bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Disparities of Black Americans Hospitalized for Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Spiewak Ted , Taefi Amir , Patel Shruti , Li Chin-Shang , Chak Eric
Published: July 2019

Background & Aims: Racial disparities have been reported in liver transplantation and chronic hepatitis C treatment outcomes. Determining causes of these disparities is important given the racially diverse American population and the economic burden associated with chronic liver disease.
Methods: A retrospective study was performed among 463 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis admitted from (January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2018) to a tertiary care academic medical center. Patients were identified based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) for cirrhosis or its complications. Demographic information, laboratory data, medical comorbidities, insurance and adherence to cirrhosis quality care indicators were recorded to determine their relationship to readmission rates and other healthcare outcomes.
Results: A total of 463 individual patients with cirrhosis were identified including Whites (n=241), Hispanics (n=106), Blacks (n=50), Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (API, n=27) and Other (n=39). A significantly higher proportion of Blacks had Medicaid insurance compared to Whites (40% versus 20%, p=0.0002) and Blacks had lower median income than Whites ($45,710 versus $54,844, p=0.01). All groups received high quality cirrhosis care. Regarding healthcare outcomes, Black patients had the highest mean total hospital admissions (6.1±6.3, p=0.01) and the highest mean number of 30-day re-admissions (2.1±3.7, p=0.05) compared to all other racial groups. Multivariable proportional odds regression analysis showed that race was a statistically significant predictor of 90-day readmission (p=0.03).
Conclusions: Black Americans hospitalized for complications of cirrhosis may experience significant disparities in healthcare outcomes compared to whites despite high quality cirrhosis care. Socioeconomic factors may contribute to these disparities.
Emulsified isoflurane alleviates rat islet beta cell RIN-m5F apoptosis induced by glucose via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Dong Wenyan , Yang Zhenkun , Zhao Jingjing , Sun Jie , Yao Min , Wu Shuoxiong
Published: July 2019

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a critical disease that considered a detriment to the health of people all over the world. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is the response cause by endoplasmic reticulum misfolded and unfolded protein aggregation, which induces cell apoptosis. Our previous work showed that EIso could alleviate ERS in lung reperfusion injury. This study aimed to elucidate whether Emulsified isoflurane (EIso) could alleviate apoptosis induced by glucose in rat islet beta cell RIN-m5F via inhibiting ERS.

Methods

RIN-m5F cells were divided into five groups: Control group, cultured in 0.1M glucose for 24h (0.1G group), culture in 0.3M glucose for 24h (0.3G group), culture in 0.3M glucose with 57uM EIso for 24h (0.3G+57E group), and culture in 0.3M glucose with 76uM EIso for 24h (0.3G+76E group). First, the cellular proliferation was measured by MTT assay, and the level of insulin secretion was measured with ELISA kit. Second, the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by Western blotting. The level of caspase-3 activity was assessed by colorimetric method. Finally, the CHOP and GRP78 expression were detected by Western blotting. The level of ATF6, Xbp1 and eIF2α mRNA were assessed by qRT-PCR after treated with EIso for 24h.

Results

High glucose induced significant loss of RIN-m5F cell viability, and stimulated the secretion of insulin; EIso improved the survival and protected the function of RIN-m5F. Compare to 0.3G group, treatment with EIso inhibited the activity of caspase-3, decreased the expression of Bax and increased the expression of Bcl-2. The expression of CHOP and GRP78 were inhibited by EIso at 24 h after treatment, and decrement of CHOP and GRP78 expression were correlated with EIso concentration. The level of ATF6, Xbp1 and eIF2α mRNA of RIN-m5F were enhanced culture with high glucose, but only eIF2α mRNA was decreased by EIso treatment.

Conclusion

High glucose induces rat islet beta cell RIN-m5F apoptosis and aggravates the function of beta cells. EIso protects beta cells from glucose-induced apoptosis, and anti-apoptosis is mediated, at least in part, by inhibiting ERS.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN D-DIMER AND DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS LOCATION AND ITS ABILITY TO PREDICT PULMONARY EMBOLISM, a retrospective pilot study
Authors: Althomali Sarah Ali , Alghamdi Adel S. , Gnoot Tareef H. , Alhassan Mohammad A. , Ajaimi Abdullatif H. , Mahjoob Jameela A. , Almalki Mohammad S.
Published: July 2019

Background

In lower limb deep vein thrombosis; it is important to identify proximal from distal deep vein thrombosis as it carries the highest risk of pulmonary embolism. It is known that D-dimer has a great role in deep vein thrombosis diagnosis. Yet, the use of D-dimer to predict the location of deep vein thrombosis and the risk of pulmonary embolism in deep vein thrombosis patients has not been investigated before.

Objective

To address the correlation between D-dimer and the location of deep vein thrombosis and to study the efficacy of D-dimer to predict risk of PE in patients with proximal or extensive deep vein thrombosis.

Method

We included 110 consecutive patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis, with or without a concomitant diagnosis of PE, and with D-dimer measured at initial presentation. We categorized the location of deep vein thrombosis as: distal, proximal, and extensive. In the analysis, patients were grouped into high-risk (patients with Proximal or Extensive deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and low risk group (patients without pulmonary embolism).

Results

There was no significant association between D-dimer level and the location of deep vein thrombosis (p=0.519). However, D-dimer level was greater among patients with pulmonary embolism (9.6mg/L) than among patients without pulmonary embolism (7.4mg/L), (p=0.027). D-dimer was a significant predictor of pulmonary embolism as patients with proximal or extensive deep vein thrombosis had 8-folds increased risk of pulmonary embolism than patients with D-dimer less than 4.75mg/L (OR=7.9, p=0.013).

Conclusion

Though D-dimer was not significantly associated with the location of deep vein thrombosis, it was a significant predictor of pulmonary embolism in patients hospitalized with proximal or extensive deep vein thrombosis.
Article Evaluation of treatment strategies and prognostic factors of 135 patients with low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma
Authors: Wang Huaying , Liang Shanhui , Feng Zheng , Xia Liangfang , Zhu Jun , Huang Yan , Xia Lingfang
Published: July 2019

Background: To evaluate the influence of treatment modalities and prognostic factors on the survival of patients with low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LGESS).
Methods: One hundred and thirty-five LGESS patients in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from January 2006 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed.
Results: Two patients received fertility-sparing surgery while 133 patients received hysterectomy. The median follow-up duration was 52 months (3–342 months). One hundred and nine (80.7%) patients received ovariectomy, 73 (54.1%) patients had lymphadenectomy, 83 (61.5%) patients received adjuvant therapy. The 5-year and 10-year disease free survival rates were 72.0% and 61.0%, respectively. The 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates were 88.0% and 79.8%, respectively. Surgery for recurrence was associated with improved overall survival although the complication rate was about 27.6%. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphovascular invasion was associated with disease free survival (hazard ratio, 0.473; 95 % confidence interval, 0.235–0.952; p=0.036) and menopausal status was related to overall survival (hazard ratio, 5.561; 95 % confidence interval, 1.400–22.084; p=0.015).
Conclusions: There was no effect of lymphadenectomy, ovariectomy, or adjuvant therapy on patients’ recurrence and survival. Hysterectomy may be proposed as the standard treatment for LGESS. Surgery for replase was an acceptable method to improve overall survival. Lymphovascular invasion was a significant independent factor for disease free survival. Postmenopause was the poor prognostic factor for overall survival.
The circular RNA NRIP1 plays oncogenic roles by targeting miR-505 through the activation of AMPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways in the renal carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Dong Zhen , Wang Qinghai , Wang Hongyang , Ji Jianlei , Huang Tao , Khanal Aashish , Niu Haitao , Cao Yanwei
Published: July 2019

Aims

To explore the roles and regulatory mechanisms of the circular RNA (circRNA) nuclear receptor-interacting protein 1 (NRIP1) (circNRIP1) in ACHN and CAKI-1 cells.

Methods

ACHN and CAKI-1 cells were transfected with si-circNRIP1 and microRNA-505 (miR-505) inhibitor or the corresponding controls. Cell viability was detected with the CCK-8. The protein expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, adenosine AMPK, AKT, PI3K, and mTOR were individually determined via western blot. qRT-PCR was used to examine the expressions of circNRIP1 and miR-505. The apoptotic rate, the colony numbers and the migration rate were separately determined by the annexin v-FITC/PI with flow cytometer, colony formation assay and modified two-chamber migration assay.

Results

circNRIP1 was overexpressed in tumor tissue. Silencing circZNF292 induced the inhibitions of cell viability, colony formation and migration, as well as the AMPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascades but enhancement of apoptosis. si-circNRIP1 stimulated the up-regulation of miR-505, whose silence abolished the effects of si-circNRIP1 on these elements mentioned above.

Conclusion

The circNRIP1 played oncogenic roles by targeting miR-505 via stimulating AMPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascades in the ACHN and the CAKI-1 cell lines.
Is HIV self-testing a potential answer to the low uptake of HIV testing services among men in Rwanda? Perspectives of male youths attending tertiary institutions and Kimisagara Youth Centre in Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Pirre Gashema , Rujeni Nadine
Published: July 2019

Objective

To explore whether HIV self-testing (HIVST) would have the capacity to improve uptake of HIV testing services among male youths in Rwanda. We conducted a qualitative study of 22 male youths attending tertiary institutions and the Kimisagara Youth Centre in Kigali, Rwanda. Data collection was conducted through open interviews. Data analysis was conducted through thematic content analysis.

Results

Our findings revealed that most male youths had poor knowledge of HIV self-testing (HIVST), but the majority were willing to adopt it. Four main themes emerged during data analysis. Theme one indicated that male youths experienced a lack of sufficient information on HIVST. From theme two, it was uncovered that some male youths were indifferent to HIVST. From theme three, it emerged that most men perceived the cost as the main barrier to HIVST; however, if it was offered free of charge, they were willing to adopt it. Finally, theme four revealed that most male youths willing to adopt HIVST were concerned about the potential social harm and possible adverse events associated with HIVST.
Potential biological control of the pupal stage of the European grapevine moth by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria pseudobassiana in the winter season in Chile
Authors: Altimira Fabiola , Barra Nathalia De La , Rebufel Patricia , Soto Sylvana , Soto Rodrigo , Estay Patricia , Vitta Nancy , Tapia Eduardo
Published: July 2019

Objective: Lobesia botrana, the European grapevine moth, affects Vitis vinifera L. and other species of economic importance in a number of countries through damage caused by its larvae in berries and associated secondary diseases such as Botrytis cinerea. Control of the moth in urban areas is difficult due to poor chemical management of infested plants in houses. Additionally, in winter, L. botrana is in its pupal stage covered with a cocoon that prevents the penetration of chemical pesticides. For this reason, the objective of this work was to control the pupal stage with a formulation based on the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria pseudobassiana in urban areas.
Results: The present study of the biocontrol activity of the formulated fungus against the infestation of vines with breeding pupae without cocoons showed 100% infection 21 days after inoculation under winter conditions. Finally, the biocontrol activity of the formulated fungus against natural infestations of L. botrana in winter in urban areas reached an efficacy of 51%. This result suggests that the B. pseudobassiana formulation is able to penetrate the cocoon and contributes to the integrated pest management of L. botrana.
Latrine utilization and its associated factors among Rural Communities of North Achefer District, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kishiru Ayichew , Azage Muluken , Zewale Taye Abuhay , Bogale Kassawmar Angaw
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Objective: In Ethiopia, there has been progress on construction of latrine facilities in all parts of the country through health extension program since 2003. However, there were limited evidence whether the household are using properly or not. Therefore, the aims of this study were to decide level of latrine use and to explore the reasons for latrine use in rural community of North Achefer District, Ethiopia.
Result: The proportion of latrine utilization was 44.5 % (95% CI: 441%, 48%) among rural communities. Presence of student in household (AOR=4.3, 95%CI: 2.25, 8.26), father’s able to read and write (AOR=1.5, 95%CI: 1.03, 2.2), duration of latrine (AOR=3.04, 95%CI: 1.88, 4.9), latrine need maintenance (AOR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.75), short distance of latrine (AOR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.55), self-initiation of latrine use (AOR=0.22, 95%CI: 0.1, 0.46) and peer pressure for latrine use (AOR=2.07, 95%CI: 1.04, 4.13) were factors associated with increased latrine use. Poor quality of latrines, methods of mobilizing community, infrequent supervision and follow up, poor commitment of health extension workers, inadequate knowledge and unfavorable attitudes & motivations of latrine uses were challenges to use latrine.
Key words: Latrine utilization, Hand washing facilities, Hygiene, Sanitation, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Proportion and Prognosis of Bone Metastases from Gastric Cancer in SEER database
Authors: sun zepang , Chen Hao , Han Zhen , Yu Jiang , Huang Weicai , Lin Tian , Zhao Mingli , Hu Yanfeng , Liu Hao , Jiang Yuming , Li Guoxin
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze the proportion and prognosis of bone metastases at diagnosis of gastric cancer using population-based data from SEER.

Patients and methods

Patients with gastric cancer and bone metastases (GCBM) at the time of diagnosis in advanced gastric cancer were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result (SEER) database of the National Cancer Institute. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression were performed to identify predictors of the presence of GCBM at diagnosis and factors associated with all-cause mortality and gastric cancer-specific mortality. Survival curves were obtained according to the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.

Results

We identified 975 patients with gastric cancer and bone metastases at the time of diagnosis, representing 5.31% of the entire cohort and 13.35% of the subset with metastatic disease to any distant site. Among entire cohort, multivariable logistic regression identified five factors (lower age, diffused-type, adverse pathology grade, N1 staging and presence of more extraosseous metastases to liver, lung and brain.) as positive predictors of the presence of bone metastases at diagnosis. Median survival among the entire cohort with GCBM was 4.0 months (interquartile range: 1.0-8.0mo). Multivariable Cox model in SEER cohort confirmed two factors (non-cardia stomach and absence of chemotherapy) as negative predictors for overall survival. We also found poor survival in non-surgical patients using Fine and Gray’s competing risk regression model.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provided population-based estimates of the proportion and prognosis for GCBM at time of diagnosis. These findings provided guidance for screening and treatment of GCBM patients. Chemotherapy may make benefit for overall survival, but the role of surgery remained to be determined by further research.
Risk of Stroke-Associated Pneumonia During Hospitalization: Predictive Value of Combined A2DS2 Score and Hyperglycemia
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Yu , Ma Sheng Lian , Niu Xiaoyuan , Chang Junsen
Published: July 2019

Background: Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is a common complication of cerebrovascular disease. The A2DS2 score has been used to predict the risk of SAP. However, hyperglycemia is not included in this scale. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether combining the A2DS2 scoring system and hyperglycemia can improve the predictive value of the conventional A2DS2 scale for SAP. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 2,552 patients with acute ischemic stroke. The A2DS2 scores, fasting blood glucose level and blood glucose level on admission were collected. Regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors of SAP. ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of the combined A2DS2 score and fasting hyperglycemia for predicting SAP. Results: Fasting hyperglycemia was an independent risk factor for SAP (OR=2.95; 95% confidence interval: 2.11-4.12; P<0.001). The area under curve of the combined A2DS2 score and fasting hyperglycemia was significantly higher than that of the A2DS2 score alone (0.814 vs. 0.793; P=0.020). Conclusion: Fasting hyperglycemia is an independent risk factor for predicting SAP. The predictive value of the modified A2DS2 score (combined A2DS2 score and fasting hyperglycemia) is superior to that of A2DS2 score.
Greater Biomass Accumulation at Anthesis Increases Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Winter Wheat
Authors: Brasier Kyle , Oakes Joseph , Balota Maria , Thomason Wade , Griffey Carl
Published: July 2019

Soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production relies on efficient nitrogen (N) fertilization to maximize grower profitability and mitigate environmental impacts. Therefore, a panel of 11 elite wheat lines were grown as a randomized complete block design in four environments under low (LN) and high (HN) N rates to: (i) assess the genotypic variation in aboveground biomass (AGBM) and N yield (AGNY) throughout the growing season; and (ii) investigate the associations between yield and N‐related traits with AGBM and AGNY at tillering, booting, anthesis, and physiological maturity. Biomass samples were cut at the soil level and dried at four developmental stages to determine AGBM then ground to estimate AGNY for each sample. Significant genotypic variation (P ≤ 0.05) was observed for grain yield, grain N content, and N‐utilization efficiency in all testing environments. Additionally, significant (P ≤ 0.05) variation for AGBM and AGNY was identified at the five‐tiller stage, booting, anthesis, and physiological maturity in one or more testing environments. Grain yield was not significantly correlated with any trait under LN conditions despite expressing significant association with N‐utilization efficiency, N‐harvest index, AGBM at anthesis, and AGNY at anthesis under HN rates. Significant correlations also were identified for traits between LN and HN rates including AGBM at anthesis (r = 0.93, P < 0.001) and AGNY (r = 0.69, P < 0.01). Our results suggest that breeders can improve grain yields by using AGBM at anthesis as a proxy trait.

Core Ideas

Genotypic variation was observed in grain yield and N content, N‐utilization, biomass, and N yield.

Grain yield correlated with aboveground biomass and aboveground N yield at anthesis under high N rates.

Breeders can improve yields by using biomass at anthesis as a proxy trait per its strong correlation with N rates.
Mixture Rasch Model with Main and Interaction Effects of Covariates on Latent Class Membership
Authors: KARADAVUT Tugba , COHEN Allan S. , KİM Seock-ho
Published: July 2019

Covariates
have been used in mixture IRT models to help explain why examinees are classed
into different latent classes. Previous research has considered manifest
variables as covariates in a mixture Rasch analysis for prediction of group
membership. Latent covariates, however, are more likely to have higher
correlations with the latent class variable. This study investigated effects of
including latent variables as covariates in a mixture Rasch model, in presence
of and in absence of interactions between the covariates. Results indicated the
latent and manifest covariates influenced latent class membership but did not
have much influence on class ability means or class proportions. The influence
was relatively higher for latent covariates compared to manifest covariates.
The effects of the covariates on class membership and on item parameters were
class specific. Substantial effects of covariates on item parameters yielded
smaller standard errors for item parameter estimates. A significant interaction
term also had an effect on the coefficients for predicting and explaining
latent class membership.
Providing constructive interaction of subjects of labor relations based on social dialogue and social responsibility
Authors: Pankova Oksana , Kasperovych Oleksandr , Ishchenko Oleksandr
Published: July 2019

The article presents the results of research on the interaction of subjects of social-labor relations on the basis of assessment of the state and dynamics of the main factors influencing it (on the basis of sociological studies and other data). The state and main problems of development of key subjects – trade unions and employers’ associations are analyzed, the main factors that negatively influence their activity are determined. The basic scheme used for analysis of the main social factors that determine the interaction of subjects of social and labor relations is the conceptual triad “trust – awareness – motivation”. The conditions of activating the constructive interaction of subjects of social and labor relations in the context of the principles of social responsibility and social dialogue are determined. The main ones are increasing mutual trust, creating an effective communication system, as well as having the will to reconcile interests and readiness for dialogue and compromise. The basic requirements to the modern informational-communicative strategy of interaction of subjects of social-labor relations are substantiated. In particular, they include the following: implementation of the principles of social dialogue and social responsibility; orientation on the possibilities of modern information and communication technologies; orientation on the solution of the most acute problems in the field of social-labor relations; creation of effective mechanisms of feedback between communication actors. Basing on the results of the analysis, the directions and conditions for the activation of constructive interaction between the participants of the social dialogue are proposed and substantiated, in the context of the state and dynamics of key social and socio-psychological factors.
Effect of inflammatory marker activity after intra-articular injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma in dogs with osteoarthritis
Authors: ARICAN MUSTAFA , ŞIMŞEK ATILLA , PARLAK KURTULUŞ , ATLI KAMIL , SÖNMEZ GONCA
Published: July 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of lameness, pain, and dysfunction in dogs. To determine the levels of interleukin (IL) (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and prostaglandin E2 (PG-E2) in the synovial fluid after intra-articular injection of an autologous platelet-rich plasma concentrate to treat dogs with osteoarthritis. Twenty dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) were used as a materials. Fourteen dogs were used as a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment group and 6 dogs were used as a control (0.9 % NaCl). PRP was obtained by the double centrifuge method. Affected joints were examined by radiography and ultrasonography. Lameness and pain severity were evaluated by attending clinicians. Samples were collected under sterile conditions at pre-treatment, days 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, and weeks 4, 8, and 12. The marker levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. No adverse effects of the injection of platelet concentrate or saline solution were observed. No significant differences were found in the Hudson Visual Analog Scale and Canine Brief Pain Inventory scores between weeks 0, 4, and 12 in the control dogs. No significant changes were observed in IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and PG-E2 levels (P>0.05) in synovial fluid from the PRP treatment group compared to synovial fluid from the control group, although fluctuations in parameter levels were observed in both groups. Despite some variable results in inflammatory parameters, clinical improvement was recorded in the PRP-treated group. PRP injection could be an effective and safe method for treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis.
Chicken interferon gamma fold expression level and tracheal lesion score differences between commercial broiler chickens vaccinated with live and vectored ILT vaccines
Authors: MISKINIS TOMAS , LIMAN MARTIN , BISCHOFF HENNING , BIZOKAS VIDMANTAS
Published: July 2019

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a respiratory tract disease affecting chickens around the world. The disease generates severe production losses due to increased mortality, decreased egg production, delayed body weight gain, and a predisposition to other respiratory pathogens causing enormous economic losses to the intensive poultry industry. Two licensed vaccines, comprising live or vectored ILT, are available to control the disease. The present trial was conducted to determine changes in chicken interferon gamma fold expression levels in chicken spleens and to evaluate tracheal lesion scores before and after vaccination with live and vectored infectious laryngotracheitis vaccines. Broilers were kept under commercial conditions until 35 days of age. Spleen and trachea samples were taken at 14, 28, and 35 days of age. Tracheas were stained with H&E, histopathology was performed, and the INF-γ fold expression level in spleen samples was analyzed. In the spleens of birds vaccinated with the live ILT vaccine, the increase in INF-γ expression levels was statistically significantly (p < 0.01) lower at 28 days of age, or 7 days post vaccination, (trial 1) and higher at 35 days of age, or 14 days post vaccination, (both trials). At 7 days post vaccination with the live ILT vaccine, the mean tracheal lesion score was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than it was in the control group (both trials). At 14 days post vaccination with the live ILT vaccine, the mean tracheal lesion score was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than it was in the control group 3 (trial 1). No significant differences were found between the control group 3 and group 2, which was vaccinated with the vectored HVT/LT vaccine (both trials). The results of the histology of trachea lesions indicate that vaccination with live ILT may have induced early local immunity. The INF-γ analysis results might indicate that the birds in group 2 (HVT/LT) did not develop local immunity until 35 days of age From the practical point of view, the vectored ILT vaccine is more beneficial because of its ease of administration in the hatchery, lower labor cost, and the absence of clinical signs post vaccination. Its potential drawback, however, is poor local immunity and the slow onset of optimal immunity in commercial broiler chickens
Investigation of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and disease-related risk factors in goats
Authors: UTUK ARMAGAN ERDEM , ESKI FUNDA
Published: July 2019

Neospora caninum is a parasitic protozoan that causes abortion, stillbirth, and premature culling in goats. The aims of this study were (i) to determine the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in goats in the Adana province of Turkey(ii), to identify risk factors for the disease, and (iii) to provide collective data on goat neosporosis. For this purpose, 383 sera were collected from goats of different breeds, ages, and sexes from 15 counties of Adana. A commercially available c-ELISA test kit was used to detect anti-N. caninum antibodies. To identify risk factors that influence the prevalence of neosporosis, an oral survey was conducted, and the data collected were evaluated by the logistic regression analysis. The prevalence was determined as 8.9% (34/383) at the individual level and 66.6% (10/15) at the flock level. Statistical analysis indicated that the co-presence of sheep, the animals’ being of pure breed and the purchasing of animals from different flocks are the factors that increase the prevalence of neosporosis, while feeder disinfection decreases it.
Prevalence of hemivertebrae in brachycephalic dog breeds according to radiographs
Authors: WADOWSKA IZA , DZIERZĘCKA MAŁGORZATA
Published: July 2019

Hemivertebra is a kind of changed vertebra in the spine characterized by uneven vertebral body formation, which can cause curvature of the spine. It is an inherited congenital defect found in both humans and animals. This defect occurs predominantly in brachycephalic breeds, such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence and the degree of development of this pathology in a selected population of French Bulldogs (n = 58), English Bulldogs (n = 9), and Pugs (n = 14). The occurrence of hemivertebrae was evaluated on X-rays performed in lateral and ventral-dorsal projections. Depending on the dog’s size, the voltage ranged between 76 and 54 kV, and the current ranged between 16 and 20 mAs. Hemivertebrae were found in 73% of dogs. The largest number of them were found in French Bulldogs and the fewest in Pugs. In 14% of dogs with confirmed malformation, neurological symptoms occurred. This study indicates that hemivertebrae is a developmental disorder most common in French Bulldogs, and the least frequent in Pugs. However, Pugs, more often than other breeds evaluated here, were diagnosed with hemivertebrae causing neurological disorders. In the thoracic segment of the spine, a hemivertebra usually affects Th5, Th6, Th7, Th9, and Th10. Due to the large prevalence of wedge-shaped vertebrae in brachycephalic breeds, radiographic examination for the presence of this defect is recommended in breeding dogs. Further uncontrolled proliferation of this defect may permanently damage the gene pool of these breeds.
Carnosine and Lung Disease
Authors: Tanaka Ken-Ichiro , Kawahara Masahiro
Published: July 2019

Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a small dipeptide with numerous activities, including antioxidant effects, metal ion chelation, proton buffering capacity, and inhibitory effects on protein carbonylation and glycation. Carnosine has been mostly studied in organs where it is abundant, including skeletal muscle, cerebral cortex, kidney, spleen, and plasma. Recently, the effect of supplementation with carnosine has been studied in organs with low levels of carnosine, such as the lung, in animal models of influenza virus or lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis. Among the known protective effects of carnosine, its antioxidant effect has attracted increasing attention for potential use in treating lung disease. In this review, we describe the in vitro and in vivo biological and physiological actions of carnosine. We also report our recent study and discuss the roles of carnosine or its related compounds in organs where carnosine is present in only small amounts (especially the lung) and its protective mechanisms.
Design of Inhibitors for Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH) Enzyme ofLeishmania mexicana
Authors: Alves Krisnna M.A. , Cardoso Fábio José Bonfim , Honorio Kathia M. , de Molfetta Fábio A.
Published: July 2019

Background::

Leishmaniosis is a neglected tropical disease and glyceraldehyde 3- phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a key enzyme in the design of new drugs to fight this disease.

Objective::

The present study aimed to evaluate potential inhibitors of GAPDH enzyme found in Leishmania mexicana (L. mexicana).

Methods:

A search for novel antileishmanial molecules was carried out based on similarities from the pharmacophoric point of view related to the binding site of the crystallographic enzyme using the ZINCPharmer server. The molecules selected in this screening were subjected to molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.

Results::

Consensual analysis of the docking energy values was performed, resulting in the selection of ten compounds. These ligand-receptor complexes were visually inspected in order to analyze the main interactions and subjected to toxicophoric evaluation, culminating in the selection of three compounds, which were subsequently submitted to molecular dynamics simulations. The docking results showed that the selected compounds interacted with GAPDH from L. mexicana, especially by hydrogen bonds with Cys166, Arg249, His194, Thr167, and Thr226. From the results obtained from molecular dynamics, it was observed that one of the loop regions, corresponding to the residues 195-222, can be related to the fitting of the substrate at the binding site, assisting in the positioning and the molecular recognition via residues responsible for the catalytic activity.

Conclusion::

he use of molecular modeling techniques enabled the identification of promising compounds as inhibitors of the GAPDH enzyme from L. mexicana, and the results obtained here can serve as a starting point to design new and more effective compounds than those currently available.
Evaluation of the Final Color of Ceramic Veneers with Different Self-Adhesive Resin Cements
Authors: Tabatabaei Masoumeh Hasani , Matinfard Fatemeh , Omrani Ladan Ranjbar , Mahounak Farzaneh Sadeghi , Ahmadi Elham
Published: July 2019

Background:

Proper selection of cement plays an effective role in the success of ceramic laminate veneers. The cement can affect the final color by changing the optical properties of the ceramic.

Objective:

Due to the ease of clinical use of the seventh generation of cement (Self-Adhesive Cement), this study aimed to evaluate the effect of this type of cement on the final color of Ceramic Veneers (CV).

Methods:

In this study, 21 IPS e.max ceramic disks (8mm× 0.7 mm) were used. They were divided into 3 groups of 7, depending on the type of cement. (Choice 2, RelyX U200, Speed Cem). In the first stage, ceramic disks were set on the facial surface of bovine’s teeth by bonding agents and the color properties were analyzed by spectrophotometer. In the next stage, specimens were cemented on the prepared surfaces according to the manufacturer’s instructions and their color was evaluated subsequently.

Results:

Results were analyzed by repeated measures two-way ANOVA and TAMHANE post hoc methods (P < 0.05). Results showed that cement influences the color of the ceramic laminate. ∆E values were reported to be higher than the critical point after cementation (∆E > 2.69).

Conclusion:

There was no significant difference between the effects of three cement types on the final color of the ceramic veneers.
Matrix Factorization-based Improved Classification of Gene Expression Data
Authors: Malik Shaily , Bansal Poonam
Published: July 2019

Background:

The medical data, in the form of prescriptions and test reports, is very extensive
which needs a comprehensive analysis.

Objective:

The gene expression data set is formulated using a very large number of genes associated
to thousands of samples. Identifying the relevant biological information from these complex associations
is a difficult task.

Methods:

For this purpose, a variety of classification algorithms are available which can be used to
automatically detect the desired information. K-Nearest Neighbour Algorithm, Latent Dirichlet Allocation,
Gaussian Naïve Bayes and support Vector Classifier are some of the well known algorithms
used for the classification task. Nonnegative Matrix Factorization is a technique which has
gained a lot of popularity because of its nonnegativity constraints. This technique can be used for
better interpretability of data.

Results:

In this paper, we applied NMF as a pre-processing step for better results. We also evaluated
the given classifiers on the basis of four criteria: accuracy, precision, specificity and Recall.

Conclusion:

The experimental results shows that these classifiers give better performance when
NMF is applied at pre-processing of data before giving it to the said classifiers. Gaussian Naïve Bias
algorithm showed a significant improvement in classification after the application of NMF at preprocessing.
A Hybrid Technique for Selection and Minimization of Test Cases in Regression Testing
Authors: Singh Leena , Singh Shailendra N. , Dawra Sudhir
Published: July 2019

Background:

In today’s era, modifications in a software is a common requirement by customers.
When changes are made to existing software, re-testing of all the test cases is required to ensure that the
newly introduced changes do not have any unwanted effect on the behavior of the software. However, retesting
of all the test cases would not only be time consuming but also expensive. Therefore, there is a need
for a technique that reduces the number of tests to be performed. Regression testing is one of the ways to reduce
the number of test cases. Selection technique is one such method which seeks to identify the test cases
that are relevant to some set of recent changes.

Objective:

It is evident that most of the studies have used different selection techniques and have focused
only on one parameter for achieving reduced test suite size without compromising the performance of regression
testing. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has taken two or more parameters of coverage,
and/or execution time in a single testing. This paper presents a hybrid technique that combines both
regression test selection using slicing technique and minimization of test cases using modified firefly algorithm
with combination of parameters coverage and execution time in a single testing.

Methods:

A hybrid technique has been described that combines both selection and minimization. Selection
of test cases is based upon slicing technique while minimization is done using firefly algorithm. Hybrid
technique selects and minimizes the test suite using information on statement coverage and execution time.

Results:

The proposed technique gives 43.33% much superior result as compared to the other hybrid
approach in terms of significantly reduced number of test cases. It shows that the resultant test cases were
effective enough to cover 100% of the statements, for all the programs. The proposed technique was also
tested on four different programs namely Quadratic, Triangle, Next day, Commission respectively for test
suite selection and minimization which gave comparatively superior result in terms of reduction (%) in
number of test cases required for testing.

Conclusion:

The combination of parameters used in slicing based approach, reduces the number of test cases
making software testing an economical, feasible and time saving option without any fault in the source
code. This proposed technique can be used by software practitioners/experts to reduce time, efforts and resources
for selection and minimization of test cases.
Energy Efficient Clustering and Routing Algorithm for WSN
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Mittal Sonu , Akhtar Amir K.
Published: July 2019

:

This paper presents a novel Energy Efficient Clustering and Routing Algorithm (EECRA)
for WSN. It is a clustering-based algorithm that minimizes energy dissipation in wireless sensor
networks. The proposed algorithm takes into consideration energy conservation of the nodes through
its inherent architecture and load balancing technique. In the proposed algorithm the role of intercluster
transmission is not performed by gateways instead a chosen member node of respective cluster
is responsible for data forwarding to another cluster or directly to the sink. Our algorithm eases
out the load of the gateways by distributing the transmission load among chosen sensor node which
acts as a relay node for inter-cluster communication for that round. Grievous simulations show that
EECRA is better than PBCA and other algorithms in terms of energy consumption per round and
network lifetime.

Objective:

The objective of this research lies in its inherent architecture and load balancing technique.
The sole purpose of this clustering-based algorithm is that it minimizes energy dissipation in
wireless sensor networks.

Methods:

This algorithm is tested with 100 sensor nodes and 10 gateways deployed in the target area
of 300m × 300m. The round assumed in this simulation is same as in LEACH. The performance
metrics used for comparisons are (a) network lifetime of gateways and (b) energy consumption per
round by gateways. Our algorithm gives superior result compared to LBC, EELBCA and PBCA.

Results:

The simulation was performed on MATLAB version R2012b. The performance of EECRA
is compared with some existing algorithms like PBCA, EELBCA and LBCA. The comparative
analysis shows that the proposed algorithm outperforms the other existing algorithms in terms of
network lifetime and energy consumption.

Conclusion:

The novelty of this algorithm lies in the fact that the gateways are not responsible for
inter-cluster forwarding, instead some sensor nodes are chosen in every cluster based on some cost
function and they act as a relay node for data forwarding. Note the algorithm does not address the
hot-spot problem. Our next endeavor will be to design an algorithm with consideration of hot-spot
problem.
Graph-Based Application Partitioning Approach for Computational Offloading in Mobile Cloud Computing
Authors: Mathur Robin P. , Sharma Manmohan
Published: July 2019

Background:

Computational offloading is emerging as a popular field in Mobile Cloud Computing
(MCC). Modern applications are power and compute-intensive which leads to the energy, storage and
processing issues in mobile devices. Using the offloading concept, a mobile device can offload its computation
to the cloud servers and receives back the results on the device.

Objective:

The main objective of the work is to provide a solution of an important question that arises in
the offloading scenario is that which part of the application needs to be offloaded remotely and which part
would run locally.

Methods:

In order to identify remote and local code, the application needs to be partitioned. In this paper,
the graph partitioning approach is considered which is based upon the spectral graph partitioning with the
Kernighan Lin algorithm. An application is assumed to be a graph and each node of the graph is assumed
as a method.

Results:

Experimental results show that the proposed hybrid approach performs optimally in partitioning the
application. The results indicate that considering the combination of spectral approach with the Kernighan Lin
algorithm performs optimally as compared to random and multilevel partitioning in a mobile cloud scenario.

Conclusion:

The proposed technique gave better results than the existing techniques in terms of edge cut
which is less, concluding minimum communication cost among components and thus save energy of the
mobile device.
An Optimized Classification of Apps Reviews for Improving Requirement Engineering
Authors: Bhatia M.P.S. , Kumar Akshi , Beniwal Rohit
Published: July 2019

Background:

The App Stores, for example, Google Play and Apple Play Store provide a
platform that allows users to provide feedback on the apps in the form of reviews. An app review
typically includes star rating followed by a comment. Recent studies have shown that these reviews
possess a vital source of information that can be used by the app developers and the vendors for
improving the future versions of an app. However, in most of the cases, these reviews are present in
unstructured form and extracting useful information from them requires a great effort.

Objective:

This article provides an optimized classification approach that automatically classifies the
reviews into a bug report, feature request, and shortcoming & improvement request relevant to
Requirement Engineering.

Method:

Our methodology merges three techniques, namely (1) Text Analysis, (2) Natural Language Processing, and (3) Sentiment Analysis to extract features set, which is then used to automatically classify app reviews into their relevant categories.

Results:

Result shows that we achieved best results with precision of 67.8 % and recall of 41.5 % with Logistic Regression Machine Learning technique, which we further optimized with PSO nature-inspired algorithm, i.e., with Logistic Regression + PSO, thus, resulting in a precision of 74.4 % and recall of 45.0 %.

Conclusion:

This optimized automatic classification improves the Requirement Engineering where developer straightforwardly knows what to improve further in the concerned app.
Inhalation Insufflation Technique with Local Anaesthetic Spray without Intubation and Opioids for Paediatric Upper Airway Surgery - Observational Case Series Study
Authors: Kadam Vasanth Rao
Published: July 2019

Background:

Anaesthetic management of upper airway surgery in paediatric is challenging. Total intravenous anaesthesia with opioid or inhalation technique with spontaneous respiration has been used but studies are limited on inhalation technique. This study aimed to use tubeless inhalation insufflation technique without opioids at a tertiary centre.

Methods:

All paediatric patients coming for elective upper airway surgery to the centre, were included. Mask induction was with 5-8% sevoflurane in O2 and maintenance with 2-3%, via a nasopharyngeally placed Endotracheal Tube (ETT) or catheter on spontaneous ventilation with flow between 8-10 l/min. Lidocaine up to 5 mg/kg was then sprayed to the mucosa of larynx and trachea. Once adequate depth was attained, suspension laryngoscope was placed by a surgeon for surgery. Some complications were observed i.e inadequate anaesthesia requiring rescue drugs like opioids or propofol, intubation, desaturation events from laryngospasm and delayed recovery. Surgical technique involved was diagnostic and therapeutic for the upper airway lesions.

Results:

Fifteen paediatric patients (2 months to 7 yrs) were included in the study with tubeless anaesthesia. None of them required intubation during the procedure. The mean time from induction of anaesthesia to unconsciousness was 15 ± 3 s and attainment of necessary anaesthetic depth for surgery was 4.7 ± 0.90 min. None had desaturation events or required opioids. However, propofol was required in one and delayed anaesthetic recovery was observed in one patient.

Conclusion:

This study on tubeless anaesthesia with Local Anaesthetic (LA) spray with spontaneous inhalation insufflation technique provided an opioid-free, interference-free operative field without airway compromise, not requiring intubation, therefore, further studies are required.