bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating tumor DNA as a prognostic marker in high-risk endometrial cancer
Authors: Feng Weiwei , Jia Nan , Jiao Hai-ning , Chen Jun , Chen Yan , Zhang Yueru , Zhu Menghan , Zhu Chongying , Shen Lifei , Long Wenqing
Published: May 2020

Background Currently, there is no reliable blood-based marker to track tumor recurrence in endometrial cancer (EC) patients. Liquid biopsies, specifically, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis emerged as a way to monitor tumor metastasis. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of ctDNA in recurrence surveillance and prognostic evaluation of high-risk EC.Methods Tumor tissues from nine high-risk EC patients were collected during primary surgery and tumor DNA was subjected to next generation sequencing to obtain the initial mutation spectrum using a 78 cancer-associated gene panel. Baseline and serial post-operative plasma samples were collected and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays for patient-specific mutations were developed to track the mutations in the ctDNA in serial plasma samples. Log-rank test was used to assess the association between detection of ctDNA before or after surgery and disease-free survival.Results Somatic mutations were identified in all of the cases. The most frequent mutated genes were PTEN, FAT4, ARID1A, TP53, ZFHX3, ATM, and FBXW7. For each patient, personalized ddPCR assays were designed for one-to-three high-frequent mutations. DdPCR analysis and tumor panel sequencing had a high level of agreement in the assessment of the mutant allele fractions in baseline tumor tissue DNA. CtDNA was detected in 67% (6 of 9) of baseline plasma samples, which was not predictive of disease-free survival (DFS). CtDNA was detected in serial post-operative plasma samples (ctDNA tracking) of 44% (4 of 9) of the patients, which predicted tumor relapse. The DFS was a median of 9 months (ctDNA detected) versus median DFS undefined (ctDNA not detected), with a hazard ratio of 17.43 (95% CI, 1.616–188.3). The sensitivity of post-operative ctDNA detection in estimating tumor relapse was 100% and specificity was 83.3%, which was superior to CA125 or HE4.Conclusions Personalized ctDNA detection was effective and stable for high-risk EC. CtDNA tracking in post-operative plasma is valuable for predicting tumor recurrence.
Mechanical Model of Directional Continuous Bamboo Fiber Opening
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yao Wenbin , Yu Weipeng
Published: May 2020

Based on the principle of directional continuous fiber opening of bamboo, the calculation model of the continuous beams in opening bamboo fiber is proposed.The continuous beam method is used to derive the moment equation of bamboo continuous fiber opening process. The mechanical model of bamboo directional continuous fiber opening is established, with the quantitative relationship found between the fiber opening parameters, e.g. the external load, the roll distance, the strength of the bamboo. The fiber opening test further verifies that the bamboo fiber opening model is correct .The research in this paper provides a theoretical basis for the precise control of directional continuous fiber opening of bamboo.
Highly sensitive droplet digital PCR method for detection of de novo EGFR T790M mutation in patients with Non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Xun , Li Xiao , Guo Haifa , Zhu Lingxiang , Peng Zhiyong , Wang Jun , Yang Fan , Guo Yong
Published: May 2020

Background

This study was aimed to investigate the allelic relation between de novo T790M and concomitant sensitizing EGFR mutations in EGFR-TKIs naïve NSCLCs and to explore whether the formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) materials affect the detection of de novo T790M mutation.

Methods

300 consecutive EGFR-TKI naïve NSCLCs who received surgical resection between January 2016 and June 2018 was retrospectively investigated. All the snap-frozen tumor tissues from 300 NSCLCs were screened by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for the detection of de novo T790M mutation. The allelic relation between de novo T790M mutation and concomitant sensitizing EGFR mutations was also investigated. Furthermore, we assessed de novo T790M mutation in paired FFPE specimens of 50 patients which included tumor tissues and paired normal lung tissues of the pretreatment NSCLCs to investigate whether FFPE materials affect the detection of de novo T790M mutation.

Results

The de novo T790M mutation was observed in four patients which included one patient of single de novo T790M mutation and three patients of de novo T790M mutation coexisting with L858R mutation. The incidence of de novo T790M in pretreatment NSCLCs who harboring EGFR mutations was 2.9% (4/139). All the de novo T790M mutations were detected in cis with the concomitant L858R mutations for the three NSCLCs. Our ddPCR method demonstrated that the frequency of de novo T790M mutation were ranging from 0.1% to 0.5% among 90% (45/50) of the FFPE tumor samples and 92% (46/50) of the paired FFPE adjacent normal lung samples. The frequency of de novo T790M mutation in the paired snap-frozen samples were all below 0.1%.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that most de novo T790M mutation were detected in cis with concomitant sensitizing mutations for pretreatment NSCLCs. Analytical cut-off of ddPCR assay for FFPE specimens should be validated carefully considering the possibility of FFPE-derived artificial gene mutations.
LC-ESI-MS/GC-MS Based Metabolite Profiling of Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jaques and evaluation of its antioxidant and antiproliferative effects on lung and breast cancer cell lines
Authors: ADHAMI SHEHLA , Farooqi Humaira , ABDIN MALIK ZAINUL , PRASAD RAM , MALIK ASRAR AHMAD
Published: May 2020

Background Chlorophytum comosum popularly known as Spider Ivy is an important medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine utilized in the treatment of many ailments, however its detailed chemical composition and biological activity is not much explored. The present study aims to identify different chemical constituents present in roots and leaves of Chlorophytum comosum and investigates its antioxidant, antiproliferative and haemolytic effects on breast (MCF-7) and lung cancer cell lines (A549, H1299) as compared to normal lung (L-132) cell lines. Methods Chemical constituents from aqueous roots and leaves extracts were identified using LC-ESI-MS/GC-MS. The identified compounds were annotated based on match of mass spectral database with the literature using NIST 14 and METLIN databases. Antioxidant activity was checked using DPPH, FRAP and TPC assays. The antiproliferative effects of ethanolic roots and leaf extracts of Chlorophytum comosum were measured by MTT assay on breast (MCF-7), lung cancer (A549 & H1299) and normal lung (L-132) cell lines. The toxicity studies of the extracts were carried out using Haemolytic assay. Results GC-MS analysis identified 34 new metabolites in roots and 17 from leaves, while as 17 compounds from roots and 7 from leaves were detected by LC-ESI-MS. Significant antiproliferative effects were observed on MCF-7 & A549 cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 31.94 µg/ml to 77.84 µg/ml while no marked response was observed against normal cell line. Haemolysis studies revealed no significant toxicity of the extracts towards the biological system. Conclusion Our study is the first preliminary report on the detailed chemical composition and antiproliferative potential of Chlorophytum comosum, indicating significant specific antiproliferative activities against lung (A549) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. However, further studies are required to understand the mechanism involved in cytotoxic properties of Chlorophytum comosum.
Improving precision of field inventory estimation of above ground biomass through an alternative view on plot biomass
Authors: Kleinn Christoph , Magnussen Steen , Noelke Nils , Magdon Paul , Álvarez-González Juan Gabriel , Fehrmann Lutz , Pérez-Cruzado César
Published: May 2020

We contrast a new continuous approach (CA) to estimation of plot level above-ground biomass (AGB) in forest inventories with the current approach of deriving the AGB estimate exclusively from the tree-level AGB predicted for each tree in a plot; henceforth called DA (discrete approach). In CA the AGB in a forest is modelled as a continuous surface and the AGB estimate for a fixed area plot is computed as the integral of the AGB surface taken over the plot. Hence with CA, the portions of biomass in plot-trees that extend across a plot perimeter is ignored while the biomass from trees outside the plot reaching inside the plot is added. We use a sampling simulation with data from a fully mapped 2 ha area to illustrate, that important differences in plot-level AGB estimates can emerge, and that one should expect CA-based estimates of AGB to be less variable than with the DA, which translates to a higher precision of estimates from field plots: in our case study, for a target precision of estimation of 5%, the required sample size was 27% lower for small plots of 100m2 when using the CA and 10% lower for larger plots of 1700m2. We discuss practical issues to implementing CA in field inventories and discuss the expected potential for applications that model biomass from remote sensing data.
Socio-economic Determinants of Maternal Healthcare Utilization in Addis Ababa
Authors: Mossie Muluneh Yigzaw , Sandy Peter
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite progresses over the last two decades, Ethiopia is one of the countries in the world with significant number of maternal deaths and service use for antenatal, labour and childbirth is low. This study intended to identify the underlying causes of low coverage of maternal health services in Addis Ababa.
Methods

We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study in Addis Ababa in July 2017. A three stage sampling technique was applied to select the study population. The first step was to select study Ketenas using simple random sampling. The villages within the Ketenas were then identified, which led to the second stage of the sampling process. In the third stage, a fixed number of 20 households per village were selected with an equal probability random selection from the newly created household listing. All women aged 18–49 years who gave birth one year preceding the date of data collection were then invited to a face-to-face interview. Both multiple linear regression and logistic regression were applied to estimate crude and adjusted associations.
Results

Less than 45.0% of women from the poorest households received all the recommended ANC contacts at the right time, while 71.4% of women from richest households received all the recommended contacts at the right time. The majority of women from poorest households gave birth at health centres (66.2%), followed by public hospitals (30.9%). The largest proportion of women from richest households gave birth at private hospitals (46.1%), followed by public hospitals (16.1%). Meanwhile, only 52.5% of women with primary education had all the recommended ANC contacts, while 78.5% of women who completed tertiary education had all the recommended ANC contacts (p < 0.001). Women from richest households were less likely to face multiple barriers to use maternal health services as compared to women from poorest households (OR = 0.57, p = 0.032).
Conclusion

There is a huge inequality in maternal healthcare coverage in Addis Ababa. To achieve universal maternal health coverage, affordability of the service is not adequate although it is one of the requirements. Other underlining social determinants deserve the attention of policy makers and program designers.
The changing patterns of Non-communicable diseases and injuries in Nepal from 1990-2017: A review of evidence from Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Authors: Mishra Shiva Raj , Shrestha Nipun , Gyawali Bishal , Vaidya Abhinav , Schwarz Dan , Neupane Dinesh , Aryal Krishna , Shrestha Abha , Karmacharya Biraj , Koirala Bhagawan , Shrestha Archana
Published: May 2020

Background Nepal has made significant strides towards its commitment to achieve universal health coverage in the past few decades. However, the paucity of evidence on morbidity, mortality and trends in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has posed a significant hindrance in targeting resources for prevention, screening and treatment services. Thus, we conducted a systematic review of the existing evidence on the distribution of NCDs and their trends in Nepal from 1990 to 2017.Methods We analysed data on disability adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability, years of life lost due to NCDs in Nepal and its comparator countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) from 1990 to 2017 using all available data sources from Global Burden of Disease 2017. We also conducted supplemental analysis using data from the 2016 Nepal Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) to further elucidate the provincial level prevalence of key NCD risk factors.Results The result showed that between 1990 and 2017, life expectancy at birth increased by 14 years, from 58 years to 71 years on an average in Nepal. The three leading causes of DALYs in 2017 were cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), maternal and neonatal disorders and chronic respiratory diseases. High systolic blood pressure, smoking and high fasting plasma glucose were leading contributors to the NCD DALYs burden in 2017. At any ages ≥ 40 years, NCDs and injuries were responsible for 75–82% of total DALYs. Injuries, self-harm and violence, mental, neurological and musculoskeletal disorders superseded CVDs to become the leading causes of DALYs in young population aged 15–35 years.Conclusions CVDs were the leading causes of death in 2017 followed by chronic respiratory diseases and cancers. Data such as these are an important tool for framing a coherent policy response towards achieving the sustainable development goals, and the targets set by Nepal’s first Multi-sectoral Action plan on NCDs (2014–2020).
A Chinese Family with Noonan Syndrome Associated with a Heterozygous LZTR1 Mutation
Authors: Zhao Xiu , Wang Li , Lan Zhangzhang , Lin Feifei , Zhang Wenyong , Zhe Su
Published: May 2020

Background

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a multisystem disorder resulting from pathogenic mutations in more than 15 genes, among which LZTR1 is newly discovered. However, its role in NS pathogenesis remains unclear, including its inheritance pattern.
Methods

We herein report a family with LZTR-related NS. We collected clinical data of the proband and her families. Four of them completed the whole exon sequencing.
Results

Two children with NS inherited the same heterozygous LZTR1 variant, c.1149 + 1G > T, from their affected mother. Moreover, the proband was diagnosed as NS accompanied by growth hormone deficiency (GHD) without other associated gene mutations.
Conclusion

The variant c.1149 + 1G > T of LZTR1 was previously reported in autosomal recessive NS, but this is the first report of an autosomal dominant form. Our reported cases provided evidence for a more complex inheritance pattern resulting from LZTR1 c.1149 + 1G > T mutation. Occasionally, NS patients can have GHD.
Bioinformatic Analysis Reveals Novel Hub Genes pathways associated with IgA nephropathy
Authors: Jiang xue , Xu Zhijie , Du Yuanyuan , Chen Hongyu
Published: May 2020

Background Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulopathy worldwide. However, the molecular events underlying IgAN remain to be fully elucidated. The aim of the study is to identify novel biomarkers of IgAN through bioinformatics analysis and elucidate the possible molecular mechanism. Methods Based on the microarray data GSE93798 and GSE37460 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, the diﬀerentially expressed genes (DEGs) between IgAN samples and normal controls were identified. With DEGs, we further performed a series of functional enrichment analyses. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of the DEGs were built with the STRING online search tool and visualized by using Cytoscape, then further identified the hub gene and most important module in DEGs, Biological Networks Gene Oncology tool (BiNGO) were then performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of IgAN. Results A total of 148 DEGs were recognized, consisting of 53 upregulated genes and 95 downregulated genes. GO analysis indicates that DEGs for IgAN were mainly enriched in extracellular exosome, region and space, fibroblast growth factor stimulus, inflammatory response, and innate immunity. The modules analysis showed that genes in the top 1 significant modules of PPI network were mainly associated with innate immune response, integrin-mediated signaling pathway and inflammatory response respectively. The top 10 hub genes were constructed in PPI network, which could well distinguish the IgAN and control group in monocytes sample and tissue sample. We finally identified ITGB2 and FCER1G gene may have important roles in the development of IgAN. Conclusions We identified a series of key genes along with the pathways that were most closely related with IgAN initiation and progression. Our results provide a more detailed molecular mechanism for the development of IgAN and novel candidate genes targets of IgAN.
ABTB2 regulatory variant as predictor of epirubicin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in luminal A breast cancer
Authors: Gong Yajie , Hu Nanlin , Ma Li , Li Wentong , Cheng Xiang , Zhang Yi , Zhu Ying , Yang Yang , Peng Xiating , Zou Danyi , Tian Jianbo , Yang Lan , Mei Shufang , Wang Xiaoyang , Lo Chun-han , Chang Jiang , Hou Tieying , Zhang Hong , Xu Binghe , Zhong Rong , Yuan Peng
Published: May 2020

Background: Epirubicin combined with docetaxel is the cornerstone of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC) for breast cancer. The efficacy of NAC for luminal A breast cancer patients is very limited, and single nucleotide polymorphism is one of the most important factor that influence the efficacy. Our study aimed to explore genetic markers for the efficacy of epirubicin combined with docetaxel for NAC in patients with luminal A breast cancer.Methods: A total of 421 patients with two stages of luminal A breast cancer were enrolled in this study from 2 centers. Among them 231 patients included in discovery cohort and 190 patients are in replication cohort. All patients received epirubicin 75mg/m2 and docetaxel 75mg/m2 on day 1, 21 days. a cycle for 2 to 6 cycles. Before treatment, 2ml of peripheral blood was collected from each patient to isolate genomic DNA. Fourteen functional variants potentially regulating epirubicin/docetaxel response genes were prioritized by CellMiner and bioinformatics approaches. Moreover, biological assays were performed to determine the effect of genetic variations on response to chemotherapy.Results: The patients carrying rs6484711 variant A allele suffered a poor response to epirubicin and docetaxel for NAC (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.44-0.89, P=0.010) in combined stage. Moreover, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analyses and luciferase reporter assays revealed that rs6484711 A allele significantly increased the expression of ABTB2. Subsequent biological assays illustrated that upregulation of ABTB2 significantly reduced the apoptosis rate of breast cancer cells and enhanced the chemo-resistance to epirubicin. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated rs6484711 polymorphism regulating ABTB2 expression might predict efficacy to epirubicin based NAC in luminal A breast cancer patients. These results provided valuable information about potential role of genetic variations in individualized chemotherapy.
Effect of Differential Expression of Genes Induced by Radiation Therapy In Cancer-associated fibroblasts Cell on Patients' Prognosis
Authors: Xu Jiasheng , Liao Kaili , Nie Han , Xue Danni , Wang Xiaozhong
Published: May 2020

To investigate the effect of radiation therapy on differential expression of genes in tumor-associated fibroblasts and prognosis of patients.Methods: The tumor-associated fibroblast gene expression profile data chip GSE37318 after radiotherapy treatment was retrieved from the GEO database, and the differentially expressed genes were screened using the limma R software package; GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed using the DAVID tool; Protein interaction networks was built by String and Cytoscape software and core genes were obtained; GEPIA was used for prognostic value analysis; Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of the top 5 hub genes in tumor tissues of patients in the radiotherapy and non-radiotherapy groups.Results: 144 genes were up-regulated and 54 genes were down-regulated, which were mainly enriched in functional pathways such as cell stress, DNA damage, cell cycle, aging, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and p53 signaling pathway. The protein interaction network was constructed and the top 20 hub genes were obtained. Prognostic analysis showed that: Expression of up-regulated PCNA and hub genes that were down-regulated after irradiation, such as MCM10, DLGAP5, FANCI, CENPA, CDC6, FBXO5, NCAPG, and DTL, has a negative correlation with the overall survival time of lung cancer patients (p <0.05). Immunohistochemical results showed that PCNA gene expression was up-regulated in patients with radiotherapy compared with patients without radiotherapy. The test results are consistent with the results of the biochemical analysis.Conclusion: Radiotherapy can induce differential expression of genes in tumor-associated fibroblasts, and these differentially expressed genes can be used as potential molecular markers for tumor radiotherapy effect and patient prognosis.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Afghanistan: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Akhtar Sohail , Nasir Jamal Abdul , Javed Amara , Saleem Mariyam , Sajjad Sundas , Khan Momna , wadood Abdul
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this paper is to investigate the prevalence of diabetes and its associated risk factors in Afghanistan through a systematic review and meta–analysis.
Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar and the Cochrane library, carried out from inception to April 31 2020, without language restriction. Meta–analysis was performed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse variance weighting. The existence of publication bias was initially assessed by visual inspection of a funnel plot and then tested by the Egger regression test. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were used to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. This systematic review was reported by following the PRISMA guidelines and the methodological quality of each included study was evaluated using the STROBE guidelines.
Results

Out of 64 potentially relevant studies, only 10 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of diabetes in the general population based on population-based studies were 12.14% (95% CI: 10.06–14.39%), based on a pooled sample of 11,699 individuals. Results of univariate meta-regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of diabetes increased with mean age, hypertension and obesity. There was no significant association between sex (male vs female), smoking, the methodological quality of included articles or education (illiterate vs literate) and the prevalence of diabetes.
Conclusions

This meta-analysis reports a relatively high prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan, with the highest prevalence in Kandahar and the lowest in Balkh province. The main risk factors include increasing age, obesity and hypertension. Community-based care and preventive training programmes are recommended.
Trial registration:

This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020172624).
Social Inequalities in Heat-attributable Mortality in the City of Turin, Northwest of Italy: A Time Series Analysis From 1982 to 2018
Authors: Ellena Marta , Ballester Joan , Mercogliano Paola , Ferracin Elisa , Barbato Giuliana , Costa Giuseppe , Ingole Vijendra
Published: May 2020

BackgroundUnderstanding context specific heat-health risks in urban areas is important, especially given anticipated severe increases in summer temperatures due to climate change effects. We investigate social inequalities in the association between daily temperatures and mortality in summer in the city of Turin for the period 1982-2018 among different social and demographic group such as sex, age, educational level, marital status and household occupants. Methods Mortality data are represented by individual all-cause mortality counts for the summer months between 1982 and 2018. Socioeconomic level and daily mean temperature were assigned to each deceased. A time series Poisson regression with distributed lag non-linear models was fitted to capture the complex nonlinear dependency between daily mortality and temperature in summer. The mortality risk due to heat was represented by the Relative Risk (RR) at the 99th percentile of daily summer temperatures for each population subgroup. Results All-cause mortality risk was higher among women (1.88; 95% CI= 1.77, 2.00) and the elderly (2.13; 95% CI=1.94, 2.33). With regard to education, the highest significant effects for men was observed among higher education levels (1.66; 1.38, 1.99), while risks for women were higher for the lower educational level (1.93; 1.79, 2.08). Results on marital status highlighted a stronger association for widower in men (1.66; 95%CI=1.38, 2.00) and for separated and divorced in women (2.11; 95%CI= 1.51, 2.94). The risk ratio of household occupants revealed a stronger association for men who lived alone (1.61; 95%CI=1.39, 1.86), while for women results are almost equivalent between alone and not alone groups. Conclusions The associations between heat and mortality were unequal across different aspects of social vulnerability, and, inter alia, factors influencing the population vulnerability to temperatures can be related to demographic, social, and economic aspects. A number of issues were identified and recommendations for the prioritisation of further research are provided.A better knowledge of these effect modifiers is needed to identify the axes of social inequality across the most vulnerable population sub-groups.
A survey of healthcare professionals’ treatment of patients with eating disorders and obesity in Saudi Arabia, and the availability of specialised resources
Authors: Alsabbah Amnah
Published: May 2020

Background: In developing countries (DCs) such as Saudi Arabia (SA), previous studies have considered EDs to be rare and related to westernised culture, where a thin physique is idolised. However, the rapid transition in lifestyles in DCs makes it reasonable to hypothesise that ED prevalence may be rising in these countries. Similarly, studies in SA show that obesity levels are increasing. However, studies that include the role of psychology for obesity management or in the assessments for metabolic surgeries (MS) are lacking. These deficiencies urge to measure this phenomenon in SA and develop additional management strategies for these disorders. A survey was designed to evaluate the number of referrals for EDs and obesity, the management and level of availability of ED specialists as reported by health care staff and the use of mental-health services in treating EDs and obesity. Methods: A total of 15 health services in SA were surveyed and a total of 123 survey questionnaires were completed by health professionals. Participants were asked to respond to a written survey that included questions regarding the number of referrals for EDs and obesity and available treatment as well as body mass index criteria for MS and the number of patients referred for these procedures. Results: Findings from this study add to those from a few previous studies revealing that all EDs are equally prevalent in diverse cultures. Additionally, this survey showed that the obesity rate is high, however, there is limited psychological interventions in this regard. Conclusion: The perspective of narrowing the cultural categories to either western or non-western countries when considering the aetiology of EDs without considering other socioeconomic factors needs to be changed. There is a requirement for specialised ED training, a need to identify a conceptual framework to provide evidence-based management and increase the levels of involvement of psychiatric professionals in the management of obesity. Although this study was conducted in one region, the results should be generalisable to other areas and to other non-westernised countries were EDs are considered rare. Key words: Eating disorders, Saudi Arabia, obesity, anorexia, bulimia nervosa, stigma, mental health, body image.
Research on Computer Wireless Network Assisted Industrial Design in Human-Computer Interaction
Authors: Shao Shide , Chang Wei
Published: May 2020

With the introduction of computer-aided industrial design into industrial design, it has brought huge economic effects to people's production and life. Especially for enterprise companies, computer-aided industrial design has shortened the cycle of enterprise research and development, and at the same time improved the quality of products. However, in the information age, effective and timely communication of information is very important. How to achieve computer-aided industrial design and human error, timely and effective communication has become a research focus and difficulty. At present, the research on computer-aided industrial design of human-computer interaction is limited to the research of interface design and virtual simulation technology, and there are few research and innovations of theoretical methods. This article will explore computer-aided industrial design in human-computer interaction technology.This paper will specifically analyze the user target drive and user behavior driven design methods and give detailed steps and methods of computer-aided industrial design based on human-computer interaction. At the same time, this paper proposes a method of adding form design to man-machine performance in the computer man-machine form design, and then proposes product shape design based on data information. At the same time, based on this, the morphological man-machine design information space is constructed. Experiments show that the design method proposed in this paper has a good performance advantage in computer-aided industrial design of human-computer interaction.
Anxiety and Depression Symptoms of Patients in Fangcang Shelter Hospital During the COVID-19 Outbreak in China: a Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dai Ling-Ling , Wang Xi , Jiang Tian-Chi , Li Peng-Fei , Wang Yu , Wu Shu-Jun , Jia Liu-Qun , Liu Meng , An Lin , Cheng Zhe
Published: May 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis has led to adverse mental health consequences in the general public, medical staff, and individual in self isolation. In order to stop transmission of the virus and save lives, Fangcang shelter hospitals were developed and used for the first time in China. However, there is no research on mental health problems in Fangcang shelter hospitals patients during the COVID-19 outbreak. The aim of this study was to survey the prevalence and major influencing factors of anxiety, depression among the hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Fangcang shelter hospital.
Methods

From February 23rd, 2020, to February 26th, 2020, we obtained the information of demographic data, clinical symptoms, and assessed the mental health status, sleep quality by using an online questionnaire including self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depressive scale (SDS) and pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) at Jianghan Fangcang shelter hospital. We assessed the prevalence of anxiety, depression symptoms and poor sleep quality via the scores of SAS, SDS and PSQI. We explored the influencing factors of anxiety and depression in COVID-19 patients using multivariable logistic regression models.
Results

We collected data from 307 COVID-19 patients in Jianghan Fangcang shelter hospital. The prevalence of anxiety, depression symptoms were 18.6% and 13.4%, respectively. Poor Sleep quality, number of current physical symptoms ≥ 2 were independent risk factors for anxiety symptoms (P < 0.05); female, family member confirmed COVID-19, number of current physical symptoms ≥ 2 were independent risk factors for depression symptoms (P < 0.05). PSQI scores were significant positively associate with SAS scores and SDS scores (P ༜ 0.05).
Conclusions

Anxiety and depression are common among the COVID-19 patients in Fangcang shelter hospital. Those with more current physical symptoms, poor sleep quality are more likely to have anxiety. Females, those with their family members diagnosed with COVID-19, more current physical symptoms are more vulnerable to depression symptom. Our findings can be used to formulate targeted psychological interventions to reduce adverse psychological impacts in Fangcang shelter hospital during the outbreak of epidemic disease in the future.
Adequacy of public health communications and health propaganda on the prevention of coronavirus disease in Jiangsu province: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Fei Jiaojiao , Cheng Hongyan , Li Yanhua , Gao Weifei , Dai Guanqun , Xu Yanling , Zhan Yiyang
Published: May 2020

Background: To measure the public’s awareness of COVID-19 and evaluate the adequacy of public health communications and health propaganda on the prevention of coronavirus disease in Jiangsu province.Methods: We made an electronic questionnaire and launched the survey during February 12 to March 12, 2020. Respondents were randomly selected and recruited from thirteen cities in Jiangsu province. An opportunistic sampling approach was also used to recruit new participants or members in the same household through referrals from existing participants. Data was collected through the “Questionnaire Star” system. SPSS24.0 version was used for data statistical analysis.Result：The effective response rate of completing questionnaire was 97.14% (2650/2728). Compared with traditional media such as TV (51.43%) and newspaper (14.91%), participants were more willing to choose new media such as websites (71.17%) and social platforms such as We-Chat (73.96%) to obtained health information. Chi-square test showed that women (54.14% vs. 48.49%), the 20-50 age group (24.22% vs. 22.94%, 32.69% vs. 31.40%, 28.92 vs. 27.77%) and urban residents (61.42% vs. 59.85%) had higher COVID-19 preventive knowledge level, urban residents had better attitude (60.29% vs. 59.85%), women (53.53% vs. 51.51%), the 30-50 age group (33.14% vs. 31.40%, 29.00% vs. 27.77%)), urban residents (61.50% vs. 59.85%) had good behavior. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that gender (females vs. males, OR=2.226, OR 95%CI: 1.346-3.682, P<0.001), age groups (<50 vs. >50 years old: OR=0.689, OR 95%CI: 0.561-0.847, P<0.001), areas (urban vs. suburban: OR=0.359, OR 95%CI: 0.219-0.588, P<0.001), knowledge level (high vs. low: OR=1.259: OR 95%CI: 1.188-1.335, P<0.001), and attitude (good vs. bad: OR=0.462 OR 95%CI: 0.342-0.626, P<0.001) were associated with good behaviors. The moderating effect and mediating effect shows that attitude mediates the influence of knowledge on behavior. (The 95% interval does not include the number 0(OR95% CI:0.002-0.013). All means of health propaganda can modulate the influence between knowledge and behavior (P<0.001).Conclusions: Providing adequacy of health propaganda and public health communications on the prevention of coronavirus disease makes the public fully understand the knowledge of COVID-19 and lead them to take preventive actions.
Clinical presentations, laboratory and radiological findings, and treatments for 11,028 COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wong Carlos K.H. , Wong Janet Y. , Tang Eric H.M. , Au Chi Ho , Wai Abraham K.
Published: May 2020

Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the comorbidities, symptoms, clinical characteristics and treatment of COVID-19 patients.Method: Epidemiological studies published in 2020 (from January-March) on the clinical presentation, laboratory findings and treatments of COVID-19 patients were identified from PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases. Studies published in English by 27th March, 2020 with original data were included. A random-effects model was used to aggregate estimates across eligible studies and produce meta-analytic estimates. Primary outcomes included comorbidities of COVID-19 patients, their symptoms presented on hospital admission, laboratory results and radiological outcomes, and pharmacological and in-patient treatments.Results: 77 studies were included in this meta-analysis, accounting for a total of 11,028 COVID- 19 patients in multiple countries. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (18.1%, 95%CI: 15.4-20.8%). The most frequently identified symptoms were fever (72.4%, 95%CI: 67.2-77.7%) and cough (55.5%, 95%CI: 50.7-60.3%). For pharmacological treatment, 63.9% (95%CI: 52.5-75.3%), 62.4% (95%CI: 47.9-76.8%) and 29.7% (95%CI: 21.8-37.6%) of patients were given antibiotics, antiviral, and corticosteroid, respectively. Notably, 62.6% (95%CI: 39.9- 85.4%) and 20.2% (95%CI: 14.6-25.9%) of in-patients received oxygen therapy and non- invasive mechanical ventilation, respectively.Conclusions: This meta-analysis informed healthcare providers about the timely status of characteristics and treatments of COVID-19 patients across different countries.PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42020176589
Vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients diagnosed with COVID -19. Are we doing enough? A retrospective analysis of 226 patients.
Authors: Cuñat Tomás , Ojeda Antonio , Calvo Andrea
Published: May 2020

Vitamin D deficiency is common in critically ill patients, and its role in COVID-19 patients could be important. Its deficiency has been associated with respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis (through activation of the renin-angiotensin system), increased levels of IL-2, and cardiovascular adverse events. Various scientific societies recommend the screening of vitamin D in individuals at risk for deficiency. Despite that, the demographics of Vitamin D levels amongst critically ill patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 are currently unknown. We propose a study to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a consecutive population of COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units and to evaluate its relationship with clinical outcomes. We study 226 COVID-19 patients between March 16 and April 26, 2020. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency could not be determined because the value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was obtained in a few patients (17 patients, 7,5%). However, all patients with serum determinations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D presented a level lower than 20 ng/ml and thirteen patients (76,5%) levels < 12,5 ng/ml. We conclude that undiagnosed vitamin D deficiency is common in critically ill COVID-19 patients, and physicians should be conscious of the relevance of its monitoring and supplementation.
Quantitative Chest CT analysis in COVID-19 to predict the need for oxygenation support and intubation
Authors: LANZA EZIO , Muglia Riccardo , Bolengo Isabella , Santonocito Orazio Giuseppe , Lisi Costanza , Angelotti Giovanni , Morandini Pierandrea , Savevski Victor , Politi Letterio Salvatore , Balzarini Luca
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVE: Lombardy (Italy) was the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The healthcare system suffered from a shortage of ICU beds and oxygenation support devices. In our Institution, most patients received chest CT at admission, only interpreted visually. Given the proven value of Quantitative CT analysis (QCT) in the setting of ARDS, we tested QCT as an outcome predictor for COVID-19.METHODS: We performed a single centre retrospective study on COVID-19 patients hospitalized from January 25th, 2020 to April 28th 2020, who received CT at admission prompted by respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea or desaturation. QCT was performed using a semi-automated method (3D-Slicer). Lungs were divided by Hounsfield Unit intervals. Compromised lung (%CL) volume was the sum of poorly and non-aerated volumes (-500,100HU). We collected patient’s clinical data including oxygenation support throughout hospitalization.RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-two patients (163 males, median age 66, IQR 54-6) were included; 75% received oxygenation support (20% intubation rate). Compromised lung volume was the most accurate outcome predictor (logistic regression, p<0.001). %CL values in the 6-23% range increased risk of oxygenation support; values above 23% were at risk for intubation. %CL showed a negative correlation with PaO2/FiO2 ratio (p<.001) and was a risk factor for in-hospital mortality (p<.001)CONCLUSIONS: QCT provides new metrics of COVID-19. The compromised lung volume is accurate in predicting the need for oxygenation support and intubation and is a significant risk factor for in-hospital death. QCT may serve as a tool for the triaging process of COVID-19.
Semantic Interoperability for Context-Aware Autonomous Control using IoT and Edge Computing
Authors: Malik Kaleem Razzaq , Khan Iqra Iqbal , Aloufi Khalid S. , Chouikhi Naima , Hussain Amir
Published: May 2020

The exponential development of Internet of things (IoT) services over edge computing and cloud networks has increased the utilities of remote monitoring, control systems, continuous maintenance and effective utilization of services for applications, such as smart cities. However, data modelling is required to manage such heterogeneous data sources. IoT applications gather data from diverse sources. These applications sometimes obtain data in the form of datasets. Heterogeneous datasets are used for various purposes, and the issue of semantic interoperability arises. Therefore, this paper presents an empirical study of IoT-based semantic interoperability. This study aims at combining portable and fixed sensors with an intermediate microcontroller module and annotating data semantically for the smart autonomous environment, smart home. A context model is devised for developing a mechanism over an ontology schema for managing and passing controlling and monitoring messages to home appliances effectively. The proposed model integrates the environment with the context of a person in a smart autonomous environment for efficient energy consumption and enhanced living context model experience.
Co-infection of COVID-19 and Influenza A in A Hemodialysis Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Jing Ran , Vunnam Rama R , Schnaubelt Elizabeth , Vokoun Chad , Cushman-Vokoun Allison , Goldner David , Vunnam Srinivas R
Published: May 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus that was first discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019. With the growing numbers of community spread cases worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic on March 11. Like influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2 is thought to be transmitted by contact, droplets, and fomites, and COVID-19 has a similar disease presentation to influenza. Here we present a case of influenza A and COVID-19 co-infection in a 60-year-old man with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis.Case presentation: A 60-year-old man with ESRD on hemodialysis (HD) presented for worsening cough, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. The patient first developed a mild fever (100 °F) during hemodialysis three days prior to presentation and has been experiencing worsening flu-like symptoms, including fever of up to 101.6 °F, non-productive cough, generalized abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and liquid green diarrhea. He lives alone at home with no known sick contacts and denies any recent travel or visits to healthcare facilities other than the local dialysis center. Rapid flu test was positive for influenza A. Procalcitonin was elevated at 5.21 ng/mL with a normal white blood cell (WBC) count. Computed tomography (CT) chest demonstrated multifocal areas of consolidation and extensive mediastinal and hilar adenopathy concerning for pneumonia. He was admitted to the biocontainment unit of Nebraska Medicine for concerns of possible COVID-19 and was started on oseltamivir for influenza and vancomycin/cefepime for the probable bacterial cause of his pneumonia and diarrhea. GI pathogen panel and C. diff toxin assay were negative. On the second day of admission, initial nasopharyngeal swab came back positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. The patient received supportive care and resumed bedside hemodialysis in strict isolation, and eventually fully recovered from COVID-19.Conclusions: Our case demonstrated that co-infection of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 can occur in patients with no known direct exposure to COVID-19. The possibility of SARS-CoV-2 co-infection should not be overlooked even when other viruses including influenza can explain the clinical symptoms.
The origin of Ti-oxide minerals below and within the eastern Athabasca Basin, Canada
Authors: Adlakha Erin E. , Hattori Keiko , Kerr Mitchell J. , Boucher Brandon M.
Published: May 2020

Titanium oxide minerals along the P2 fault in the eastern Athabasca Basin are characterized to constrain their origin and the geological history of the area. Two types of rutile are recognized in the basement rocks. Early rutile is disseminated in graphitic metapelite and quartzite, and it formed during regional metamorphism and post-metamorphic hydrothermal activity. Late rutile occurs as a needle-like alteration product of mica and likely formed during retrogression of the basement. In graphitic metapelite, early rutile commonly occurs with an assemblage of oxy-dravite, quartz, graphite, zircon, pyrite, biotite, and muscovite. In quartzite, rutile occurs with quartz, sillimanite, muscovite, and zircon. Metamorphic rutile is characterized by high Nb/Ta ratios (up to 47) with high concentrations of U (up to 126 ppm) and V4+ (up to 1.44 wt%; V valance calculated from EPMA data). Hydrothermal rutile contains distinctly low Nb/Ta (as low as 4.80) with high Ta (≤3050 ppm), and relatively low V (as V 3+; as low as 0.02 wt%) and U (as low as 9.06 ppm), reflecting fluids in reduced oxidation conditions. Anatase forms small anhedral (rarely coarse and euhedral) grains in the basal sandstones and altered basement rocks. In sandstones, anatase occurs with the late diagenetic mineral assemblage, whereas in basement rocks it commonly occurs with the clay-sized minerals related to uranium mineralization. In both rocks, anatase likely formed through the dissolution of rutile and/or other Ti-bearing minerals. Anatase is characterized by variably high Fe (up to 0.99 wt%; possibly contributed by hematite micro-or nanoinclusions) and U (up to 180 ppm). The mineral assemblages and composition of anatase suggest its protracted crystallization from relatively low temperature, oxidizing, acidic, uraniferous fluids of the sandstones during late diagenesis and hydrothermal activity. Therefore, the occurrence of anatase records the incursion of basin fluids into the basement, and the interaction of basement rocks with fluids responsible for the formation of the McArthur River uranium deposit. The results of this study confirm that Ti-oxides are useful in unraveling the geological history of an area that underwent prolonged hydrothermal activity.