bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiclass obstacles detection and classification using stereovision and Bayesian network for intelligent vehicles
Authors: Yang Lina , Huang Yingping , Hu Xing , Wei Hongjian , Wang Qixiang
Published: August 2020

Intelligent vehicles should be able to detect various obstacles and also identify their types so that the vehicles can take an appropriate level of protection and intervention. This article presents a method of detecting and classifying multiclass obstacles for intelligent vehicles. A stereovision-based method is used to segment obstacles from traffic background and measure three-dimensional geometrical features. A Bayesian network (BN) model has been established to further classify them into five classes, including pedestrian, cyclist, car, van, and truck. The BN model is trained using substantial data samples. The optimized structure of the model is determined from the necessary path condition method with a presupposition constraint (NPC+PC). The conditional probability table of the discrete nodes and the conditional probability distribution of the continuous nodes are determined from expectation maximization (EM) training algorithm with consideration of prior domain knowledge. Experiments were conducted using the object detection data set on the public KITTI benchmark, and the results show that the proposed BN model exhibits an excellent performance for obstacle classification while the full pipeline of the method including detection and classification is in the upper middle level compared with other existing methods.
Chemical Constituents From the Bark of Garcinia oblongifolia
Authors: Han Yutong , Li Xingyu , Yuan Chaonan , Gu Ronghui , Kennelly Edward J. , Long Chunlin
Published: August 2020

The phytochemical investigation of the methanol extract of bark of Garcinia oblongifolia yielded a new xanthone derivative 1,3,8-trihydroxy-6’,6’-dimethylpyrano (2’,3’:5,6) xanthone (5) along with 8 known compounds, including 1,2,5-trihydroxy-6-methoxyxanthone (1), 1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxy-2,5-bis (3-methylbut-2-enyl) xanthen-9-one (2), xanthone V1 (3), isojacareubin (4), methyl protocatechuate (6), isoxanthochymol (7), euxanthone (8), and protocatechuic acid (9). The structures of these compounds were verified based on extensive spectroscopic data analysis as well as comparison with the literature data.
Integrating Intervention Approaches: Development and Initial Testing of an Early Childhood Education Intervention
Authors: Marshall Nancy L. , Robeson Wendy Wagner , Roberts Joanne
Published: August 2020

Early care and education program interventions often focus on providing training, sometimes combined with coaching, to classroom educators. However, such interventions are uneven in their effectiveness. We describe the development of the Ready Educators Quality Improvement Pilot (REQIP), an intervention that integrates two approaches—one that focuses on the workforce through training and coaching at the educator level, and another approach that focuses on the program in which the educators work, through executive coaching for administrators and consultations on the classroom, building spaces, and curriculum materials. Ten center-based programs and over 60 educators participated in a 19-month intervention and evaluation. This article discusses the challenges faced during implementation and implications for practice, results of the evaluation, and implications for other applications of social science.
Measuring Customer Satisfaction and Hotel Efficiency Analysis: An Approach Based on Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Kim Changhee , Chung Kyunghwa
Published: August 2020

We propose a network DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) model that consists of internal and external service processes and employs customer satisfaction as an intermediate factor. Using the proposed model, we calculate four efficiency scores: service productivity score drawn from internal service process, service efficiency score drawn from external service process, overall efficiency score drawn from both internal and external service processes, and management efficiency score calculated without the intermediate output. By analyzing the four efficiency scores, we find that overall efficiency score is well suited to represent a hotel’s comprehensive productivity. Our results support the validity of a network DEA model which includes customer satisfaction for analyzing hotel efficiency. Despite its important role that plays in hotel efficiency, customer satisfaction has been barely considered in the previous hotel efficiency studies. By analyzing hotel efficiency including customer satisfaction, this study sheds new light on the hotel efficiency research area and provides a valuable basis for future research.
Is Low-Intensity Isometric Handgrip Exercise an Efficient Alternative in Lifestyle Blood Pressure Management? A Systematic Review
Authors: Loaiza-Betancur Andrés F. , Chulvi-Medrano Iván
Published: August 2020

Context:

High blood pressure is one of the leading preventable causes of cardiovascular death worldwide. In this regard, several studies have shown interest in the benefits of isometric exercise on blood pressure regulation.

Objective:

To assess whether low-intensity isometric handgrip exercise (LI-IHE) is an effective strategy to lower blood pressure levels in prehypertensive and hypertensive patients.

Data Source:

This study was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement and registered with PROSPERO. Potentially eligible studies were identified after a systematic search conducted on 4 international databases: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PEDro, and SPORTDiscus.

Study Selection:

We included randomized controlled trials that comprised patients who received LI-IHE.

Study Design:

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Data Extraction:

Data related to patient characteristics, exercise programs, risk-of-bias assessment, and outcomes of interest were systematically reviewed independently by 2 authors.

Results:

The following reductions (mean differences) were observed after LI-IHE: systolic blood pressure (SBP), (MD) = −5.43 mm Hg; (95% CI, −8.47 to −2.39; P = 0.0005); diastolic blood pressure (DBP), −2.41 mm Hg (95% CI, −4.33 to −0.48; P = 0.01); mean arterial pressure (MAP), −1.28 mm Hg (95% CI, −2.99 to 0.44; P = 0.14).

Conclusion:

LI-IHE seems to lower SBP, DBP, and MAP values in prehypertensive and hypertensive adults. It appears that LI-IHE reduces, in greater magnitude, blood pressure levels in hypertensive patients, specifically in patients aged <45 years, those who are overweight, and those on medications. Nevertheless, substantial heterogeneity in the main results and in the analyses by subgroups generated uncertainty about the real reduction magnitude that LI-IHE can produce on blood pressure.
Numerical modeling of confined brick masonry structures with parametric analysis and energy absorption calculation
Authors: Ahmed H Asfandyar , Shahzada Khan
Published: August 2020

The objective of this paper is to propose a new modeling methodology for numerical analysis of full-scale confined brick masonry structures. Two modeling strategies are used within a single structure, where the in-plane walls are modeled using “simplified micro-modeling” approach and out-of-plane walls are modeled using “macro-modeling” approach. The lateral load capacity is associated with the in-plane shear resistance of masonry elements, therefore more detailed analysis is required for in-plane walls to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the damage mechanism and load transfer. The investigation of the in-plane shear behavior of confined brick masonry structures is of significant importance. Additionally, the proposed hybrid model is validated by comparing the results of experimental studies of confined brick masonry structure. A parametric study is then conducted to investigate the effect of brick and mortar properties on the structural response metrics (e.g. base shear coefficient, effective stiffness, response modification factor, the three performance levels (i.e. Immediate Occupancy, Life Safety and Collapse Prevention limits) and the energy absorption properties). It is observed that these structural response metrics, changed considerably by varying the material properties. Apart from that, the damage behavior and damage pattern are also assessed for the better understanding of effect of these parameters on the response of the structure. The proposed hybrid-modeling approach gives sufficient accuracy in predicting the lateral load behavior as well as the damage mechanism of confined brick masonry structure, subjected to lateral loading.
Effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab in biologically naïve patients: A real‐world multi‐centre study
Authors: Macaluso Fabio Salvatore , Fries Walter , Renna Sara , Viola Anna , Muscianisi Marco , Cappello Maria , Guida Laura , Siringo Sebastiano , Camilleri Salvatore , Garufi Serena , Privitera Antonino Carlo , Belluardo Nunzio , Giangreco Emiliano , Bertolami Carmelo , Vassallo Roberto , Rizzuto Giulia , Orlando Rosalba , Ventimiglia Marco , Orlando Ambrogio ,   the Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SN‐IBD)
Published: August 2020

Background

Biologically naïve patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with vedolizumab (VDZ) are largely underrepresented in real‐world cohorts. A multi‐centre, observational cohort study was performed on the effectiveness and safety of VDZ in biologically naïve subjects with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

Data of consecutive biologically naïve patients with CD and UC treated with VDZ from July 2016 to December 2019 were extracted from the cohort of the Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Results

A total of 172 consecutive patients (CD: N  = 88; UC: N  = 84; median age 66.0 years) were included, with a median follow‐up of 58.8 weeks. After 14 weeks, a clinical response was reported in 68.2% of patients with CD and 67.9% of patients with UC treated with VDZ, including 45.5% patients in the CD group and 46.4% patients in the UC group who achieved steroid‐free remission. After 52 weeks, a clinical response was reported in 77.4% of CD and in 73.8% of UC patients treated with VDZ, including 59.7% patients in the CD group and 60.7% patients in the UC group who achieved steroid‐free remission.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of VDZ as a first‐line biological, particularly among elderly patients.
The Biopolitics of Social Distancing
Authors: Sylvia J.J.
Published: August 2020

As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, new technologies are being leveraged to enforce social distancing requirements. I explore social distancing through the theoretical lens of Michel Foucault’s biopolitics, with an emphasis on recognizing unauthorized movement and controlling circulation. Although reporting and widely shared data visualizations about COVID-19 have made many people newly aware that their movements are being tracked and surveilled, governments are already implementing new measures such as geofencing and artificial intelligence (AI)–based facial recognition to facilitate the enforcement of social distancing. The tracking of COVID-19 spread and social distancing behaviors of the public has made more visible the practices of biopolitics but also generated new opportunities for even greater surveillance and control. The current moment offers an opportunity to shift public perceptions about data surveillance, technological control, and the racial disparities of biopower, much in the same way that public perceptions around social media shifted during and after the Arab Spring. How we collectively respond to these biopolitical processes will, in part, determine how such power relations are articulated in the future.
COVID19 and the Media Introductory Note
Authors: Russell Adrienne , Powers Matt
Published: August 2020

All of the authors who have contributed to this issue on COVID19 and the Media have stepped out of the rush of change, if only for a 2000-word moment, to look into a corner of the mediated pandemic and grapple with the significance of what’s happening in our field, our societies, our lives. We appreciate their insights, and hope you do too.
Social Media and Convergence Culture: A Scoping Review of the Literature on North American Basketball
Authors: Girardin Théo , Roult Romain , Sirost Olivier , Machemehl Charly
Published: August 2020

This systematic review was based on the work of Arksey and O’Malley and presents the current research on social media use in North American basketball. Thirty-five articles were reviewed to (a) identify authors, concepts, research methods, and the results that have provided greater insight into the role of social media in sports; and (b) describe both the strategies underlying social media use according to user profiles and the new relationship that is emerging between social media and the world of sports. The review reveals the multifaceted nature of the issues that have emerged with the increasing use of social media in sports, and this is discussed within the framework of the model proposed by Jenkins.
Recruiting Reporters’ Perceptions of Ethical Issues
Authors: Winemiller Sam , Love Adam , Stamm Jason
Published: August 2020

In the Internet era, a substantial online media industry dedicated to covering the recruitment of high school athletes to college sports programs has developed in the United States. The current study explored the perceptions of football recruiting reporters with respect to their ethical responsibilities and the issues they face in their jobs. In doing so, the study builds on the work of Yanity and Edmondson, who explored the perceptions of journalists from other fields about ethical dilemmas they perceived as relevant in the budding high school football recruiting media industry. Through analysis of interviews with 15 people who have worked as reporters for major recruiting websites such as Rivals.com or 247Sports.com , we contend that several key ethical issues must be addressed by online college football and basketball recruiting outlets to protect athletes and to promote responsible journalism. These issues include (a) incessant contact of high school athletes by media members; (b) lack of institutional oversight by parent companies over school-specific sites; (c) ambiguous methodology behind player evaluation; (d) conflicts of interest inherent in recruiting media outlets hosting evaluation camps; and (e) lack of institutional protection from unethical pressures by members of college athletic departments.
Soldiers to Scientists: Military Service, Gender, and STEM Degree Earning
Authors: Steidl Christina , Werum Regina , Harcey Sela , Absalon Jacob , MillerMacPhee Alice
Published: August 2020

The authors use 2014–2018 data from the American Community Survey to answer two questions: To what extent is military service associated with higher rates of earning a bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field (vs. a non-STEM field)? To what extent is this relationship gendered? The findings suggest that military service is associated with higher odds of completing a STEM degree and that this association is particularly strong for female veterans. Comparison across multiple STEM definitions suggests that military service does not simply channel women into traditionally female-dominated STEM fields. Instead, the findings show the biggest boost for women earning degrees in traditionally male-dominated STEM fields. The authors situate these findings in light of extant empirical and theoretical research on gender gaps in STEM and discuss implications for policy and research.
The GEM Global Active Faults Database
Authors: Styron Richard , Pagani Marco
Published: August 2020

The GEM Global Active Faults Database (GAF-DB) is the first public, comprehensive database of active faults with worldwide coverage. The GAF-DB is a compilation of many regional datasets. The GAF-DB contains ∼13,500 faults, each with associated attributes that describe the geometry, kinematics, slip rate, references, and other characteristics, as the information is available. Spatial completeness is high, and about 77% of the faults have slip rate information. The GAF-DB is built from its constituent datasets algorithmically and is designed to fluidly incorporate changes to or addition of any of the underlying datasets. This process reflects a philosophy of easily incorporating a change to avoid obsolescence and to quickly provide the most up-to-date information possible to the users. The database is licensed under a free and open-source license (CC-BY-SA 4.0) and is available at https://github.com/GEMScienceTools/gem-global-active-faults .
RAS/CBL mutations predict resistance to JAK inhibitors in myelofibrosis and are associated with poor prognostic features
Authors: Coltro Giacomo , Rotunno Giada , Mannelli Lara , Mannarelli Carmela , Fiaccabrino Sara , Romagnoli Simone , Bartalucci Niccolò , Ravenda Enrica , Gelli Eleonora , Sant’Antonio Emanuela , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Tefferi Ayalew , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Guglielmelli Paola
Published: August 2020

The dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway drives the pathogenesis of myelofibrosis (MF). Recently, several JAK inhibitors (JAKis) have been developed for treating MF. Select mutations (MTs) have been associated with impaired outcomes and are currently incorporated in molecularly annotated prognostic models. Mutations of RAS/MAPK pathway genes are frequently reported in cancer and at low frequencies in MF. In this study, we investigated the phenotypic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of NRASMTs, KRASMTs, and CBLMTs (RAS/CBLMTs) in 464 consecutive MF patients. A total of 59 (12.7%) patients had RAS/CBLMTs: NRASMTs, n = 25 (5.4%); KRASMTs, n = 13 (2.8%); and CBLMTs, n = 26 (5.6%). Patients with RAS/CBLMTs were more likely to present with high-risk clinical and molecular features. RAS/CBLMTs were associated with inferior overall survival compared with patients without MTs and retained significance in a multivariate model, including the Mutation-Enhanced International Prognostic Score System (MIPSS70) risk factors and cytogenetics; however, inclusion of RAS/CBLMTs in molecularly annotated prognostic models did not improve the predictive power of the latter. The 5-year cumulative incidence of leukemic transformation was notably higher in the RAS/CBLMT cohort. Among 61 patients treated with JAKis and observed for a median time of 30 months, the rate of symptoms and spleen response at 6 months was significantly lower in the RAS/CBLMT cohort. Logistic regression analysis disclosed a significant inverse correlation between RAS/CBLMTs and the probability of achieving a symptom or spleen response that was retained in multivariate analysis. In summary, our study showed that RAS/CBLMTs are associated with adverse phenotypic features and survival outcomes and, more important, may predict reduced response to JAKis.
Sustained fetal hematopoiesis causes juvenile death from leukemia: evidence from a dual-age–specific mouse model
Authors: Vara Nitza , Liu Yuqing , Yan Yan , Lensing Shelly Y. , Colorado Natalia , Robinson Delli , Zhang Jingliao , Zhang Xin , Peterson Erich A. , Baltz Nicholas J. , Zhou Daohong , Bertaina Alice , Johann Donald J. , Emanuel Peter D. , Liu Y. Lucy
Published: August 2020

It is not clear whether disrupted age-specific hematopoiesis contributes to the complex manifestations in leukemia patients who carry identical mutations, particularly in pediatric and adult patients with similar clinical characteristics. By studying a dual-age–specific mouse model, we demonstrate that (1) loss of Pten during the fetal-to-adult hematopoiesis switch (hematopoiesis switch) causes sustained fetal hematopoiesis, resulting in death in juvenile leukemia; (2) myeloid-biased hematopoiesis in juvenile mice is associated with the sustained fetal properties of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs); (3) the age specificity of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia depends on the copy number of Pten and Nf1; (4) single-allelic Pten deletion during the hematopoiesis switch causes constitutive activation of MAPK in juvenile mice with Nf1 loss of heterozygosity (LOH); and (5) Nf1 LOH causes monocytosis in juvenile mice with Pten haploinsufficiency but does not cause lethality until adulthood. Our data suggest that 1 copy of Pten is sufficient to maintain an intact negative-feedback loop of the Akt pathway and HSC function in reconstitution, despite MAPK being constitutively activated in juvenile Pten+/ΔNf1LOH mice. However, 2 copies of Pten are required to maintain the integrity of the MAPK pathway in juvenile mice with Nf1 haploinsufficiency. Our data indicate that previous investigations of Pten function in wild-type mice may not reflect the impact of Pten loss in mice with Nf1 mutations or other genetic defects. We provide a proof of concept that disassociated age-specific hematopoiesis contributes to leukemogenesis and pediatric demise.
Molecular profiling and risk classification of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms and splanchnic vein thromboses
Authors: Debureaux Pierre-Edouard , Cassinat Bruno , Soret-Dulphy Juliette , Mora Barbara , Verger Emmanuelle , Maslah Nabih , Plessier Aurelie , Rautou Pierre-Emmanuel , Ollivier-Hourman Isabelle , De Ledinghen Victor , Goria Odile , Bureau Christophe , Siracusa Claudia , Valla Dominique , Giraudier Stephane , Passamonti Francesco , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques
Published: August 2020

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are the most frequent underlying causes of splanchnic vein thromboses (SVTs). MPN patients with SVTs (MPN-SVT) often have a unique presentation including younger age, female predominance, and low Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) mutation allele burden. This study aimed at identifying risk factors for adverse hematologic outcomes in MPN-SVT patients. We performed a retrospective study of a fully characterized cohort of MPN-SVT patients. The primary outcome was the incidence of evolution to myelofibrosis, acute leukemia, or death. Eighty patients were included in the testing cohort. Median follow-up was 11 years. Most of the patients were women with a mean age of 42 years and a diagnosis of polycythemia vera. The primary outcome was met in 13% of the patients and was associated with a JAK2V617F allele burden ≥50% (odds ratio [OR], 14.7) and presence of additional mutations in genes affecting chromatin/spliceosome (OR, 9). We identified high-risk patients (29% of the cohort) as those harboring at least 1 molecular risk factor: JAK2-mutant allele burden ≥50%, presence of chromatin/spliceosome/TP53 mutation. High-risk patients had worse event-free survival (81% vs 100%; P = .001) and overall survival at 10 years (89% vs 100%; P = .01) than low-risk patients. These results were confirmed in an independent validation cohort of 30 MPN-SVT patients. In conclusion, molecular profiling identified MPN-SVT patients with dismal outcome. In this high-risk population, a disease-modifying therapy should be taken into consideration to minimize the probability of transformation.
SHAMAN: a user-friendly website for metataxonomic analysis from raw reads to statistical analysis
Authors: Volant Stevenn , Lechat Pierre , Woringer Perrine , Motreff Laurence , Campagne Pascal , Malabat Christophe , Kennedy Sean , Ghozlane Amine
Published: August 2020

Background

Comparing the composition of microbial communities among groups of interest (e.g., patients vs healthy individuals) is a central aspect in microbiome research. It typically involves sequencing, data processing, statistical analysis and graphical display. Such an analysis is normally obtained by using a set of different applications that require specific expertise for installation, data processing and in some cases, programming skills.

Results

Here, we present SHAMAN, an interactive web application we developed in order to facilitate the use of (i) a bioinformatic workflow for metataxonomic analysis, (ii) a reliable statistical modelling and (iii) to provide the largest panel of interactive visualizations among the applications that are currently available. SHAMAN is specifically designed for non-expert users. A strong benefit is to use an integrated version of the different analytic steps underlying a proper metagenomic analysis. The application is freely accessible at http://shaman.pasteur.fr/, and may also work as a standalone application with a Docker container (aghozlane/shaman), conda and R. The source code is written in R and is available at https://github.com/aghozlane/shaman. Using two different datasets (a mock community sequencing and a published 16S rRNA metagenomic data), we illustrate the strengths of SHAMAN in quickly performing a complete metataxonomic analysis.

Conclusions

With SHAMAN, we aim at providing the scientific community with a platform that simplifies reproducible quantitative analysis of metagenomic data.
The reduction in CD8+PD-1+ T cells in liver histological tissue is related to Pegylated IFN-α therapy outcomes in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Liu Ruyu , Chen Yanhui , Guo Jiang , Li Minghui , Lu Yao , Zhang Lu , Shen Ge , Wu Shuling , Chang Min , Hu Leiping , Hao Hongxiao , Zhang Henghui , Xie Yao
Published: August 2020

Background

Antiviral therapy is recommended for patients with immune-active chronic hepatitis B (CHB) to decrease the risk of liver-related complications. However, the outcomes of the pegylated IFN-α (PEG-IFN-α) therapy vary among CHB patients. We aimed to identify factors that can influence the outcomes in CHB patients who received antiviral PEG-IFN-α monotherapy.

Methods

Thirty-two CHB patients who received PEG-IFN-α monotherapy were enrolled in this study. All of the patients underwent two liver biopsies at baseline and 6 months after the initiation of the therapy. CD8+T cells, CD4+T cells, CD68+mononuclear cells, and PD-1 levels in the 64 liver biopsy specimens were examined via immunofluorescence.

Results

The overall median frequency of CD8+T cells in the liver tissues of 32 CHB patients significantly decreased at 6 months after the therapy initiation (p < 0.01). In the FIER (fibrosis and inflammation response with HBeAg seroconversion) group, CD8+PD-1+T cells significantly decreased at 6 months (p < 0.05), while CD8+PD-1−T cells had no significant difference. On the contrary, in the FIENR (no fibrosis and inflammation response and HBeAg seroconversion) group, CD8+PD-1−T cells significantly decreased after 6 months of PEG-IFN-α treatment (p < 0.05), while CD8+PD-1+T cells had no significant difference. In addition, the levels of CD68+mononuclear cells in the FIER group showed an overall increasing trend after treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The changes in the levels of CD8+PD-1+T cells and CD68+mononuclear cells may be related to the response to PEG-IFN-α therapy.
Screening of BRCA1/2 genes mutations and copy number variations in patients with high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC)
Authors: El Ansari Fatima Zahra , Jouali Farah , Marchoudi Nabila , Bennani Mohcine Mechita , Ghailani Naima Nourouti , Barakat Amina , Fekkak Jamal
Published: August 2020

Background

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) is an autosomal dominant inherited cancer susceptibility disorder. Both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are considered as high penetrance genes of this syndrome. The identification of BRCA1/2 genetic alterations before cancer development, grant patients the chance to benefit from various medical cancer prevention approaches. Therefore, the appearance of recent advanced technologies in molecular analysis such as next generation sequencing has simplified full BRCA1/2 analysis.

Many attempts took place in hope of understanding the molecular germline spectrum of these two genes in Moroccan HBOC patients. However, most of the past projects focused only on young breast cancer cases, lacked ovarian cancer cases in their cohort and only a limited number of these studies were able to analyze the entire exons or copy number variations for both genes.

In attempt of gaining more information regarding the molecular profile of BRCA1/2 in HBOC, we conducted a study in which we analyze their molecular profile on selected Moroccan patients suspected of having HBOC syndrome.

Methods

In this study we obtained blood samples from 64 selected Moroccan patients, who suffered from Breast and/or ovarian cancer and had a strong family history for cancer. To analyze BRCA1/2 punctual variants and copy number variations, we used the Ion Personal Genome Machine (PGM) and Oncomine BRCA1/2 research assay panel. Afterward, we correlated the molecular results with the clinic-pathologic data using IBM SPSS Statistics ver 2.

Results

From the 64 selected cases, Forty-six had breast cancer, fifteen had ovarian cancer and three had both breast and ovarian cancer. The molecular analysis revealed that 18 patients from the 64 harbored a pathogenic variant (28%). Twelve had six different BRCA1 pathogenic variants and six had six different BRCA2 pathogenic variants. In this study, we report four pathogenic variants that to the best of our knowledge has never been reported in the Moroccan population before. Regarding copy number variation analysis, No CNV was detected in both genes for all the 64 successfully sequenced and analyzed patients in our cohort.

Conclusion

Work like the present has an important implication on public health and science. It is critical that molecular profiling studies are performed on underserved and understudied population like Morocco.
The association between protection motivation and hepatitis b vaccination intention among migrant workers in Tianjin, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Cai , Nicholas Stephen , Wang Jian
Published: August 2020

Background

Migrant workers are a susceptible population to the hepatitis b virus (HBV) and a vulnerable spot in China’s immunization procedures. There is no free HBV immunization program for migrant workers in China, so understanding migrant workers’ motivation to receive the HBV vaccine is the first step in designing effective immunization policies.

Methods

A fully specified protection motivation theory (PMT) model of HBV vaccination intention among migrant workers was specified. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 406 migrant workers in three migrant-dense industries in Tianjin, China. Principal component factor analysis was used to produce PMT factors and nested binary logistic regression modeling was applied to assess the associations between protection motivation and HBV vaccination intention of migrant workers.

Results

The nested binary logistic regression model suggested that the severity factor and self-efficacy factor were positively related to HBV vaccination intention (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.25–3.71; OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.62–4.66) while the response costs was negatively related to the HBV vaccination motivation (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.29–0.83). The socio-demographic variables showed that younger, married and good self-rated health status participants were statistically associated with the intention of taking the HBV vaccine. Sex, education level and income group were not significantly associated with vaccination intention. The migrant-industry variables showed that migrant location had a strong effect on migrant workers’ vaccination intention.

Conclusion

Socio-demographic, migrant-industry variables and PMT factors (severity, self-efficacy and response costs) were statistically associated with migrant workers’ intention to vaccinate. Our results suggest that health policy makers should provide more information to migrants on HBV severity; inform migrant workers on where, when and how to get the HBV vaccine; tap into work organizations as a location for vaccinations; and identify migrant worker subgroups for targeted interventions.
Socio-demographic correlates of first dose of measles (MCV1) vaccination coverage in India
Authors: Panda Basant Kumar , Mishra Suyash , Awofeso Niyi
Published: August 2020

Background

Between 2010 and 2018, measles-related mortality had halved in India mainly with effective measles vaccination campaigns and widespread coverage across the states and population subgroups. Despite the commendable vaccination coverage, 2.9 million children in India missed the first dose of measles vaccine (MCV1) in 2017, and many of those vaccinated were not vaccinated at the recommended age (i.e. between 9 and 12 months). This study analyzed pattern and correlates of MCV1 coverage and MCV1 administration at recommended age among children aged 12–23 months in India.

Methods

We used the official data from the recent round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), a nationally representative cross-sectional household survey in India conducted in 2015–16. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were applied to ascertain the influence of specified socio-demographic variables affecting measles vaccination coverage in India.

Results

The study revealed the distinct variations in coverage of MCV1 between the districts of India. There were also major challenges with age recommended vaccination, with about 15% of eligible children not vaccinated within the recommended age range, attributable to several socio-demographic factors. Significantly, antenatal care utilization of mothers strongly influenced MCV1 coverage and age recommended MCV1 coverage in India. The study also identified that children who missed MCV1 had one or more adverse health risks such as malnutrition, anemia and diarrhea disease.

Conclusions

A socio-economic gradient exists in India’s MCV1 coverage, mediated by antenatal visits, education of mothers, and highlighted socio-demographic factors. Infection with measles was significantly correlated with greater anthropometric deficits among the study cohort, indicating a wider range of benefits from preventing measles infection. Eliminating morbidity and mortality from measles in India is feasible, although it will require efficient expanded program on immunization management, enhanced health literacy among mothers, continuing commitment from central state and district political authorities.
Factors affecting postoperative mortality of patients with insufficient union following osteoporotic vertebral fractures and impact of preoperative serum albumin on mortality
Authors: Ohba Tetsuro , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Koyama Kensuke , Tanaka Nobuki , Oda Kotaro , Haro Hirotaka
Published: August 2020

Abtsract

Background

Numerous comparative studies of surgical procedures have focused on clinical and radiographical outcomes, as well as the effect of bone fragility on the outcome of spinal surgery; however, insights concerning a risk of mortality or morbidity have been limited. Additionally, the effect of surgical therapy on survival after vertebral compression fractures remains controversial. Our aim was to evaluate the preoperative factors that affected the long-term survival of patients who underwent spinal surgery for an insufficient union following osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) and to determine postoperative mortality.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 105 consecutive patients who underwent spinal surgery for OVF. Mortality was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and a log-rank test. The preoperative backgrounds of patients were analyzed to determine which risk factors led to death among the OVF cases. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate survival based on preoperative albumin levels of ≤3.5 g/dL (hypoalbuminemia) versus > 3.5 mg/dL.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 4.1 ± 0.8 years. Two years after surgery, percentage of patients who had died was 15%. The VAS scores and modified Frankel classification were significantly improved one year after surgery. The ratio of male-to-female was significantly higher for patients with OVF who died than for those who were still alive. No significant difference in mortality was observed among surgical procedures for OVF. The univariate analysis showed that male gender, serum albumin < 3.5 g/dl, creatinine clearance< 60 mg/dl, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists classificat0ion ≥3 were significant risk factors for postoperative mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed that only serum albumin ≤3.5 g/dL was a significant risk factor for long-term postoperative mortality of patients with OVF.

Conclusions

Preoperative hypoalbuminemia was associated with postoperative mortality following surgery for OVF.

Level of evidence

Level 3.
Effectiveness of blending E-learning with field trip on Chinese herbal medicine education: quasi-experimental study
Authors: Li Lei , Tam Chi Wing , Wang Ning , Cheung Fan , Zhou Qing , Zhang Cheng , Cheng Chien-shan , Xiong Lei , Feng Yibin
Published: August 2020

Background

Chinese Medicine education is part of professional medical training in Hong Kong. An important element of this is herbal medicine, which requires both theoretical and practical knowledge. A field trip programme was adopted to provide students with direct experience of medicinal plants studied in lectures. However, problems with the current programme were identified in learning outcome assessment and long-term knowledge management. To improve the teaching quality, a Moodle e-learning module was designed for augmentation. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of the Moodle module in supplementing the current field trip programme.

Methods

Prospective quasi-experiment. Participants were 49 year-2 students in the Bachelor of Chinese Medicine programme. A Moodle module including five online activities regarding two groups of herbal plants was integrated before and after the field trip. Fill-in-the-blank questions were used to assess the learning outcome. Also, a questionnaire was developed to collect student feedback as the secondary outcome.

Results

For herbal plants in Group A, the assessment score was higher in Moodle group (29.65 ± 5.0) than for the control group (21.65 ± 6.5) (P <  0.01). For herbal plants in Group B, the assessment score was higher for the Moodle group (28.68 ± 4.7) than for the control group (24.26 ± 7.7) (P <  0.01). The questionnaire results showed that students were satisfied with the Moodle platform.

Conclusions

A specially designed Moodle module may be effective in augmenting the field trip for Chinese herbal medicine education.
Self-care for anxiety and depression: a comparison of evidence from Cochrane reviews and practice to inform decision-making and priority-setting
Authors: Pilkington Karen , Wieland Lisa Susan
Published: August 2020

Background

Self-care refers to a range of activities and approaches undertaken by an individual to maintain health and manage ill-health which may include various complementary or alternative approaches. The purpose of this study was to identify the self-care approaches used by the general public for depression and anxiety, assess the usefulness of Cochrane reviews for informing decisions on self-care and highlight any gaps in the evidence.

Methods

Searches were carried out for surveys of self-care for anxiety and/or depression and for Cochrane reviews and protocols of interventions with potential for use in self-care. Data was extracted from each review and Plain Language Summaries assessed for content, consistency and readability. Interventions reported in surveys and in Cochrane reviews were compared and effectiveness of each assessed.

Results

Surveys from 10 countries reported a variety of self-care interventions, 17 of which appeared in 2 or more surveys and which included dietary supplements, herbal medicines, mind-body therapies and various forms of exercise. Twenty-two reviews and 5 protocols on potential self-care interventions were identified, the majority in depression. Twelve interventions were judged effective or promising, most with small effect sizes. Readability of summaries was highly variable: half were written at college/university level. Several commonly used approaches were not covered by Cochrane reviews.

Conclusions

This study has revealed the interventions currently used by the general public which are judged effective or promising based on Cochrane reviews. Some disparity is highlighted between interventions used in practice and the availability of reliable evidence, and in the presentation of effectiveness and safety. Being able to direct patients to reliable, accessible information is a positive step in ensuring effective patient-centered, evidence-informed care. Addressing gaps, ensuring consistency and increasing usability of evidence intended for the general public will support this goal.
Proficiency testing for identifying underperforming students before postgraduate education: a longitudinal study
Authors: Andreou Vasiliki , Eggermont Jan , Gielis Guy , Schoenmakers Birgitte
Published: August 2020

Background

Efficient selection of medical students in GP training plays an important role in improving healthcare quality. The aim of this study was to collect quantitative and qualitative validity evidence of a multicomponent proficiency-test for identifying underperforming students in cognitive and non-cognitive competencies, prior to entering postgraduate GP Training. From 2016 to 2018, 894 medical GP students in four Flemish universities in Belgium registered to take a multicomponent proficiency-test before admission to postgraduate GP Training. Data on students were obtained from the proficiency-test as a test-score and from traineeship mentors’ narrative reports.

Results

In total, 849 students took the multicomponent proficiency-test during 2016–2018. Test scores were normally distributed. Five different descriptive labels were extracted from mentors’ narrative reports based on thematic analysis, considering both cognitive and non-cognitive competences. Chi-square tests and odds ratio showed a significant association between students scoring low on the proficiency–test and having gaps in cognitive and non-cognitive competencies during GP traineeship.

Conclusion

A multicomponent proficiency-test could detect underperforming students prior to postgraduate GP Training. Students that ranked in the lowest score quartile had a higher likelihood of being labelled as underperforming than students in the highest score quartile. Therefore, a low score in the multicomponent proficiency-test could indicate the need for closer guidance and early remediating actions focusing on both cognitive and non-cognitive competencies.
Short-term outcomes and complications of 65 cases of porous TTA with flange: a prospective clinical study in dogs
Authors: Bernardi-Villavicencio Cristina , Jimenez-Socorro Antonio Nicolas , Rojo-Salvador Concepcion , Robles-Sanmartin Javier , Rodriguez-Quiros Jesus
Published: August 2020

Background

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR) is the most common orthopaedic cause of lameness in the hind limb in dogs. Many surgical treatments have been described, but tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) is one of the most commonly used today. Since it was first described, TTA has evolved to reduce major complications and to arrest the progression of osteoarthrosis. The aim of this study was to assess a surgical technique called Porous TTA with flange prospectively. This study was performed in 61 dogs that underwent 65 Porous TTA with flange procedures, to validate it as an alternative CrCLR treatment. Complications and clinical outcomes (pain, lameness, weight bearing, flexion, extension, crepitation and atrophy) were reported over 3 months, i.e. at 3, 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively.

Results

The results showed a positive clinical outcome, a minor complication rate of 47.69% at the first review 3 weeks postoperatively, 10.77% at the second one (6 weeks after the surgery) and 4% at the third one (at 12 weeks). Major complications were observed only at the last review, with one case that had an infection requiring implant removal; this represented 1.5% of cases. Variables evaluated for a relationship with complication scores and improvement were body condition score, sex, age, breed, body weight, breed size, side of the affected limb, traumatic anamnesis and time of lameness before surgery. No relationship was detected.

Conclusions

Clinical outcomes and complications show that Porous TTA with flange is an efficient alternative for surgical treatment of CrCLR in dogs.
Progesterone-responsive vaginal leiomyoma and hyperprogesteronemia due to ovarian luteoma in an older bitch
Authors: Ferré-Dolcet L. , Romagnoli S. , Banzato T. , Cavicchioli L. , Di Maggio R. , Cattai A. , Berlanda M. , Schrank M. , Mollo A.
Published: August 2020

Background

This is the first report about a vaginal leiomyoma concomitant with an ovarian luteoma in a bitch.

Case presentation

A 11-year-old intact female Labrador retriever was referred because of anuria, constipation and protrusion of a vaginal mass through the vulvar commissure. The bitch had high serum progesterone concentration (4.94 ng/ml). Because of the possibility of progesterone responsiveness causing further increase of the vaginal mass and since the bitch was a poor surgical candidate a 10 mg/kg aglepristone treatment was started SC on referral day 1. A computerized tomography showed a 12.7 × 6.5 × 8.3 cm mass causing urethral and rectal compression, ureteral dilation and hydronephrosis. A vaginal leiomyoma was diagnosed on histology. As serum progesterone concentration kept increasing despite aglepristone treatment, a 0.02 ng/mL twice daily IM alfaprostol treatment was started on day 18. As neither treatment showed remission of clinical signs or luteolysis, ovariohysterectomy was performed on referral day 35. Multiple corpora lutea were found on both ovaries. On histology a luteoma was diagnosed on the left ovary. P4 levels were undetectable 7 days after surgery. Recovery was uneventful and 12 weeks after surgery tomography showed a reduction of 86.7% of the vaginal mass. The bitch has been in good health and able to urinate without any complication ever since.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates the importance of identifying progesterone related conditions as well as the importance of judiciously using a combined medical and surgical approach.
Efficient 2,3-butanediol production from whey powder using metabolically engineered Klebsiella oxytoca
Authors: Meng Wensi , Zhang Yongjia , Cao Menghao , Zhang Wen , Lü Chuanjuan , Yang Chunyu , Gao Chao , Xu Ping , Ma Cuiqing
Published: August 2020

Background

Whey is a major pollutant generated by the dairy industry. To decrease environmental pollution caused by the industrial release of whey, new prospects for its utilization need to be urgently explored. Here, we investigated the possibility of using whey powder to produce 2,3-butanediol (BDO), an important platform chemical.

Results

Klebsiella oxytoca strain PDL-0 was selected because of its ability to efficiently produce BDO from lactose, the major fermentable sugar in whey. After deleting genes pox, pta, frdA, ldhD, and pflB responding for the production of by-products acetate, succinate, lactate, and formate, a recombinant strain K. oxytoca PDL-K5 was constructed. Fed-batch fermentation using K. oxytoca PDL-K5 produced 74.9 g/L BDO with a productivity of 2.27 g/L/h and a yield of 0.43 g/g from lactose. In addition, when whey powder was used as the substrate, 65.5 g/L BDO was produced within 24 h with a productivity of 2.73 g/L/h and a yield of 0.44 g/g.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the efficiency of K. oxytoca PDL-0 for BDO production from whey. Due to its non-pathogenicity and efficient lactose utilization, K. oxytoca PDL-0 might also be used in the production of other important chemicals using whey as the substrate.