bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The regional diversity of gut microbiome along the GI tract of male C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Lkhagva Enkhchimeg , Chung Hea-Jong , Hong Jinny , Tang Wai Hong Wilson , Lee Sang-Il , Hong Seong-Tshool , Lee Seungkoo
Published: February 2021

Background

The proliferation and survival of microbial organisms including intestinal microbes are determined by their surrounding environments. Contrary to popular myth, the nutritional and chemical compositions, water contents, O2 contents, temperatures, and pH in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a human are very different in a location-specific manner, implying heterogeneity of the microbial composition in a location-specific manner.

Results

We first investigated the environmental conditions at 6 different locations along the GI tract and feces of ten weeks’ old male SPF C57BL/6 mice. As previously known, the pH and water contents of the GI contents at the different locations of the GI tract were very different from each other in a location-specific manner, and none of which were not even similar to those of feces. After confirming the heterogeneous nature of the GI contents in specific locations and feces, we thoroughly analyzed the composition of the microbiome of the GI contents and feces. 16S rDNA-based metagenome sequencing on the GI contents and feces showed the presence of 13 different phyla. The abundance of Firmicutes gradually decreased from the stomach to feces while the abundance of Bacteroidetes gradually increased. The taxonomic α-diversities measured by ACE (Abundance-based Coverage Estimator) richness, Shannon diversity, and Fisher’s alpha all indicated that the diversities of gut microbiome at colon and cecum were much higher than that of feces. The diversities of microbiome compositions were lowest in jejunum and ileum while highest in cecum and colon. Interestingly, the diversities of the fecal microbiome were lower than those of the cecum and colon. Beta diversity analyses by NMDS plots, PCA, and unsupervised hierarchical clustering all showed that the microbiome compositions were very diverse in a location-specific manner. Direct comparison of the fecal microbiome with the microbiome of the whole GI tracts by α-and β-diversities showed that the fecal microbiome did not represent the microbiome of the whole GI tract.

Conclusion

The fecal microbiome is different from the whole microbiome of the GI tract, contrary to a baseline assumption of contemporary microbiome research work.
Penehyclidine mitigates postoperative nausea and vomiting and intraoperative oculocardiac reflex in patients undergoing strabismus surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blind comparison
Authors: Sun Jiacheng , Cao Xiaofei , Lu Ting , Li Nan , Min Xinxu , Ding Zhengnian
Published: February 2021

Background

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most frequent complications following strabismus surgery. Penehyclidine, an anticholinergic agent, is widely used as premedication. This study investigated the effect of preoperative penehyclidine on PONV in patients undergoing strabismus surgery.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study, patients scheduled for strabismus surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to either penehyclidine (n = 114) or normal saline (n = 104) group. Penehyclidine was administrated immediately after anesthesia induction, and normal saline was substituted as control. PONV was investigated from 0 to 48 h after surgery. Intraoperative oculocardiac reflex (OCR) was also recorded.

Results

Compared with normal saline, penehyclidine significantly reduced PONV incidence (30.7% vs. 54.8%, P < 0.01) and mitigated PONV severity as indicated by severity scoring (P < 0.01). Compared with normal saline, penehyclidine also significantly reduced OCR incidence (57.9% vs. 77.9%, P < 0.01) and mitigated OCR severity, as indicated by the requirement for atropine rescue (77.3% vs. 90.1%, P < 0.05) and the maximum decrease of heart rate during OCR (23.1 ± 9.4 bpm vs. 27.3 ± 12.4 bpm, P < 0.05). The recovery course did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Penehyclidine administrated after anesthesia induction significantly reduced the incidence of PONV and alleviated intraoperative OCR in patients undergoing strabismus surgery.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04054479). Retrospectively registered August 13, 2019.
Evaluation of the efficacy of hearing aids in older adults: a multiparametric longitudinal study protocol
Authors: Cuda Domenico , Ghiselli Sara , Murri Alessandra
Published: February 2021

Background

Prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. Its estimated prevalence is 40–50 % in people over 75 years of age. Recent studies agree that declinein hearing threshold contribute to deterioration in sociality, sensitivity, cognition, and quality of life for elderly subjects.

The aim of the study presented in this paper is to verify whether or not rehabilitation using first time applied Hearing Aids (HA) in a cohort of old people with hearing impairment improves both speech perception in a noisy environment over time and the overall health-related quality of life.

Methods

The monocentric, prospective, repeated measurements, single-subject, clinical observational study is to recruit 100 older adults, first-time HA recipients (≥ 65 years).The evaluation protocol is designed to analyze changes in specific measurement tools a year after the first HA usage in comparison with the evaluation before HA fitting.

Evaluations will consist of multiparametric details collected through self-report questionnaires completed by the recipients and a series of commonly used audiometric measures and geriatric assessment tools. The primary indicator of changes in speech perception in noise to be used is the Italian version of Oldenburg Satz (OLSA) test whereas the indicator of changes in overall quality of life will be the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) and Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) questionnaires. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will help in screening the cognitive state of the subjects.

Discussion

The protocol is designed to make use of measurement tools that have already been applied to the hearing-impaired population in order to compare the effects of HA rehabilitation in the older adults immediately before first HA usage (Pre) and after 1 year of experience (Post). This broad approach will lead to a greater understanding of how useful hearing influences the quality of life in older individuals, and therefore improves potentials for healthy aging. The data is to be analyzed by using an intrasubject endpoint comparison. Outcomes will be described and analyzed in detail.

Trial registration

This research was retrospectively registered underno. NCT04333043at ClinicalTrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/) on the 26 March 2020. This research has been registered with the Ethics Committee of the Area Vasta Emilia Nord under number 104, date of approval 17/07/2017.
Prolapsed submucosal pyomyoma postpartum, a rare complication of fibroids
Authors: Wang Jingxue , Li Zheng , Sun Yu
Published: February 2021

Background

Pyomyoma is an unusual fibroid that usually develops during the puerperal or postmenopausal period. If not promptly diagnosed and treated, it can become life threatening. Although various conservative and surgical therapies have been discussed in the literature for this condition, there are very few reports related to the management of prolapsed pedunculated submucosal myoma.

Case presentation

In this case report, an intramural fibroid transformed into a pedunculated submucosal pyomyoma, which prolapsed into the vagina after a miscarriage and caused life-threatening toxic shock. Apart from prompt antibiotic treatment, a transabdominal myomectomy rather than hysterectomy was performed due to the very large diameter of the pyomyoma. As a result, fertility was preserved, and the patient conceived naturally and delivered a healthy baby two years later.

Discussion and conclusions

It is important to maintain strong clinical suspicion for pregnant or postpartum women with a triad of pain, sepsis without an obvious source and a known diagnosis of leiomyoma. Timely recognition and prompt surgical treatment with antibiotics are necessary and could conserve the uterus for future fertility.
Correction to: Maternal HBsAg carriers and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective cohort analysis of 85,190 pregnancies
Authors: Zhang Yulong , Chen Jiacheng , Liao Tingting , Chen Siwen , Yan Jianying , Lin Xiaoqian
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Expression of BAG1 is associated with prognosis in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma based on bioinformatics
Authors: Wu Hongrong , Liu Minjing , He Yuejun , Meng Guozhao , Guo Wanbei , Guo Qiong
Published: February 2021

Background

BCL2 associated Athano-Gene 1 (BAG1) has been described to be involved in the development and progression of cancer. But the role of BAG1 in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) has remained largely unknown.

Methods

We performed bioinformatic analysis of data from TCGA and GEO dataset. The role of BAG1 in KIRC was explored by Logistic and Cox regression model. The molecular mechanisms of BAG1 was revealed by GSEA.

Results

The current study found that the KIRC tumor samples have a low level of BAG1 mRNA expression compared to the matched normal tissues based on TCGA data and GEO databases. Low expression of BAG1 in KIRC was significantly associated with Sex, clinical pathological stage, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, hemoglobin levels, cancer status and history of neoadjuvant treatment. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that KIRC patients with BAG1 high expression have a longer survival time than those with BAG1 low expression (p < 0.000). Cox regression analysis showed that BAG1 remained independently associated with overall survival, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.75(CI:1.05–2.90; p = 0.029). GSEA indicated that the signaling pathways including fatty acid metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation were differentially enriched in high BAG1 expression phenotype.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that BAG1 expression may act as a potential favorable prognostic marker and challenging therapeutic target.
Analysis of sagittal profile and radiographic parameters in symptomatic thoracolumbar disc herniation patients
Authors: Gao Ang , Wang Yongqiang , Yu Miao , Liu Xiaoguang
Published: February 2021

Background

Few studies describe thoracolumbar disc herniation (TLDH) as an isolated category, it is frequently classified as the lower thoracic spine or upper lumbar spine. Thus, less is known about the morphology and aetiology of TLDH compared to lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The aim of study is to investigate sagittal alignment in TLDH and analyze sagittal profile with radiographic parameters.

Methods

Data from 70 patients diagnosed with TLDH were retrospectively reviewed. The thoracic-lumbar alignment was depicted by description of curvatures (the apex of lumbar curvature, the apex of thoracic curvature, and inflexion point of the two curvatures) and radiographic parameters from complete standing long-cassette spine radiographs. The rank sum test was utilised to compare radiographic parameter values in each subtype.

Results

We found two subtypes differentiated by the apex of thoracic kyphotic curves. The sagittal profile was similar to that of the normal population in type I, presenting the apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the middle thoracic spine. The well aligned thoracic-lumbar curve was disrupted in type II, presenting the apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the thoracolumbar region in type II patients. Thirty-six patients were classified as type I, and 34 patients were classified as type II. The mean sagittal vertical axis, T1 pelvic angle and L1 pelvic angle were 27.9 ± 24.8°, 8.2 ± 7.3° and 6.2 ± 4.9°, respectively. There was significant difference (p < 0.001) of thoracolumbar angle between type I (14.9 ± 7.9°) and type II patients (29.1 ± 13.7°).

Conclusions

We presented two distinctive sagittal profiles in TLDH patients, and a regional kyphotic deformity with a balanced spine was validated in both subtypes. In type I patients, disc degeneration was accelerated by regional kyphosis in the thoracolumbar junction and eventually caused disc herniation. In type II patients, excessive mechanical stress was directly loaded at the top of the curve (thoracolumbar apex region) rather than being diverted by an arc as in a normal population or type I patients. Mismatch between shape and sacral slope value was observed, and better agreement was found in Type II patients.
Sacrospinous ligament fixation: medium and long-term anatomical results, functional and quality of life results
Authors: Favre-Inhofer Angeline , Carbonnel Marie , Murtada Rouba , Revaux Aurélie , Asmar Jennifer , Ayoubi Jean-Marc
Published: February 2021

Background

To evaluate the medium and long-term anatomical results of sacrospinous ligament fixation (SLF) and its impact on quality of life (QoL).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective and observational single centre study. Fifty-nine patients were interviewed using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire and underwent physical examination using POP-Q several years after SLF. Primary outcome was the comparison of anatomic results of SLF at medium-term (group 1: 1–5 years after surgery) and long-term (group 2: more than 5 years after surgery). The secondary outcome was QoL evaluation.

Results

The overall recurrence and complication rates were respectively 22% and 10%, with no significant differences between groups 1 and 2. The recurrence rate was similar in both groups [twelve (35%) in group 1 and nine (20%) in group 2, p = 0.09]. Two patients (12%) in the recurrence and none in the no recurrence group had clinical symptoms (p = 0.08). Two patients (12%) in the recurrence and one patient (2%) in the no-recurrence group had a significant impact on their quality of life (p = 0.12).

Conclusion

This study showed sustainable anatomic and functional results of SLF in medium and long-term analysis with overall low morbidity.
Dual versus monotherapy with bronchodilators in GOLD group B COPD patients according to baseline FEV1 level: a patient-level pooled analysis of phase-3 randomized clinical trials
Authors: Kang Jieun , Lee Jae Seung , Lee Sei Won , Lee Jung Bok , Oh Yeon-Mok
Published: February 2021

Background

Which patients should receive dual therapy as initial treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is only loosely defined. We evaluated if a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) identifies a population more likely to benefit from dual therapy than monotherapy among group B COPD patients in whom Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) recommends monotherapy as initial treatment.

Methods

This was a patient-level pooled analysis of phase-3 randomized controlled trials involving dual bronchodilators. Study patients were classified into two groups based on the FEV1 of 50% of the predicted value (GOLD I/II versus GOLD III/IV). We evaluated the efficacy of dual versus monotherapy (long-acting beta-2 agonist [LABA] or long-acting muscarinic antagonist [LAMA]) between these two groups in the following outcomes: changes in trough FEV1, the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score, the proportion of SGRQ responders, time to first exacerbation, and risk of adverse events.

Results

A total of 14,449 group B patients from 12 studies were divided into GOLD III/IV (n = 8043) or GOLD I/II group (n = 6406). In the GOLD III/IV group, dual therapy was significantly more effective in improving FEV1, reducing SGRQ scores, and achieving a higher proportion of SGRQ responders compared with either LABA or LAMA. Dual therapy also showed a significantly longer time to first exacerbation compared with LABA in the GOLD III/IV group. In contrast, in the GOLD I/II group, the benefits of dual therapy over monotherapy were less consistent. Although dual therapy resulted in significantly higher FEV1 than either LABA or LAMA, it did not show significant differences in the SGRQ score and proportion of SGRQ responders as compared with LABA. The time to first exacerbation was also not significantly different between dual therapy and either LABA or LAMA in the GOLD I/II group.

Conclusions

Dual therapy demonstrated benefits over monotherapy more consistently in patients with lower FEV1 than those with higher FEV1.
Role of Canagliflozin on function of CD34+ve endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nandula Seshagiri Rao , Kundu Nabanita , Awal Hassan B. , Brichacek Beda , Fakhri Mona , Aimalla Nikhila , Elzarki Adrian , Amdur Richard L. , Sen Sabyasachi
Published: February 2021

Background

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has been shown to be dysfunctional in both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to poor regeneration of endothelium and renal perfusion. EPCs have been shown to be a robust cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk indicator. Effect of sodium glucose channel inhibitors (SGLT2i) such as Canagliflozin (CG) on a cellular biomarker such as CD34+ve progenitor cells, which may help predict CVD risk, in patients with T2DM with established CKD has not been explored.

Methods

This is a pilot study where 29 subjects taking metformin and/or Insulin were enrolled in a 16 week, double blind, randomized placebo matched trial, with a low dose 100 mg CG as the intervention group compared to matched placebo. Type 2 diabetes subjects (30–70 years old), with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7–10%, were enrolled. CD34+ve cell number, migratory function, gene expression along with vascular parameters such as arterial stiffness, serum biochemistry pertaining to cardio-metabolic health, resting energy expenditure and body composition were measured. Data were collected at week 0, 8 and 16. A mixed model regression analysis was done and p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A significant expression of CXCR4 receptor with a concomittant increase in migratory function of CD34+ve cells was observed in CG treated group as compared to placebo group. Gene expression analysis of CD34+ve cells showed an increase in expression of antioxidants (superoxide dismutase 2 or SOD2, Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase or GPX) and notable endothelial markers (PECAM1, VEGF-A, and NOS3). A significant reduction in glucose and HbA1c levels were observed along with improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the CG group. A significant increase in adiponectin (p = 0.006) was also noted in treatment group. Urinary exosomal protein leak in urine, examining podocyte health (podocalyxin, Wilm’s tumor and nephrin) showed reduction with CG

Conclusion

Low dose Canagliflozin has a beneficial effect on CD34+ cell function, serum biochemistry and urinary podocyte specific exosomes in type 2 diabetes.
How to improve access to health care for Roma living in social exclusion: a concept mapping study
Authors: Svobodova Ivana , Filakovska Bobakova Daniela , Bosakova Lucia , Dankulincova Veselska Zuzana
Published: February 2021

Background

Half of the people living in social exclusion in the Czech Republic are of Roma origin. The worse health of Roma could be partly explained by numerous barriers to accessing health care. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the perceptions of various stakeholders and experts who may have an impact on the inclusion of Roma and/or their access to health care on how to improve health care access for Roma living in social exclusion in the Czech Republic.

Methods

We conducted a concept mapping study and obtained data from 32 participants from health and social services, policymakers and others who were involved in different study phases (brainstorming, sorting, rating, interpretation).

Results

Out of 64 proposed measures sorted into six distinct clusters, 20 were rated as the most urgent and the most feasible and should be implemented with a priority to improve access to health care for Roma living in social exclusion. The proposed measures covered various topics, such as education and awareness of the target group as well as education and supervision of helping professionals, strengthening capacities and streamlining the health care system, health promotion and associated services and increasing the local and financial accessibility of health care. Overall, measures concerning the education and supervision of helping professionals were rated as both the most urgent and the most feasible. Individual priority measures targeted, for example, the health needs assessment of Roma living in social exclusion to set up interventions or to include topics such as participation, empowerment, cultural competence and communication training in the curricula of health care and helping professionals in postgraduate and continuing studies.

Conclusions

Stakeholders proposed a set of relevant and acceptable measures that may help improve access to health care for Roma living in social exclusion. The way they rated the proposed measures reflects both the current unfavourable mainstream and public discourse concerning Roma living in social exclusion and the most acute policy issues identified by several European and national bodies.
Nanopore sequencing from liquid biopsy: analysis of copy number variations from cell-free DNA of lung cancer patients
Authors: Martignano Filippo , Munagala Uday , Crucitta Stefania , Mingrino Alessandra , Semeraro Roberto , Del Re Marzia , Petrini Iacopo , Magi Alberto , Conticello Silvestro G.
Published: February 2021

In the “precision oncology” era the characterization of tumor genetic features is a pivotal step in cancer patients’ management. Liquid biopsy approaches, such as analysis of cell-free DNA from plasma, represent a powerful and noninvasive strategy to obtain information about the genomic status of the tumor. Sequencing-based analyses of cell-free DNA, currently performed with second generation sequencers, are extremely powerful but poorly scalable and not always accessible also due to instrumentation costs. Third generation sequencing platforms, such as Nanopore sequencers, aim at overcoming these obstacles but, unfortunately, are not designed for cell-free DNA analysis.

Here we present a customized workflow to exploit low-coverage Nanopore sequencing for the detection of copy number variations from plasma of cancer patients. Whole genome molecular karyotypes of 6 lung cancer patients and 4 healthy subjects were successfully produced with as few as 2 million reads, and common lung-related copy number alterations were readily detected.

This is the first successful use of Nanopore sequencing for copy number profiling from plasma DNA. In this context, Nanopore represents a reliable alternative to Illumina sequencing, with the advantages of minute instrumentation costs and extremely short analysis time.

The availability of protocols for Nanopore-based cell-free DNA analysis will make this analysis finally accessible, exploiting the full potential of liquid biopsy both for research and clinical purposes.
A cross-sectional study on pelvic floor symptoms in women living with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
Authors: Binkova Alzbeta , Uebelhart Marion , Dällenbach Patrick , Boulvain Michel , Gayet-Ageron Angèle , Abdulcadir Jasmine
Published: February 2021

Background

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) concerns over 200 million women and girls worldwide and is associated with obstetric trauma and long-term urogynaecological and psychosexual complications that are often under-investigated and undertreated. The aim of this study was to assess the pelvic floor distress and the impact of pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms among migrant women with different types of FGM/C.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2016 and January 2019 at the Division of Gynaecology of the Geneva University Hospitals. The participants were interviewed on socio-demographic and background information, underwent a systematic gynaecological examination to assess the presence and type of FGM/C and eventual Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), and completed six validated questionnaires on pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms (PFDI-20 and PFIQ7 on pelvic floor distress and impact, FISI and WCS on faecal incontinence and constipation, PISQ-IR and FGSIS on sexual function and genital self-image). The participants’ scores were compared with scores of uncut women available from the literature. The association between selected variables and higher scores for distress and impact of pelvic floor symptoms was assessed using univariate and multivariable linear regression models.

Results

124 women with a mean age of 31.5 (± 7.5), mostly with a normal BMI, and with no significant POP were included. PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 mean (± SD) scores were of 49.5 (± 52.0) and 40.7 (± 53.6) respectively. In comparison with the available literature, the participants’ scores were lower than those of uncut women with pelvic floor dysfunction but higher than those of uncut women without such disorders. Past violent events other than FGM/C and forced or arranged marriage, age at FGM/C of more than 10, a period of staying in Switzerland of less than 6 months, and nulliparity were significantly associated with higher scores for distress and impact of pelvic floor symptoms, independently of known risk factors such as age, weight, ongoing pregnancy and history of episiotomy.

Conclusions

Women with various types of FGM/C, without POP, can suffer from pelvic floor symptoms responsible for distress and impact on their daily life.

Trial registration. The study protocol was approved by the Swiss Ethics Committee on research involving humans (protocol n°15-224).
Reduced immune-regulatory molecule expression on human colonic memory CD4 T cells in older adults
Authors: Dillon Stephanie M. , Thompson Tezha A. , Christians Allison J. , McCarter Martin D. , Wilson Cara C.
Published: February 2021

Background

The etiology of the low-level chronic inflammatory state associated with aging is likely multifactorial, but a number of animal and human studies have implicated a functional decline of the gastrointestinal immune system as a potential driver. Gut tissue-resident memory T cells play critical roles in mediating protective immunity and in maintaining gut homeostasis, yet few studies have investigated the effect of aging on human gut T cell immunity. To determine if aging impacted CD4 T cell immunity in the human large intestine, we utilized multi-color flow cytometry to measure colonic lamina propria (LP) CD4 T cell frequencies and immune-modulatory marker expression in younger (mean ± SEM: 38 ± 1.5 yrs) and older (77 ± 1.6 yrs) adults. To determine cellular specificity, we evaluated colon LP CD8 T cell frequency and phenotype in the same donors. To probe tissue specificity, we evaluated the same panel of markers in peripheral blood (PB) CD4 T cells in a separate cohort of similarly aged persons.

Results

Frequencies of colonic CD4 T cells as a fraction of total LP mononuclear cells were higher in older persons whereas absolute numbers of colonic LP CD4 T cells per gram of tissue were similar in both age groups. LP CD4 T cells from older versus younger persons exhibited reduced CTLA-4, PD-1 and Ki67 expression. Levels of Bcl-2, CD57, CD25 and percentages of activated CD38+HLA-DR+ CD4 T cells were similar in both age groups. In memory PB CD4 T cells, older age was only associated with increased CD57 expression. Significant age effects for LP CD8 T cells were only observed for CTLA-4 expression, with lower levels of expression observed on cells from older adults.

Conclusions

Greater age was associated with reduced expression of the co-inhibitory receptors CTLA-4 and PD-1 on LP CD4 T cells. Colonic LP CD8 T cells from older persons also displayed reduced CTLA-4 expression. These age-associated profiles were not observed in older PB memory CD4 T cells. The decline in co-inhibitory receptor expression on colonic LP T cells may contribute to local and systemic inflammation via a reduced ability to limit ongoing T cell responses to enteric microbial challenge.
The effect of lifestyle and risk factor modification on occlusive peripheral arterial disease outcomes: standard healthcare vs structured programme—for a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Elfghi M. , Jordan F. , Dunne D. , Gibson I. , Jones J. , Flaherty G. , Sultan S. , Tawfick W.
Published: February 2021

Background

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects more than 200 million of the global population. PAD represents a marker for premature cardiovascular events. Patients with PAD, even in the absence of a history of myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke, have approximately the same relative risk of death from cardiovascular causes as patients with a history of coronary or cerebrovascular disease. Despite the high prevalence of PAD and the strong association with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, patients with PAD are less likely to receive appropriate treatment for their atherosclerotic risk factors than those who are being treated for coronary artery disease.

Atherosclerotic risk factor identification and modification play an important role in reducing the number of adverse outcomes among patients with atherosclerosis. Risk reduction therapy decreases the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with PAD. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a lifestyle and risk factor modification intervention programme in achieving treatment goals for PAD risk factors.

Methods

This is a randomised, parallel group, active-control trial to compare the effectiveness of the risk factor modification intervention programme to standard healthcare in a tertiary vascular care centre, in the reduction of modified risk factors in PAD patients. The primary outcome of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a lifestyle and risk factor modification intervention programme in achieving treatment goals for PAD risk factors at 3 and 12 months. The secondary outcomes are to compare the impact of the programme on clinical outcomes in PAD patients at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include amputation-free survival, clinical improvement, haemodynamic improvement, need for revascularisation procedures, outcomes of revascularisation procedures, changes in quality of life and the incidence of adverse events.

Discussion

This study will provide clear evidence on the effectiveness of a lifestyle and risk factor modification intervention programme in achieving treatment goals for PAD risk factors, through a high-quality, well-powered clinical trial.

Trial registration

This trial was registered (11/07/2017) on the European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT number 2017-002964-41) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03935776) which was registered on 02 May 2019.
Industrial efficiency analysis based on the spatial panel model
Authors: Yin Xiaobo , Guo Liyan
Published: February 2021

High-tech industrial agglomeration is conducive to boosting technological progress, promoting industrial structure upgrading and realizing economic transformation, and certainly affects the overall industrial environmental efficiency. However, few recent studies have focused on its impact on industrial environmental efficiency from a green perspective. In the context of promoting the development of green economy, it is of great significance to clarify the links between high-tech industrial agglomeration and industrial environmental efficiency. In this research, we first analyzed the theoretical mechanism of the impact of high-tech industrial agglomeration and its spatial spillover effects on industrial environmental efficiency and then made an empirical analysis based on the panel data of 29 provinces and cities in China from 2003 to 2016. During the research, Super-DEA method, ESDA method and spatial Dubin model are used. The result shows that: (1) There is a significant spatial positive correlation between China's industrial environmental efficiency and high-tech industrial agglomeration; (2) high-tech industrial agglomeration has improved the local industrial productivity and industrial technology level through scale effects and technical effects, which has accordingly significantly enhanced the corresponding environmental efficiency; (3) through the association of regional industries, the cross-regional cooperation of enterprises and the formation of innovation networks, high-tech industrial agglomeration promotes the spillover of knowledge and technology among regions, improves the level of industrial technology in neighboring regions, and enhances the industrial environmental efficiency in neighboring regions. All these three is helpful to re-evaluate the development mode of high-tech industry agglomeration and to formulate relevant government policies.
Further addition to the braconid fauna of Iran (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Gadallah Neveen S. , Ghahari Hassan , Quicke Donald L. J.
Published: February 2021

Background

The cosmopolitan family Braconidae is one of the largest in the order Hymenoptera. Many of its members are important as biological control agents against more than 120 pest species belonging it four insect orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera) that cause economic damage to various agricultural, horticultural, and forestry plants and trees. Due to the lack of regional studies, as well as taxonomic complexities compared with well-studied other western Palaearctic countries, the faunistic knowledge of this family is still largely incomplete.

Results

Based on specimens collected from different localities in Iran, as well as material deposited in different Iranian collections, twenty-five braconid species are recorded for the first time from Iran. Collectively, these belong to ten subfamilies (Alysiinae, Brachistinae, Braconinae, Cheloninae, Euphorinae, Exothecinae, Hormiinae, Ichneutinae, Microgastrinae, and Rogadinae). Two genera, Pentatermus Hedqvist (Rogadinae) and Stenobracon Szépligeti (Braconinae), are reported in the present study for the first time. Specimens are identified with the help of specialists, as well as using the available keys for each subfamily. A faunistic list comprising the valid species names and the extralimital distribution are given.

Conclusions

In the present study, a list of 25 species and two genera, Pentatermus Hedqvist (Rogadinae) and Stenobracon Szépligeti (Braconinae), are newly recorded from Iran, thus raising the total number of this important group as biocontrol agents to reach 1038 species.
The Effectiveness of Online Learning Using Quizizz Education Game Media During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Applied Physics Courses
Authors: Safarati Nanda , Rahma Rahma
Published: February 2021

Online learning is learning that is applied by all educational institutions today. The use of appropriate media can support student effectiveness in education, especially in applied physics courses. This study aims to see online learning's effectiveness using quizizz educational media during the covid-19 pandemic in applied physics courses. This research uses a descriptive research method. The population in this study were students of the Almuslim University Physics Education Study Program. The sample selection used a purposive sampling method, namely students who were taking applied physics lectures. The data collection techniques used were tests (quizzes) and questionnaires. This study indicates that quizizz educational game media is one of the most effective online learning media used during the Covid-19 pandemic in applied physics courses.
Spatio-temporal influence of physicochemical parameters on phytoplankton assemblage in coastal brackish lagoon: Gomishan Lagoon, Caspian Sea, Iran
Authors: JABBARI MOHAMMAD , SALAHI MORTEZA , GHORBANI RASOUL
Published: February 2021

Jabbari M, Salahi M, Ghorbani R. 2018. Spatio-temporal influence of physicochemical parameters on phytoplankton assemblage in coastal brackish lagoon: Gomishan Lagoon, Caspian Sea, Iran. Biodiversitas 19: 2020-2027. The objective of this study was to determine the spatiotemporal distribution pattern of phytoplankton assemblage due to physico-chemical heterogeneity in coastal brackish lagoon of Gomishan. An inter-annual cycle of sampling period (April 2014-March 2015) and spatially stratified random sampling were established to examine 24 spatiotemporal scenarios. Water samples were preserved in 1 and 0.5 liter dark Polythene bottles from each station for assessing plankton community and chlorophyll a, respectively. The applied multivariate approach including hierarchical cluster analysis for (dis)similarity test of environmental factors, principle component analysis (PCA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to illustrate the pattern of phytoplankton variability in relation to environmental characteristics. The results showed that mean salinity, temperature, pH, total nitrogen, phosphorus, silica, turbidity, and electrical conductivity (EC) were 22.8±5.9 (ppt), 23.4° C, 8.18, 2.49 (mg.l-1), 0.258 (mg.l-1), 3.39 (mg.l-1), 42.12 (NTU), and 3.78 (dS/m3), respectively. Scenarios S5AT, S5W, S6W, S6AT were distinguished from other scenarios with more than 90% similarity, subsequently S1SU and S5SU with about 80% similarity. Inter-annual mean density of total phytoplankton (cell.l-1) was 2.45×106, whereas in northern sector it was constant with only a peak in June, but in southern sector it was more tolerant, so in April it tended to increase with a peak (7.2×106) in July which was the maximum density over the year. The phytoplankton assemblage of the lagoon comprised 47 species from 5 different classes including Bacillariophyta, Pyrrophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, and Euglenophyta.
Morphometric characteristics of two seagrass species (Enhalus acoroides and Cymodocea rotundata) in four small islands in North Maluku, Indonesia
Authors: RAMILI YUNITA , BENGEN DIETRIECH G. , MADDUPPA HAWIS H. , KAWAROE MUJIZAT
Published: February 2021

Authors. 2018. Morphometric characteristics of two seagrass species (Enhalus acoroides and Cymodocea rotundata) in four small islands in North Maluku, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 2035-2043. Seagrass has an important ecological role as a protector of coastlines and small islands. It is known to be capable of forming phenotypic plasticity through morphometric variation as a response to its environmental conditions. This study aimed to determine the distribution and morphological differences between populations of two important seagrass species (Enhalus acoroides and Cymodocea rotundata) in the waters around four small islands in North Maluku. The study was conducted at two stations in each of Ternate Island and Maitara Islands, three stations at Tidore Island and one station at Hiri Island. A line transect method was used to collect seagrass samples. Morphometric characteristics included leaf sheath length, leaf length, leaf width, rhizome diameter, root length, root diameter, and internode length were measured. Discriminant analysis was performed to describe morphometric characteristics distinctive of the four islands. Leaf sheath length, leaf length, rhizome diameter, and root length of E. Acoroides differed significantly among the populations from the various islands except for leaf width. Meanwhile, leaf sheath length, leaf width, rhizome diameter, root length, and internode length differed significantly in C. rotundata among the populations from different islands except for leaf length.
Short Communication: Isolation and identification of actinomycetes potential as the antagonist of Dickeya zeae pineapple soft rot in Lampung, Indonesia
Authors: AENY TITIK NUR , PRASETYO JOKO , SUHARJO RADIX , DIRMAWATI SUSKANDINI R. , EFRI EFRI , NISWATI AININ
Published: February 2021

Aeny TN, Prasetyo J, Suharjo R, Dirmawati SR, Efri, Niswati A. 2018. Isolation and Identification of actinomycetes potential as the antagonist of Dickeya zeae pineapple soft rot in Lampung, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 2052-2058. This study was aimed to collect and identify actinomycetes from the rhizosphere of pineapple with the potency as a biocontrol agent of Dickeya zeae, the pathogen of pineapple soft rot. Soil samples were collected from four different pineapple plantations in Lampung Province, in December 2016. Samples were air-dried, serially diluted, and plated on modified ISP2 medium and several single characterized colonies were sub cultured and purified. The growing colonies were grouped into different colour series based on their aerial-mycelia and substrate-mycelia colors. Antagonistic activity of the actinomycetes isolates were evaluated against Dickeya zeae by agar diffusion method using the same medium agar lawn with the bacterial cultures. Selected antagonistic actinomycete isolates with the biggest clear zone formation were further characterized and identified molecularly based on 16S rDNA sequences. The results showed that as many as 34 actinomycete isolates collected from pineapple rhizosphere produced clear zones. Two isolates, namely GGF2-i5 and GGF4-i18, presented the biggest clear zone were proposed as the potential antagonist strains against D. zeae and identified as Streptomyces parvulus and Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. hygroscopicus, respectively. Both of the 16S rRNA gene sequences from those strains were deposited in the GenBank with the accession number MH170279 and MH170280, respectively.
Ethnobotany of banana plants (Musa x paradisiaca) of Palintang Hamlet, Cipanjalu Village, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: ISKANDAR JOHAN , KUSMORO JOKO , MUBAROKAH MIRA , PARTASASMITA RUHYAT
Published: February 2021

Iskandar J, Mubarokah M, Kusmoro J, Partasasmita R. 2018. Ethnobotany of banana plants (Musa x paradisiaca) of Palintang Hamlet, Cipanjalu Village, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 2059-2072. Rural people of West Java have traditionally farmed many varieties (landraces) of bananas (Musa x paradisca L) in the agroecosystem of homegardens and gardens. Because of the increasing human population, rapid rate of agricultural land conversion to other land uses, intensive penetration of market economy to rural areas, and introduction and selection in favor of banana landraces having good taste for culinary and high market price, some landraces of bananas have become rare, even locally extinct in rural areas. The main purpose of this study was to elucidate local knowledge of Palintang people on landraces, population, local farming management, and utilization of bananas. The mixed methods, qualitative and quantitative were applied in this study, while some techniques of collecting primary data, mainly observation, participant observation, semi-structured interview, structured interview, semi-quantitative population of banana plant were carried out. The results of study showed that 18 landraces of bananas have been recorded in Palintang hamlet. Local knowledge or traditional ecological knowledge of Palintang people on bananas have been predominantly obtained from individual personal experiences and from the parents and ancestors, inherited from generation to generation via oral communication. Most banana landraces cultivated by Palintang farmers have superior culinary aspect, particularly good taste, and high price. As a result, some landraces of bananas considered not having good taste and having low price have rarely been planted in the gardens. Banana trees have traditionally been cultivated by farmers of Palintang based on traditional ecological knowledge and which has been culturally embedded. There are 7 main stages of banana cultivation, namely preparation of banana suckers, land preparation, planting, caring, harvesting, post-harvesting management, and utilization of bananas for home consumption and sale through village middlemen and market. The banana cultivation has dramatically changed due to both ecosystem and rural community’s socio-cultural changes.
Phytoplankton community structure in the Estuary of Donan River, Cilacap, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: PRATIWI HESTI , DAMAR ARIO , SULISTIONO SULISTIONO
Published: February 2021

Chuaynkern Y, Nurngsomsri P, Chuaynkern C, Duengkae P, Karaphan S. 2018. Short Communication: Cyrtodactylus elok Dring, 1979 (Sauria, Gekkonidae): A first country record for Thailand. Biodiversitas 19: 2111-2117. The present work reports a new country record for Thailand of the bent-toed gecko Cyrtodactylus elok Dring, 1979 based on a single specimen which was collected from Hala‒Bala Wildlife Sanctuary, Narathiwat Province (southern Thailand). The Thai specimen shows morphological characters similar to C. elok as follows: 12-14 supralabials, 10-11 infralabials, seven tubercles across midbody, 49 ventral scales, enlarged femoral scales absent, tubercles on forelimbs absent, ventrolateral fold poorly defined, and large tubercles of dorsolateral caudal rows. The species was previously known from the discovery made in Malaysia. This addition brings the number of Thai prehensile-tailed species to three. Morphological and distributional maps are provided.
Chromosome numbers of some species of Pteris (Pteridaceae) in Java, Indonesia
Authors: PRAPTOSUWIRYO TITIEN NGATINEM , MUMPUNI MUGI
Published: February 2021

Praptosuwiryo TNg, Mumpuni M. 2018. Chromosome numbers of some species of Pteris (Pteridaceae) in Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 2118-2126. Pteris L. (Pteridaceae) is a large fern genus consisting of about 250 species which distributed predominantly in tropical and subtropical countries. The genus grows in a diversity of ecosystems, either terrestrially or lithophytically, although most species occur in the forest. A study of the cytology of Pteris in Java is being undertaken for the conceptual understanding of the interrelationships between various fern species in the Malesian region. This aims of our study are: (1) to observe somatic chromosome number of some species of Pteris in Java; (2) to determine the reproduction types of the observed species by counting the spore number per sporangium; (3) to discuss polyploidy in the species in relation to plant morphological variation across their geographical distribution. Chromosome counts for eight species are reported. Pteris biaurita is an apogamous diploid species (2n = 58). Pteris ensiformis var. ensiformis has chromosome numbers of 2n = 87 (apogamous triploid) and 2n = 116 (sexual tetraploid), while                 P. ensiformis var. victoriae has a chromosome number 2n = 58 and is a sexual diploid. Pteris fauriei is an apogamous triploid species (2n = 87). Pteris longipinnula has a chromosome number of 2n = 116 (tetraploid). Pteris multifida and P. vittata are sexual tetraploids (2n=116). Pteris tripartita has two ploidy levels (sexual diploid and tetraploid). Another currently unplaced Javanese Pteris sp. has 2n = 87 (apogamous triploid). Diploid P. biaurita, tetraploid P. ensiformis, triploid P. fauriei, diploid P. tripartita, and teraploid P. vittata are new record cytotypes for Central Java. Polyploidy in the genus in relation to plant morphological variation across its geographical range is discussed.