bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WAKTU TANAM KAPAS DI JAWA TENGAH
Authors: RIAJAYA PRIMA DIARINI , SHOLEH MOCH. , KADARWATI F.T.
Published: June 2020

ABSTRAK
Curah hujan merupakan salah satu unsur iklim yang sangat
berpengaruh terhadap produksi kapas. Variasi hujan di lahan tadah hujan
Jawa Tengah sangat tinggi sehingga diperlukan penetapan waktu tanam.
Waktu tanam ditetapkan berdasarkan analisis hujan lebih dari 20 tahun
dari 31 stasiun hujan yang tersebar di Kabupaten Grobogan, Wonogiri,
Blora, Pemalang, Tegal, dan Brebes. Data dianalisis menggunakan metode
peluang Markov Order Pertama dan perhitungan peluang selang kering
berturut-turut. Peluang hujan yang dianalisis berupa peluang hujan
mingguan lebih dari 10, 20, 30, 40, dan 50 mm. Besar peluang hujan
mingguan lebih dari 60% untuk mendapatkan hujan lebih dari 20 mm dan
30 mm dipakai dalam penentuan minggu tanam, selanjutnya disesuaikan
dengan peluang kering berturut-turut. Minggu tanam paling lambat (MPL)
di Kabupaten Grobogan dan Wonogiri berkisar minggu I Desember sampai
minggu I Januari. MPL di Kabupaten Blora, Pemalang, Tegal, dan Brebes
adalah minggu I-IV Januari. Sebagian besar lahan yang digunakan untuk
kapas bertekstur liat dengan kandungan liat di atas 60%. Ketersediaan air
dari hujan cukup untuk memenuhi kebutuhan air kapas dan didukung oleh
kemampuan tanah menyimpan air yang tinggi.
Kata kunci : Kapas, Gossypium hirsutum, waktu tanam, periode kering,
masa tanam, Jawa Tengah

ABSTRACT
Cotton planting times in Central Java
Climatic elements particularly rainfall strongly influences successful
prediction of rainfed cotton yield. Rainfall variability varies amongst the
seasons. Longterm rainfall data were required for rainfall analysis to get
reliable probabilities. The rainfall analysis was done using Markov Chain
First Order Probability and dryspell probability methods. Initial and
conditional probabilities of rainfall for selected amounts (10, 20, 30, 40
and 50 mm/week) were analysed. Rainfall probabilities over 60% to have
20-30 mm rainfall per week were used to identify cotton planting times.
The rainfall data were collected from 31 rainfall stations in Central Java
(Grobogan, Wonogiri, Blora, Pemalang, Tegal, and Brebes). The planting
times varied from the first week of December to the first week of January
for Grobogan and Wonogiri. The planting times in Blora, Pemalang,
Tegal, and Brebes ranged from early to late January. The majority of land
used for cotton has high clay content with high water holding capacity
which is sufficient to meet the cotton water requirement.
Key words : Cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, planting time, dryspell,
seasonal pattern, Central Java
PENAMPILAN BEBERAPA KLON KAPUK SEBAGAI TANAMAN LORONG DENGAN TANAMAN SELA UBI KAYU
Authors: SAHID MOCH. , MARJANI MARJANI , BASUKI TEGER
Published: June 2020

ABSTRAK
Peningkatan produktivitas kapuk berdampak positif pada pening-
katan pendapatan petani dan nilai ekspor. Usaha peningkatan produktivitas
tanaman kapuk antara lain dapat dilakukan dengan perbaikan potensi
genetik tanaman. Usaha peningkatan pendapatan petani kapuk selain
dengan peningkatan produktivitas tanaman dapat juga dilakukan dengan
pemanfaatan lahan yang ada di bawahnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk
memperoleh klon-klon kapuk yang sesuai sebagai tanaman lorong dengan
tanaman sela ubi kayu pada saat tanaman kapuknya masih muda.
Penelitian dilakukan di KP Ngemplak, Pati mulai bulan Januari 2002 -
Desember 2002. Kapuk ditanam pada bulan Januari 1998. Perlakuan
terdiri dari 12 klon harapan kapuk berumur 4 tahun yang di bawahnya
ditanami tanaman sela ubi kayu. Penelitian disusun dalam rancangan acak
kelompok dengan tiga ulangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dari
12 klon harapan kapuk sampai umur 4 tahun yang ditanam dengan
tanaman sela ubi kayu terdapat satu klon harapan kapuk yang sesuai yaitu
E 22. Klon E 22 yang ditanam bersama dengan tanaman sela ubi kayu
memberikan pendapatan tertinggi sebesar Rp 2.999.010 dengan hasil
gelondong 1.143,8 kg per ha dan hasil ubi kayu sebesar 13.896 kg per ha.
Kata kunci : Kapuk, Ceiba petandra, tanaman lorong, hasil, ubi kayu,
tanaman sela, Jawa Tengah

ABSTRACT
Performance of kapok clones as alley crops with cassava
as their cash crops
Increasing of kapok productivity gives positive impact to farmer’s
income and foreign exchange. One of the efforts to increase kapok
productivity is by genetic potential improvement. Beside increasing the
productivity, farmer’s income could be increased by utilization of land
under kapok trees with cash crops. The objective of this research was to
find out kapok clones having high yield and suitable as alley crops
intercropped with cassava. The activity was conducted at Ngemplak
Experimental Garden, Pati from January 2002 to December 2002. Kapok
clones were planted on January 1998. This research was arranged in
randomized block design with 3 replications. Twelve kapok clones which
were 4 years old were tested as alley crops with cassava as cash crops. The
results showed that clone E22 was suitable as alley crop with cassava as
cash crops. The yield of the clone was 1,143.8 kg pods per ha and cassava
production was 13,896 kg/ha. The combinations of clone E22 as alley crop
with cassava as cash crops gave income to the farmers Rp. 2,999,010 per
ha.
Key words: Kapok, Ceiba petandra, alley crop, yield, cassava, cash crop,
Central Java
EVALUASI KERAGAMAN GENETIK PLASMA NUTFAH KELAPA GENJAH DI KEBUN PERCOBAAN MAPANGET BERDASARKAN PENANDA DNA SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeats)
Authors: KUMAUNANG JEANETTE , MASKROMO ISMAIL , MANAROINSONG ENGELBERT
Published: June 2020

ABSTRAK
Keragaman genetik sangat penting dalam program pemuliaan
kelapa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari keragaman genetik
plasma nutfah kelapa Genjah yang ditanam secara ex situ di kebun koleksi
Mapanget, Balai Penelitian Tanaman Kelapa dan Palma Lain, Manado.
Delapan aksesi kelapa Genjah dianalisis keragamannya berdasarkan
penanda DNA SSRs menggunakan 3 primer atau lokus. Hasil analisis
menunjukkan bahwa 3 primer SSRs yang digunakan semuanya polimorfik
dan menghasilkan 4 - 5 alel per lokus. Kelapa Genjah Salak (GSK)
menunjukkan heterozigous pada ke tiga lokus, sedangkan Genjah Hijau
Jombang (GHJ) pada lokus CNZ 51. Dua pohon sampel dari masing-
masing aksesi yang dianalisis memiliki kemiripan genetik sebesar 100%
kecuali aksesi (GHJ) yang hanya memiliki kemiripan 93 %. Aksesi GSK
yang sangat berbeda dengan aksesi lainnya dengan kemiripan hanya 45%.
Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa aksesi kelapa GSK dan GHJ memiliki
beberapa karakter yang berbeda dan spesifik dibandingkan dengan aksesi
lainnya, sehingga diperlukan seleksi yang ketat sebelum digunakan
sebagai materi pemuliaan
Kata kunci : Kelapa,Cocos nucifera L.,plasma nutfah, keragaman genetik,
kelapa Genjah, penanda DNA SSRs, Sulawesi Utara
ABSTRACT
Genetic diversity evaluation of dwarf coconut germplasm
at Mapanget Experimental Garden based on SSRs
(Simple Sequence Repeats) marker
Genetic diversity is very important in coconut breeding program.
The aim of this research was to study genetic diversity of Dwarf Coconut
that have been planted on Mapanget Experimental Garden, Indonesian
Coconut and Palmae Research Institute Manado. Eight Dwarf accessions
were analyzed their to find out genetic diversity based on SSRs marker
using three primers or locus. The results showed that three primers SSRs
were polymophic and gave 4 -5 allels per locus. Salak Green Dwarf (SGD)
showed heterozygous in three loci, while Jombang Green Dwarf (JGD) in
locus CNZ 51. Two sample plants of each accession had genetic similarity
100% except JGD only had similarity of 93%. SGD was different with
other accessions and only had genetic similarity of 45%. SGD and JGD
had several and specific characters that were different compared to the
other accessions and have to be selected before they are used as breeding
materials.
Key words : Coconut, Cocos nucifera L., germplasm, genetic diversity
dwarf coconut, marker SSRs
DAMPAK EKONOMI DAN KEBERLANJUTAN PENERAPAN PENGELOLAAN KELAPA TERPADU DI KABUPATEN MINAHASA UTARA
Authors: T.P. HUTAPEA RONALD , T. TENDA ELSJE
Published: June 2020

ABSTRAK

Akselerasi adopsi teknologi pengelolaan kelapa terpadu merupakankegiatan yang dilakukan untuk mempercepat diseminasi teknologi danmengevaluasi model yang telah dikembangkan oleh Balitka di DesaKaleosan,  Kabupaten  Minahasa  Utara  pada  tahun  2004-2006.Pengumpulan data menggunakan metode survei dan dilaksanakan padabulan November 2006. Data yang dikumpulkan meliputi karakteristikpetani, tingkat penerapan teknologi, serta usahatani. Penelitian inibertujuan untuk memperoleh informasi (1) tingkat adopsi dan difusiteknologi anjuran, (2) dampak teknologi terhadap pendapatan petani, dan(3) keberlanjutan organisasi kelompok tani. Hasil penelitian menunjukkanbahwa tingkat adopsi dan difusi teknologi pembibitan kelapa dan tanamansela jagung direspon cukup baik, dengan kisaran tingkat adopsi dan difusiteknologi sebesar 57,33-70,33. Kegiatan integrasi kelapa dengan ternakbabi serta pengolahan VCO tidak terjadi proses difusi, walaupun tingkatadopsi pada kelompok tani cukup tinggi dengan kisaran 60,00 – 85,33.Dampak ekonomi dari penerapan teknologi anjuran tanaman sela danpengaruhnya terhadap produktivitas kelapa menunjukkan dampak yangpositif, dengan nilai kelayakan finansial BCR dan MBCR >1. Dampakkeberlanjutan organisasi kedua kelompok tani berada pada kelompokberkembang.

Kata kunci : Kelapa, sistem usahatani, adopsi teknologi, percepatan

ABSTRACT

Acceleration of management technology adoption ofintegrated coconut in North Minahasa regionIntegrated coconut management technology is a disseminationmodel to accelerate technology adoption in Kaleosan Village, NorthMinahasa in year 2004 – 2006. The research used survey method and wasconducted in November 2006. The data collected included farmers’characteristic, level of technology implementation, and farming systemanalysis. The purpose of this research was to gather information about (1)adoption and diffusion level of recommended technology, (2) impact oftechnology toward farmers’ income, (3) and the continuation of farmers’organization. The research result showed that the adoption stage ofcoconut seedling technology and corn intercropping was responded fairlywith the adoption stage and technologi diffusion of 57.33 – 70.33. Thediffusion process did not happen in the activity of coconut integration withpig cattle and VCO processing, eventhough the adoption stage of farmersgroup was relatively high, about 60.00 – 85.33. Economic impact ofrecommended intercropping technology application and the effect oncoconut productivity showed a positive result, with the BCR and MBCRvalues of > 1. The continuity of both farmers groups has been still indeveloping level.

Key words : Coconut, farming system, technology adoption, integration
A MODIFIED NEOCLASSICAL GROWTH MODEL WITH ENDOGENOUS LABOR PARTICIPATION
Authors: Villanueva Delano Segundo
Published: June 2020

In light of robust econometric results on the determinants of labor participation in36 advanced economies reported by Grigoli et al. (2018) and independently by CBO(2018), my paper modifies the Solow (1956) - Swan (1956), or S-S, growth model bymaking endogenous the rate of labor participation (exogenously fixed at a constantfraction of population in the S-S model). By allowing a fully adjusting natural rate, Ifind that the positive growth effects of a higher saving rate hold in the transition to andin the steady state (a generalization of the S-S model).
ASIAN CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCES AND SPILLOVERS FROM A FOREIGN COUNTRY, A REGION AND THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Narayan Seema Wati
Published: June 2020

This paper provides an overall picture on the influence of domestic and foreign shockson the current account of selected Asian countries over the period 1978 to 2012. Thepresent value model of the current account theory states that forward looking andconsumption smoothing behaviour of economic agents can promote sustainablecurrent account balances, as long as these are maintained by transitory unanticipatedshocks to the current account. The unexpected transitory domestic and foreign shocksare sourced, respectively, from the domestic and foreign current account. Foreignshocks are developed from an Asian country, a region, and the US. Our empiricalanalysis of the impact of foreign and domestic current account shocks shows thatunexpected domestic shocks, rather than unexpected foreign shocks, matter for thecurrent accounts of Asian countries.
EMPLOYMENT PROBABILITIES AND WORKFORCE DISTRIBUTION IN THE INDIAN MANUFACTURING SECTOR: A STATE-LEVEL ANALY
Authors: Chakradhar Jadhav , Bairwa Arun Kumar
Published: June 2020

Employment distribution disparities are preventing the Indian economy from achievinginclusive growth. The skewed distribution of employment is one of the reasons forthe rising inequalities in the economy. In this regard, the present study analyses theemployment probabilities of Indians working in the manufacturing sector. A binarylogit model has been used on a pooled cross-sectional dataset of the fourth (2013-14) and fifth (2015-16) Employment and Unemployment Surveys (EUS). The studyanalyses four major attributes, namely castes (social categories), gender, location, andeducation. We analyze these attributes separately for all the 29 main Indian states,and find that caste and location are highly important deciding factors of employmentprobabilities in the manufacturing sector.
WHEN PRIME DEPOSITORS RUN ON THE BANKS: A BEHAVIORAL APPROACH
Authors: Massie Natanael Waraney Gerald , Nuryakin Chaikal
Published: June 2020

This paper examines the effect of two psychological attributes, namely an individual’srisk and time preference, on withdrawal decisions. Our sample is a pool of primedepositors in Indonesia, mainly due to the country’s deposit market being heavilyconcentrated on such depositors. We find that most of the prime depositors are riskaverse long-term depositors. The regression results show that there is a significantcorrelation between the decision to withdraw and individual risk and time preferencein most economic shock scenarios. The study concludes that a bank-run could happenif the rupiah depreciates by approximately 27% (from Rp 13,436 to Rp 17,000) andwhen there is a medium or a large bank failure.
Intracellular expression of arginine deiminase activates the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by inhibiting cytosolic ferritin and inducing chromatin autophagy
Authors: Feng Qingyuan , Bian Xuzhao , Liu Xuan , Wang Ying , Zhou Huiting , Ma Xiaojing , Quan Chunju , Yao Yi , Zheng Zhongliang
Published: June 2020

Background：Based on its low toxicity, arginine starvation therapy has the potential to cure malignant tumors that cannot be treated surgically. The Arginine deiminase (ADI) gene has been identified to be an ideal cancer-suppressor gene. ADI expressed in the cytosol displays higher oncolytic efficiency than ADI-PEG20 (Pegylated Arginine Deiminase by PEG 20,000). However, it is still unknown whether cytosolic ADI has the same mechanism of action as ADI-PEG20 or other underlying cellular mechanisms.Methods: The interactions of ADI with other protein factors were screened by yeast hybrids, and verified by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent staining. The effect of ADI inhibiting the ferritin light-chain domain (FTL) in mitochondrial damage was evaluated by site-directed mutation and flow cytometry. Control of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway was analyzed by Western Blotting and real-time PCR experiments. The effect of p53 expression on cancer cells death was assessed by siTP53 transfection. Chromatin autophagy was explored by immunofluorescent staining and Western Blotting.Results: ADI expressed in the cytosol inhibited the activity of cytosolic ferritin by interacting with FTL. The inactive mutant of ADI still induced apoptosis in certain cell lines of ASS- through mitochondrial damage. Arginine starvation also generated an increase in the expression of p53 and p53AIP1, which aggravated the cellular mitochondrial damage. Chromatin autophagy appeared at a later stage of arginine starvation. DNA damage occurred along with the entire arginine starvation process. Histone 3 (H3) was found in autophagosomes, which implies that cancer cells attempted to utilize the arginine present in histones to survive during arginine starvation. Conclusions: Mitochondrial damage is the major mechanism of cell death induced by cytosolic ADI. The process of Chromatophagy does not only stimulate cancer cells to utilize histone arginine but also speeds up cancer cell death at a later stage of arginine starvation.
Measuring productivity of healthcare services under environmental constraints: Evidence from China
Authors: Yu Jinna , liu zhen , Zhang Tingting , Hatab Assem Abu , Lan Jing
Published: June 2020

Background: Despite the growing literature on the efficiency and productivity of the Chinese healthcare system, less attention has been given to examining the undesirable outputs linked to healthcare services, including environmental pollution. Taking the atmospheric environmental pollution resulting from the incineration of medical waste as an undesirable output of the healthcare system, this study analyzed the growth and decomposition of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of healthcare services across 31 Chinese provinces during the period 2005-2016. Methods: The Meta-frontier undesirable super-efficiency slack-based measure (SBM) model and the Global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) Index were employed to analyze the growth and decomposition of TFP using the Max DEA software. Results: The results revealed that the years 2009 and 2015 marked significant changes in TFP of healthcare services in Chinese provinces. During the study period, the rate of technological change (TC) slowly declined, whereas the rate of efficiency change (EC) steadily increased. With the national average being the benchmark, the results indicated that: the TFP of 17 provinces and cities exceeded the average, the EC changes of 16 provinces and cities exceeded the average, the TC changes of 9 provinces and cities exceeded the average, and the in the Technology Gap Ratio (TGR) changes of 13 provinces and cities were above the national average. Conclusions: (1) The TFP of the healthcare services across China continued to decline slowly during the study period. (2) The effect of technical catch-up in the eastern, central, and western regions of China was significant across the three regions, whereas the effect of technical innovation was negative. (3) The TFP varied considerably among the Chinese provinces. These findings suggest that, under existing environmental constraints, relevant government departments should improve technical innovation in the supply of healthcare services and medical waste treatment, increase technical efficiency in the factor of healthcare production, strengthen regional health planning, and balance the development of regional healthcare.
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolism genes, Mediterranean diet and the risk of pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer
Authors: Cao Shang , Zhu Zheng , Zhou Jinyi , Li Wei , Dong Yunqiu , Qian Yun , Wei Pingmin , Wu Ming
Published: June 2020

Background: One-carbon metabolism pathway could interfere with the carcinogenesis of breast cancer (BC). Dietary pattern plays an important role in one-carbon metabolism linking the combination of dietary micronutrients. Methods: We assessed associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of one-carbon metabolism, adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) and BC risk from a case-control study (818 cases, 935 controls) among Chinese female population. The genotyping of 10 SNPs in seven one-carbon metabolism-related genes (MTHFD1, MTRR, MAT2B, CDO1, FOLR1, UNG2, ADA) were performed. Dietary intake measurements were assessed by a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Gene-diet interactions were analyzed. Results: No evidence demonstrated SNPs of one-carbon metabolism or their haplotypes were associated with BC risk. High adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern decreased the risk of breast cancer among post- but not premenopausal women and the association was influenced by the SNPs genotype, with the increasing number of variant allele in MTHFD1 (rs11627387), MTHFD1 (rs2281603), MTRR (rs16879334), MTRR (rs2287780), MAT2B (rs4869087), FOLR1 (rs10501409), UNG2 (rs231622) and ADA (rs244072). The protective effect against BC risk from high adherence to the MDP was gradually weakened and disappeared. For MTHFD1 (rs8003567) and CDO1 (rs34869) genotypes, women with homozygous were less affected by adherence to the MDP than to women who with heterozygotes. No significant gene-diet interactions were observed.Conclusions: SNPs of one-carbon metabolism genes modify the effect of high adherence to MDP against BC risk in Chinese women, as potential effect modifiers. Genetic variants may influence the association between diet and BC risk.
The effect of total flavonoids from Saussurea involucrata on the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Yan Li-Shan , Wang Li , Cheng Brian Chi-Yan , Ding Yu , Kong Jing , Wang Qing Gao , Fu Xiu-Qiong , Zhang Shuo-Feng , Luo Gan , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Impact of Covid-19 on General Surgical Practice in India
Authors: Nasta Amrit Manik , Goel Ramen , Manickavasagam Kanagavel , Sundaram Easwaramoorthy
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The Coronavirus disease—2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is a global health crisis and surgeons are at increased occupational risk of contracting COVID‐19. The impact of the disease on prevalent general surgical practice is uncertain and continues to evolve.Aims/Objectives: To study the impact of COVID-19 on general surgical practice in India and the future implications of the pandemic.Methods: A survey questionnaire was designed and electronically circulated one month after India entered a national lockdown during covid-19 pandemic, among members of Indian Association of Gastro-intestinal Endo-surgeons (IAGES), a surgical association with nearly eight thousand members. Survey questions pertaining to pre-COVID era surgical practices, impact on current practice and financial implications were asked. Responses were collected and statistically analyzed.Results: 153 surgeons completed the survey, of which only 9.2% were females. 41% surgeons were more than 20 years into practice. 36.6% were into private practice at multiple hospitals (free-lancers). 41.8% had mainly laparoscopic practice with mean outpatient consultation of 26 patients/day and elective surgeries of 43 cases /month prior to lockdown. Post lock-down, daily outpatient consults reduced to 4 patients/day and 77% had not performed even a single elective procedure. 52% were taking hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as chemoprophylaxis. 56.9% stated they are using personal protective equipment for all cases while 71.5% stated there are insufficient guidelines for future surgical practice in terms of safety. 52% surgeons stated a drop of more than 75% of their monthly income while 22% faced 50-75% reduction. 33% of respondents own a hospital and are expecting a monthly financial liability of 2.25 Million rupees (nearly 30,000 US dollars).Conclusion: COVID 19 has led to a drastic reduction in outpatient and elective surgical practices. There is a definite need for guidelines regarding safety for future surgical practices and solutions to overcome the financial liabilities in the near future.
A nomogram model assessing prognostic factors in patients with chemo/radiotherapy of small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Tan Shuzhen , Huang Yongmei , Kong Ying , Zhang Ming , Leng Shuilong , Zhu Xiao
Published: June 2020

Background: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is difficult to cure. In this study, the SEER database was used to construct a nomogram model and explore the potential prognostic factors of SCLC patients who treated with chemo/radiotherapy. Methods: The data were sorted out and randomly divided into training cohort and verification cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used in the training cohort to analyze the independent prognostic factors, then they be incorporated into the Nomogram model. Using the C-index, calibration algorithm and ROC in conjunction with the risk scores, the model was verified with the verification cohort. Finally, the overall survivals of those factors were evaluated in the total cases.Results: In the training cohort, we found that age, race, sex, total stage and extension were independent factors which were included in the nomogram model. C-index(s) that obtained from the training and verification cohorts showed that the model has predictive power. Moreover, the calibration curves and AUC results proved that the model is of great consistency not only in the training cohort but also in the verification cohort. Finally, significant differences in survival were observed among the above-mentioned factors and the overall survivals decreased over time.Conclusions: Age, race, sex, total stage and extension degree are independent factors for overall survival of patients. The nomogram model can better predict the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival probabilities, providing accurate reference for clinical individualized treatment.
Outcome and Predictive Factors in Rapid Progressive Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Abuduaini Haimiti , Liu Hao , Wang Beiyu , Meng Yang , Yang Yi , Ding Chen , Wu Tingkui , Huang Chengyi
Published: June 2020

Background: To evaluate epidemiological, clinical and radiographic features in the development and prognosis of rapid progressive cervical spondylotic myelopathy (rp-CSM).Methods: A retrospective study of 175 patient records was performed between March 2011 and January 2017. Patients were divided into rp-CSM group and chronic CSM (c-CSM) group according to the deterioration time and severity of preoperative neurological dysfunction. After selection, 25 rp-CSM patients were matched to a control group of 75 patients with c-CSM. The clinical outcomes were assessed by the Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score at six different follow-up time points. The imaging parameters including Torg-Pavlov Ratio (TPR) on conventional lateral x-ray and magnetic resonance images (MRI), intervertebral disc level compression ratio and increased signal intensity (ISI) on T2W1 were analyzed between the two groups, and predictors for rapid neurological dysfunction in CSM patients were evaluated using multivariate analysis.Results: Twenty-five patients experienced rp-CSM (18 males; median age 59.04 ± 12.81 years) and were matched with Seventy-five control subjects that with CSM without rapid progression (54 males; median age 56.88 ± 12.31 years). The average time to develop severe neurological deterioration was 0.8 month in rp-CSM group and 24 month in c-CSM group (p=0.001), preoperative mJOA were 6 in rp-CSM patients and 12 in c-CSM patients (p=0.014) and rp-CSM patients demonstrated worse outcomes than the controls in one year after surgery (mJOA improvement rate 54.5% and 80%, p=0.021). There were no differences between the two groups except the history of diabetes and the long-term smoking in basic condition, radiographic measurements signified that TPR MRI, intervertebral disc level compression ratio and increased signal intensity (ISI) on T2W1 were inferior in patients with rp-CSM than patients with c-CSM. Regression analysis verified that the history of diabetes, TPR MRI < 0.4, compression ratio ≥50%, the sagittal diameter of ISI ≥50% of spinal canal diameter on T2W1 have significant correlations with the rapid progressive neurological dysfunction in patients with CSM. Conclusion: The prognosis of rapid progressive CSM is worse than that of common chronic CSM. The rapid neurological deterioration can be identified by TPR MRI (< 0.4), compression ratio (≥50%), sagittal diameter of ISI (≥50% of spinal canal diameter). Besides, a history of diabetes was also a negative factor for these patients.
Clinical Profile, Response to therapy and outcomes of post-ischemic intestinal stenosis Secondary to Acute Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis: a retrospective case series study
Authors: Sun Shilong , Wang Xinyu , Chu Chengnan , Duan Zehua , Yang Chao , Zong Jiao , Liu Baochen , Wu Xingjiang , Li Qiurong , Ding Weiwei
Published: June 2020

Background

Acute mesenteric venous thrombosis (AMVT) can not only cause acute bowel infarction but result in post-ischemic intestinal stenosis (PIIS), which is rarely reported.
Methods

Consecutive patients diagnosed with PIIS secondary to AMVT (during the post-thrombotic course, confirmed segmental bowel stenosis) from January 2010 to June 2018 were enrolled. We evaluated the clinical profile, response to therapy, and outcomes of this complication managed at the intestinal stroke center in China. Clinical data are retrospectively analyzed and Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate the efficiency of conservative treatment.
Results

42 patients with PIIS secondary to AMVT were evaluated. 20 (5-150) days after discharge for AMVT, symptoms of PIIS appeared, and the interval between symptom onset and consultation was 29.5 (2-180) days. In addition, abdominal pain (90.5%), abdominal distension (76.2%), weight loss (71.4%), and nausea or vomiting (54.8%) were the common presentations. Hypoproteinemia was observed in 61.9% of patients, while leukocytosis, anemia and electrolyte disorders were present in 11.9%, 45.2% and 35.7% of patients, respectively. CT excluded thrombosis recurrence and revealed extensive collateral circulation or portal cavernous transformation in 83.3% of patients. Enterography was required only in 81.0% of patients, with positive findings in all patients, including complete obstruction (23.5%), intestinal stricture (64.7%), and extensive mucosal erosion (11.8%). Prompt conservative treatment achieved significantly increases of albumin and pre-albumin levels and correction of electrolyte disorders (all p < 0.05). However, only 4 (9.5%) patients improved after conservative therapy and laparotomy was required in other patients. A median length of 20 (2-100) cm of involved bowel was resected, mainly involving the jejunum (76.3%). Only 1 patient died due to uncontrolled transverse colon bleeding, and other patients’ postoperative courses were uneventful.
Conclusion

During the post-thrombotic course, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of PIIS in patients with symptoms of ileus and hypoproteinemia. Patients may respond to conservative therapy; however, the majority of patients warrant surgical resection.
Relationship between the atlantodental interval and T1 slope after atlantoaxial fusion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ha Byeong Jin , Won Yu Deok , Ryu Jeil , Han Myung-Hoon , Cheong Jin Hwan , Kim Jae Min , Chun Hyoung-Joon , Bak Koang-Hum , Bae In-Suk
Published: June 2020

Background
Atlantoaxial fusion has been widely used for the treatment of atlantoaxial instability (AAI). However, atlantoaxial fusion sacrifices the motion of atlantoaxial articulation, and postoperative loss of cervical lordosis and aggravation of cervical kyphosis are observed. We investigated various factors under the hypothesis that the atlantodental interval (ADI) and T1 slope may be associated with sagittal alignment after atlantoaxial fusion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods
We retrospectively investigated 64 patients with RA who underwent atlantoaxial fusion due to AAI. Radiological factors, including the ADI, T1 slope, Oc-C2 angle, cervical sagittal vertical axis, and C2-C7 angle, were measured before and after surgery.
Results
The various factors associated with atlantoaxial fusion before and after surgery were compared according to the upper and lower preoperative ADIs. There was a significant difference in the T1 slope 1 year after surgery (p = 0.044) among the patients with lower preoperative ADI values. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the preoperative ADI (> 7.92 mm) defined in the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was an independent predictive factor for the increase in the T1 slope 1 year after atlantoaxial fusion (odds ratio, 4.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–15.84; p = 0.014).
Conclusion
We found an association between the preoperative ADI and difference in the T1 slope after atlantoaxial fusion in the patients with RA. A preoperative ADI (> 7.92 mm) was an independent predictor for the increase in the T1 slope after atlantoaxial fusion. Therefore, performing surgical treatment when the ADI is low would lead to better cervical sagittal alignment.
Total Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy in Children with Choledochal Cysts: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Liu Fei , Xu Xiaogang , Lan Menglong , Tao Boyuan , Li Le , Wu Qiang , Chai Chengwei , Zeng Jixiao
Published: June 2020

Background: To compare the efficacy of total and conventional laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy (TLH and CLH) in children with choledochal cysts (CDCs).Methods: Patients undergoing TLH and CLH between August 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative blood loss, time for jejunum-co-jejunum anastomosis, time to oral intake, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization expenses, postoperative complications and perioperative laboratory values were compared.Results: All 55 patients (TLH=30, CLH=25) were successfully treated without conversion to open surgery. In the TLH and CLH groups, the time to oral intake was 3.57±0.19 d and 4.56±0.27 d, respectively (t=3.07, P<0.01), the postoperative hospital stay was 5.50±0.28 d and 7.00±0.74 d (t=2.03, P<0.05), the hospitalization expenses were CNY 40085±2447 and CNY 26084±2776 (t=3.79, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss (9.57±3.28ml vs 8.2±1.13 ml, t=0.37, P=0.72) and time for jejunum-co-jejunum anastomosis (80.5±2.46 min vs 75.00±2.04 min, t=1.68, P=0.10). The median follow-up periods of TLH and CLH group were 17 and 16 months respectively. Overall comlication rates were comparable between two groups (10% vs 8%, c²=0.07, P=0.79).Conclusions: TLH in children with CDCs has the advantages of rapid gastrointestinal functional recovery and short hospitalization. However, hospitalization is relatively expensive.
Characteristics and Trends of Chronic Pain Among Chinese Middle Aged and Elderly People in the Past Decades: Based on China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wang Yao , Luo Erdan , Bian Ying
Published: June 2020

Background: As one of the most common symptoms perplexing aged people, an understanding about chronic pain is needed with the aging of population in China. This study aimed to figure out the characteristics and trends of chronic pain among Chinese middle aged and elderly people in the past decades. Methods: The nationwide survey data of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2008 to 2015 were analyzed to describe the characteristics of chronic pain, including its prevalence, intensity and location, pain patients’ quality of life, treatment, and recognitions on pain. Chi-square test and t test were used to compare chronic pain in different years and among participants in different demographic groups. Binary logistic regression was applied to explore factors affecting chronic pain. Result: A total of 62481 middle aged and elderly participants were investigated on chronic pain in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015, and 30.13% of them suffered from chronic pain. The factors affecting chronic pain included age, gender,education, living area, disability, chronic disease, occupation, and food expenditure. Chronic pain located mostly in waist, accounting 13.60% of body pain, followed by legs and knees. Patients with mild, moderate, and severe pain accounted 37.38%, 29.70% and 32.92%, respectively. Pain patients slept 5.86 (±2.05) hours one night in average, which was significantly shorter than overall participants. There were 75.20% of pain patients suffered from depression, which was significantly more than that among overall participants. From 2013 to 2015, the proportion of pain patients receiving no treatment decreased from 39.35% to 26.80%, and the prevalence of taking traditional Chinese medicine, western medicine, acupuncture, and professional massage therapy all increased. Patients’ recognition on pain became diversified by time. Conclusion: There were 30.13% of Chinese middle age and elderly people suffering from chronic pain, which were more likely to happen in female, rural, and chronic diseases patients. Chronic pain interfered significantly on patients’ quality of life, and mainly located in waist, legs, and knees. In recent years, more patients received treatment to relieve pain, which might indicate a gradual awareness of chronic pain among middle age and elderly in China.
“We’re in Good Hands There.” - Acceptance, Barriers and Facilitators of a Primary Care-based Health Coaching Programme for Children With Mental Health Problems: A Qualitative Study (Prima-quo)
Authors: Decke Siona , Deckert Karina , Lang Martin , Laub Otto , Loidl Verena , Schwettmann Lars , Grill Eva
Published: June 2020

Background:About 17 % of children aged 3-17 years are affected by a mental health problem (MHP). Office-based paediatricians are the first in line to be contacted. Nevertheless, even for less severely affected patients, referral rates to specialised care are constantly high. A major statutory health insurance fund introduced a Health Coaching (HC) programme, including a training concept for paediatricians, standardized guidelines for actions, and additional payments to strengthen primary care consultation for MHP and to decrease referrals to specialized care. The aim of this study was to examine how the HC is perceived and implemented in daily practice to indicate potential strengths and challenges.Methods:In 2017 and 2018, a series of guideline-based interviews were conducted by phone with HC-developers, HC-qualified paediatricians, parents and patients (≥14 years) treated according to the HC programme. Paediatricians were selected from a Bavarian practice network. Parents of patients with the four most common MHP diagnoses were approached by their health insurance. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Structuring content analysis derived from Mayring was used for analysis. Sample size was determined by saturation.Results:11 paediatricians, 3 developers, 22 parents and four adolescents were included. Families were generally satisfied with paediatric care received in the programme’s context. The HC supported paediatricians’ essential role as consultants and improved their diagnostic skills. Time and financial restrictions as well as patients’ challenging family structures were reported as major barriers to success.Conclusion: The HC programme is perceived as a facilitator for more patient-centeredcare, however, structural barriers remain.
Protective Factors and Risk Factors in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia and/or Infection
Authors: Li Jia-Xia , Wan Li , Feng Yuan , Zuo Huilin , Ren Jiecheng , Zhao Qian , Xia Mingwu , Zhang Xiaochu
Published: June 2020

This study examined 50 COVID-19 patients who have been cured in Anhui Province, China. The protective factors and risk factors for these patients were investigated. By comparing CT-negative and CT-positive patients, we found protective factors in blood: lymphocytes, eosinophils number and %, basophils%, reticulocyte%, high fluorescence reticulocyte ratio, and reticulocyte absolute value. Comparing patients with underlying disease and without underlying disease, we found protective factors in blood: lymphocytes%, basophils%, large platelets, and low-fluorescent reticulocyte ratio. Regarding the biochemistry indicators, albumin/globulin, apolipoprotein and prealbumin can be considered as protective factors for patients without lung symptoms. Urea, glucose, total bile aicd, creatinine and hypersensitivity CRP can be considered as risk factors for patients with underlying diseases. For patients with repeatedly negative and positive results in nucleic acid tests, they were at a medium level in terms of both protective and risk factors, explaining the mild symptoms and repeatedly results in nucleic acid tests.
Hyperferritinemia and Gallbladder Wall Oedema as Early Markers of a Severe Dengue Infection in a Developing Nation.
Authors: Moras Errol Christopher , Raj Naveen , Achappa Basavaprabhu , Holla Ramesh , Madi Deepak , Mahalingam Soundarya
Published: June 2020

Background: Several chemokines, cytokine and biomarkers have previously been depicted in the pathogenesis of severe dengue fever. Despite the presence of clinical parameters, there have been no proven markers, during the period of defervescence to predict the progression of non-severe dengue cases to the severe dengue phase in the adult population. This study was undertaken to determine the likelihood of serum ferritin levels and gallbladder wall thickness measured within four days of febrile illness, as potential early predictors of severe dengue illness.Methods: A prospective study was conducted among people visiting tertiary care hospitals in Mangalore, India. 131 participants who presented within 4 days of fever and who had Dengue NS1 antigen card test positive and confirmed Dengue IgM by ELISA were recruited in the study. Blood was tested for serum ferrritin levels and gallbladder wall thickness was measured using ultrasonography. Results: 33.6% (44) of the cases had severe dengue and had a hospital stay of 6-8 days. Serositis, shock, hepatitis and renal failure were some of the significant complications associated with severe dengue cases. Rising transaminases, serum ferritin, H score and thrombocytopenia correlated well with the dengue severity.66 cases had evidence of gallbladder oedema and 89% of these cases developed severe dengue. Ferritin levels greater than 3825 ng/dl was established as a good cut-off for the severity of dengue with a sensitivity of 72.7%. Conclusion: In poor socioeconomic and developing nation like India there exists the need for low priced laboratory and radiological tests to predict the severity of dengue cases so that they can be optimally treated to have a good outcome. We demonstrated the use of serum ferritin levels and gallbladder wall thickness >3mm detected early, during the third or fourth day of febrile illness, as potential markers of progression of dengue to its severity
Long-term effects of ambient PM2.5 on hypertension in multi-ethnic population from Sichuan province, China: a study based on 2013 and 2018 health service surveys
Authors: Xu Jiayue , Zhang Yuqin , Yao Minghong , Wu Gonghua , Duan Zhanqi , Zhao Xing , Juying Zhang
Published: June 2020

Background
Hypertension, a major risk factor of many sever chronic diseases and leading cause of global disease burden, is reported associated with exposure to PM2.5. China’s high PM2.5 pollution level has become a major public health issue. However, existing studies from China on the effect of PM2.5 exposure on hypertension have got inconsistent results with very limited investigation into the multi-ethnic people. This study adds multi-ethnic evidence from Sichuan Province, southwestern China, and assesses ethnic differences of PM2.5 exposure effect on hypertension.
Methods
We pooled large cross-sectional data from two surveys conducted in Sichuan province in 2013 and 2018 to exam the effect of long-term exposure to PM2.5 on prevalence of hypertension in adults aged 30 years old and above. Community-specified annual PM2.5 concentration was estimated using satellite data. Logistic regression was applied to examine the association between long-term exposure to PM2.5 and hypertension prevalence in the whole population, specific ethnic populations and population (including Han and ethnic minority people) living in same areas.
Results
31462 participants with an average age of 56 years old were included. The average exposure concentration was 32.8 µg/m3. The proportions of the Han, the Tibetan, the Yi, and other ethnic people were 89.2%, 7.3%, 3.2%, and 0.3%, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.08 (95% CI, 1.04–1.12) for a 10 µg/m3 PM2.5 concentration increment for the whole population. The adjusted ORs for the Han, the Tibetan, and the Yi were 1.08 (95% CI, 1.04–1.12), 0.03 (95% CI, 0.00-0.27), and 1.75 (95% CI, 1.28–2.38) for a 10 µg/m3 PM2.5 concentration increment, respectively. Stratification analysis found stronger associations in participants with chronic diseases and Yi minority population.
Conclusion
Long-term exposure to PM2.5 may increase the risk of hypertension prevalence in Chinese multi-ethnic adults. Stronger associations were found in people with chronic disease and Yi minority group.
Hyaluronic Acid versus Alpha-2-Macroglobulin Intra-Articular Injections for Amelioration of Knee Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis: A Rat Model
Authors: Wang Shaowei , Zhu Mengbo , Guo Yanjing , Yang Ruijia , Chang Yaqiong , Zhao Bin , Wang Zhenyu , Wei Lei
Published: June 2020

Background: The study was performed to evaluate whether intra-articular injection of A2M has better effect than current commonly used Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injection therapy to attenuate cartilage degeneration in a rat anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) osteoarthritis (OA) model.Method: In vivo effects of A2M and HA on cartilage degeneration were evaluated in rat surgery induced ACLT OA models. 100 rats were randomly divided into four groups: (a) Sham surgery + saline (Sham + S), (b) ACLT + A2M, (c) ACLT+HA, or (d) ACLT + saline (ACLT+S). The animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks after surgery. Histological staining was performed to assess cartilage damage. The concentration of MMP-13 and sGAG in synovial fluid lavages was measured using ELISA and spectrophotometric quantitative determination. OA-related gene expression was quantified by qPCR.Result: Indian ink staining showed that articular cartilage surface treated by A2M was relatively intact compared with the animals treated by ACLT with saline or HA injection. Histological staining indicated that early supplemental intra-articular injection of A2M attenuated OA pathogenesis in the rat ACLT model compared with the animals treated with saline and HA. However, supplemental intra-articular injection of HA showed no significant effect on cartilage protection for post traumatic OA compared with saline treatment. Elisa results showed A2M reduced the concentration of MMP-13 in synovial fluid compared with HA treatment group and other groups. RT-qPCR indicated that supplemental intra-articular A2M inhibits catabolism and enhances anabolic metabolism, while there was no significant difference in the expression of OA-related genes between ACLT+HA group and ACLT+S group. Conclusion: In rat model, intra-articular injection of A2M had obvious protective effects on cartilage degeneration compared with HA treatment. Major indexes of joint degeneration decreased, providing strong evidence for its intra-articular inhibitory effect. Meanwhile, we found no significant alleviation of articular cartilage pathogenesis in HA treated group, which suggests that the efficacy of HA is questionable and possibly transient, although it is extensively used to improve syndromes.