bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selling second best: how infant formula marketing works
Authors: Hastings Gerard , Angus Kathryn , Eadie Douglas , Hunt Kate
Published: August 2020

Background

Despite the clear policy intent to contain it, the marketing of formula milk remains widespread, powerful and successful. This paper examines how it works.

Methods

The study comprised a mix of secondary analysis of business databases and qualitative interviews with marketing practitioners, some of whom had previously worked in formula marketing.

Results

The World Health Assembly Code aims to shield parents from unfair commercial pressures by stopping the inappropriate promotion of infant formula. In reality marketing remains widespread because some countries (e.g. the USA) have not adopted the Code, and elsewhere industry has developed follow-on and specialist milks with which they promote formula by proxy. The World Health Assembly has tried to close these loopholes by extending its Code to these products; but the marketing continues. The campaigns use emotional appeals to reach out to and build relationships with parents and especially mothers. Evocative brands give these approaches a human face. The advent of social media has made it easier to pose as the friend and supporter of parents; it is also providing companies with a rich stream of personal data with which they hone and target their campaigns.

The formula industry is dominated by a small number of extremely powerful multinational corporations with the resources to buy the best global marketing expertise. Like all corporations they are governed by the fiduciary imperative which puts the pursuit of profits ahead of all other concerns. This mix of fiscal power, sophisticated marketing, and single-mindedness is causing great harm to public health.

Conclusions

Formula marketing is widespread and using powerful emotional techniques to sell parents a product that is vastly inferior to breast milk. There is an urgent need to update and strengthen regulation.
Pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma without AKT1, HRAS or PIK3CA mutations: a case report
Authors: Yanagawa Naoki , Sato Ayaka , Nishiya Masao , Suzuki Masamichi , Sugimoto Ryo , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Uesugi Noriyuki , Saito Hajime , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: August 2020

Background

Pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare subtype of lung cancer. Because of its rarity, the molecular information on this carcinoma is insufficient.

Case presentation

We report a case of pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma without AKT1, HRAS or PIK3CA mutations in a 76-year-old woman. Computed tomography revealed a tumor located in the left lower lung. Thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy was performed. Histopathologically, the tumor consisted of duct-like structures and polygonal and spindle cell features. The duct-like structures were composed of two distinct cell layers. The inner layer consisted of cuboidal cells that were positive for pan-cytokeratin and negative for p63, whereas the outer layer consisted of polygonal and spindle cells that were positive for p63 and weakly positive for pan-cytokeratin. We evaluated mutations in AKT1, BRAF, CTNNB1, HRAS, KRAS and PIK3CA but did not detect any mutations.

Conclusion

Pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare subtype of lung cancer, with only 56 previous cases reported in the English literature. The genetic alterations in pulmonary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma are still unknown. We examined the 6 genes mutation analysis, however no mutation was detected.
Impact of the therapeutic positioning report in the P&R process in Spain: analysis of orphan drugs approved by the European Commission and reimbursed in Spain from 2003 to 2019
Authors: Badia Xavier , Vico Tania , Shepherd John , Gil Alicia , Poveda-Andrés José Luis , Hernández César
Published: August 2020

Background

Pricing and reimbursement decisions for orphan drugs are faced with differences access between European countries depending on each reimbursement policies, evaluation processes and timings. In 2013, the therapeutic positioning report was introduced in the pricing and reimbursement process in Spain. The present study aims to identify orphan drugs authorised in Spain and approved by the European Commission between January 2003 and December 2019, analyse the impact of the therapeutic positioning report in the pricing and reimbursement process of orphan drugs in Spain and to assess additional potential criteria that could influence pricing and reimbursement decisions for orphan drugs.

Results

Ninety-four orphan drugs have been approved by the European Commission between January 2003 and December 2019 and have marketing authorisation in Spain. Out of the 94 orphan drugs, 46 (48.9%) had received pricing and reimbursement approval. Before the inclusion of the therapeutic positioning report in year 2013, the mean time from European Commission approval to pricing and reimbursement approval for orphan drugs in Spain was 25.1 ± 16.5. After 2013, timelines have been reduced by an average of 9 months. The mean regulatory time from European Commission approval to Spanish marketing authorisation has decreased nearly 4 months (from 7.5 ± 10.2 months in years 2003–2013 to 3.8 ± 7.6 months in years 2014–2019). The instauration of the therapeutic positioning report could be associated with a reduction of the mean time from the Spanish marketing authorisation to pricing and reimbursement approval by an average of 5 months (from 17.3 ± 13.1 months in years 2003–2013 to 12.3 ± 5 months in years 2014–2019). In addition, orphan drugs with a positive conclusion in the therapeutic positioning report would be more likely to be reimbursed in Spain (p < 0,0001).

Conclusions

This study shows that the therapeutic positioning report plays a key role in the pricing and reimbursement process in Spain. A positive conclusion of the therapeutic positioning report seems to favourably affect pricing and reimbursement decisions in Spain and, since its introduction, has also contributed to reduce pricing and reimbursement approval timelines in Spain.
Correction to: COVID-19-associated acute cerebral venous thrombosis: clinical, CT, MRI and EEG features
Authors: Roy-Gash Fabian , De Mesmay Marine , Devys Jean-Michel , Vespignani Hervé , Blanc Raphaël , Engrand Nicolas
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Reporting of key methodological and ethical aspects of cluster trials in hemodialysis require improvement: a systematic review
Authors: Al-Jaishi Ahmed A. , Carroll Kelly , Goldstein Cory E. , Dixon Stephanie N. , Garg Amit X. , Nicholls Stuart G. , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Weijer Charles , Brehaut Jamie , Thabane Lehana , Devereaux P. J. , Taljaard Monica
Published: August 2020

Background

The hemodialysis setting is suitable for trials that use cluster randomization, where intact groups of individuals are randomized. However, cluster randomized trials (CRTs) are complicated in their design, analysis, and reporting and can pose ethical challenges. We reviewed CRTs in the hemodialysis setting with respect to reporting of key methodological and ethical issues.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of CRTs in the hemodialysis setting, published in English, between 2000 and 2019, and indexed in MEDLINE or Embase. Two reviewers extracted data, and study results were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

We identified 26 completed CRTs and five study protocols of CRTs. These studies randomized hemodialysis centers (n = 17, 55%), hemodialysis shifts (n = 12, 39%), healthcare providers (n = 1, 3%), and nephrology units (n = 1, 3%). Trials included a median of 28 clusters with a median cluster size of 20 patients. Justification for using a clustered design was provided by 15 trials (48%). Methods that accounted for clustering were used during sample size calculation in 14 (45%), during analyses in 22 (71%), and during both sample size calculation and analyses in 13 trials (42%). Among all CRTs, 26 (84%) reported receiving research ethics committee approval; patient consent was reported in 22 trials: 10 (32%) reported the method of consent for trial participation and 12 (39%) reported no details about how consent was obtained or its purpose. Four trials (13%) reported receiving waivers of consent, and the remaining 5 (16%) provided no or unclear information about the consent process.

Conclusion

There is an opportunity to improve the conduct and reporting of essential methodological and ethical issues in future CRTs in hemodialysis.

Review Registration

We conducted this systematic review using a pre-specified protocol that was not registered.
Social determinants and behavioural factors influencing toothbrushing frequency among primary school children in rural Australian community of Lithgow, New South Wales
Authors: Arora Amit , Nargundkar Subrat , Fahey Paul , Joshua Hema , John James Rufus
Published: August 2020

Objective

This study aims to determine the social determinants and behavioural factors influencing frequency of toothbrushing among primary school children residing in the rural community of Lithgow in New South Wales, Australia. All six primary schools of Lithgow were approached to participate in a cross-sectional survey prior to implementation of water fluoridation. A validated oral health survey questionnaire was completed by 703 parents of the children. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to determine significant predictors associated with frequency of toothbrushing.

Results

Parents with a positive attitude towards water fluoridation had 74% higher odds (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.17–2.60) of their children brushing twice or more daily. Children living in a single parent household had 34% reduced odds (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.43–0.99) of brushing twice daily. Poor maternal oral health was significantly associated with suboptimal dental hygiene practices in children, where mothers who had any tooth extracted had 7% reduced odds of their children brushing their teeth twice or more daily (OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.90–0.97). Subsequently, children with increased consumption of chocolates per day were less likely to brush twice or more daily. Finally, children with dental insurance had two times higher odds (OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.40–2.96) of brushing twice daily.
Blood glucose response to a calamansi drink in healthy adults: a non-randomised study
Authors: Siner Angela , Sevanesan Mauna Sree , Ambomai Tati , Abd. Wahab Zakiah , Lasem Liwan
Published: August 2020

Objective

Glycaemic Index (GI) ranks the body’s response to carbohydrate content in food such that high GI food increases postprandial blood glucose levels. One of the popular drinks at food and beverage outlets is a drink made from calamansi, a citrus that is believed not to induce an increase in blood glucose levels. In this non-randomised single-blind (participants) study, capillary blood from 10 healthy males were sampled following consumption of either glucose or the calamansi drink. The blood glucose measurements were then used to calculate the GI for the drink.

Results

The GI of the calamansi drink tested was calculated as 37, a value within the range of low GI foods.

Trial registration Clinical Trials identifier NCT04462016; Retrospectively registered on July 1, 2020.
Effects of eradication of Helicobacter pylori on oral malodor and the oral environment: a single-center observational study
Authors: Suzuki Nao , Beppu Richiko , Yoneda Masahiro , Takeshita Toru , Asakawa Mikari , Yamashita Yoshihisa , Hanioka Takashi , Hirofuji Takao , Shinohara Tetsuo
Published: August 2020

Objective

Although a relationship between Helicobacter pylori and oral malodor has been suggested, it remains to be confirmed. One reason for this is that many studies assess oral malodor subjectively. Another reason for the uncertainty is that the reduction in oral malodor may be due to the effect of antibiotics on the oral microbiota. In this study, changes in oral malodor along with the eradication treatment of H. pylori were investigated by organoleptic test and gas chromatography. In addition, the salivary bacterial composition and clinical parameters were analyzed.

Results

The organoleptic test score, hydrogen sulfide and dimethyl sulfide concentrations, and all clinical parameters except for tongue-coating score were significantly decreased at 1 week compared with baseline. Although antibiotic treatment also altered the overall composition of the salivary bacterial population, it had recovered at 7 weeks. On the date that H. pylori was determined to have been eradicated from all of the subjects (7 weeks after treatment), only the organoleptic test score was significantly lower compared with baseline. The hydrogen sulfide and dimethyl sulfide concentrations were non-significantly lower than those at baseline.
Genomic resources and toolkits for developmental study of whip spiders (Amblypygi) provide insights into arachnid genome evolution and antenniform leg patterning
Authors: Gainett Guilherme , Sharma Prashant P.
Published: August 2020

Background

The resurgence of interest in the comparative developmental study of chelicerates has led to important insights, such as the discovery of a genome duplication shared by spiders and scorpions, inferred to have occurred in the most recent common ancestor of Arachnopulmonata (a clade comprising the five arachnid orders that bear book lungs). Nonetheless, several arachnid groups remain understudied in the context of development and genomics, such as the order Amblypygi (whip spiders). The phylogenetic position of Amblypygi in Arachnopulmonata posits them as an interesting group to test the incidence of the proposed genome duplication in the common ancestor of Arachnopulmonata, as well as the degree of retention of duplicates over 450 Myr. Moreover, whip spiders have their first pair of walking legs elongated and modified into sensory appendages (a convergence with the antennae of mandibulates), but the genetic patterning of these antenniform legs has never been investigated.

Results

We established genomic resources and protocols for cultivation of embryos and gene expression assays by in situ hybridization to study the development of the whip spiderPhrynus marginemaculatus. Using embryonic transcriptomes from three species of Amblypygi, we show that the ancestral whip spider exhibited duplications of all ten Hox genes. We deploy these resources to show that paralogs of the leg gap genesdachshundandhomothoraxretain arachnopulmonate-specific expression patterns inP. marginemaculatus. We characterize the expression of leg gap genesDistal-less,dachshund-1/2andhomothorax-1/2in the embryonic antenniform leg and other appendages, and provide evidence that allometry, and by extension the antenniform leg fate, is specified early in embryogenesis.

Conclusion

This study is the first step in establishingP. marginemaculatusas a chelicerate model for modern evolutionary developmental study, and provides the first resources sampling whip spiders for comparative genomics. Our results suggest that Amblypygi share a genome duplication with spiders and scorpions, and set up a framework to study the genetic specification of antenniform legs. Future efforts to study whip spider development must emphasize the development of tools for functional experiments inP. marginemaculatus.
Life-threatening disseminated enterovirus infection during combined rituximab and ibrutinib maintenance treatment for mantle cell lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Higer Maximilian , Cana Denis , Podlech Juergen , Schadmand-Fischer Simin , Schwarting Andreas , Teschner Daniel , Theobald Matthias , Wölfel Thomas , Hess Georg
Published: August 2020

Background

Rituximab is a well-established component of treatment regimens for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Rituximab binds the CD20 antigen on the surface of B lymphocytes, causing an enhanced clearance of malignant and benign B cells. Thus, rituximab leads to depletion of normal B lymphocytes as well, which can cause substantial immunodeficiency. Ibrutinib inhibits the Bruton tyrosine kinase and thereby B-cell activity. It is used for the treatment of different B-lymphocyte malignancies, such as mantle cell lymphoma. Recently, the combination of both drugs has been tested in various clinical scenarios.

Case presentation

We present a case of disseminated enterovirus infection resulting from combined rituximab and ibrutinib maintenance treatment in a 57-year-old Caucasian patient. with mantle cell lymphoma. Initially presenting with myositis symptoms, further diagnostic investigation revealed myocarditis, enteritis, myeloencephalitis, and hepatitis. These organ manifestations led to potentially life-threatening complications such as rhabdomyolysis, delirium, and heart rhythm disturbances. After treatment with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins, virus clearance was achieved and organ functions could be restored.

Conclusions

This case emphasizes the risk of combined therapy with rituximab/ibrutinib for severe immune-related side effects with the necessity of continuous patient monitoring. High-dose intravenous therapy should be considered as treatment for severe enterovirus infection. In severe enterovirus infections, we recommend subtyping for the development of efficient preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Efficacy assessment of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for burn wounds in animals: a systematic review
Authors: Yi Hanxiao , Wang Yang , Yang Zhen , Xie Zhiqin
Published: August 2020

Background

Clinically, severe burns remain one of the most challenging issues, but an ideal treatment is yet absent. Our purpose is to compare the efficacy of stem cell therapy in a preclinical model of burn wound healing.

Methods

Research reports on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for burn wound healing were retrieved from 5 databases: PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcomes reported in this article include the un-healing rate of the wound area, the closure rate, and the wound area. Secondary outcomes included CD-31, vascular density, interleukin (IL)-10, thickness of eschar tissue, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and white blood cell count. Finally, a subgroup analysis was conducted to explore heterogeneity that potentially impacted the primary outcomes. A fixed-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was performed when no significant heterogeneity existed. Otherwise, a random-effects model was used. All data analysis was conducted by using Engauge Digitizer 10.8 and R software.

Results

Twenty eligible articles were finally included in the analysis. Stem cell therapy greatly improved the closure rate (2.00, 95% CI 0.52 to 3.48, p = 0.008) and compromised the wound area (− 2.36; 95% CI − 4.90 to 0.18; p = 0.069) rather than the un-healing rate of the wound area (− 11.10, 95% CI − 32.97 to 10.78, p = 0.320). Though p was 0.069, there was a trend toward shrinkage of the burn wound area after stem cell therapy. Vascular density (4.69; 95% CI 0.06 to 9.31; p = 0.047) and thickness of eschar tissue (6.56, 95% CI 1.15 to 11.98, p = 0.017) were also discovered to be significantly improved in the burn site of stem cell-treated animals. Moreover, we observed that animals in the stem cell group had an increased white blood cell count (0.84, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.66, p = 0.047) 5 days post treatment. Other indicators, such as VEGF (p = 0.381), CD-31 (p = 0.335) and IL-10 (p = 0.567), were not significantly impacted.

Conclusions

Despite limited data from preclinical trials, this meta-analysis suggests that stem cell therapy is curative in decreasing the burn wound area and provides some insights into future clinical studies of stem cell therapy for burns.
Jaws of a large belemnite and an ammonite from the Aalenian (Middle Jurassic) of Switzerland
Authors: Klug Christian , Etter Walter , Hoffmann René , Fuchs Dirk , De Baets Kenneth
Published: August 2020

Although belemnite rostra can be quite abundant in Jurassic and Cretaceous strata, the record of belemnite jaws was limited to a few specimens from Germany and Russia. Here, we describe and figure three cephalopod jaws from the Middle Jurassic Opalinus Clay of northern Switzerland. Although flattened, the carbonaceous fossils display enough morphological information to rule out an ammonoid, nautiloid or octobrachian origin of the two larger jaws. Their similarities to belemnite jaws from Germany and Russia conforms with our interpretation of these specimens as belemnite jaws. Based on their rather large size, we tentatively assign these two jaws to the megateuthididAcrocoelites conoideus. The third jaw is a rather small upper jaw of an ammonoid. SinceLeioceras opalinumis by far the most common ammonite in this unit in northern Switzerland, we tentatively suggest that the upper jaw belongs to this species.
Low pathogenic avian influenza virus isolates with different levels of defective genome segments vary in pathogenicity and transmission efficiency
Authors: Świętoń Edyta , Tarasiuk Karolina , Śmietanka Krzysztof
Published: August 2020

Defective interfering particles (DIPs) of influenza virus are generated through incorporation of highly truncated forms of genome segments, mostly those coding polymerase complex proteins (PB2, PB1, PA). Such particles are able to replicate only in the presence of a virus with the complete genome, thus DIPs may alter the infection outcome by suppressing production of standard virus particles, but also by stimulating the immune response. In the present study we compared the clinical outcome, mortality and transmission in chickens and turkeys infected with the same infectious doses of H7N7 low pathogenic avian influenza virus containing different levels of defective gene segments (95/95(DVG-high) and 95/95(DVG-low)). No clinical signs, mortality or transmission were noted in SPF chickens inoculated with neither virus stock. Turkeys infected with 95/95(DVG-high) showed only slight clinical signs with no mortality, and the virus was transmitted only to birds in direct contact. In contrast, more severe disease, mortality and transmission to direct and indirect contact birds was observed in turkeys infected with 95/95(DVG-low). Apathy, lower water and food intake, respiratory system disorders and a total mortality of 60% were noted. Shedding patterns in contact turkeys indicated more efficient within- and between-host spread of the virus than in 95/95(DVG-high) group. Sequencing of virus genomes showed no mutations that could account for the observed differences in pathogenicity. The results suggest that the abundance of DIPs in the inoculum was the factor responsible for the mild course of infection and disrupted virus transmission.
Detection and recognition of cursive text from video frames
Authors: Mirza Ali , Zeshan Ossama , Atif Muhammad , Siddiqi Imran
Published: August 2020

Textual content appearing in videos represents an interesting index for semantic retrieval of videos (from archives), generation of alerts (live streams), as well as high level applications like opinion mining and content summarization. The key components of such systems require detection and recognition of textual content which also make the subject of our study. This paper presents a comprehensive framework for detection and recognition of textual content in video frames. More specifically, we target cursive scripts taking Urdu text as a case study. Detection of textual regions in video frames is carried out by fine-tuning deep neural networks based object detectors for the specific case of text detection. Script of the detected textual content is identified using convoluational neural networks (CNNs), while for recognition, we propose a UrduNet, a combination of CNNs and long short- term memory (LSTM) networks. A benchmark dataset containing cursive text with more than 13,000 video frame is also developed. A comprehensive series of experiments is carried out reporting an F-measure of 88.3% for detection while a recognition rate of 87%.
Infinitely many positive solutions for a double phase problem
Authors: Zhang Bei-Lei , Ge Bin , Hou Gang-Ling
Published: August 2020

This paper is concerned with the existence of infinitely many positive solutions to a class of double phase problem. By variational methods and the theory of the Musielak–Orlicz–Sobolev space, we establish the existence of infinitely many positive solutions whose $W_{0}^{1,H}(\varOmega )$

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The existence of nontrivial solution of a class of Schrödinger–Bopp–Podolsky system with critical growth
Authors: Yang Jie , Chen Haibo , Liu Senli
Published: August 2020

We consider the following Schrödinger–Bopp–Podolsky problem:
$$ \textstyle\begin{cases} -\Delta u+V(x) u+\phi u=\lambda f(u)+ \vert u \vert ^{4}u,& \text{in } \mathbb{R}^{3}, \\ -\Delta \phi +\Delta ^{2}\phi = u^{2}, & \text{in } \mathbb{R}^{3}. \end{cases} $$

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We prove the existence result without any growth and Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz conditions. In the proofs, we apply a cut-off function, the mountain pass theorem, and Moser iteration.
Young adults’ self-sufficiency in daily life: the relationship with contextual factors and health indicators
Authors: van den Toren Suzanne J. , van Grieken Amy , de Kroon Marlou L. A. , Mulder Wico C. , Vanneste Yvonne T. M. , Raat Hein
Published: August 2020

Background

Certain factors, such as depressive symptoms and binge drinking, may be linked to young adults’ ability to attain an acceptable level of functioning on specific life-domains (i.e. self-sufficiency). We studied the association of contextual factors and health indicators with self-sufficiency in young adults.

Methods

We used both baseline (n = 755) and 6-months follow-up (n = 200) self-reported questionnaire data of intermediate vocational education students (16–26 years). The questionnaire included the adapted Dutch self-sufficiency matrix (SSM-D), which addresses self-sufficiency regarding 11 life-domains (e.g. finances and housing). The questionnaire also included potentially associated contextual factors (e.g. socio-demographic characteristics) and health indicators (e.g. sickness absence from school). Ordinal (overall self-sufficiency: self-sufficient on 11, 10, 9 or ≤ 8 life-domains), and logistic (self-sufficiency per life-domain: self-sufficient yes/no) regression models were applied.

Results

The studied population was 18.6 years on average (SD 2.04), and 73.6% were female. Cannabis use was associated with a lower overall self-sufficiency category at baseline (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.33–0.99), as were an increase in sick days (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91–0.98) and an increase on the scale of depressive symptoms (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.85–0.89). An increase in sick days and an increase on the scale of depressive symptoms were associated with lower odds of being self-sufficient on three and ten life-domains, respectively (p < 0.05). An increase on the scale of depressive symptoms was associated with a lower overall self-sufficiency category 6-months post-baseline (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.86–0.93).

Conclusions

Our findings underline the importance of addressing self-sufficiency, sickness absence, and depressive symptoms, preferably before the transition from adolescence to young adulthood has begun.
Lymph node metastasis in suprasternal space and intra-infrahyoid strap muscle space from papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Qianqian , Hou Jinxuan , Liao Yiqin , Zheng Lewei , Lu Fang , Wang Kun , Wu Gaosong
Published: August 2020

Background

This study was performed to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics of Lymph Node metastasis between investing layer of Cervical fascia and deep fascia of infrahyoid strap Muscles (LNCM) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with PTC who underwent thyroidectomy and central compartment neck dissection (CND) from January 2016 to January 2018 was performed in two tertiary referral academic medical centers. A total of 2104 consecutive patients with PTC who underwent thyroidectomy and CND were included in the retrospective review. The LNCM was resected as a separate specimen by the surgeon and the clinicopathologic characteristics of the patients were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for LNCM metastasis.

Results

Of 2104 PTC patients, 451 patients (21.4%) had lymph nodes in the LNCM. Among them, 68 (15.1%) cases were confirmed to be positive in the LNCM. In total, the metastasis rate of LNCM in PTC patients was 3.2% (68/2104). Univariate analysis revealed that the metastasis of LNCM were more likely to have a primary site in the inferior pole, extrathyroidal extension (ETE), central cervical metastasis, level III and level IV metastasis. Multivariate analysis further showed tumor location in the inferior pole, ETE, level III and level IV metastasis conferred a significantly increased odds ratio for LNCM metastasis.

Conclusion

Attention should be paid to the lymph tissue in the LNCM for PTC patients, especially in presence of a primary site in the inferior pole, ETE, level III and level IV metastasis.
Short-term stock market price trend prediction using a comprehensive deep learning system
Authors: Shen Jingyi , Shafiq M. Omair
Published: August 2020

In the era of big data, deep learning for predicting stock market prices and trends has become even more popular than before. We collected 2 years of data from Chinese stock market and proposed a comprehensive customization of feature engineering and deep learning-based model for predicting price trend of stock markets. The proposed solution is comprehensive as it includes pre-processing of the stock market dataset, utilization of multiple feature engineering techniques, combined with a customized deep learning based system for stock market price trend prediction. We conducted comprehensive evaluations on frequently used machine learning models and conclude that our proposed solution outperforms due to the comprehensive feature engineering that we built. The system achieves overall high accuracy for stock market trend prediction. With the detailed design and evaluation of prediction term lengths, feature engineering, and data pre-processing methods, this work contributes to the stock analysis research community both in the financial and technical domains.
Attribution and identification of absorbed components by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS after oral administration of Erhuang decoction
Authors: Wang Jinglong , Zheng Dandan , Xu Nan , Zhang Chao , Wang Yingzi , Sun Xiumei , Zhang Zhaowang
Published: August 2020

To realize the attribution and identification of absorbed components in rat serum after oral administration of Erhuang decoction prepared by semi-bionic enzyme extraction method, the fingerprints of serum samples were established using a HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS method. Thirty-two peaks in Erhuang decoction and 24 peaks in rat serum after oral administration of Erhuang decoction were detected. Among the 24 peaks detected in rat serum, 25 compounds were identified by comparing the retention time and mass spectrometry data with that of reference compounds, or by mass spectrometry analysis and retrieving the reference literatures. Among the identified 25 compounds in vivo, 24 were the original form of compounds absorbed from the detected compounds in vitro, and one was the metabolite compounds of licorice. By analyzing the mass spectrometry or ultraviolet absorption characteristics, other unidentified compounds in vivo were deduced to be the endogenous metabolites in serum or the original form and metabolites of the compounds existed in vivo. Results indicated that HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS is suitable for identifying the bioactive constituents in serum after oral administration of Erhuang decoction, and the findings would be beneficial to further research and development of the pharmacodynamic substance base of Erhuang decoction.
Retraction Note: Hydrothermal analysis on MHD squeezing nanofluid flow in parallel plates by analytical method
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Kh. , Alizadeh M. , Ganji D. D.
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
A mixed-method study of Iranian EFL teachers’ achieving resiliency: implications for teacher development
Authors: Entesari Elham , Yousefi Mohammad Hosssein , Eslami Hedayat
Published: August 2020

The present study was an endeavor to investigate the differences between novice and experienced teachers’ achieving resiliency in an explanatory sequential mixed method study. Forty Iranian (i.e., 20 novice and 20 experienced) teachers, male and female, participated in the present study in quantitative study who were selected through convenience sampling method from several private language institutes in Tabriz with teaching experience between 2 and 15 years. The Connor and Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), developed by (Depression and Anxiety 18:76-82, 2003) was used to measure the novice and experienced teachers’ resiliency. The results obtained through the independent samples t-test revealed that there was a significant difference between novice and experienced teachers’ resiliency. That is to say, experienced teachers were more resilient than the novice teachers. The qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group interviews and teachers’ stories. The qualitative data were analyzed through interpretative content analysis. The analyzed data suggest that experienced teachers have a complicated repertoire of strategies at their disposal to bounce back from adversity of teaching conditions in comparison with those of novice teachers. The results of the present study have some implications for teacher development and teacher education.
Association between modified simple protein-energy wasting (PEW) score and all-cause mortality in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Nakano Toshiaki , Tsuneyoshi Shoji , Arase Hokuto , Shimamoto Sho , Taniguchi Masatomo , Tokumoto Masanori , Hirakata Hideki , Ooboshi Hiroaki , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Kitazono Takanari
Published: August 2020

Background

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a frequently observed complication that leads to increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, a multifaceted assessment of PEW by combined objective nutritional parameters has not yet been established.

Methods

In total, 144 Japanese patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis at a hemodialysis center were retrospectively followed for 7 years. The primary outcome was all-cause death. The main exposure was a modified simple PEW score (0, 1, 2, 3, or 4), calculated from four parameters: serum albumin and creatinine levels, normalized protein catabolic rate, and body mass index. These parameters are included in the subcategories of PEW as defined by the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Management. The cutoff values of the modified simple PEW score components were based on the receiver operating characteristics curves determined by univariate logistic regression analyses. Risk estimates for all-cause mortality were calculated by the Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for potential confounding factors.

Results

During the median 5.7-years follow-up period, 37 patients died of any cause. When patients were divided into three subgroups (G1–G3) based on the modified simple PEW score, a multivariable-adjusted analysis showed that the risks of all-cause death in groups G2 and G3 were significantly higher than in the lowest score group (G1), with hazard risk (95% confidence interval) 3.10 (1.16–8.26) (P = 0.024) and 5.68 (1.85–17.45) (P = 0.002), respectively.

Conclusions

The modified simple PEW score is a useful composite indicator of nutritional status that stratifies the risk of all-cause mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
Dietary administered purified β-glucan of edible mushroom (Pleurotus florida) provides immunostimulation and protection in broiler experimentally challenged with virulent Newcastle disease virus
Authors: Muthusamy Gopi , Joardar Siddhartha Narayan , Samanta Indranil , Isore Devi Prasad , Roy Barun , Maiti Tapas Kumar
Published: August 2020

Background

To study the immunomodulatory and protective role of dietary administered purified β-glucan obtained from edible mushroom (Pleurotus florida) in commercial broiler chicken, experimentally challenged with virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) on 7th day post treatment. Mushroom glucan (MG) at 15 mg/kg feed (group A) and MG at 30 mg/kg feed (group B) was administered to broiler birds for 20 days keeping control birds (group C) with a normal diet throughout. After 7 days post treatment, three groups of birds (n= 4, in each case) were challenged with virulent NDV. The immunological parameters were assessed to observe the protective efficacy of MG.

Results

When compared to the treatment regime, it was observed that in all the cases, group B birds showed higher immune-cellular and humoral responses in terms of enhanced immune-effector activities of blood leucocytes and intestinal intra-epithelial leucocytes and antibody production besides protection against NDV challenge than the others. After NDV challenge, 100% mortality was observed in control birds within 4 days, whereas in treated birds 50% and 75% protection of challenged birds was observed in group A and group B birds, respectively. The superoxide anion production by blood leucocytes of group A (0.641 ± 0.01) and group B (0.721 ± 0.01) birds were significantly higher than the control birds (0.283 ± 0.04) when assessed on 4th day post challenge. Group A (27.33 ± 1.20 μl and 25.33 ± 2.02 μl) and group B (33.66 ± 0.33 μl and 32.66 ± 0.33 μl) birds showed higher in vitro nitrite production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and intestinal intra-epithelial leucocytes (iIEL), respectively, than the control (14.00 ± 0.57 μl and11 ± 0.57 μl) after challenge with virulent ND virus. In vitro lymphoproliferation (expressed as stimulation index) was significantly high in PBMC and iIEL of group A (0.371 ± 0.02 and 0.295 ± 0.02) and group B (0.428 ± 0.01 and 0.314 ± 0.01), respectively, than control (0.203 ± 0.01 and 0.135 ± 0.01) on 4th day of NDV challenge. The phagocytic activity of iIEL of the treated group birds showed higher values (24% and 32%) than the control group (14%). The haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titre was also observed higher in treated groups (group A, average HI titre 256, and group B, average HI titre 512) than control (HI titre, 32). Both groups (A&B) of birds were produced in vitro IFN-γ by PBMC and iIEL.

Conclusion

It is advisable to use 30 mg MG/kg feed in broiler birds to provide immunostimulation and for better output in terms of disease protection at least against ND virus.
One-year Oxford knee scores should be used in preference to 6-month scores when assessing the outcome of total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Clement N. D. , Ng N. , MacDonald D. , Scott C. E. H. , Howie C. R.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The primary aim of this study was to assess whether there was a clinically significant difference in the mean Oxford knee score (OKS) between 6 and 12 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The secondary aim was to identify variables associated with a clinically significant change in the OKS between 6 and 12 months.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken using an established arthroplasty database of 1574 primary TKA procedures. Patient demographics, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, OKS and EuroQoL 5-domain (EQ-5D) score were collected preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. A clinically significant change in the OKS was defined as 5 points or more.

Results

There was a 1.1-point increase in the OKS between 6 and 12 months postoperatively, which was statistically significant (95% confidence (CI) 0.8–1.3, p < 0.0001). There were 381 (24.2%) patients who had a clinically significant improvement in their OKS from 6 to 12 months. After adjusting for confounding, patients with a lower BMI (p = 0.028), without diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), a better preoperative OKS (p < 0.001) or a worse 6-month OKS (p < 0.001) were more likely to have a clinically significant improvement. A 6-month OKS < 36 points was a reliable predictor of a clinically significant improvement in the 6-month to 12-month OKS (area under the curve 0.73, 95% CI 0.70–0.75, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Overall, there was no clinically significant change in the OKS from 6 to 12 months; however, a clinically significant improvement was observed in approximately a quarter of patients and was more likely in those scoring less than 36 points at 6 months. Level of evidence: retrospective diagnostic study, level III.
Schizophrenia around the time of pregnancy: leveraging population-based health data and electronic health record data to fill knowledge gaps
Authors: Taylor Clare L. , Munk-Olsen Trine , Howard Louise M. , Vigod Simone N.
Published: August 2020

Background

Research in schizophrenia and pregnancy has traditionally been conducted in small samples. More recently, secondary analysis of routine healthcare data has facilitated access to data on large numbers of women with schizophrenia.

Aims

To discuss four scientific advances using data from Canada, Denmark and the UK from population-level health registers and clinical data sources.

Method

Narrative review of research from these three countries to illustrate key advances in the area of schizophrenia and pregnancy.

Results

Health administrative and clinical data from electronic medical records have been used to identify population-level and clinical cohorts of women with schizophrenia, and follow them longitudinally along with their children. These data have demonstrated that fertility rates in women with schizophrenia have increased over time and have enabled documentation of the course of illness in relation with pregnancy, showing the early postpartum as the time of highest risk. As a result of large sample sizes, we have been able to understand the prevalence of and risk factors for rare outcomes that would be difficult to study in clinical research. Advanced pharmaco-epidemiological methods have been used to address confounding in studies of antipsychotic medications in pregnancy, to provide data about the benefits and risks of treatment for women and their care providers.

Conclusions

Use of these data has advanced the field of research in schizophrenia and pregnancy. Future developments in use of electronic health records include access to richer data sources and use of modern technical advances such as machine learning and supporting team science.
The SDHB Arg230His mutation causing familial paraganglioma alters glycolysis in a new Caenorhabditis elegans model
Authors: Saskői Éva , Hujber Zoltán , Nyírő Gábor , Likó István , Mátyási Barbara , Petővári Gábor , Mészáros Katalin , Kovács Attila L. , Patthy László , Supekar Shreyas , Fan Hao , Sváb Gergely , Tretter László , Sarkar Arunabh , Nazir Aamir , Sebestyén Anna , Patócs Attila , Mehta Anil , Takács-Vellai Krisztina
Published: August 2020

The conserved B-subunit of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) participates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle and mitochondrial electron transport. The Arg230His mutation in SDHB causes heritable pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL). In Caenorhabditis elegans, we generated an in vivo PPGL model (SDHB-1 Arg244His; equivalent to human Arg230His), which manifests delayed development, shortened lifespan, attenuated ATP production and reduced mitochondrial number. Although succinate is elevated in both missense and null sdhb-1(gk165) mutants, transcriptomic comparison suggests very different causal mechanisms that are supported by metabolic analysis, whereby only Arg244His (not null) worms demonstrate elevated lactate/pyruvate levels, pointing to a missense-induced, Warburg-like aberrant glycolysis. In silico predictions of the SDHA-B dimer structure demonstrate that Arg230His modifies the catalytic cleft despite the latter's remoteness from the mutation site. We hypothesize that the Arg230His SDHB mutation rewires metabolism, reminiscent of metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Our tractable model provides a novel tool to investigate the metastatic propensity of this familial cancer and our approach could illuminate wider SDH pathology.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Boehmite Nanofiber–Polymethylsilsesquioxane Composite Aerogels: Synthesis, Analysis, and Thermal Conductivity Control via Compression Processing
Authors: Hayase Gen
Published: August 2020

Boehmite nanomaterials have been researched for use in applications such as separation media, fillers for resins, and catalyst support. This study investigates the relationship between structural density and mechanical and thermal performance of boehmite nanofiber-polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) composite aerogels. Tri-functional organosilicon alkoxide methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) was added to a boehmite nanofiber aqueous dispersion; the colloidal nanofibers were coated and bonded with polymethylsilsesquioxane, to produce transparent to translucent wet gel monoliths. Low bulk density aerogel panels were prepared by CO2 supercritical drying of the wet gel monoliths before their mechanical properties and thermal conductivity were investigated. As the amount of the MTMS in the starting composition increased, the fibrillar monolith skeleton coated with PMSQ thickened. Correspondingly, the Young's modulus of the monoliths increased, and the thermal conductivity decreased. When the amount of MTMS added was small, it was possible to deform the translucent panels by uniaxial compression. After 30% uniaxial compression of the panel, the thermal conductivity was suppressed by 19%. The thermal conductivity response to compressive deformation of fibrous aerogels, after fabrication, may inform future insulation material development.
Prenatal diagnosis of tibial hemimelia type I and omphalocele, a rare entity and postnatal correlation
Authors: Molina-Giraldo Saulo , Saucedo Jesus Armando , Navarro-Devia Antonio José , Buitrago-Leal Marcela
Published: August 2020

Hemimelia is a rare anomaly affecting the distal long bones of extremities, with an occurrence of 1–20 cases per million of live births depending on the affected bone. Hemimelia can be an isolated defect or be part of complex syndromes that affect extra skeletal structures. Prenatal detection by routine ultrasound imaging is difficult and yields low detection rates. The prenatal diagnosis of hemimelia should prompt a complete and detailed study of the fetal anatomy, since it can be associated with defects in other structures and systems, as the reported in this case. The prognosis depends upon the associated anomalies.
Combining contrast-enhanced ultrasound, CT perfusion and 99mTc-Sestamibi SPECT/CT to guide diagnosis in a case of solid renal tumour
Authors: Kalarakis Georgios , Brehmer Katharina , Svensson Anders , Axelsson Rimma , Brismar Torkel B , Tzortzakakis Antonios
Published: August 2020

Definitive, pre-operative differentiation of solid renal lesions by ultrasound, contrast-enhanced multiphasic CT or MRI examinations is often not possible. An increasing amount of literature indicates the added value of 99mTc-Sestamibi SPECT/CT, CT perfusion and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the pre-operative characterisation of solid renal tumours. This case report presents the diagnostic approach of a solid renal tumour that turned out to be a hybrid oncocytic chromophobe tumour in a patient with Stage 3 renal failure by combining the three aforementioned modern examination techniques.