bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Olfactory Acuity and Peak Expiratory Flow during Postoperative Follow-up in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Associated with Asthma
Authors: Ikeda Katsuhisa , Yokoi Hidenori , Kusunoki Takeshi , Saitoh Tatuya , Yao Toru , Kase Kaori , Minekawa Akira , Inoshita Ayako , Kawano Kenji 
Published: July 2019

Objectives The link between nasal and bronchial disease has been studied extensively for chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma. The concept of “united airway allergy” has become widely accepted in the past decade. We evaluated the relationship between the upper and lower airways during follow-up after endoscopic sinus surgery by monitoring sinonasal and pulmonary functions. Methods Thirty-nine subjects with chronic rhinosinusitis associated with bronchial asthma were entered in this study. A self smell test using stick-type odorant materials was carried out daily to evaluate postoperative recurrence of sinonasal disease. Each patient was assessed for peak expiratory flow (PEF) 3 times daily. Results The average (±SD) scores of initial symptoms were 8.3 ± 2.2, which was significantly decreased to 1.5 ± 1.4 by 3 months after operation. During postoperative follow-up, 25 of 39 patients showed no decrease in PEF, whereas the other 14 patients had at least 1 episode of a significant decline in PEF. In the postoperative course, with respect to the self smell test, 24 patients showed no aggravation of smell, but 15 patients had episode(s) of decreased olfaction. Twelve patients demonstrated worsening on the smell test concomitant with a decreased PEF. A discrepancy between olfactory acuity and pulmonary function was recognized in 5 patients. There were 22 patients with a good prognosis of parameters of both the upper and lower airways. Conclusions Daily monitoring of both upper and lower respiratory tract functions clearly revealed dual relationships, indicating that worsening of sinusitis accompanies asthma exacerbation. Appropriate measures of the upper and lower airways following endoscopic sinus surgery can be used to predict patient outcome.
Pathways to mental health treatment in Ghana: Challenging biomedical methods from herbal- and faith-healing perspectives
Authors: Badu Eric , Mitchell Rebecca , O’Brien Anthony Paul 
Published: July 2019

Background: The clinical pathways for treating mental illness have received global attention. Several empirical studies have been undertaken on treatment pathways in Ghana. No study, however, has systematically reviewed the literature related to the pathways of mental health treatment in Ghana. Aim: This article aims to identify the pathways used to treat mental illnesses; examine the evidence about the possibility of collaboration between biomedical, faith and traditional healing pathways; and draw attention to the barriers hindering such collaboration. Methods: A search of the published literature was conducted using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science and Scopus databases. The search was limited to the articles that were published in English and released between 2000 and June 2018. The review synthesises both qualitative and quantitative data. Results: The findings showed that mental illnesses in Ghana are treated using a mixture of biomedical and faith-based and traditional healing services. Faith and traditional healing pathways are typically used as a preliminary source of cultural assessment before seeking biomedical treatment. There is an increasing desire for collaboration between biomedical, faith and traditional healing pathways. However, several individual factors (attitude or stigma, the perceived efficacy of treatment and differences in the treatment process) and health system factors (a lack of policy and regulation, a limited number of biomedical service providers, limited financial support and geographical isolation of services) jointly contribute to barriers precluding establishing such collaboration. Conclusion: This review recommends that policies, regulations, educational support and financial incentives should be developed to facilitate collaboration between biomedical, faith and traditional healing service provision.
Searching in the regulatory environment: The impact of regulatory search on firm innovativeness
Authors: Jiao Lu , Baird Kevin , Harrison Graeme 
Published: July 2019

This article examines the effect of regulatory search on firm innovativeness using survey data from Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Australian listed and private firms. We used a self-developed scale to measure regulatory search, which consists of both reactive and proactive regulatory search. The results show that only reactive regulatory search exhibits a positive and direct association with firm innovativeness. However, the results suggest that slack moderates the relations between the two regulatory search factors and innovativeness in different ways. Specifically, under a high (low) slack environment, reactive regulatory search is negatively (positively) related to innovativeness, while, under a high (low) slack environment, proactive regulatory search is positively (negatively) related to innovativeness. JEL Classification: L51, O31
Conservative treatment of main thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Full-time or nighttime bracing?
Authors: Ohrt-Nissen Søren , Lastikka Markus , Andersen Thomas Borbjerg , Helenius Ilkka , Gehrchen Martin 
Published: July 2019

Purpose: To compare treatment efficacy between the Boston full-time brace and the Providence part-time brace in main thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods: Patients were treated with either the Boston brace ( n = 37) or the Providence brace ( n = 40). Inclusion criteria were Risser grade ≤2, major curve between 25° and 40° with the apex of the curve between T7 and T11 vertebrae. Two-year follow-up was available in all patients unless brace treatment had reached endpoint. The primary outcome measure was main curve progression to ≥45°. Results: Median age was 12.6 years and median treatment length at follow-up was 25 months (interquartile range (IQR): 18–32)) with no difference between the groups ( p ≥ 0.116). Initial median main Cobb angle was 29° (IQR: 27–33) and 36° (IQR: 33–38) in the Boston and Providence groups, respectively ( p < 0.001). At follow-up, 13 patients (35%) had progressed to ≥45° in the Boston group versus 16 patients (40%) in the Providence group ( p = 0.838). Twenty-three patients (62%) had progressed by more than 5° in the Boston group versus 22 patients (55%) in the Providence group ( p = 0.685). The secondary thoracolumbar/lumbar curve progressed by more than 5° in 14 (38%) and 18 (45%) in the Boston and Providence groups, respectively ( p = 0.548). Conclusions: Despite a larger initial curve size in the Providence group, progression of more than 5° or to surgical indication area was similar in the Boston group. Our results indicate that nighttime bracing is a viable alternative to full-time bracing also in main thoracic AIS.
Serum IgG Antibodies against Periodontal Microbes and Cancer Mortality
Authors: Zhong Z. , Jin Q. , Zhang J. , Park Y.M. , Shrestha D. , Bai J. , Merchant A.T. 
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition initiated by microorganisms and is positively linked to systemic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus. Objectives: To prospectively investigate associations between empirically derived clusters of IgG antibodies against 19 selected periodontal microorganisms and cancer mortality in a representative sample of the US population. Methods: We evaluated 6,491 participants aged ≥40 y from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988 to 1994), who had complete data on IgG antibody titers against 19 selected periodontal microorganisms and were free of cardiovascular disease and cancer. In a prior study, antibodies were categorized into 4 mutually exclusive groups via cluster analysis: red-green, orange-red, yellow-orange, and orange-blue. Cluster scores were estimated by summing z scores of the antibody titers making up each cluster. Participants were followed up to death until December 31, 2011. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for all-cancer mortality by tertiles of cluster scores. Results: During follow-up for a median of 15.9 y, there were 2,702 deaths (31.3%), including 631 cancer-related deaths (8.1%). After adjusting for multiple confounders, the orange-blue cluster was inversely associated with cancer mortality (tertile 2 vs. tertile 1: HR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.84; tertile 3 vs tertile 1: HR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.46 to 0.84). The association between the yellow-orange cluster and all-cancer mortality was also inverse but not significant, and the orange-red cluster and the red-green cluster were not associated with all-cancer mortality. Conclusions: Antibodies against Eubacterium nodatum and Actinomyces naeslundii may be novel predictors of cancer mortality. If further studies establish a causal relationship between these antibodies and cancer mortality, they could be targets to prevent possible systemic effects of periodontal disease with potential interventions to raise their levels. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Periodontal antibodies against Eubacterium nodatum and Actinomyces naeslundii were inversely associated with cancer mortality among adults followed up for an average of 16 y. Periodontal antibodies may predict cancer mortality.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial to assess the effect of liraglutide on ectopic fat accumulation in South Asian type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: van Eyk Huub J. , Paiman Elisabeth H. M. , Bizino Maurice B. , de Heer Paul , Geelhoed-Duijvestijn Petronella H. , Kharagjitsingh Aan V. , Smit Johannes W. A. , Lamb Hildo J. , Rensen Patrick C. N. , Jazet Ingrid M. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background
South Asians have a high risk to develop type 2 diabetes, which may be related to substantial ectopic fat deposition. Since glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues can reduce ectopic fat accumulation, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of treatment with liraglutide for 26 weeks on ectopic fat deposition and HbA1c in South Asian patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
In a placebo-controlled trial, 47 South Asian patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to treatment with liraglutide (1.8 mg/day) or placebo added to standard care. At baseline and after 26 weeks of treatment we assessed abdominal subcutaneous, visceral, epicardial and paracardial adipose tissue volume using MRI. Furthermore, myocardial and hepatic triglyceride content were examined with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results
In the intention-to-treat analysis, liraglutide decreased body weight compared to placebo (− 3.9 ± 3.6 kg vs − 0.6 ± 2.2 kg; mean change from baseline (liraglutide vs placebo): − 3.5 kg; 95% CI [− 5.3, − 1.8]) without significant effects on the different adipose tissue compartments. HbA1c was decreased in both groups without between group differences. In the per-protocol analysis, liraglutide did decrease visceral adipose tissue volume compared to placebo (− 23 ± 27 cm2 vs − 2 ± 17 cm2; mean change from baseline (liraglutide vs placebo): − 17 cm2; 95% CI [− 32, − 3]). Furthermore, HbA1c was decreased by liraglutide compared to placebo (− 1.0 ± 0.8% (− 10.5 ± 9.1 mmol/mol)) vs (− 0.6 ± 0.8% (− 6.1 ± 8.8 mmol/mol)), with a between group difference (mean change from baseline (liraglutide vs placebo): − 0.6% (− 6.5 mmol/mol); 95% CI [− 1.1, − 0.1 (− 11.5, − 1.5)]). Interestingly, the decrease of visceral adipose tissue volume was associated with the reduction of HbA1c (β: 0.165 mmol/mol (0.015%) per 1 cm2 decrease of visceral adipose tissue volume; 95% CI [0.062, 0.267 (0.006, 0.024%)]).

Conclusions
While the intention-to-treat analysis did not show effects of liraglutide on ectopic fat and HbA1c, per-protocol analysis showed that liraglutide decreases visceral adipose tissue volume, which was associated with improved glycaemic control in South Asians.
Trial registration NCT02660047 (clinicaltrials.gov). Registered 21 January 2016
Epidermodysplasia verruciformis: revision of a model of carcinogenic disease
Authors: da Cruz Silva Lana Luiza , de Oliveira Walmar Roncalli Pereira , Sotto Mirian Nacagami 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis review addresses current issues regarding epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), which are relevant in clinical practice and to comprehend the mechanisms by which human papillomavirus (HPV) acts in cutaneous carcinogenesis.Main bodyEV is an unusual genodermatosis, related to beta-HPV, with high risk for developing skin cancer. Clinical manifestations begin in childhood and they are characterized by flat warts, pityriasis versicolor-like macules and seborrheic keratoses lesions. Up to 50% of EV patients develop nonmelanoma skin cancer in sun exposed areas, mainly squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Unlike genital carcinomas associated to alpha-HPV, in which transcriptionally active viral genomes invariably occurs, the EV-HPV seems to act by interaction with the host cell, the ultraviolet radiation and immunosuppression to result in carcinogenesis. The EV diagnosis is clinical and it can be confirmed by characteristic histopathological findings and EV-HPV identification. Until now, there is no effective treatment for EV. EV patients need regular clinical follow-up for early detection and treatment of cutaneous carcinomas.ConclusionDespite the rarity of EV, the study of this genodermatosis is important to better understand the process of beta-HPV carcinogenesis.
Risk Prediction Scores for Mortality, Cerebrovascular, and Heart Disease Among Chinese People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Quan Jianchao , Pang Deanette , Li Tom K , Choi Cheung Hei , Siu Shing Chung , Tang Simon Y , Wat Nelson M , Woo Jean , Lau Zheng Yi , Tan Kelvin B , Leung Gabriel M 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Context
Risk scores for cardiovascular and mortality outcomes have not been commonly applied in Chinese populations.

Objective
To develop and externally validate a set of parsimonious risk scores [University of Hong Kong-Singapore (HKU-SG)] to predict the risk of mortality, cerebrovascular disease, and ischemic heart disease among Chinese people with type 2 diabetes and compare HKU-SG risk scores to other existing ones.

Design
Retrospective population-based cohorts drawn from Hong Kong Hospital Authority health records from 2006 to 2014 for development and Singapore Ministry of Health records from 2008 to 2016 for validation. Separate five-year risk scores were derived using Cox proportional hazards models for each outcome.

Setting
Study participants were adults with type 2 diabetes aged 20 years or over, consisting of 678,750 participants from Hong Kong and 386,425 participants from Singapore.

Main Outcome Measures
Performance was evaluated by discrimination (Harrell C-index), and calibration plots comparing predicted against observed risks.

Results
All models had fair external discrimination. Among the risk scores for the diabetes population, ethnic-specific risk scores (HKU-SG and Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation) performed better than UK Prospective Diabetes Study and Risk Equations for Complications Of type 2 Diabetes models. External validation of the HKU-SG risk scores for mortality, cerebrovascular disease, and ischemic heart disease had corresponding C-indices of 0.778, 0.695, and 0.644. The HKU-SG models appeared well calibrated on visual plots, with predicted risks closely matching observed risks.

Conclusions
The HKU-SG risk scores were developed and externally validated in two large Chinese population-based cohorts. The parsimonious use of clinical predictors compared with previous risk scores could allow wider implementation of risk estimation in diverse Chinese settings.
CHIR-99021 regulates mitochondrial remodelling via β-catenin signalling and miRNA expression during endodermal differentiation
Authors: Ma Yuejiao , Ma Minghui , Sun Jie , Li Weihong , Li Yaqiong , Guo Xinyue , Zhang Haiyan 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT
Mitochondrial remodelling is a central feature of stem cell differentiation. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms during these processes. Previously, we found that a pharmacological inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3α and -3β, CHIR-99021, initiates human adipose stem cell differentiation into human definitive endodermal progenitor cells (hEPCs), which were directed to differentiate synchronously into hepatocyte-like cells after further treatment with combinations of soluble factors. In this study, we show that CHIR-99021 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis, the expression of PGC-1α (also known as PPARGC1A), TFAM and NRF1 (also known as NFE2L1), oxidative phosphorylation capacities, and the production of reactive oxygen species in hEPCs. Blocking mitochondrial dynamics using siRNA targeting DRP1 (also known as DNM1L) impaired definitive endodermal differentiation. Downregulation of β-catenin (CTNNB1) expression weakened the effect of CHIR-99021 on the induction of mitochondrial remodelling and the expression of transcription factors for mitochondrial biogenesis. Moreover, CHIR-99021 decreased the expression of miR-19b-2-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-23c, miR-130a-3p and miR-130a-5p in hEPCs, which target transcription factors for mitochondrial biogenesis. These data demonstrate that CHIR-99021 plays a role in mitochondrial structure and function remodelling via activation of the β-catenin signalling pathway and inhibits the expression of miRNAs during definitive endodermal differentiation.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Comparison of sleep and health behaviors among diabetic patients and non-diabetics in Phitsanulok, Thailand: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Juntarawijit Chudchawal , Juntarawijit Yuwayong 
Published: July 2019

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global public health problem. To avoid disease complications, diabetic patients have to control their blood glucose and maintain a healthy lifestyle including a healthy diet, weight control, moderate exercise and smoking cessation. Methods: This study aimed to survey sleep, eating and exercise behaviors of diabetic patients in Bang Rakam district, a rural community in Phitsanulok province, Thailand. The data on sleep and other health behaviors were taken from 1,385 T2DM patients and 1,394 non-T2DM controls, who were aged 30 - 85 years and were free from other chronic diseases. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: Compared to the control group, the diabetic group had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI). However, fewer of them were found to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. Most of the participants were ‘morning people’ who slept 7-9 hours per day. It was found that sleep ≥8 hours increased the risk of diabetes among women (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.03 - 1.56). The diabetic group reported eating chicken and vegetables more than the control group. They also avoided eating beef and eating more than a cup of rice per meal. However, the T2DM group did fewer physical activities, such as walking, biking or playing sports, during their leisure time. Conclusions: Compared to the control group, diabetic patients in a rural community of Thailand had healthier sleep, lifestyle and eating behaviors but not healthier exercise behaviors, especially among obese women. Diabetic prevention programs should emphasize and promote weight control and increasing levels of exercise.
Transformerless dc Converter for Distributed Solar Power Generation System
Authors: Suryoatmojo Heri 
Published: July 2019

There are two types of distributed solar power generation system stand-alone system and grid-connected system. In grid-connected system usually are equiped with additional transformer to transfer the energy from solar power to the grid. However, it has resulted in considerable cost in providing these systems. Therefore in this reserach develops boost transformerless inverter system. The proposed system consists of a boost converter and transformerless inverter. Boost converter is used to increse the dc voltage yield by photovoltaic (PV) and delivered to the grid by mean of transformerless inverter.In order to maximize the power from PV, the proposed system is also designed with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) by changing the value of modulation index in the transformerless inverters. From the simulation results show that the system can work effectively in a variety conditions such as light intensity changed and fluctuating in the grid voltage side.
PERENCANAAN STRATEGIS SI/TI DENGAN METODE ANALISA SWOT DAN BSC UNTUK MENINGKATKAN DAYA SAING DI UNIVERSITAS XYZ
Authors: Retnawati Lestari 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT XYZ University is an institution that has applied ICT in academic and non academic operations. ICT infrastructure has been built to connect campus A and campus B with wired and wireless based connectivity to support the running of various information systems as a campus conceptual system. The information system owned by XYZ University has not been fully integrated. There are several systems such as Academic Information System, e-learning, financial system, staffing system, e-Slip and various other applications that are not fully integrated yet. The many systems and applications are an asset to XYZ University's institutions, because in its development it has taken quite a bit of time and resources. Therefore, the institution must fully utilize to support the institution in accelerating the achievement of the vision and mission that has been set so that the application of ICT be aligned with the business interests of the institution of Wijaya Kusuma University Surabaya. Then the institution must prepare a strategic information system / information technology (SI / IT). From here the initial idea of the need for a research entitled "Strategic Planning SI / IT With SWOT and BSC Methods At XYZ University. The final result of this study is the portfolio of applications required by XYZ University. Strategic Planning SI / IT With SWOT and BSC Methods At XYZ University aims to provide an overview and recommendation on internal and external business and SI / IT conditions and IT / IT policy management and Information Technology policy at XYZ University. Keywords: Strategic Planning SI / TI, application portfolio, SWOT Analysis, BSC Analysis.
APLIKASI TUTORIAL RESEP MASAKAN TRADISIONAL ACEH BERBASIS ANDROID MENGGUNAKAN METODE ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP)
Authors: Dinata Rozzi Kesuma 
Published: July 2019

Traditional Aceh cuisine is a dish cooked by the people of Aceh and marinade formulated by the people of Aceh. Based on the results of interviews with the community around the traditional dishes are often cooked every day such as "kuah plik/ patarana, kuah asam keu-eung, kuah masak puteh, kuah lemak/santan, kuah masak mirah, boh manok U, asam sabee, bileh payeh, asam u, dan urap Aceh". Nowadays according to the advanced application can help the young mothers who from not able to cook become skilful cooking Aceh cuisine, one of them is from the application of traditional recipe of Aceh-based recipe android so that the young mothers can be assisted in the process of way cooking Aceh cuisine. In implementing the AHP method, the authors use the method on the portion of the cuisine divided into 3 (three) portion division of which the three portion, the seven portions and the 12 portions. We show that results in rankings of the most desirable of the 12th share with the highest ranking value of the calculation are 0.37.