that was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad SAW, its contents are in the form of commands and prohibitions that can lead people to a happy life, both in the world and in the hereafter. The instructions contained in al-qur'an are sometimes conveyed explicitly and are sometimes conveyed implicitly or which are referred to as esoteric meaning or isyari meaning. To be able to capture the esoteric meaning of al-Qur'an verses, a specific method is needed. This specific method for example by clearing the heart of things that are worldly. Besides that it must be taken by concentrating on reading the verses of the Qur'an through tadabbur, tafakkur, tadzakhur, tayaqqudh and hudlur al-qalbi.
Sang Juru Penyelamat Tasawuf (Pembelaan Ibnu Al-Qayyim Al-Jauziyyah Terhadap Tasawuf)
Authors: Abdullah Abdullah
Published: August 2019

The two basic reasons behind the writing of this study are first, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyah is a leading Salafi scholar who has a high sensitivity to social reality that is incompatible with the texts of the Qur'an and hadith which are mainly related to the practice of Sufism. Secondly, his life history in the midst of a recessionary condition Sufism encouraged him to save and fortify Sufism from various attacks. This research is a library with a descriptive model that describes Sufism during the era of Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Qayyim. The results of the hypothesis that the authors found were: 1) Ibn Qayyim's strategy as a Salafi in defending Sufism by using certain tricks, did not clash with fellow colleagues and was even accepted by all circles; 2) Ibn Qayyim was able to reconcile two camps of mutual conflict, Salafits as opponents of Sufism and Sufism as Sufism adherents; 3) Even though Ibn Taimiyah was considered obedient, Ibn Qayyim in Sufism matters did not hesitate to criticize his own teacher who was considered inadvertent in judging Sufism.
Tasawuf Nusantara: Pemikiran Tasawuf KH. Ahmad Siddiq Jember
Authors: Sidik Nur
Published: August 2019

This paper aims to describe tasawuf nusantara according to KH. Ahmad Siddiq. KH. Ahmad Siddiq is an archipelago cleric who holds that tasawuf (ihsan) is the main pillar (in addition to faith, Islam) as a support for the establishment of true Islam. According to him, all Muslims to become Muslim kaffah must be obliged to recite as obliged to be monotheistic and to function. Sufism KH. Achmad Shiddiq guided the Sufism of Imam al-Ghazali as contained in Ihya ulumuddin. The path of recitation according to KH. Ahmad Siddiq began by studying the Qur'an and Hadith, giving the magic of the universe to know God's majesty, and mujahadah. The next stage follows three main elements of Sufism to reach the culmination of the attainment of akhlakul karimah is to practice istiqamah, zuhud, faqr etc.
Makna Hidup dalam Perspektif Cosmic Intellegence
Authors: Amaliyah Efa Ida , Karlina Nina
Published: August 2019

This study aims to get a clear picture of the meaning of life in the perspective of C.I (Cosmic Intelligence), this type of research is field research with the intent of the data used as a source of reference originating from the research location. The data sources used in this study are primary sources in the form of interviews with Cosmic Intelligence pioneers, teachers or leaders of Cosmic Intelligence training, and respondents or Cosmic Intelligence meditators, and secondary sources in the form of books on Islamic Psychology, Religious Psychology, Sufism and related psychology. . Techniques for collecting data through interviews or interviews, observation, and documentation. Furthermore, the data obtained was analyzed using data analysis methods, the process of simplifying data into forms that were easier to read and interpret. The results of the study show that someone who has undergone or practiced Cosmic Intelligence training in contemplative meditative dhikr, finds awareness, awareness of his existence on this earth, his awareness as a servant of Allah, the realization that he is the caliph of Allah, who must undergo duty of servitude (imaniyyah-ilahiyyah, ubudiyah ilahiyyah, ubudiyyah insaniyyah, mu'amalah insaniyyah) and undergo the task of the Caliphate or called the Cosmic Task. Continuing to apply these cosmic tasks in daily life that do not separate the fields of life between learning, worship, work, work (must be integral) will lead to an awareness of life, self evaluation, self-ability, motivation and purpose, awareness of life which will bring to the presence of the meaning of life.
Stabilization of a Type B1.1 Injury in a Morbidly Obese Patient Using an Internal Fixator in a Minimally Invasive Technique
Authors: Fritz Tobias , Braun Benedikt J. , Veith Nils T. , Hopp Sascha J. , Mettelsiefen Laura , Strobel Friedemann , Pohlemann Tim , Pizanis Antonius
Published: August 2019

Case:

In this case report, we present a novel stabilization technique of the pubic symphysis using an internal spinal fixator in a 78-year-old morbidly obese woman having a pelvic disruption type B1.1 (AO classification). We treated the disruption using an internal fixator to reduce the extent of the incision and soft-tissue damage.

Conclusions:

The use of an internal fixator, known from percutaneous spinal fixation, for the stabilization of the pubic symphysis in cases of disruption (“open book” injuries) may be an alternative to the standard plate fixation as a novel minimally invasive stabilization technique.
Acute Compartment Syndrome After Knee Synovectomy in a Patient with Hemophilia A
Authors: Baghdadi Soroush , Baghdadi Taghi , Ayati Firoozabadi Mohammad , Toogeh Gholamreza , Mortazavi S.M. Javad
Published: August 2019

Case:

A 19-year-old man with severe hemophilia A underwent open surgical synovectomy to treat recurrent hemarthrosis of the knee. He developed symptoms and signs of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) despite receiving full-dose factor replacement. Arthrotomy was performed twice, and massive hemarthrosis was evacuated. The symptoms subsided after supplementing clotting factor with prednisone.

Conclusions:

ACS may complicate hemophilia. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical judgment. Proper factor replacement is the mainstay of treatment. Surgery is reserved for patients with no improvement following factor administration.
Interplay of Autogenic and Allogenic Processes On the Formation of Shallow Carbonate Cycles in a Synrift Setting (Lower Pliensbachian, Traras Mountains, NW Algeria)
Authors: Belkhedim Salim , Jarochowska Emilia , Benhamou Miloud , Nemra Abdelkrim , Sadji Radouane , Munnecke Axel
Published: August 2019

Meter-scale shallowing-upward cycles are recorded in many carbonate successions around the world. It is often difficult to recognize whether they represent autocycles, formed through intrinsic controls, or allocycles, resulting from orbital forcing or tectonic movements, or both. Here, we review the criteria used in the identification of the two types of cyclicity and apply them to two newly described lower Pliensbachian outcrops in the Traras Mountains, northwestern Algeria. Throughout the investigation of six sections, the deposits are suggested to have formed in intertidal–supratidal to shallow subtidal environments on a tropical ramp in the Western Tethys. In this area, shallowing-upward small-scale peritidal and subtidal cycles have been shown to be, and are assumed to be, ordered. The carbon isotope data mirror the recorded cycles and indicate different lengths of subaerial exposures. These cycles, in a developed within synrift setting, have been interpreted as produced mainly by autocyclic processes, but interacting with allocyclic factors. Peritidal cycles are thought to be generated by progradation of intertidal and supratidal flats into lagoonal sediments, while subtidal cycles are interpreted to have been controlled by lateral migration of shoals. The impact of the minor fluctuations of eustatic sea level is weakly marked, and only long subaerial exposure can reveal the contribution of these fluctuations to the formation of the recorded cycles. Tectonic movements resulting from spreading of the Tethys are interpreted to have controlled cycle distribution and thickness at a regional scale. However, synsedimentary tectonic features are rare in the studied area; this suggests that sediment transport would control the thickness and duration of cycles instead of the rate at which accommodation was created.
Dissonance in Global Financial Law
Authors: Flaiszhaker Dalit
Published: August 2019

This article explores whether the post-GFC global financial architecture is likely to provide efficient regulation capable of preventing a future crisis from occurring. The article starts with a brief overview of the emergence in the 1970s of global financial architecture. A thorough descriptive analysis of the post-crisis architecture follows, raising serious doubts regarding the current architecture’s ability to accomplish its goal. This analysis is performed in two stages, taking first an outsider’s perspective on the changes the architecture underwent after the crisis and moving then to the inside — the structure and contents of the architecture. Using macro-prudential methodological tools, the establishment of the Financial Stability Board is reviewed, along with three cutting edge regulations: the Basel III framework for banking, the IOSCO’s recommendation for money market funds, and the FSB’s recommendations regarding repurchase agreements. Pointing out the architecture’s perceived failure to provide stability due to severe regulatory arbitrage, the article then widens the lens to explore the implications of the above regulation. The article suggests that the current architecture encourages ‘financialisation’ and pushes the financial system and the real economy further apart. Consequently, the article raises normative concerns regarding the legal foundations of the global financial architecture, and its legitimacy.
LAW IS A TOOL OF SOCIAL ENGINEERING DALAM PENANGANAN TINDAK PIDANA KORUPSI DI INDONESIA DITINJAU DARI HUKUM ISLAM DAN PERUNDANG-UNDANGAN DI INDONESI
Authors: Safira Martha
Published: August 2019

Tindak pidana korupsi merupakan suatu masalah sangat serius dan perlu diperhatikan, karena tindak pidana korupsi dapat membahayakan stabilitas dan keamanan negara dan masyarakatnya, membahayakan pembangunan sosial dan ekonomi masyarakat, politik, bahkan dapat pula merusak nilai-nilai demokrasi serta moralitas bangsa karena dapat berdampak membudayanya tindak pidana korupsi. Korupsi dalam Islam digolongkan sebagai suatu perbuatan yang tercela dan sangat merugikan orang lain maupun bangsa Indonesia serta pelakunya termasuk sebagai orang-orang yang munafik, dzalim, kafir, dan merupakan dosa yang besar karena mereka telah memakan atau mengambil sesuatu yang bukan haknya atau bukan miliknya dan ancaman hukumannya adalah neraka jahanam. Alloh SWT melarang umatnya untuk memakan atau mengambil harta maupun hak orang lain dengan cara yang tidak halal, baik melalui pencurian, copet, rampok, pemerasan, pemaksaan, ataupun bentuk-betuk lainnya. Pandangan Al Qur’an tentang korupsi sangatlah tegas yaitu haram, karena termasuk dalam memakan harta sesama dengan cara yang tidak halal.Penegakkan hukum terhadap Undang-Undang Korupsi masih sangat sulit diterapkan di Indonesia. Oleh sebab itu Undang-Undang No. 31Tahun 1999 jo. Undang-Undang No. 20 Tahun 2001 tentang Pencegahan dan Penanggulangan Tindak Pidana Korupsi (disingkat UU Korupsi) harus bisa menjadi sarana rekayasa sosial bagi masyarakat. Serta bagaimana hukum Islam juga bisa menjadi kontrol sosial untuk membantu pemerintah dalam menerapkan efek jera bagi pelaku tindak pidana korupsi.
Preliminary application of 3.0T magnetic resonance chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging in brain metastasis of lung cancer
Authors: Yang Yonggui , QU Xiaobo , HUANG Yihui , GUO Gang , DUAN Shaoyin
Published: August 2019

Background: Brain-metastasis of lung-cancer is very common and serious, and it is also one of the common causes of treatment failure. To investigate the clinical application of CEST technology in the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of brain metastasis of lung cancer.Methods: 26 cases of lung cancer brain metastases, 15 cases of gliomas and 20 cases of normal controls were collected. MTR(3.5ppm) image obtained by GRE-EPI-CEST sequence using ASSET technique and APT software was observed. MTR-values(3.5ppm) were measured in the lesion-parenchymal, edema and non-focus areas, and the MTR image was compared with the conventional MRI. Statistical-Tests were ANOVA and t-test. Results:In the metastatic-tumor-group, the lesion-parenchymal, edema and non-focus areas were red-yellow, yellow-green, and green-blue, and the MTR-values were 3.29 ±1.14%,1.28 ±0.36%,1.26 ±0.31%. In glioma-group, the lesion-parenchymal, edema and non-focus areas were red, red-yellow, and the MTR-values of green-blue were 6.29 ±1.58%, 2.87 ±0.65%, 1.03 ±0.30%. The MTR-values of the corresponding areas in the normal-group were 1.07 ±0.22%,1.04 ±0.23%,1.06 ±0.24%. Traditional MR-images are in black-white contrast and no metabolic information is displayed. The MTR-values of three regions in metastatic-tumor-group and normal-group and glioma-group were significantly different, and the parenchymal area and edema area in metastatic-tumor-group were significantly different. There were significant differences in MTR-values between the non-lesion and edema areas, but there was no significant difference between the MTR-values in the edema area and the non-focus area. In glioma-group, there were significant differences in MTR-values between the parenchymal and edema areas and the non-focus areas, and the MTR-values between the edema and non-focus areas were significantly different.Conclusions: CEST can obtained the pseudo-color-images, which can reflect protein metabolism. In metastatic-tumor-group, the parenchymal area was red-yellow, green-blue, and the MTR-value was lower than that of glioma group, higher than that of normal-group. Observed the MTR-image color and MTR-value, the early diagnosis of brain metastases and the prognosis evaluation can be achieved on the molecular-imaging level. Trial registration: Grant No. 3502Z20144052.The experiments in the article did not involve the results of health care interventions for human participants.
Age- and gender-specific trends in respiratory outpatient visits and diagnosis at a tertiary pediatric hospital in China: a 10-year retrospective study
Authors: Shi Peng , Liu Lijuan , Li Jing , Zhang Xiaobo , Li Albert M. , Wang Libo , Xu Hong , Huang Guoying
Published: August 2019

Background: Respiratory infections are one of three leading causes of childhood mortality, and worldwide increase and recent plateau in childhood asthma has been reported. However, data on respiratory disease trends over long period of time is limited. This study aimed to determine trends in respiratory disease outpatient visits (ROVs) and diagnoses (RODs) amongst attendants to one of the largest children’s teaching hospitals in China between 2009 and 2018. Methods: A retrospective study of routine administrative data was designed and reported according to the RECORD statement. Demographic details and diagnoses of patients <18 years attended the respiratory disease clinic were extracted from the Hospital Information System. Age and gender-specific trends were analyzed by comparing change in number of clinic attendants and different diagnoses over time. Results: There were 698054 ROVs involving 285574 children (59.6% male and 40.4% female). Average growth rate of ROVs was 15.2% and children aged 4 to <7 years had a faster increase than other age groups. Lower respiratory infections (LRI) (29.6%), influenza and pneumonia (17.9%), asthma and allergic diseases (13.2%), and diseases of upper respiratory tract (12.1%) accounted for 72.8% of all RODs. Gender-specific trend in diagnoses showed the percentage of asthma and allergic diseases increased with ages, especially among the group aged between 4 to <7 years. Gender-specific trend in ROVs showed a greater increase of asthma and allergic diseases than other RODs for males and females. The percentage of asthma and other allergic diseases was greater for males but the growth rate was faster for females. Asthma and allergic diseases were evaluated as co-morbidities to LRI and associated to 25.5% of LRI patients. Conclusion: The sustainable upward trend in ROVs was observed among children at different ages and a gender differential effect was also seen. In contrast to what has been reported, asthma and allergies diseases burden continued to increase in our locally.
Assessment of Organizational Readiness to Implement an Electronic Health Record System in a Low-Resource Settings Cancer Hospital: Structural Equation Modeling of Survey Data to Identify Relevant Factors
Authors: Kabukye Johnblack , Keizer Nicolet de , Cornet Ronald
Published: August 2019

Background

Organizational readiness for change is a key factor in success or failure of electronic health record (EHR) system implementations. Readiness is a multifaceted and multilevel abstract construct encompassing individual and organizational aspects, which makes it difficult to assess. Available tools for assessing readiness need to be tested in different contexts.

Objective

To identify and assess relevant variables that determine readiness to implement an EHR in oncology in a low-and-middle income setting.

Methods

At the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), a 100-bed tertiary oncology center in Uganda, we conducted a cross-sectional survey using the Paré model. This model has 39 indicator variables (Likert-scale items) for measuring 9 latent variables that contribute to readiness. We analyzed data using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). In addition, we collected comments that we analyzed by qualitative content analysis and sentiment analysis as a way of triangulating the Likert-scale survey responses.

Results

One hundred and forty-six clinical and non-clinical staff completed the survey, and 116 responses were included in the model. The measurement model showed good indicator reliability, discriminant validity, and internal consistency. Path coefficients for 6 of the 9 latent variables (i.e. vision clarity, change appropriateness, change efficacy, presence of an effective champion, organizational flexibility, and collective self-efficacy) were statistically significant at p < 0.05. The R2 for the outcome variable (organizational readiness) was 0.67.

The sentiments were generally positive and correlated well with the survey scores (Pearson’s r = 0.73). Perceived benefits of an EHR included improved quality, security and accessibility of clinical data, improved care coordination, reduction of errors, and time and cost saving. Recommended considerations for successful implementation include training, sensitization, organizational conflicts and computer infrastructure.

Conclusion

Change management during EHR implementation in oncology in low-and-middle income setting should focus on attributes of the change and the change targets, including vision clarity, change appropriateness, change efficacy, presence of an effective champion, organizational flexibility, and collective self-efficacy. Particularly, issues of training, computer skills of staff, computer infrastructure, sensitization and strategic implementation need consideration.
Effect of a community-based intervention for cardiovascular risk factor control on stroke mortality in rural Gadchiroli, India: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kalkonde Yogeshwar , Deshmukh Mahesh , Nila Sindhu , Jadhao Sunil , Bang Abhay
Published: August 2019

Background

Stroke has emerged as a leading cause of death in rural India. However, well tested healthcare interventions to reduce stroke mortality in rural under-resourced settings are lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a community-based preventive intervention on stroke mortality in rural Gadchiroli, India.

Methods

The study is a two-arm, parallel group, cluster randimised controlled trial where 32 villages each will be randomised to the intervention and the enhanced usual care (EUC) arm. In the intervention arm, individuals ≥ 50 years of age will be screened for hypertension, diabetes and stroke by trained Community Health Workers (CHWs). Screen positive individuals will be referred to a mobile outreach clinic which will visit intervention villages. A physician in the clinic will confirm the diagnosis, provide guideline-based treatment and follow up patients at periodic intervals. The CHWs will make home visits once a month to ensure medication compliance and counsel patients to reduce salt consumption and quit tobacco and alcohol. In the EUC arm, households will be provided information on the ill effects of tobacco and steps to quit it. Individuals from both the arms will have access to government’s national programme for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases where treatment for hypertension, diabetes and stroke is available at the primary health centres (PHCs). The intervention will be implemented for 3.5 years. The primary outcome will be reduction in stroke mortality in the last 2.5 years of the intervention.

Discussion

This trial will provide important information regarding the feasibility and effect of a community-based preventive intervention package on stroke mortality in a rural under-resourced setting and can inform India’s non-communicable diseases prevention and control programme. If successful, such an intervention can be scaled up in rural regions of India and other countries.
Prevalence and factors associated with re-laparotomy among patients operated in Debre-Markos Referral Hospital, North West Ethiopia: Retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Yesuf Nurhusien Nuru , Yohanes Yeneabat Birhanu , Bashah Debrework Tesgera , Walle Tarkie Abebe , Netsere Henok Biresaw
Published: August 2019

Background Re-laparotomy is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality among patients with abdominal surgery; unless efforts are made to prevent in advance by identifying the potential risk factors. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre-Markos Referral Hospital from three hundred and ninety charts (390) from January 1, 2015, to January 30, 2017. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22. The associated factors for re-laparotomy were identified using multivariable logistic regression. P-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results We studied 390 patients based on charts. Two hundred seventy-four patients (70.3%) were males. Forty-eight patients (12.3%) performed re-laparotomy. Patients with the duration of operating on initial surgery >60 hrs, AOR=3.30(95%CI [1.40-7.41, p=0.05]), diabetes mellitus, AOR=4.79(95%CI [1.55-14.80, p=0.007]), elective surgery, AOR=0.17(95%CI [0.05-0.56, p= 0.004]) Conclusion Even re-laparotomy is preventive; it is found to be in-patients underwent abdominal surgery. Therefore, appropriate preventive intervention to be taken to change those factors of the first surgery.
Prevalence and predicting factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease diagnosed by transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Jongraksak Tanawat , Sobhonslidsuk Abhasnee , Jatchavala Janjira , Warodomwichit Daruneewan , Kaewduang Piyaporn , Sungkanuparph Somnuek
Published: August 2019

Background: HIV infection is one of the most important health problems worldwide. With effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), the mortality rate of HIV-infected patients has significantly declined. Currently, metabolic complications become more common and lead to increasing morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a common metabolic complication in these patients. Our study was aimed to determine the prevalence and predicting factors of NAFLD in HIV-infected population.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in HIV-infected patients receiving ART without history of regular alcohol consumption or known chronic liver diseases. The data of demographic and clinical parameters, metabolic profiles, bioelectrical impedance analysis, liver ultrasonography and transient elastography (TE) with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) were collected. The prevalence and predicting factors of NAFLD were analyzed. NAFLD was defined when CAP ≥248 dB/m. Patients were categorized into two groups: NAFLD and non-NAFLD. Significant liver fibrosis was defined when liver stiffness measurement (LSM) >7.0 kPa. Predicting factors of NAFLD were determined using logistic regression analysis.Results: A total of 150 patients were included in the study. Forty-eight (32.0%) patients had NAFLD. Among this group, significant fibrosis was diagnosed in 5 (10.4%) patients and steatosis by ultrasonography was documented in 31 (64.6%) patients. Baseline characteristics including age, sex, CD4 cell count, types of ART regimens and duration of ART between the two groups were not different (p>0.05). Blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), percentage of fat, AST, ALT, HbA1c, LDL, and triglycerides were higher in the NAFLD group (p<0.05). By multivariate analysis, high BMI [odds ratio (OR) 1.596; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.336-1.907, p<0.001], triglycerides level more than 150 mg/dl [OR 3.722; 95% CI, 1.508-9.187, p<0.004] and advance age [OR 1.076; 95% CI, 1.017-1.139, p<0.011] were predicting factors of NAFLD. Conclusions: NAFLD is commonly found in HIV-infected patients receiving ART while significant fibrosis is relatively uncommon. High BMI, age and triglycerides appear to be predicting factors of NAFLD. The regimen and duration of ART are not associated with NAFLD. Screening for NAFLD by TE with CAP in HIV-infected patients should be recommended for early detection of NAFLD.
Global scale transcriptome analysis reveal differentially expressed genes during early somatic embryogenesis in Dimocarpus longan Lour
Authors: Chen Yukun , Xu Xiaoping , Liu Zhuanxia , Zhang Zihao , Xu XuHan , Lin Yuling , lai zhongxiong
Published: August 2019

Background

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a process of somatic cells that dedifferentiate to the totipotent embryonic stem cells and generate embryos in vitro. Longan SE has been established and wildly used as a model system for studying embryogenesis in woody plants, and some SE-related genes had been characterized. In spite of that, a comprehensive overview of SE at a molecular level is still absent. With the aim of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying SE in longan, we examined the transcriptome changes by using Illumina HiSeq platform from the four distinct developmental stages, including non-embryogenic callus (NEC), embryogenic callus (EC), incomplete compact pro-embryogenic cultures (ICpEC), globular embryos (GE).

Results

RNA-seq of the four samples generated a total of 243.78 million high quality reads, approximately 81.5% of the data were mapped to the reference genome. The cDNA libraries of NEC, EC, ICpEC and GE, generated 22743, 19745, 21144, 21102 expressed transcripts and 1935, 1710, 1816, 1732 novel transcripts, and 2645, 366, 505, 588 unique genes, respectively. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed the important role of auxin and cytokinin during longan SE. The transcripts profiling of flavonoid and fatty acid biosynthesis related genes suggested that flavonoids were mainly accumulated in NEC, while fatty acid accumulated in early SE. In addition, the extracelluar protein encoding genes LTP, CHI, GLP, AGP, EP1 were related to longan SE. Transcript profiling combined with qRT-PCR performed on selected genes confirmed that 27 SE molecular markers (LEC1, LEC1-like, PDF1.3, GH3.6, AGL80, PIN1, BBM, WOX9, WOX2, ABI3, et al.) and 28 NEC markers (LEA5, CNOT3, DC2.15, PR1-1, NsLTP2, DIR1, PIP1, PIP2.1, TIP2-1, POD-P7 and POD5 et al.) were characterized as potential molecular markers for longan early SE, respectively.

Conclusion

Our transcriptome reveals the transcription regulation of auxin, cytokinin and other hormones signaling pathway, flavonoids biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, extracelluar protein encoding genes, and other SE-related genes during early SE. Furthermore, we characterizes the potential molecular markers to distinguish NEC and early SE of longan. The present work provides new insights into future functional studies, as a means of studying the molecular mechanisms in SE.
Chronic pain diagnoses and opioid dispensings among individuals with serious mental illness
Authors: Owen-Smith Ashli , Stewart Christine , Sesay Musu M. , Strasser Sheryl M. , Yarborough Bobbi Jo , Ahmedani Brian , Miller-Matero Lisa R. , Waring Stephen C. , Haller Irina V. , Waitzfelder Beth E. , Sterling Stacy A. , Campbell Cynthia I. , Hechter Rulin C. , Zeber John E. , Copeland Laurel A. , Scherrer Jeffrey F. , Rossom Rebecca , Simon Greg
Published: August 2019

Background

Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) have particularly high rates of chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) and are also more likely to receive prescription opioids for their pain. However, there have been no known studies published to date that have examined opioid treatment patterns among individuals with schizophrenia.

Methods

Using electronic medical record data across 13 Mental Health Research Network sites, individuals with diagnoses of MDD (N=65,750), BD (N=38,117) or schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (N=12,916) were identified and matched on age, sex and Medicare status to controls with no documented mental illness. CNCP diagnoses and prescription opioid medication dispensings were extracted for the matched samples. Multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate (1) the odds of receiving a pain-related diagnosis and (2) the odds of receiving opioids, by separate mental illness diagnosis category compared with matched controls, controlling for age, sex, Medicare status, race/ethnicity, income, medical comorbidities, healthcare utilization and chronic pain diagnoses.

Results

Multivariable models indicated that having a MDD (OR=1.90; 95% CI=1.85–1.95) or BD (OR=1.71; 95% CI=1.66–1.77) diagnosis was associated with increased odds of a CNCP diagnosis after controlling for age, sex, race, income, medical comorbidities and healthcare utilization. By contrast, having a schizophrenia diagnosis was associated with decreased odds of receiving a chronic pain diagnosis (OR=0.86; 95% CI=0.82– 0.90). Having a MDD (OR=2.59; 95% CI=2.44–2.75) or BD (OR=2.12; 95% CI=1.97–2.28) diagnosis was associated with increased odds of receiving chronic opioid medications, even after controlling for age, sex, race, income, medical comorbidities, healthcare utilization and chronic pain diagnosis; having a schizophrenia diagnosis was not associated with receiving chronic opioid medications.

Conclusions

Individuals with serious mental illness, who are most at risk for developing opioid-related problems, continue to be prescribed opioids more often than their peers without mental illness. Healthcare providers need to be especially conservative in prescribing opioids – or avoid opioid therapy altogether – for this population. Mental health clinicians may be particularly well-suited to lead pain assessment and management efforts for these patients.
Recognizing states of psychological vulnerability to suicidal behavior: a Bayesian Network of Artificial Intelligence applied to a clinical sample.
Authors: Barros Jorge , Morales Susana , García Arnol , Echávarri Orietta , Fischman Ronit , Szmulewicz Marta , Moya Claudia , Núñez Catalina , Tomicic Alemka
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to determine conditional dependence relationships for variables that contribute to psychological vulnerability associated with suicide risk. A Bayesian Network was developed and applied to establish conditional dependence relationships among variables for each individual subject studied. These conditional dependencies represented the different states that patients could have adopted in relation to suicidal behavior (SB). The clinical sample included 650 mental health patients with mood and anxiety symptomatology. Results mainly indicated that variables within the Bayesian Network are part of each patient’s state of psychological vulnerability, having the potential to impact such states, and that variables coexist and are relatively stable over time. These results have enabled us to offer a tool to detect states of psychological vulnerability associated with suicide risk. If we accept that suicidal behaviors (vulnerability-ideation-suicidal attempts) exist in constant change and are unstable, we can investigate what happens to individuals at specific moments as doorways toward intervening in a timely manner so as to prevent such behaviors. Future testing of the tool developed in this study is needed, not only in specialized mental health environments, but also in other places with high rates of mental illness such as primary healthcare facilities and educational institutions (schools and universities), among others.
Comparison of the predictive values of two binary diagnostic tests subject to a case-control sampling
Authors: Roldán-Nofuentes Jose Antonio , Sidaty-Regad Saad Bouh
Published: August 2019

Background: The main parameters to compare binary tests are the sensitivity and the specificity. Case-control sampling to compare two binary tests is frequent in clinical practice. This design consists of applying the two binary tests to all of the individuals in a sample of those who have the disease and in another sample of those who do not have the disease. In this design, the sensitivities (specificities) are compared from the case (control) sample applying the McNemar’s test. Other parameters of a binary test are the predictive values. The predictive values of a binary test represent the clinical accuracy of a binary test when it is applied to the individuals in a population with a determined disease prevalence.
Methods: This article studies the comparison of the predictive values of two diagnostic tests subject to a case-control sampling. A global hypothesis test, based on the chi-square distribution, is proposed to compare the predictive values simultaneously. The comparison of the predictive values is also studied individually. The hypothesis tests studied require knowledge of an estimation of the disease prevalence.
Results: Simulation experiments were carried out to study the type I errors and the powers of the hypothesis tests, as well as to study the effect of a misspecification of the prevalence on the behaviour of the hypothesis tests and on the estimators of the predictive values. The results obtained were applied to an example on the diagnosis of the Human African Trypanosomiasis.
Conclusions: A method has been proposed to compare the predictive values of two diagnostic tests subject to a case-control sampling. This method consists in: 1) Simultaneously comparing the predictive values applying the global hypothesis test based on the chi-square distribution to an error alpha; 2) If the global test is not significant, then the equality of the predictive values is not rejected. If the global test is significant to an error alpha , then the causes of the significance are studied solving the individual hypothesis tests and applying Bonferroni’s method (or Holm’s method) to an error alpha.
Keywords: Binary diagnostic test, Chi-square distribution, Positive and negative predictive values.
Management of urolithiasis associated with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Hatano Takashi , Imai Yu , Mori Kei-ichiro , Moritake Jun , Endo Katsuhisa , Tamari Mayumi , Egawa Shin
Published: August 2019

The most common renal symptoms of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are angiomyolipomas (AMLs) and renal cysts; however, some patients with TSC also develop urolithiasis. In this study, we evaluated the incidence, risk factors and clinical courses of TSC-associated urolithiasis. We analyzed a total of 102 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for TSC, of whom 15 (14.7%) had urolithiasis. We compared urinary specific gravity, urine pH, serum calcium, intact parathyroid hormone and the use of antiepileptic agents of the urolithiasis and non-urolithiasis groups. The urine specific gravity and urine pH were higher in the urolithiasis group than in the non-urolithiasis group (P = 0.005, P = 0.042, respectively). No significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to the serum corrected calcium and intact parathyroid hormone levels. The antiepileptic drugs topiramate and zonisamide were more frequently administered to the urolithiasis group than the non-urolithiasis group (P <0.001, P = 0.039, respectively). Four patients in the urolithiasis group underwent surgery. Three patients could not receive extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy due to the risk of bleeding from the AML, and therefore underwent transurethral lithotripsy. If urolithiasis is comorbid with TSC-associated AML, the treatment options are more limited in cases with multiple AMLs around the stone due to an increased risk of hemorrhage. Prevention and early detection of urolithiasis are beneficial to patients with TSC.
Matrine protects retinal ganglion cells from apoptosis in experimental optic neuritis
Authors: Kang Jian , Liu Shu-Qing , Song Yi-Fan , Wang Meng-Ru , Chu Yao-Juan , Shi Ya-Min , Zhang Feng-Yan , Wu Hongyang , Zhu Lin
Published: August 2019

Background: Inflammatory demyelination and axonal injury of the optic nerve are hallmarks of optic neuritis (ON), which often occurs in multiple sclerosis and is a major cause of blindness in young adults. Although a high dose of corticosteroids can promote visual recovery, it cannot prevent permanent neuronal damage. Novel and effective therapies are thus required. Given the recently defined capacity of matrine (MAT), a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from the herb Radix Sophorae flavescens, in immunomodulation and neuroprotection, we tested in this study the effect of matrine on ON in rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Results: MAT administration, started at disease onset, significantly suppressed optic nerve infiltration and demyelination, with reduced numbers of Iba1+ macrophages/microglia and CD4+ T cells, compared to those from vehicle-treated rats. Increased expression of neurofilaments, an axon marker, and decreased apoptosis in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were also observed after MAT treatment. Conclusions: Taken as a whole, our results demonstrate that MAT attenuated inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss in the optic nerve, and protected RGCs from inflammation-induced cell death. MAT may therefore have potential as a novel treatment for this disease that causes blindness.
Lymphocyte Count and Serum PCT L ev els Improve the Sensitivity of CURB-65 in Prediction of 30-day Mortality of Patients with Community-acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Zhang Jin , Tao Rui , Liu Pengcheng , Zhao Dahai , Xu Jiegou
Published: August 2019

Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The CURB-65 score and other blood biomarkers were used to evaluate prognosis of hospitalized patients with CAP. The aim of our study is t o evaluate the prognostic values of other blood biomarkers and the CURB-65 score in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods A retrospective study of clinical data of in-hospitalized adult CAP patients who fulfilled the CAP criteria and were admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui medical university between January 2015 and December 2018 was conducted. The CURB-65 score was calculated, and other biomarkers including blood lymphocyte countat and serum PCT (a propeptide of calcitonin) level were collected at enrolment. Logistic regression analysis was performed to develop combined models to predict 30-day mortality in overall hospitalized and/or the ICU admission of CAP patients. Then, receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis was conducted to measure and compare the prognostic values of the CURB-65 score and biomarkers in the combined models.Results The ROC curve analysis using logistic regression of the new combined models showed that the CURB-65 score combined with lymphocyte count and serum PCT level (designated as CURB-65L P) improved the predictive value and was sensitive diagnostic model in predicting the 30-day mortality of CAP patients.Conclusion Serum level of lymphocytes or PCT alone is a strong prognostic factor for evaluation of 30-day mortality of CAP patients. Incorporation of both factors improves the sensitivity of the CURB-65 scoring system in the prediction of the 30-day mortality. This new CURB-65LP scoring system is simple, but more accurate for evaluating the severity of CAP with higher sensitivity and specificity than the current CURB-65 scoring system.
Analysis of CYP2J2 polymorphisms in the Chinese Uyghur population
Authors: Jin Tianbo , Bai Mei , He Yongjun , Wang Li , Li Shanqu , Yan Dongya
Published: August 2019

Background: Genetic characteristics of CYP2J2 in different populations may be helpful to explore inter-ethnic variability in drug response and disease susceptibility. There is no information about the genetic profile of CYP2J2 in the Chinese Uygur population.Methods: We used PCR and direct sequencing to investigate the whole CYP2J2 in 100 unrelated healthy individuals of Chinese Uygur populations. Chi-square test was used to compare genotyping data of CYP2J2 in the Chinese Uygur population with other races. The SIFT and PolyPhen-2 online tools were used to predict the protein function of the novel non-synonymous mutations in CYP2J2. The CADD software was used to predict pathogenicity for mutations.Results: We detected twenty-eight polymorphisms in the CYP2J2, including five new mutations, three alleles (*1, *7 and *8), and three genotypes (*1/*1, *1/*7 and *1/*8) of CYP2J2 in Chinese Uyghur population. The allele frequencies of CYP2E1*1, *7 and *8 were 96%, 3.45%, and 0.5%, respectively. Interethnic comparison found that *1 was significantly higher than Taiwanese and African-Americans; and*7 was relatively lower when compared with Taiwanese and African-Americans (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the protein prediction results revealed that the five non-synonymous mutations could influence the protein structure and function.Conclusion: The observations of this study give rise to useful information on CYP2J2 polymorphisms in Chinese Uygur individuals. We hope the results will indicate important clinical implications for the use of medications metabolized by CYP2J2.
Activated charcoal and promotion of growth regulation in wheat seedlings: transcriptome analysis
Authors: Dong Fu-shaung , lv Meng-yu , Wang Jin-ping , Shi Xue-ping , Liu Yong-wei , zhao He , Zhou Shou , Chai Jian-Fang
Published: August 2019

Background

Activated charcoal (AC) is highly adsorbent and is often used to promote seedling growth in plant tissue culture, although the molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, global transcriptome analysis by RNA sequencing was performed on 10 day old seedlings prepared from both underground and aboveground growing conditions to provide new insights into seedling growth in the presence of AC.Results

A total of 18,555 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, in which 11,182 were found in roots and 7,373 were found in shoots. In seedlings grown with AC in immature embryo culture, 9,460 DEGs were up-regulated and 7,483 DEGs were down-regulated compared to the control. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that 254 KEGG pathways were enriched in DEGs, 226 of which were common in roots and shoots. Further analysis of major metabolic pathways showed that AC stimulated the expression of nine genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, including PLA, CYP73A, COMT, CYP84A, and 4CL , which promoted cell differentiation and seedling growth. In the plant hormone signal transduction pathway, AC up-regulated genes related to stress resistance and disease resistance including EIN3, BZR1, JAR1, JAZ, and PR1 , and down-regulated genes related to plant growth inhibition, including BKI1, ARR-B, DELLA, and ABF .Conclusions

Growth medium containing AC not only promoted seedling growth, but also enhanced resistance to stress and disease.