bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum D-dimer, Albumin and Systemic Inflammatory Response Markers in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma and Their Prognostic Implications
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhong Siyuan , Shan Boer , Zhou Shuling , Wu Xiaohua , Yang Huijuan , Ye Shuang
Published: July 2020

Background: This study attempts to evaluate whether preoperative systemic inflammatory response (SIR) markers or other hematological variables, such as albumin, D-dimer, and carbohydrate antigen 125, play roles in predicting chemotherapy response and survival outcome in patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC).Methods: Preoperative leukocyte differential counts, as well as platelet, serum albumin, plasma D-dimer and CA-125 levels, were measured in patients with FIGO IC-IV ovarian clear cell cancer. The correlations of these hematological biomarkers with clinicopathological features, chemotherapy response, and survival outcomes were further analyzed. Survival time was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier model, whereas Cox regression was conducted for multivariate analysis.Results: Among the 84 patients, 28.6% were classified as platinum resistant, and 69.0% were platinum sensitive. Preoperative CA125, albumin, and D-dimer levels; neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios (NLR); and monocyte to lymphocyte ratios were significantly correlated with FIGO stage, residual tumor, and platinum response. Platelet to lymphocyte ratio was not related to platinum response (P=0.060). The median follow-up time was 28 months (range, 1 to 128 months). Preoperative CA125, albumin, and D-dimer levels were significant prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). In the univariate analysis, only NLR exhibited prognostic significance for PFS (P = 0.007). Multivariate analysis indicated that D-dimer > 3.27 (P = 0.001 for OS; P = 0.040 for PFS) and albumin <39.6 (P = 0.005 for OS and P = 0.041 for PFS) retained significance.Conclusions: Preoperative NLR has some predictive value for platinum resistance in patients with IC-IV stage OCCC but has little predictive effect on prognosis. Elevated D-dimer and reduced albumin might be potential biomarkers for worse response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy and poor clinical outcomes.
JARID1B promotes colorectal cancer proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling via decreasing CDX2 level
Authors: Huang Da , Xiao Fan , Hao Haibin , Hua Fuzhou , Luo Zhenzhong , Huang Zhaoxia , Li Qing , Chen Sha , Cheng Xiuzhi , Zhang Xinyue , Fang Weilan , Hu Xiaoyun , Liu Fanrong
Published: July 2020

Background: Jumonji AT-rich interactive domain 1B(JARID1B) has been shown to be upregulated in many human cancers and plays a critical role in the development of cancers cells. Nevertheless, its functional role in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is not fully understood.Methods: Herein, JARID1B expression levels were detected in clinical CRC samples by western blotting and qRT-PCR. DLD-1 cells with JARID1B knockdown or overexpression by stably transfected plasmids were used in vitro and in vivo study. Colony formation, 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU) and Real Time Cellular Analysis(RTCA) assays were used to detect cell proliferation and growth. Transcriptome and CHIP assays were used to examine the molecular biology changes and molecular interaction in these cells. Nude mice was utilized to study the correlation of JARID1B and tumor growth in vivo.Results: Here, we first observed that JARID1B was significantly upregulated in CRC tissue compared to adjacent normal tissues. In CRC patients, JARID1B high expression was positively relation with poor overall survival. Multivariate analyses revealed that high JARID1B expression was an independent predictive marker for the poor prognosis of CRC. In addition, we found that JARID1B promoted CRC cells proliferation by Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Further studies demonstrated CDX2 as a downstream target of JARID1B, and our data demonstrated that CDX2 is crucial for JARID1B -mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that JARID1B regulated CDX2 expression through demethylation of H3K4me3.Conclusions: CDX2 inhibited by JARID1B-derived H3K4me3 methylation promoted cells proliferation of CRC via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, our studies provided a novel insight into the role of JARID1B in CRC cells proliferation and potential new molecular target for treating CRC.
Coverage and effectiveness of hypertension screening in different altitudes of Tibet autonomous region
Authors: Song Ci , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi , Wangdui Suolang , Mima Danzeng , Zhuoma Cuoji , Ji De , Luobu Ouzhu , Sripl Hutcha
Published: July 2020

Background: Tibet is an autonomous region in China located around an average altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level. Since 2012 the local government of Tibet has been providing free physical examinations, including screening for hypertension. However, the coverage and effectiveness of this free program have not uncovered. This study aims to assess the coverage and effectiveness of hypertension screening and management program in 3 altitude levels of Tibet, and also the determinants of the success of the screening program.Methods: A stratified cluster survey was conducted among 1,636 residents aged 18 years or over in three different altitude areas in Tibet. We adjusted for age and sex based on national census data and used weighted logistic regression models to find factors associated with hypertension screening.Results: The coverage of the hypertension screening program evaluated by participation rate in the previous screening was 94.9%, while 24.7% (95% CI: 22.1-27.3) of them were diagnosed with hypertension. Females and alcohol drinkers were more likely to be screened. Among those diagnosed with hypertension, 28.7% had it under control. High altitude areas had a high proportion of controlled hypertension. The overall rate of controlled hypertension in high, moderate and low altitude areas was 35.1% (95% CI: 24.8-45.3), 32.7% (95% CI: 22.2-43.2) and 23.7% (95% CI: 14.7-32.6), respectably. Younger aged persons were more likely to have better control of their hypertension.Conclusions: The coverage of hypertension screening in Tibet was high, especially in the low altitude areas. However, the effectiveness of hypertension control was low, indicating a need to implement the treatment adherence routines into the current screening interventions.
The association of dietary inflammatory index with urinary risk factors of kidney stones formation in men with nephrolithiasis
Authors: Maddahi Niloofarsadat , Yarizadeh Habib , Aghamir SeyedMohammad Kazem , Alizadeh Shahab , Yekaninejad MirSaeed , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: July 2020

Objective: Inflammation plays a leading role in the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis. The association of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) with urinary lithogenic factors is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relation of DII to urinary risk factors of kidney stones formation.Results: Of 264 participants, 61.4% (n= 162), 72% (n=190), 74.6% (n=197), 68.6% (n=181), and 80.3% (n=212) had hyperoxaluria, hypercreatininuria, hypercalciuria, hyperuricosuria, hypocitraturia, respectively. There was a significant increasing trajectory in urinary calcium, uric acid, and creatinine as well as a decreasing trend in urinary citrate across tertiles of DII score (all P=≤0.001). After multivariate adjustment for energy intake, age, physical activity and body mass index, high DII scores were associated with elevated odds of having hypercreatininuria (OR=2.80, 95%CI: 1.10-7.12, Ptrend=0.04), hypercalciuria (OR=7.44, 95%CI: 2.62-21.14, Ptrend≤0.001), hyperuricosuria (OR=2.22, 95%CI: 1.001-4.95, Ptrend=0.05), and hypocitraturia (OR=5.84, 95%CI: 2.14-15.91, Ptrend≤0.001). No association was identified between DII and hyperoxaluria.
Essential role of Salmonella Enteritidis DNA adenine methylase in modulating inflammasome activation
Authors: Guo Yaxin , Gu Dan , Huang Tingting , Cao Liyan , Zhu Xinyu , Zhou Yi , Wang Kangru , Kang Xilong , Meng Chuang , Jiao Xinan , Pan Zhiming
Published: July 2020

Background: Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) is one of the major foodborne zoonotic pathogens of worldwide importance which can induce activation of NLRC4 and NLRP3 inflammasomes during infection. Given that the inflammasomes play an essential role in resisting bacterial infection, Salmonella has evolved various strategies to regulate activation of the inflammasome, most of which largely remain unclear.Results: A transposon mutant library in SE strain C50336 was screened for the identification of the potential factors that regulate inﬂammasome activation. We found that T3SS-associated genes invC, prgH, and spaN were required for inﬂammasome activation in vitro. Interestingly, C50336 strains with deletion or overexpression of Dam were both defective in activation of caspase-1, secretion of IL-1β and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (Jnk). Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) results showed that most of the differentially expressed genes and enriched KEGG pathways between the C50336-VS-C50336Δdam and C50336-VS-C50336::dam groups overlapped, which includes multiple signaling pathways related to the inﬂammasome. C50336Δdam and C50336::dam were both found to be defective in suppressing the expression of several anti-inflammasome factors. Moreover, overexpression of Dam in macrophages by lentiviral infection could specifically enhance the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome independently via promoting the Jnk pathway.Conclusions: These data indicated that Dam was essential for modulating inflammasome activation during SE infection, there were complex and dynamic interplays between Dam and the inflammasome under different conditions. New insights were provided about the battle between SE and host innate immunological mechanisms.
Determinants of health-related quality of life decline in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Maqhuzu Phillen Nozibuyiso , Szentes Boglárka Lilla , Kreuter Michael , Bahmer Thomas , Kahn Nicolas , Claussen Martin , Holle Rolf , Schwarzkopf Larissa
Published: July 2020

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) in interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients is impaired. We aimed to identify baseline predictors for HRQL decline within a 12-month observation period. Methods: We analyzed 194 ILD patients from two German ILD-centers in the observational HILDA study. We employed the disease-specific King’s Brief Interstitial Lung Disease questionnaire (K-BILD) with the subdomains ‘psychological impact’, ‘chest symptoms’ and ‘breathlessness and activities’, and the generic EQ-5D Visual Analog Scale (VAS). We evaluated how many patients experienced a clinically meaningful decline in HRQL. Subsequently, we investigated medical and sociodemographic factors as potential predictors of HRQL deterioration. Results: Within the study population (34.0% male, Ø age 61.7) mean HRQL scores hardly changed between baseline and follow up (K-BILD: 52.8 vs. 52.5 | VAS: 60.0 vs. 57.3). On the intra-individual level, 30.4% (n = 59) experienced a clinically relevant deterioration in K-BILD total score and 35.4% (n = 68) in VAS. Lower baseline forced vital capacity % predicted determined HRQL decline in K-BILD total score (ß– coefficient -0.02, p = 0.007), VAS (ß–coefficient -0.03, p < 0.0001), and in the subdomain ‘psychological impact’ (ß– coefficient -0.02, p = 0.014). Lower baseline diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide % predicted determined deterioration in ‘breathlessness and activities’ (ß– coefficient -0.04, p = 0.003) and ‘chest symptoms’ (ß– coefficient -0.04, p = 0.002). Additionally, increasing age predicted decline in ‘psychological impact’ (ß–coefficient 0.06, p < 0.007). Conclusion: Around a third of ILD patients experienced a clinically relevant HRQL deterioration in a 12-month period, which is consistently associated with baseline lung function values. As lung function values are time-dependent variables with possible improvements, it, thus, seems important to diagnose ILD early in order to maintain HRQL on the possibly highest level.
The oncogenic potential of a mutant TP53 gene explored in two spontaneous lung cancer mice models
Authors: Ramelow Julian , Brooks Christopher , GaO Li , Almiman Abeer A , Williams Terence M , Villalona-Calero Miguel A , duan wenrui
Published: July 2020

Background: Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer worldwide. A major drawback in the lung cancer treatment field is the lack of realistic mouse models that replicate the complexity of human malignancy and immune contexture within the tumor microenvironment. Such models are urgently needed. Mutations of the tumor protein p53 are among the most common alterations in human lung cancers. Methods: Previously, we developed a line of lung cancer mouse model where mutant human TP53-273H is expressed in a lung specific manner in FVB/N background. To investigate whether the human TP53 mutant has a similar oncogenic potential when it is expressed in another strain of mouse, we crossed the FVB/N-SPC-TP53-273H mice to A/J strain and created A/J-SPC-TP53-273H transgenic mice. We then compared lung tumor formation between A/J-SPC-TP53-273H and FVB/N-SPC-TP53-273H. Results: We found the TP53-273H mutant gene has a similar oncogenic potential in lung tumor formation in both mice strains, although A/J strain mice have been found to be a highly susceptible strain in terms of carcinogen-induced lung cancer. Both transgenic lines survived more than 18 months and developed age related lung adenocarcinomas. With micro CT imaging, we found the FVB-SPC-TP53-273H mice survived more than 8 weeks after initial detection of lung cancer, providing a sufficient window for evaluating new anti-cancer agents. Conclusions: Oncogenic potential of the most common genetic mutation, TP53-273H, in human lung cancer is unique when it is expressed in different strains of mice. Our mouse models are useful tools for testing novel immune checkpoint inhibitors or other therapeutic strategies in the treatment of lung cancer.
Socioeconomic inequalities in food insecurity and malnutrition among under-five children: within and between-group inequalities in Zimbabwe
Authors: Lukwa Akim Tafadzwa , Siya Aggrey , Zablon Karen Nelwin , Azam James , Alaba Olufunke A.
Published: July 2020

BackgroundFood insecurity and malnutrition in children are pervasive public health concerns in Zimbabwe. Previous studies only identified determinants of food insecurity and malnutrition with very little efforts done in assessing related inequalities and decomposing the inequalities across household characteristics in Zimbabwe. This study explored socioeconomic inequalities trend in child health using regression decomposition approach to compare within and between group inequalities.MethodsThe study used Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data sets of 2010\11 and 2015. Food insecurity in under-five children was determined based on the WHO dietary diversity score. Minimum dietary diversity was defined by a cut- off point of >4 therefore, children with less than 3 of the 13 food groups were defined as food insecure. Malnutrition was assessed using weight for age (both acute and chronic under-nutrition) Z-scores. Children whose weight-for-age Z-score below minus two standard deviations (-2 SD) from the median were considered malnourished. Concentration curves and indices were computed to understand if malnutrition was dominant among the poor or rich. The study used the Theil index and decomposed the index by population subgroups (place of residence and socioeconomic status).ResultsOver the study period, malnutrition prevalence increased by 1.03 percentage points, while food insecurity prevalence decreased by 4.35 percentage points. Prevalence of malnutrition and food insecurity increased among poor rural children. Theil indices for nutrition status showed socioeconomic inequality gaps to have widened, while food security status socioeconomic inequality gaps contracted for the period under review.ConclusionThe study concluded that unequal distribution of household wealth and residence status played critical roles in driving socioeconomic inequalities in child food insecurity and malnutrition. Therefore, child food insecurity and malnutrition are greatly influenced by where a child lives (rural/urban) and parental wealth.
Relationship between time-varying status of reflux esophagitis and Helicobacter pylori and progression to long-segment Barrett’s esophagus: time-dependent Cox proportional-hazards analysis
Authors: Usui Genki , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Jinno Toyohisa , Fujibayashi Kazutoshi , Morikawa Teppei , Gunji Toshiaki , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki
Published: July 2020

Background: Reflux esophagitis (RE) and absence of Helicobacter pylori (non-H. pylori) are considered to be associated with the progression to long-segment Barrett’s esophagus (LSBE). However, it is difficult to assess this association because RE and H. pylori status can change during follow-up. Additionally, the association between H. pylori eradication and LSBE remains unclear.Methods: A total of 11,493 asymptomatic Japanese subjects who underwent medical check-ups and were endoscopically diagnosed with short-segment Barrett’s esophagus (SSBE) between May 2006 and December 2015 were enrolled. The hazards of progression to LSBE were compared between time-varying RE and H. pylori infection/eradication by time-dependent multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.Results: A total of 7,637 subjects who underwent additional medical check-ups after being diagnosed with endoscopic SSBE were analyzed. Subjects with RE and without current/past H. pylori infection were strongly associated with a higher rate of progression to LSBE (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 7.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.48-20.73, p<0.001 for RE and non-H. pylori vs. non-RE and H. pylori groups). Subjects with H. pylori had a lower rate of progression to LSBE (adjusted HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.22-1.07, p=0.07 for H. pylori vs. non-H. pylori). Hazards of progression to LSBE were still lower in the H. pylori eradication group than that of the non-H. pylori group (adjusted HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.18-1.46, p=0.21).Conclusions: RE and non-H. pylori were associated with the progression to LSBE, considering the changes in exposures. H. pylori infection was associated with the prevention of the development of LSBE irrespective of RE. The environment preventive of the development of LSBE persists for at least a few years after H. pylori eradication.
CILP2 overexpression correlates with tumor progression and predicts poor outcome in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Feng , Peng Yuanfei , Ye Qing , Chen Jinhu , Li Yangming , Liu Shengyuan , Xu Yangmei , Huang Lijie
Published: July 2020

Background: Genetic alterations play an important role in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Identifying new biomarkers to assess the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer is critical. Cartilage Intermediate Layer Protein 2 (CILP2) gene, screened from the TCGA database by bioinformatics, may be closely related to the progression of colorectal cancer. CILP2 was barely reported with clinical features of tumors.Materials and methods: Clinical information and RNA-seq data were derived from the TCGA colorectal carcinoma cohort. CILP2 expression at mRNA level was estimated by bioinformatical analysis of TCGA cases. Tissue microarray (TMA) was constructed containing paraffin-embedded 64 pairs of CRC and matched adjacent normal tissues. The expression at the protein level was detected in 64 pairs of CRC and matched adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. CILP2 expression level and its clinical value were estimated by bioinformatical analysis with linear and logistic regression. Survival analysis was performed between high and low groups of CILP2 expression by Cox regression analysis, and the P-value was calculated by the log-rank test. Kaplan-Meier curves were tested by the log-rank test. Results: CILP2 was statistically significant higher expressed in the colorectal cancer tissues when compared with paired adjacent normal tissues in the TCGA cohort (P<0.001) and in the TMA cohort (P=0.001). Also, CILP2 high-expression was strongly correlated with T3/4 stage (P=0.001), N1/2/3 stage (P=0.005), M1 stage (P=0.048), and higher clinical stage (UICC 2010 stage) (P<0.001) in TCGA cohort, and also positively associated with T3/4 stage (P=0.022) and higher clinical stage (UICC 2010 stage) (P=0.03) in TMA cohort. Furthermore, CILP2 overexpression predicted poor prognosis and could be as an independent prognostic factor (P=0.003).Conclusion: We revealed that CILP2 is associated with advanced stages and could play a role as an independent predictor of poor survival in colorectal cancer.
What we know and don’t know about the Immunization Program of Ethiopia: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Tilahun Binyam , Mekonnen Zeleke , Sharkey Alyssa , Shahabuddin Asm , Feletto Marta , Zelalem Meseret , Shiekh Kabir
Published: July 2020

Background: There has been significant recent prioritization and investment in the immunization program in Ethiopia. However, coverage rates have stagnated and remained low for many years, suggesting the presence of systemic barriers to implementation. Hence, there is a need to consolidate the existing knowledge, in order to address them and consequently improve program effectiveness. Methods: A thorough literature review and Delphi method were used. In this review, we searched Pubmed/Medline, WHO library, Science direct, Cochrane library, Google scholar and Google using different combinations of search strategies. Studies that applied any study design, data collection and analysis methods related to immunization program were included. In the Delphi method, a panel of 28 national and international experts were participated to identify current evidence gaps and set research priorities under the immunization program. Results: In this review, a total of 55 studies and national documents were included. The review showed that the vaccination coverage ranged from 20.6% in Afar to 91.7% in Amhara region with large inequities related to socio-economic, health service access and knowledge about vaccination across different settings. Only one study reported evidence on timeliness of immunization as 60%. The review revealed that 80% of health facilities provide immunization service nationally while service availability was only 2% in private health facilities. This review indicated that poor vaccine storage, vaccine shortage, service interruptions, poor defaulter tracing, low community engagement and poor documentation were the main barriers for the Expanded Program on Immunization with variations across different regions. Through expert panel of discussion using Delphi method, 10 priority research areas were identified across different domains of the immunization program at national level.Conclusion: We found out that there is substantial knowledge on vaccination coverage, however, there is little evidence on timeliness of vaccination. The existing barriers that affect full immunization coverage also varied from context to context which indicates there is a need to design and implement evidence based locally tailored interventions. This review also indicated evidence gaps with more focus on health system related implementation barriers at lower level and identified further research priorities in the immunization program of Ethiopia.
The accuracy of ultrasound to predict endotracheal tube size for pediatric patients with congenital scoliosis
Authors: Hao Jianhong , Zhang Jie , Dong Buhuai , Luo Zhenguo
Published: July 2020

Background: Ultrasonography has been used to predict the necessary endotracheal tube (ETT) size by measuring the cricoid cartilage diameter. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of ultrasound to predict ETT size for pediatric patients with congenital scoliosis. Methods: Fifty pediatric patients who underwent scoliosis surgery were included in the study. According to the position of the scoliosis, patients were divided into three groups: Group C (cervical lateral bending), Group T (thoracic scoliosis), and Group L (lumbar scoliosis). For all participants, the transverse diameter of the cricoid cartilage was measured with ultrasonography. The initial ETT size was chosen according to the measurements, then the leak test was used to determine the bestfit ETT size. The ETT size predicted by ultrasound and the bestfit ETT size were compared using Bland-Altman analysis. Results: There was a strong correlation between the bestfit ETT size and the ETT size predicted by ultrasound in Group T (r = 0.93, p < 0.001) and Group L (r = 0.94, p < 0.001) and a moderate correlation in Group C (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed that the ETT size was overestimated by ultrasound in pediatric patients with cervical lateral bending (bias = 0.73 mm, precision = 0.42 mm, limit of agreement = 0.08 to 1.38 mm). Conclusion: Ultrasound is a reliable tool to predict ETT size for pediatric patients with thoracic or lumbar scoliosis. However, pediatric patients with cervical lateral bending will need an ETT smaller than the size predicted by ultrasonography. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, TRN: ChiCTR1900023408, date of registration: 05.26.2019, 'retrospectively registered'.
Comparison of Health Care Utilization Among Patients Affiliated and Not Affiliated with Healthcare Professionals in China
Authors: Si Yafei , Zhou Zhongliang , Su Min , Hu Han , Yang Zesen , Chen Xi
Published: July 2020

Background Doing “more” in healthcare can be a major threat to the delivery of high-quality health care. It is important to identify the supplier-induced demand (SID) of health care. This study aims to test SID hypothesis by comparing health care utilization among patients affiliated with healthcare professionals and their counterpart patients not affiliated with healthcare professionals. Methods Using cross-sectional data of the China Labour-force Dynamics Survey (CLDS) implemented in 2014, we identified 806 patients affiliated with healthcare professionals and 22788 patients not affiliated with healthcare professionals. We used the coarsened exact matching method to control for confounding factors. The main outcomes were outpatient rate and expenditure as well as inpatient rate and expenditure. Results The matched outpatient rate of patients not affiliated with healthcare professionals was 0.6% higher (P=0.754) than that of their counterparts, and the matched inpatient rate was 1.1% lower (P=0.167). Patients not affiliated with healthcare professionals paid significantly more (680 CNY, P<0.001) than their counterparts did per outpatient visit (1126 CNY [95% CI 885-1368] vs. 446 CNY [95% CI 248-643]), while patients not affiliated with healthcare professionals paid insignificantly less (2061 CNY, P=0.751) than their counterparts did per inpatient visit (15583 CNY [95% CI 12052-19115] vs. 17645 CNY [95% CI 4884-30406]). Conclusion Our results lend support on supplier-induced demand hypothesis and highlight the need for policies to address the large outpatient care expenses of patients not affiliated with healthcare professionals. Our study also suggests that as the public becomes more informed, the demand of health care may persist while heath care expenditure per outpatient visit may decrease sharply due to the decline in supplier-induced demand. As significant misbehaviors performed by providers, it’s important to create right incentives to offer less avoidable healthcare service during outpatient visits may work to reduce healthcare costs.
Progress on the national echinococcosis control programme in China: analysis of humans and dogs population intervention (2004-2014)
Authors: Yu Qing , Xiao Ning , Han Shuai , Tian Tian , Zhou Xiaonong
Published: July 2020

Background: A national control program for echinococcosis has been in effect since 2005 in China. This program has applied a comprehensive strategy, and good control results have been achieved[A1] （human echinococcosis prevalence rate decrease from 1.08% in 2004 to 0.24% in 2012） The objective of this study is focusing on [A2] assessment of the programme with two indices, including patient treatment and registered dogs deworming, in endemic areas of echincoccosis control over the period of 10 years (2004–2014) in China. Methods: ten provinces and autonomous regions of China were chosen for this study and a database was established that included demography at county and township levels, methods of epidemiological descriptive, instead the expectation-maximization (EM) for missing value filling for grouping available patients into those subjected to surgery and those receiving drug treatment after population screening[A3] and the dogs population after registered by deworming. (and were performed using Microsoft Excel software and SPSS software and the results are shown as percentages with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) and economics data on patient treatment and dogs deworming were statistically analyzed after the corresponding discount with annual bank interest rates (1 USD=6.5 RMB Yuan, bank discount average changes of 2.3-3.3%).Results: The study showed that from 2004-2014, , the coverage rate (the grant total average rate) of surgical patient (after surgical operation) treatment had increased with 32.4% and with 81.3% for medical treatment with albendazole.[A4] Meanwhile, it increased by 58.6% for the deworming of registered dog since 2007. The accumulated costs amounted to USD 27.03 million after discount for patients and registered dog treatment, which is 1/4 (27.03/110.67) of the total accumulated financial inputs (USD 110.67 million from the Chinese Government. Since the implementation of the national program, it has increased 57 times (1705.9/30.1=57) with respect to the annual financial inputs (costs) and 368 times (11,067.9/30.1=368) with respect to all accumulated financial inputs (costs). Conclusions: [A5] more attention should be paid to controlling wild canines during the ongoing program period and sustainable follow-up evaluations are crucial for success and continued implementation of the national program.
Research on Underground Location Algorithm Based on Random Forest and Environmental Factor Compensation
Authors: Qiao Xin , Chang Fei
Published: July 2020

Aiming at the problems of poor location accuracy caused by the harsh and complex underground environment, long strip roadway, limited wireless transmission and sparse anchor nodes, an underground location algorithm based on Random Forest and environmental factors compensation is proposed. Firstly, the network model of underground wireless access point (AP) and tunnel environment are analyzed, and the fingerprint location algorithm is constructed. Meanwhile, the Received Signal Strength (RSS) is analyzed by Kalman Filter algorithm in the offline sampling and real-time positioning stage. In the real-time positioning stage, random forest algorithm and signal intensity ratio compensation algorithm are used to optimize the situation that the location error fluctuates greatly in the near area. Meanwhile, the target speed constraint condition is introduced to reduce the error caused by environmental factors. The experimental results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper solves the problem of insufficient location accuracy and large fluctuation affected by environment when the anchor nodes are sparse. The average location accuracy reaches three meters, which can satisfy the application of underground rescue, activity track playback, disaster monitoring and positioning, and has high application value in complex underground environment.Aiming at the problems of poor location accuracy caused by the harsh and complex underground environment, long strip roadway, limited wireless transmission and sparse anchor nodes, an underground location algorithm based on Random Forest and environmental factors compensation is proposed. Firstly, the network model of underground wireless access point (AP) and tunnel environment are analyzed, and the fingerprint location algorithm is constructed. Meanwhile, the Received Signal Strength (RSS) is analyzed by Kalman Filter algorithm in the offline sampling and real-time positioning stage. In the real-time positioning stage, random forest algorithm and signal intensity ratio compensation algorithm are used to optimize the situation that the location error fluctuates greatly in the near area. Meanwhile, the target speed constraint condition is introduced to reduce the error caused by environmental factors. The experimental results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper solves the problem of insufficient location accuracy and large fluctuation affected by environment when the anchor nodes are sparse. The average location accuracy reaches three meters, which can satisfy the application of underground rescue, activity track playback, disaster monitoring and positioning, and has high application value in complex underground environment.
A 31-bp indel in the 5' UTR region of GNB1L is significantly associated with chicken body weight and carcass traits
Authors: Ren Tuanhui , Yang Ying , Lin Wujian , Li Wangyu , Xian Mingjian , Fu Rong , Zhang Zihao , Mo Guodong , Luo Wen , Zhang Xiquan
Published: July 2020

Background: G-protein subunit beta 1 like ( GNB1L ) encodes a G-protein beta-subunit-like polypeptide. Chicken GNB1L is upregulated in the breast muscle of high feed efficiency chickens, and its expression is 1.52-fold that in low feed efficiency chickens. However, no report has described the effects of GNB1L indels on the chicken carcass and growth traits.Results: This study identified a 31-bp indel in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of GNB1L and elucidated the effect of this gene mutation on the carcass and growth traits in chickens. The 31-bp indel showed a highly significant association with the body weight at 8 different stages and was significantly correlated with daily gains at 0 to 4 weeks and 4 to 8 weeks. Similarly, the mutation was significantly associated with small intestine length, breast width, breast depth and breast muscle weight. Moreover, DD and ID were superior genotypes for chicken growth and carcass traits.Conclusions: These results show that the 31-bp indel of GNB1L significantly affects chicken body weight and carcass traits and can serve as a candidate molecular marker for chicken genetics and breeding programs.
Signals of adverse drug reactions communicated by pharmacovigilance stakeholders: protocol for a scoping review of the global literature
Authors: Sartori Daniele , Aronson Jeffrey , Onakpoya Igho
Published: July 2020

Background: Signals of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) form the basis of some regulatory risk-minimization actions in pharmacovigilance. Reviews of limited scope have highlighted that such signals are mostly supported by reports of ADRs or multiple types of evidence. . The time that elapses between a report of a suspected ADR and the communication of a signal has not been systematically characterized. Neither have the features of reports of suspected ADRs that authors used to support putative causal relationships, although difficulties with establishing causal relationships between medicinal products and adverse events have been highlighted. The objectives of this study will be to describe the evidence underpinning signals in pharmacovigilance, the features of reports of ADRs supporting signals, and the time that it takes to communicate a signal.Methods: . We shall retrieve records from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO (from inception onwards), without language/design restrictions and apply backward citation screening . We shall hand-search the websites of 35 regulatory agencies/authorities, restricted publications from the Uppsala Monitoring Centre, and drug bulletins. Signals will be requested from the competent stakeholder, if absent from websites. We shall use VigiBase, the World Health Organization’s Global Individual Case Safety Report database, to determine the dates on which ADRs were reported . We shall manage records using EndNote (v. 8.2); one reviewer will screen titles/abstracts and full texts, a second will cross-validate the findings, and a third will arbitrate disagreements. Data will be charted via the Systematic Reviews Data Repository, following the same procedures as for data retrieval. Evidence will be categorized according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. Features of reports of ADRs will be coded. Tables will display frequencies of types of evidence and features of reports of ADRs. We shall use plots or pictograms (if appropriate) to represent the time from the first report of a suspected ADR to a signal.Discussion: We expect the findings from this review will allow better understanding of global patterns of similarities or differences in terms of supporting evidence and timing of communications, and identify relevant research questions for future systematic reviews.Scoping review registration: osf.io/jtv38
Incidence and risk factor for short term postoperative cough after thyroidectomy
Authors: Wu Junfu , Dai Liyuan , Lou Weihua
Published: July 2020

Background: The prevalence of and potential risk factors for postoperative cough after thyroidectomy remain unknown. The current study aimed to analyze postoperative cough in patients undergoing thyroidectomy using a prospective analysis.Methods: Adult patients undergoing primary thyroidectomy were prospectively enrolled. Data regarding age, sex, BMI, pathology and surgical procedure were collected and analyzed. All patients were asked to complete the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) preoperatively and at 2 weeks and 4 weeks postoperatively.Results: There were 1264 patients enrolled in total. Eleven patients with vocal cord paralysis were excluded. In patients with benign disease, postoperative cough occurred in 61 patients, with an prevalence rate of 17. 0% compared to an prevalence rate of 33.1% in patients with malignant disease; the difference was significant. For benign patients, the factors of smoking and operation time were independently related to the occurrence of postoperative cough. For malignant patients, the factors of smoking, operation time, operation extent, and the number of positive nodes at level 6 were independently related to the occurrence of postoperative cough. There was no significant difference regarding the LCQ score in patients with benign or malignant disease at the preoperative and the postoperative 4-week time periods. Patients with malignant disease had a significantly lower LCQ score than patients with benign disease at the postoperative 2-week time point (p=0.004).Conclusions: Patients undergoing thyroid cancer surgery had a higher prevalence of postoperative cough and were also associated with a decreased cough-related quality of life. The factors of smoking and operation time were the most important predictors for postoperative cough after thyroidectomy.
Epidemiology of tuberculosis in Sabah, Malaysia, 2012–2018
Authors: Goroh Michelle May D. , Rajahram Giri Shan , Avoi Richard , Boogaard Christel van den , William Timothy , Ralph Anna P , Lowbridge Christopher
Published: July 2020

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is of high public health importance in Malaysia. Sabah State, located on the island of Borneo, has previously reported a particularly high burden of disease and faces unique contextual challenges compared with peninsular Malaysia. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of TB in Sabah to identify risk groups and hot spots of TB transmission. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of TB cases notified in Sabah, Malaysia, between 2012 and 2018. Using data from the state’s ‘myTB’ notification database, we calculated the case notification rate and described trends in the epidemiology, diagnostic practices and treatment outcomes of TB in Sabah within this period. The Chi-squared test was used for determining the difference between two proportions. Results: Between 2012 and 2018 there were 33 193 cases of TB reported in Sabah (128 cases per 100 000 population). We identified several geographic hotspots, including districts with > 200 cases per 100 000 population per year. TB rates increased with age and were highest in older males. Children < 15 years accounted for only 4.6% of cases. Moderate or advanced disease on chest X-ray and sputum smear positivity was high (58% and 81% of cases respectively), suggesting frequent late diagnosis. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB prevalence was low (0.3% of TB cases), however, rapid diagnostic test coverage was low (1.2%) and only 18% of all cases had a positive culture result. Treatment success was 83% (range: 81–85%) in those with drug-sensitive TB and 36% (range: 25–45%) in cases of MDR-TB. Conclusion: Between 2012 and 2018, TB notifications in Sabah State equated to 20% of Malaysia’s total TB notifications, despite Sabah representing only 10% of Malaysia’s population. We found hotspots of TB in urbanised population hubs and points of migration, as well as evidence of late presentation and diagnosis. Ensuring universal health coverage and expansion of GeneXpert® coverage is recommended to reduce barriers to care and early diagnosis and treatment for TB.
The efficacy and safety of intrathecal dexmedetomidine for parturients undergoing cesarean section: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Xiao-xiao , Li Yu-mei , Lv Xue-li , Wang Xing-he , Liu Su
Published: July 2020

Background : The efficacy and safety of spinal anesthesia by intrathecal dexmedetomidine (DEX) for parturients undergoing cesarean section are still lack of evidence. This aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal DEX for parturients undergoing cesarean section to provide more data evidence for intrathecal applications.Methods : Three hundred parturients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned into three groups : group B: 9.0 mg (1.2 ml) of 0.75% bupivacaine with saline (1 ml); group FB: 9.0 mg (1.2 ml) of 0.75% bupivacaine with 20 μg of fentanyl (1 ml); group DB: 9.0 mg (1.2 ml) of 0.75% bupivacaine with 5 μg of DEX (1 ml). Intraoperative block characteristics, parturients’ postoperative quality of recovery, maternal and neonatal outcomes and the plasma concentration of DEX were measured. All parturients were followed up for 30 days to determine whether nerve injury occurred.Results : Compared with group B, the duration of sensory block in group FB and group DB were significantly prolonged (108.4 min [95% Confidence Interval (CI)=104.6-112.3] in group B, and 122.0 min [95% CI=116.8-127.3] in group FB, 148.2 min [95% CI=145.3-151.1] in group DB). The overall score of quality recovery in group DB (71.6 [95% CI=71.0-72.2]) was significantly higher than that in group FB (61.5 [95% CI=60.8-62.2]) and group B (61.7 [95% CI=61.0-62.4]). There was no statistically significant difference among the three groups for PH, PaO2, and PaCO2 of newborn. The plasma concentration of DEX in umbilical artery and umbilical vein was low and cannot be detected. The 30-days follow-up of parturients did not show any new onset of back, buttock or leg pain or paresthesia.Conclusions : DEX is a potential local anesthetic adjuvant that the intrathecal combination of 5 μg DEX can safely exhibit a facilitatory block effect and improve parturients' recovery quality.Trial registration : Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number # ChiCTR1900022019; Date of Registration on March 20th, 2019).
Impact of temperature variability on childhood allergic rhinitis in a subtropical city of China
Authors: Wang Xu , Cheng Jian , Ling Li , Su Hong , Zhao Desheng , Ni Hong
Published: July 2020

Background: Many studies have shown an association of childhood respiratory diseases with short-term temperature variability such as diurnal temperature range (DTR) and temperature change between two neighboring days (TCN). However, the impact of temperature variability on allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been investigated so far. This study sought to evaluate the short-term effect of temperature variability (i.e., TCN and DTR) on AR, as well as to identify vulnerable subpopulations. Method: We collected daily data on emergency room visits and outpatients for AR and weather variables in Hefei, China during 2014-2016. A distributed lag non-linear model that controlled for long-term trend and seasonality, mean temperature, relative humidity, day of week was used to fit the associations of AR with DTR and TCN. Stratified analyses by age, gender and occupation were also performed. Results: During the study period, there were a total of 53538 cases and the average values of DTR and TCN were 8.4°C (range: 1.0°C to 21.2°C) and 0°C (range: -12.2°C to 5.9°C), respectively. While we did not observe an adverse effect of DTR on AR, TCN was significantly associated with increased risk of AR. Specifically, a large temperature drop between two adjacent days (3.8°C, 5th percentile of TCN) has a delayed and short-lasting effect on AR, with the estimated relative risk of 1.02 (95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 1.04) at lag 12. Moreover, boys and children older than 15 years seemed to be more vulnerable to the effect of TCN. Conclusions: This study provided evidence of an adverse effect of large temperature drops between two adjacent days on childhood AR. Attention paid to boys and older children may help prevent AR attacks.
Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) for local staging of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Woo Sungmin , Ghafoor Soleen , Becker Anton S. , Han Sangwon , Wibmer Andreas , Hricak Hedvig , Burger Irene A. , Schöder Heiko , Vargas Hebert Alberto
Published: July 2020

Purpose: Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) has shown promise for detecting nodal and distant prostate cancer (PCa) metastases. However, its performance for local tumor staging is not as well established. The purpose of this study was to review the diagnostic performance of PSMA-PET for determining seminal vesical invasion (SVI) and extraprostatic extension (EPE).Methods: Pubmed and Embase databases were searched until January 12, 2020. Studies assessing accuracy of PSMA-PET in determining SVI and EPE were included. Study quality was evaluated with the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated using hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics modeling. Heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression analyses for anatomical imaging component (MRI vs CT) and by testing for a threshold effect.Results: 12 studies (615 patients) were included. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.68 (95%CI 0.53-0.81) and 0.94 (95% CI 0.90-0.96) for SVI and 0.72 (95% CI 0.56-0.84) and 0.87 (95%CI 0.72-0.94) for EPE. Meta-regression analyses showed that for SVI, PET/MRI demonstrated greater sensitivity than PET/CT (0.87 [95%CI 0.75-0.98] vs 0.60 [95% CI 0.47-0.74]; p = 0.02 for joint model) while specificity was comparable (0.91 [95%CI 0.84-0.97] vs. 0.96 [95%CI 0.93-0.99]) but not for EPE (p = 0.08). A threshold effect was present for studies assessing EPE (correlation coefficient = 0.563 [95% CI, -0.234-0.908] between sensitivity and false-positive rate).Conclusion: PSMA-PET has moderate sensitivity and excellent specificity for assessing local tumor extent in patients with PCa. PET/MRI showed potential for greater sensitivity than PET/CT in assessing SVI.[S1] [S1]R1-1