bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective study of vitrectomy for epiretinal membranes in patients with good best-corrected visual acuity
Authors: Nakashizuka Hiroyuki , Kitagawa Yorihisa , Wakatsuki Yu , Tanaka Koji , Furuya Koichi , Hattori Takayuki , Mori Ryusaburo , Shimada Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of epiretinal membrane removal in patients with good best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for improving visual function and quality of life (QOL).
Methods: This prospective case study compared 37 subjects with preoperative BCVA≦logMAR0.046 (Good group) to 35 patients with logMAR BCVA 0.52–0.10 (Moderate group) at 3 and 6 months. Linear mixed-effect models were used for statistical analysis. The primary outcome was the horizontal metamorphopsia score (MH) at 6 months postoperatively (post-6 M), while secondary outcomes were postoperative BCVA, vertical metamorphopsia score (MV), aniseikonia, stereopsis and central foveal thickness. In the Good group, QOL was assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) at 6 and 12 months.
Results: MH was significantly improved at post-3 M and post-6 M in the both groups but there were no significant differences between the two groups. MV showed no improvement at the final observation in either group. LogMAR BCVA was significantly improved at post-6 M in the Good group, which had significantly better vision than the Moderate group. Preoperative vertical and horizontal aniseikonia scores remained unchanged in the Good group at post-6 M but worsened in the Moderate group. The NEI VFQ-25 score improved in the Good group, reflecting improved general health, general vision, and mental health.
Conclusions: Early epiretinal surgery was effective for MH, BCVA, aniseikonia, and QOL.
A case of palpebral conjunctival MALT lymphoma misdiagnosed as giant papillary conjunctivitis
Authors: Liao Hongxia , Zheng Xiao , Liu Ting , Ye Jian 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

Although conjunctival lymphoma is generally easy to diagnose, misdiagnosis of this condition has been repeatedly reported. This article presents a rare case of lymphoma arising from the palpebral conjunctiva in a very young woman whose disease was initially misdiagnosed as giant papillary conjunctivitis.

Case presentation

A 20-year-old young woman with a history of chronic rhinitis presented with bilateral, salmon-pink, multiple-nodular patches in both the superior and inferior palpebral conjunctivae. The patient did not respond to hormone (glucocorticoids) and other anti-inflammatory medications. Therefore, she underwent surgical resection combined with cryosurgery and achieved complete remission. According to histopathology and immunohistochemistry examinations, a diagnosis of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) was made. Two months post-treatment, she received additional radiation therapy because a sign of recurrence was apparent. From then, she had no recurrence, vision loss, or cataract during a follow-up of six months.

Conclusions

Although the diagnosis of conjunctival MALT lymphoma is straightforward in most cases due to its characteristic salmon-like appearance, misdiagnosis of this condition can occur. When conventional antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatments are not effective, conjunctival lymphoma should be considered and biopsy for histological and immunohistochemical analyses is warranted. The combination of excision, cryosurgery and radiation therapy is an effective approach to achieve complete remission.
MicroRNA 125b overexpression in pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Authors: Tomczyk-Socha Martyna , Baczyńska Dagmara , Przeździecka-Dołyk Joanna , Turno-Kręcicka Anna 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs. Qin et al. described miR 125b was downregulated in cataract tissue when compared to a transparent lens. The aim of study was (1) to establish the expression of miR 125b in cataracts complicated by pseudoexfoliation syndrome /PEX/, glaucoma or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and (2) to determine whether any environmental factors influence miR 125b expression.

Methods

Anterior lens capsule were obtained from 150 patients. The patients were selected for three groups: with PEX, primary open angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, with matched controls in the term of gender (cataract alone). qPCR expression of microRNA 125b was examined in every groups.

Results

Mean age of 150 patients was 75.18years (SD +/-9.12years). Investigation indicates for the first time, that miR 125b expression is significantly increased 3.33x in PEX group (p=0,046). A lower level of miR 125b (p=0,01) was found in patients who smoked compared to those who did not.

Conclusions

Our data reveal the possible role of miR 125b in pseudoexfoliation syndrome development. There are two possible interpretations of these results. Either the co-existence of PEX acts as a moderator of miR 125b expression in the anterior lens, or the increased expression of miR 125b can be a cause of PEX.
The Impact of Air Pollution on Intestinal Microbiome of Asthmatic Children: A Panel Study
Authors: Zheng Ping , Wang Qiang , Zhang Kexing , Lv Xifang , Ni Xue , Xiao Nan , Liu Chuanhe , Sha Li , Bai Xuetao 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

Intestinal microbiome can influence human health. Previous researches showed that the intestinal microbiome played an important role in immune responses associated with allergic disease. Colonization of intestinal microorganisms in the early life could affect future susceptibility to asthma. In China the incidence of childhood asthma raised sharply in recent years and the air pollution was serious in the meantime. Based on the above theories and conditions, the main objective of this article was to explore the impact of air pollution on intestinal microbiome of asthmatic children preliminary.

Results

A total of 42 fecal samples from 21 children, among whom 11 children with asthma and 10 children without asthma, were collected twice in a clean day and a polluted day respectively. Identifying the bacteria in gut by the method of high throughput sequencing for 16SrRNA gene. The results showed that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla in all children. Proteobacteria (p=0.020) increased significantly and Bacteroidetes (p=0.072) decreased marginally significantly in asthmatic children compared with healthy children. Bacteroidetes (p=0.067) showed marginally significant increasing and Actinobacteria (p=0.001) showed significant decline in asthmatic children after air pollution. The variations of Firmicutes (p=0.106) and Proteobacteria (p=0.064) were marginally significant in healthy children after air pollution. Analyzed by multiple linear regression, the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes at phylum level, Bacteroidia at class level, Clostridium_sensu_ stricto_1 and Terrisporobacter at genus level significantly correlated with environmental pollutants (p<0.05), including PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 and O3.

Conclusion

Composition of intestinal microbiome in asthmatic children were different from healthy children significantly, and air pollution could impact on intestinal microbiome both in asthmatic and healthy children.
Water Retention and Pore Size Distribution of a Biopolymeric‐Amended Loam Soil
Authors: Rahmati Mehdi , Pohlmeier Andreas , Abasiyan Sara Mola Ali , Weihermüller Lutz , Vereecken Harry 
Published: May 2019

Core IdeasTransversal relaxation time spectra were a good proxy to determine pore size distribution.Chitosan provides more degradable C to the soil microbial community than Arabic gum.The water retention curve showed that 10 g Arabic gum kg−1soil decreased plant‐available water.The same amount of chitosan increased available water content compared with the reference soil.The pore size distribution (PSD) of biopolymeric‐amended soils is rarely investigated due to difficulties in its quantification using classical methods. In this study, we analyzed the impact of biopolymeric soil amendments on the PSD of a dryland loamy soil based on its physical and biological properties using a completely randomized design with four treatments consisting of two different dosages (10 and 5 g kg−1) of two different biopolymers, (chitosan [CH] and Arabic gum [AG]) plus a reference soil. To determine the effects of CH and AG on the PSD, nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry (NMRR) measurements were used to determine the longitudinal (T1) and transversal (T2) relaxation times. A set of soil structure–related characteristics was also determined in the laboratory. The results revealed thatT2spectra provided a good proxy to determine the PSD, showing good agreement between the PSD fromT2spectra and that calculated from the water retention curve (WRC) (R2> 0.78; RMSE <1.38 μm). The application of CH also increased the zeta potential of the soil to −18.5 mV, compared with −20 mV obtained for the reference soil. The WRC measurements revealed that AG decreased the available water content for plant use compared with the reference soil, whereas CH increased the available water in comparison to the reference soil. Considering the parameters of the van Genuchten model, the application of AG and CH mainly affected the parameter α, confirming the dominant changes in macropores. This finding was confirmed by NMRR relaxation spectra. Furthermore, the application of CH and AG stimulated the microbial activity of the amended soil, leading to an increase in soil respiration.
Hybrid constructed wetlands system with intermittent feeding applied for urban wastewater treatment in South Brazil
Authors: Rousso Benny Zuse , Pelissari Catiane , Santos Mayara Oliveira dos , Sezerino Pablo Heleno 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Hybrid constructed wetlands composed by vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) followed by horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HFCW) are a wastewater treatment technology employed worldwide. However, there are few studies of their application in Brazil. Treatment performance is not achieved directly after the start of operation and may change according to external conditions over time. This paper evaluated a VFCW–HFCW hybrid system applied to treat urban wastewater in southern Brazil during the first 70 operational weeks. The system was operated with cycles of rest and feed periods. The results point to the first 10 weeks of operation as a transitioning period, especially for VFCW, after which chemical oxygen demand (COD) (from 77% to 90%) and total suspended solids (TSS) (from 90% to 100%) removal performances stabilized and reached their peak rates. Factors such as rainfall precipitation, macrophytes' adaptation, and time of operation affected pollutants' removal. Regardless of the fluctuations throughout the period, the hybrid system presented resilience by generating excellent average removal rates. It showed a mean removal efficiency of 99% for TSS, 98% for COD, 69% for total nitrogen (TN), 91% for NH4+-N, and 96% for P-PO43−. Moreover, the effluent was always suitable to be discharged into the environment according to Brazilian national and state regulations.
Contraceptive Options for the Patient with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Santiago-Munoz Patricia 
Published: May 2019

The World Health Organization describes contraception as desirable for many reasons. It allows families to make informed choices about their reproductive years. It allows family planning, with spacing of children, leading to better bonding between mother and child, higher exclusive breastfeeding rates, and improved health of the mother for a future pregnancy.1
Unintended pregnancies continue to occur at an astronomically high rate in the US, as high as 35% by most recent data,2 and of course, since women with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are not exempt from this statistic, it is imperative that as care providers, we help our patients to plan ahead. In their case, maternal health is our main concern.
Weiss and colleagues, reporting on pregnancy outcomes with PAH between 1978 and 1996, found a maternal mortality of 36% in Eisenmenger syndrome, 30% in idiopathic PAH, and 56% in secondary PAH.3 A more recent systematic review reported slightly more optimistic pregnancy outcomes from 1997 to 2007. Still, maternal mortality ranged from 17% to 33%, depending on the exact etiology of pulmonary hypertension.4 It is therefore very clear that in the setting of PAH, contraception is important and potentially lifesaving.
Roles of TRPM7 in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Liu Aifen , Yang Bin 
Published: May 2019

:
Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) that is a global health concern associated with high morbidity and mortality. So far, no specific interventions limit injury or improve recovery and survival. Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), a bifunctional membrane protein, plays key roles in inflammation and cell death. However, the precise role and under-lying mechanism of TRPM7 in IR-induced AKI have not been well defined. Herein, we reviewed the structure and function of TRPM7 as a non-selective ion channel, but Ca2+ and Mg2+-conducting, that mediated the elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ and Mg2+. We then reviewed the mechanism of TRPM7 involved in the pathophysiology of IRI, including inflammatory response, apoptosis and necroptosis, renal microvasculature, as well as maladaptive fibrogenesis leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our previous study has shown that the dynamic change and underlying mechanism of TRPM7 involving in inflammation and apoptosis in in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation and in vivo renal IRI models. The association between TRPM7, apoptosis and inflammation, as well as related caspase-3, HMGB1 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, was also discussed. Disclosing the involvement of TRPM7 in renal IRI might provide new mechanistic insights for a potential biomarker as diagnostic and therapeutic target of AKI.
Investigation of the Adsorption Rubraca Anticancer Drug on the CNT(4,4-8) Nanotube as a Factor of Drug Delivery: A Theoretical Study Based on DFT Method
Authors: Sheikhi Masoome , Shahab Siyamak , Khaleghian Mehrnoosh , Ahmadianarog Mahin , Azarakhshi Fatemeh , Kumar Rakesh 
Published: May 2019

Background:
In the present study, the interaction between new drug
Rubraca and CNT(4,4-8) nanotube by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations in
an aqueous medium for first time have been investigated.

Method and Results:
According to calculations, the intermolecular hydrogen bonds
take place between active positions of the molecule Rubraca and hydrogen atoms of the
nanotube that plays an important role in the stability of the complex CNT(4,4-
8)/Rubraca. The non-bonded interaction effects of the molecule Rubraca with CNT(4,4-
8) nanotube on the electronic properties, chemical shift tensors and natural charge have
been also detected. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis suggested that the
molecule Rubraca as an electron donor and the CNT(4,4-8) nanotube plays the role an
electron acceptor at the complex CNT(4,4-8)/Rubraca. The electronic spectra of the
Rubraca drug and the complex CNT(4,4-8)/Rubraca were also calculated by Time
Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) for the investigation of adsorption effect
of the Rubraca drug over nanotube.

Conclusion:
The use of CNT(4,4-8) nanotube for Rubraca delivery to the diseased cells
have been established.
Evaluation of Growth and Antioxidant Activity in Suaeda monoica and Suaeda nudiflora Callus Cultures under Sequential Exposure to Saline Conditions
Authors: Joshi Abhishek , Kanthaliya Bhanupriya , Arora Jaya 
Published: May 2019

Background:Plant in vitro culture systems serve as a useful tool to study the regulatory routes which are related to plant growth and survival under altered environmental conditions.Methods:Callus culture of Suaeda monoica and Suaeda nudiflora were established for studying the salt tolerance mechanism at the cellular level. Calli of both the species were induced from seedling’s epicotyls on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with a different combination of auxin and cytokinins. A sequential stress treatment was given to the callus of both the species. The growth rate of callus, osmolytes and antioxidant activities was investigated after 28 days. A control callus was maintained in each experiment without any salt in the growth medium.Results:Efficient callus regeneration was obtained by exposing the callus tissue to MS medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D, 1.0 mg/l), benzylaminopurine (BAP, 0.5 mg/l) and 2,4-D (0.5 mg/l), kinetin (Kn, 0.25 mg/l) for S. monoica and S. nudiflora, respectively. A substantial increase was observed in proline content and a strong positive correlation was found between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity under increasing salt concentrations.Conclusion:This is the first report on S. monoica callus regeneration. The specific cell lines which were generated through callus culture under sequential saline conditions provide a promising foundation for studying salinity induced expression of enzymes. Further comparison of transcriptomic profiles of control and salt-treated callus cultures can serve as a promising system for the detection of genes responsible for the change in expression under salt stress.
Struktur Resistivitas Dangkal Sebagai Upaya Mitigasi Bencana Pergerakan Tanah
Authors: Wijatmoko Bambang , Santoso Budy , Agustine Eleonora , Rosandi Yudi 
Published: May 2019

Cisempur village is located at the slope of Mount Geulis, having a very variated morphology from gentle slopes to very steep ones. Due to the high demand for settlements the land use change can not be avoided. The steepness of the slope, the decrease of the number of vegetations, and the increase of load from buildings may induced land slide occurrence. This problem motivate us to perform measurement at the area, in order to uncover the information about the level of stability and the land carrying capacity, through the study of the subsurface rock layering condition. In this work, we present the shallow resistivity by means of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) method in two measurement lines. The obtained data is processed using 2D inversion method, in order to obtain the layering structure cross-section. The interpretation of the results suggest the existence of sandstone, which is normally associated with the location of aquifer and tuffaceous clay. The tuffaceous may function as the slide plane in the land slide event. The interpretation also shows that the carrying capacity decrease very extremely at the settlement site, which is indicated by the land displacement. This information has to be socialized and transferred to the inhabitant, in order to build awareness, and the land slide disaster mitigation can be carried out.
Interés de profesores de bachillerato para utilizar herramientas de una LMS en el diplomado de profesores
Authors: Morales Salazar Manuel 
Published: May 2019

<p>Si bien las TIC´s cada vez son más utilizadas en educación, la respuesta es todavía pobre cuando se pretende fomentar su uso como apoyo para la clase presencial. Este estudio** muestra resultados sobre dicha premisa, resaltando la correlación entre el uso de la computadora y el gusto por enseñar a distancia utilizando una plataforma educativa. La muestra es un grupo de profesores del nivel medio superior, estudiantes del Diplomado en Competencias Docentes, que utilizan una plataforma educativa principalmente para leer los documentos y enviar las tareas.</p> <p>Con un promedio de edad de 48 años, igual número de mujeres y hombres, su aceptación al uso de las TIC´s es regular, y sobresale la negación a comprar por Internet. Manifiestan un bajo interés para enseñar a distancia, lo cual indica que difícilmente utilizarán una plataforma educativa en su clase presencial o en otra completamente a distancia. El resto de las estadísticas permite ver que, para elevar el interés de enseñar a distancia, es necesario despertar mayor interés en el uso de las TIC´s en general, aunque sin dejar de considerar lo arraigado que se encuentra el uso de los métodos de enseñanza tradicional.</p>
Programa de tutoría de la UVEG: un proyecto en construcción. Sistema de Seguimiento al Estudiante
Authors: Luna Dávila Pablo Misael , Martínez Octavo Miguel Ángel , Moreno Hernández Elías 
Published: May 2019

<p>El siguiente documento es producto de la discusión colegiada que, durante un año de trabajo (2009-2010), se ha realizado dentro de la Universidad Virtual del Estado de Guanajuato (UVEG). Contiene datos documentados a través del trabajo de la tutoría desde la experiencia de los profesores de asignatura virtual (PAV), profesores expertos en contenido (PEC), y promotores y directores de división académica.</p> <p><br /> El propósito es dar a conocer los referentes construidos en forma colectiva, mismos que fundamentan el trabajo y la construcción del Sistema de Seguimiento al Estudiante (SSE) como parte de la necesidad operativa de la tutoría en la UVEG.</p> <p><br /> Asimismo, se describe cómo concebimos a la tutoría, sus objetivos, la metodología que seguimos y las primeras conclusiones; se hace un balance de las fortalezas que percibimos y que consideramos necesario seguir apoyando, así como las áreas de oportunidad que ubicamos como puntos importantes de reflexión y de trabajo que abren caminos y oportunidades para seguir construyendo la labor de tutoría.</p>
KAJIAN PENERAPAN BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY PADA PEMBIAYAAN SINDIKASI SKIM MUSYARAKAH MUTANAQISHAH
Authors: Saratian Eko Tama Putra , Mulyowahyudi Alugoro , Kurniasih Augustina 
Published: May 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis penerapan blue ocean strategy pada pembiayaan sindikasi skim musyarakah mutanaqishah di Bank Syariah X. Adapun identifikasi masalah pada penelitian yaitu ketatnya persaingan di Industri Perbankan dan adanya fluktuasi pertumbuhan pembiayaan. Strategi yang saat ini digunakan mengacu pada konsep marketing mix 7P (product, price, place, promotion, people, process, physical evidence), namun dibutuhkan strategi baru untuk menjauh dari persaingan yang ketat tersebut. Desain penelitian dalam penelitian ini adalah pendekatan kualitatif. Metode sampling yang digunakan yaitu purposive sampling, dengan analisis data melalui observasi dan in-depth interview dari sumber partisipan internal dan eksternal Bank Syariah X dengan tingkat jabatan manajerial. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan competing factors pada pembiayaan sindikasi skim musyarakah mutanaqishah yaitu, Harga (Pricing), Service Level Agreement (SLA), Manajemen Relasi, Account Holder, Account Executive dan Jaringan Kantor. Dalam pemenuhan rangkaian syarat untuk menentukan ide blue ocean strategy yang layak secara komersial, pembiayaan sindikasi skim musyarakah mutanaqishah dapat memberikan manfaat kepada pembeli, menekan harga, dan pengadopsian strategi yang baik, namun belum dapat menekan biaya secara signifikan.