bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Impact of Interruption in Adjuvant Trastuzumab Therapy in Patients with Operable HER-2 Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Sardesai Sagar , Sukumar Jasmine , Kassem Mahmoud , Palettas Marilly , Stephens Julie , Evan Morgan , Addison Daniel , Baliga Ragavendra , Stover Daniel G. , VanDeusen Jeffrey , Williams Nicole , Cherian Mathew , Lustberg Maryam , Wesolowski Robert , Ramaswamy Bhuvaneswari
Published: October 2020

Background: Trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity (TIC) can lead to early discontinuation of adjuvant therapy, however there is limited evidence on long-term survival outcomes in patients with operable human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC) experiencing treatment interruption or discontinuation.
Methods: The primary objective of the study was to evaluate disease-free survival (DFS) in non-metastatic, HER2-positive, female BC patients who experienced treatment interruption or early discontinuation of trastuzumab therapy. Clinical and histopathological data were collected on 400 patients at The Ohio State University, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center between January 2005 and December 2015. Treatment interruption was defined as any delay of ≥2 weeks during trastuzumab therapy, including permanent cessation prior to completing planned therapy. TIC was defined as LVEF <50% or >15 points decline from baseline as evaluated by 2D echocardiogram after initiation of (neo) adjuvant therapy. DFS was defined as the time from diagnosis to first recurrence (loco-regional or distant recurrence) including second primary BC or death. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from diagnosis to death or last known follow up. OS/DFS estimates were generated using Kaplan-Meier methods and compared using Log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for OS/DFS.
Results: A total of 369 patients received trastuzumab therapy; 106 (29%) patients experienced treatment interruption at least once and 42 (11%) permanently discontinued trastuzumab prior to completing planned therapy. TIC was the most common reason for interruption (66 patients, 62%). The median duration of trastuzumab in patients with treatment interruption was 11.3 months (range: 0.5-16.9) with 24 (23%) patients receiving ≤6 months of therapy. This duration includes the time delay related to treatment interruption. Patients with any treatment interruption had worse DFS (aHR: 4.4, p=0.001) and OS (aHR: 4.8, p<0.001) after adjusting for age, stage, grade, ER, node status and TIC.
Conclusions: Treatment interruption or early discontinuation of trastuzumab therapy in early HER2-positive BC, most often from TIC, is an independent prognostic marker for worse DFS and OS in operable HER2-positive BC. Future prospective studies should consider targeting at-risk populations and optimizing cardiac function to avoid interruption in trastuzumab therapy.
Catastrophic Health Expenditures for Children with Disabilities in Iran: A National Survey
Authors: Moradi Ghobad , Bolbanabad Amjad Mohamadi , Abdullah Farman Zahir , Safari Hossein , Rezaei Satar , Aghaei Abbas , Hematpour Siros , Farshadi Salahaddin , Naleini Nima , Piroozi Bakhtiar
Published: October 2020

Background: Higher health costs and financial burden are imposed on people with disabilities due to their health status associated with their disability. Measuring the incidence of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) can provide good evidence for health policymakers to assess the current state of financial protection of the health system. The aim of this study was to investigate the percentage of households with disabled children aged 0 to 8 years who had faced CHE due to the health costs of these children in Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 2000 households with disabled children aged 0 to 8 years in five provinces of Iran in 2020. Data were collected using the World Health Survey questionnaire and face-to-face interview. Households whose health expenditures for disabled members in the family were more than 40% of the household payment capacity were included in the group of households with CHE. Determinants of CHE were identified using logistic regression.Findings: 32.7% of households with disabled children had faced CHE. Head of household being female (Adjusted OR=18.89, 95%CI: 10.88- 29.42), poor economic status of the household (Q1: Adjusted OR = 20.26, 95% CI, 11.42-35.94; Q2: Adjusted OR= 8.27, 95%CI, 4.45-15.36; Q3: Adjusted OR= 13.88, 95%CI, 7.89-24.41), lack of supplementary insurance by a child with disabilities (Adjusted OR= 6.13, 95%CI, 3.39-11.26), having a child with mental disability (Adjusted OR= 2.71, 95%CI, 1.60-4.69), and type of basic health insurance [having Iranian Health Insurance: Adjusted OR= 2.20, 95%CI, 1.38-3.49; having Social security insurance: Adjusted OR= 1.66, 95%CI, 1.06-2.61] significantly increased the chances of facing CHE.Conclusion: A significant percentage of households with disabled children had faced CHE because of their disabled child's health costs. The key determinants of CHE should be considered by health policy-makers in order to more financial protection of these households.
Differential response to intravitreal dexamethasone implant in naïve and previously treated diabetic macular edema eyes
Authors: Zarranz-Ventura Javier , Romero-Nuñez Barbara , Bernal-Morales Carolina , Velazquez-Villoria Daniel , Sala-Puigdollers Anna , Figueras-Roca Marc , Copete Sergio , Distefano Laura , Boixadera Anna , García-Arumí Jose , Adan Alfredo
Published: October 2020

Background: To identify different response patterns to intravitreal dexamethasone implants (IDI) in naïve and previously treated (PT) diabetic macular edema (DME) eyes in a real-life setting.Methods: 342 IDI injections (203 DME eyes) were included. Number of IDI injections, percentage (%) of eyes with 1, 2, 3 and ³ 4 injections, time to reinjections, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were evaluated for naïve and PT DME eyes over 24 months.Results: Mean number of injections was significantly lower in naïve vs PT DME eyes (1.40±0.9 vs 1.82±0.9, p<0.001). The percentage of eyes receiving 1 injection was significantly higher in naïve vs PT DME eyes (76.1 vs 47.7), (p<0.001). However, it was significantly lower for 2 (16.4 vs 29.4), or 3 injections (1.4 vs 17.6) (both p<0.001), with no differences in eyes receiving ³4 injections (5.9 vs 5.1 respectively, p=0.80). Mean time to reinjection was not significantly different between both groups for the second, third and fourth injection (9.6±4.0 vs 10.0±5.5, p=0.75, 13.2±4.0 vs 16.0±3.5, p=0.21 and 21.7±3.8 vs 19.7±5.8, p=0.55). VA scores were consistently better in naïve vs PT DME eyes at all studied timepoints, with no significant differences in CRT reduction or adverse effect rates.Conclusion: Naïve DME eyes received lower number of IDI injections and showed better VA levels than PT DME eyes for 24 months in a real-world setting. This data supports the IDI use in early DME stages and provide further evidence of better IDI response when used as first-line therapy.
Real-time in situ navigation system with indocyanine green fluorescence for sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Wang Zhaorui , Yang Xiaowei , Liu Peng , Han Chunguang , Pan Yubo , Pei Jing
Published: October 2020

Background: The naked-eye invisibility of indocyanine green fluorescence limits the application of near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIR) systems for real-time navigation during sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with breast cancer undergoing surgery. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel NIR system in visualizing indocyanine green fluorescence images in the surgical field and the application value of combined methylene blue (MB) and the novel NIR system in SLNB. Methods: Sixty patients with clinical node-negative breast cancer received indocyanine green (ICG) and MB as tracers. Two NIR system instruments, namely, lymphatic fluorescence imaging system (LFIS) designed by the University of Science and Technology of China and vascular imager by Langfang Mingde Medical Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Langfang vascular imager), were used as navigation assistance to locate sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). Excising the lymph nodes developed by both MB and ICG by two NIR systems or palpably suspicious as SLNs and undergoing rapid pathological examination. Results: Both instruments exhibited 95% (57/60) success for real-time lymphatic fluorescent images. A total of 186 SLNs were identified, of which two were pathologically confirmed as lacking any lymph node tissue. SLN identification rate was 100% (184/184) for MB plus LFIS and 86.96% (160/184) for MB alone. The average number of SLNs identified by LFIS combined with MB was 3 (range of 1–8), which was significantly higher than that by MB alone at 2 (range 1–7) (P<0.05). Conclusion: LFIS effectively detects SLNs in breast cancer, projects the fluorescence signals during surgery, and provides a continuous surgical navigation system without the need for a remote monitor. The ICG method navigated by combined LFIS and MB may be a promising alternative tracer for radioisotope in SLN mapping.
A prospective feasibility study of a 1-mm bolus for postmastectomy radiotherapy
Authors: Kawamoto Terufumi , Shikama Naoto , Kurokawa Chie , Hara Naoya , Oshima Masaki , Sasai Keisuke
Published: October 2020

Background: The optimal chest wall bolus regimen for postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) remains unknown. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the use of a 1-mm-thick daily tissue-equivalent bolus in patients who received PMRT using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and skin toxicity assessment.Materials and Methods: Patients with a 1-mm-thick daily bolus during PMRT were prospectively enrolled at The Juntendo University Hospital. The surface dose was measured in vivo under the 1-mm-thick bolus on the chest wall. We assessed the acute skin toxicity weekly during PMRT, and 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks after the completion of PMRT.Results: A total of 19 patients aged 32−79 years old received PMRT from July 2019 to January 2020. All patients completed the protocol treatment without interruptions, and the median follow-up was 32 weeks. In vivo dosimetry analysis revealed surface doses between 77% and 113% of the prescribed dose, with a mean of 92% of the prescribed radiation dose, and a standard deviation of 7% being delivered. Grade 2 dermatitis was found in 10 patients (53%), and Grade 3 dermatitis was found in one patient (5%). All cases of Grade 2 and 3 dermatitis were improved 4 weeks after PMRT. There were no cases of Grade 4 dermatitis and no chest wall recurrences during the treatment or follow-up period.Conclusions: The results confirmed the feasibility of using the 1-mm-thick daily bolus for PMRT, with appropriate dose buildup and acceptable skin toxicity without treatment interruptions.Trial registration: The University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000035773. Registered 1 July 2019, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000040622
Eudiplozoon Nipponicum: Morphofunctional Adaptations of Diplozoid Monogeneans for Confronting Their Host
Authors: Valigurová Andrea , Vaškovicová Naděžda , Gelnar Milan , Kováčiková Magdaléna , Hodová Iveta
Published: October 2020

Background: Monogeneans, in general, show a range of unique adaptations to a parasitic lifestyle, making this group enormously diverse. Due to their unique biological properties, diplozoid monogeneans represent an attractive model group for various investigations on diverse biological interactions. However, despite numerous studies, there are still gaps in our knowledge of diplozoid biology and morphofunctional adaptation.Results: In this study, we provide a complex microscopic analysis of systems/structures involved in niche searching, sensing and self-protection against the host environment, and excretory/secretory processes in Eudiplozoon nipponicum. Freeze-etching enabled us to detect syncytium organisational features not visible by TEM alone, such as the presence of a membrane subjacent to the apical plasma membrane (separated by a dense protein layer) and a lack of basal plasma membrane. We located several types of secretory/excretory vesicles and bodies, including those attached to the superficial membranes of the tegument. Giant unicellular glands were seen accumulating predominantly in the apical forebody and hindbody haptor region. Muscle layer organisation differed from that generally described, with the outer circular and inner longitudinal muscles being basket-like interwoven by diagonal muscles with additional perpendicular muscles anchored to the tegument. Abundant muscles within the tegumentary ridges were detected, which presumably assist in fixing the parasite between the gill lamellae. Freeze-etching, alongside transmission electron and confocal microscopy with tubulin labelling, enabled visualisation of the protonephridia and nervous system, including the peripheral network and receptor innervation. Three types of receptor were identified: 1) uniciliated sensory endings with a less prominent (or missing) tegumentary rim, 2) obviously raised uniciliated receptors with a prominent tegumentary rim (packed with massive innervation and muscles) and 3) non-ciliated papillae (restricted to the hindbody lateral region). Conclusions: This study points to specific morphofunctional adaptations that have evolved in diplozoid monogeneans to confront their fish host. We clearly demonstrate that the combination of different microscopic techniques is beneficial and can reveal hidden differences, even in much-studied model organisms such as E. nipponicum.
Vibronic response of a spin-1/2 state from a carbon impurity in two-dimensional WS2
Authors: Cochrane Katherine , Lee Jun-Ho , Kastl Christoph , Haber Jonah , Zhang Tianyi , Kozhakhmetov Azimkhan , Robinson Joshua , Terrones Mauricio , Repp Jascha , Neaton Jeffrey , Weber-Bargioni Alexander , Schuler Bruno
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate the creation of a spin-1/2 state via the atomically controlled generation of magnetic carbon radical ions (CRIs) in synthetic two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides. Hydrogenated carbon impurities located at chalcogen sites introduced by chemical doping are activated with atomic precision by hydrogen depassivation using a scanning probe tip. In its anionic state, the carbon impurity exhibits a magnetic moment of 1 μB resulting from an unpaired electron populating a spin-polarized in-gap orbital. By inelastic tunneling spectroscopy and density functional theory we show that the CRI defect states couple to a small number of vibrational modes, including a local, breathing-type mode. The electron-phonon coupling strength critically depends on the spin state and differs for monolayer and bilayer WS2. These carbon radical ions in TMDs comprise a new class of surface-bound, single-atom spin-qubits that can be selectively introduced, are spatially precise, feature a well-understood vibronic spectrum, and are charge state controlled.
Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease An Independent Risk Factor For Coronary and Peripheral Atherosclerosis In Heavy Smokers?
Authors: Ferreira Maria Angélica Pires , Moreira Leila Beltrami , Torres Felipe Soares , Knorst Marli Maria
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUNDThere is a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atherosclerosis in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); sharing of risk factors could not be the only cause of the association.OBJECTIVESTo verify whether coronary atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease are independently associated with COPD in heavy smokers. We also investigated whether inflammation and poor lung function were related with atherosclerosis findings.METHODSHeavy smokers (≥ 20 pack-years) with COPD (group 1) or normal spirometry (group 2) were recruited. Clinical, laboratory, and anthropometric data were obtained. Main interest variables were prevalence of CCS > 75th percentile (P75), and rates of ABI < 0,9 by Doppler ultrasound. CVD risk was calculated using the Framingham risk score. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured, and lung function was assessed by spirometry. Differences between groups were compared using parametric and nonparametric tests as adequate.RESULTSWere included 87 patients, 49 with COPD (group 1). The mean ± SD age was 57.2 ± 6.0 years (58.7 ± 5.1 in group 1, 55.2 ± 6.6 in group 2, p=0.006). The mean FEV 1 % was 45.8 ± 17.24 vs. 91.7 ± 15.9 in groups 1 and 2, respectively; p<0.05. The mean smoking index was 48.6 ± 25.4, higher in the COPD group (p=0.037). Stratification by Framingham score yielded a similar distribution in both groups. The frequency of patients with CCS > P75 was 55% vs. 66% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.823); ABI <9.0 ocurred in 6,3% vs 2,6%, respectivelly ( p=0.555) . CCS and ABI were not associated to FEV 1 %. CRP was inversely associated with VEF 1 ( r s= -0.419; p<0.001), but unrelated to CCS ( r s= 0.136; p=0.265) and ABI ( r s= -0.51; p=0.677).CONCLUSIONSThe studied coronary and peripheral atherosclerosis markers were similar between heavy smokers with COPD and those with normal spirometry. Nor serum CRP neither poor lung function related to CCS or ABI. Our results suggest absence of a independent association between COPD and atherosclerosis.
Three-body correlations in nonlinear response of correlated quantum liquid
Authors: Hata Tokuro , Teratani Yoshimichi , Arakawa Tomonori , Lee Sanghyun , Ferrier Meydi , Deblock Richard , Sakano Rui , Oguri Akira , Kobayashi Kensuke
Published: October 2020

Understanding the properties of correlated quantum liquids is a fundamental issue of condensed matter physics. Even in such a correlated case, fascinatingly, we can tell that the equilibrium fluctuations of the system govern its linear response to an external field, relying on the fluctuation dissipation relations based on the two-body correlations. Going beyond, up to the three-body correlations, is of importance for van der Waals force [1], the three-body force in nuclei [2], the Efimov state [3, 4], the ring exchange interaction in solid 3He [5, 6], and frustrated spin systems [7]. In our work, we have used a quantum dot in the Kondo regime, which is a controllable realization of such a correlated quantum liquid [8–11]. Thanks to the quality of our sample, where the Kondo effect in the unitary limit was achieved, we could quantitatively measure the three-body correlations and their role in the non-equilibrium regime, in perfect agreement with recent results of the Fermi liquid theory [12– 15]. In particular, we have demonstrated its importance when time-reversal symmetry is broken, solving a long-standing puzzle of the Kondo systems under the magnetic field [13]. The demonstrated method to relate three-body correlation and non-equilibrium transport opens up a way for further investigation of the dynamics of quantum many-body systems.
Establishment and Application of Reverse Transcription Recombinase-Aided Amplification as A Rapid Detection Method for SARS-COV-2
Authors: Ai Lele , Liu Wei , Ye Fuqiang , Ding Chenxi , Dai Han , Han Yifang , Zhu Changqiang , Lv Ruichen , Han Zhaojiu , Zou Xiaobo , Qi Yong , Tan Weilong
Published: October 2020

Background: By the end of August 2020, >23 million cases and 800,000 deaths were attributed to SARS-CoV-2 in >200 countries. The improvement of simple, rapid, and efficient detection methods is of great significance for the early detection, timely isolation, and protection of susceptible populations. This study aimed to provide an alternative method for the rapid detection of viral nucleic acid.Methods: This study provided a rapid nucleic acid detection method mediated by recombinant enzyme based on the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Primers and probes were designed based on the N gene sequence of coronavirus. The method was performed at 39 °C, the detection time was short (<20 min), and the detection limit was up to 101 copies/mL.Results: The primer-probe did not show any cross-reaction with adenovirus, Zika virus, influenza B virus, and chikungunya virus, with good specificity. A total of 106 clinical throat swab samples were compared by reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) and commercial reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); the results were identical.Conclusions: The novel coronavirus RT-RAA method established in this study had high sensitivity, strong specificity, simple operation, and fast detection speed, and hence, is suitable for the rapid detection of novel coronavirus under the current epidemic situation.
The Effect of Maximum Average Temperature on Suicide Rates in California, 2008-2017: An Ecological Study
Authors: Qamar Mavra , Cheng Sierra , Plouffe Rebecca , Nanos Stephanie , Fisman David N , Soucy Jean-Paul R
Published: October 2020

Background: Suicide prevention is a salient public health responsibility, as it is one of the top ten leading causes of premature mortality in the United States. Risk factors of suicide transcend the individual and societal level as risk can increase based on climatic variables. Previous studies have been country-based. Currently, studies focused solely on regions, provinces, or states, such as California, are limited. The present study holds two purposes: i) to assess the effect of maximum temperature on suicides, and ii) to evaluate the effect of number of monthly heat events on suicide rates, in California from 2008-2017.Methods: The exposure was measured as the average Californian daily maximum temperature within each month, and the number of monthly heat events, which was calculated as a count of the days exhibiting a >15% increase from the historical monthly temperature. The outcome was measured as California’s monthly suicide rate. Negative binomial regression models assessed the relationship between maximum temperature and suicides, and heat events and suicide. A seasonal decomposition of a time series and auto-correlogram further analyzed the seasonality of suicide and the trend from 2008-2017. Results: There were 40,315 deaths by suicide in California between 2008-2017. Negative binomial regression indicated a 6.1% increase in suicide incidence rate ratio (IRR) per 10°F increase in maximum temperature (IRR=1.00590 per 1°F, 95% CI: 1.00387, 1.00793, p<0.0001) and a positive, non-significant association between suicide rates and number of heat events adjusted for month of occurrence (IRR 1.00148 per heat event, 95% CI: 0.99636, 1.00661, p=0.572). The time series analysis and auto-correlogram suggested seasonality of deaths by suicide.Conclusion: The present study provided preliminary evidence that will generate future directions for research. We must seek to further illuminate the relationship of interest and apply our findings to public health interventions that will lower the rates of death by suicide as we are confronted with the effects of climate change.
High Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among Secondary School Students During COVID-19 Lockdown and Social Distancing and Its Associated Factors: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Pungpapong Gunn , Kalayasiri Rasmon
Published: October 2020

Background: Stressors introduced to adolescents by COVID-19 social distancing measures may cause mental health problems to (re)surface. We studied depression, anxiety and stress among adolescents experiencing lockdown. Methods: From May-June 2020, secondary school students were enrolled in an online cross-sectional survey through social media. We assessed presence and severity of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7) and stress (PSS-10) in the last month, demographics, degree of social distancing, and other associated issues.Results: Of 392 respondents (56.4% male, 43.1% female), mostly from Thailand (59.2%) and UK (26.5%). We identified depressive symptoms in 58.7%, anxiety in 40.3% and high levels of stress in 9.7%. We found, by multivariate analysis, significant associations between being female and depression and anxiety, being in late secondary school years and depression, and changes in patterns of substance use and anxiety and stress.Conclusions: We propose that girl-centred mental health support platforms should be readily available and tailored to fit specific countries’ contexts. Schools must closely monitor and act upon any concerns which arise from their students and must also monitor mental health wellbeing as changes in academic routine due to COVID-19 could be drastic for some. Harm reduction services must adapt and utilise innovative telemedicine interventions, tailored towards adolescent users.
Moonlighting Role of PEDF in Breast Cancer
Authors: Gil-Gas Carmen , Sánchez-Díez Marta , Honrubia-Gómez Paloma , Sánchez-Sánchez Jose Luis , Alvarez-Simón Carmen Belen , Sabater Sebastia , Sánchez Francisco Sánchez , Castillejo Maria del Carmen Ramírez
Published: October 2020

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among females in developed countries. Although the implementation of screening tests and the development of new therapies has increased the probability of remission, relapse rates still remain high. Numerous studies have indicated the connection between cancer initiating cells and slow cellular cycle cells, identified by their capacity to retain long labelling (LT+). Methods: We have designed a transgenic protein consisting in the C-terminal part of this protein, which acts by blocking endogenous PEDF in culture cell assays. Present work is based in doses-response in vitro assays as well as flow cytometry analysis of surface markers and cell cycle kinetic study of the tumour initiating cells.Results: In this study we show that this type of cells is present not only in cancer cell lines but also in cancer cells from patients with metastatic and advanced stage tumours. We also present new assays showing how stem cell self-renewal modulating proteins, such as PEDF, can modify the properties, expression of markers, and carcinogenicity of cancer stem cells. This protein has been involved in self-renewal in adult stem cells and has been described as anti-tumoral because of its anti-angiogenic effect. However, we show that PEDF enhances resistance in breast cancer patient cells in vitro culture by favoring a slow cellular cycle population (LT+). The PEDF signalling pathway could be a useful tool for controlling cancer stem cells self-renewal, and therefore control patient relapse. Conclusions: We demonstrate that it is possible to interfere with the self-renewal capacity of cancer stem cells, induce anoikis in vivo, and reduce resistance against Docetaxel treatment in cancer patient cells in vitro culture. We have also demonstrated that this PEDF modified protein produces a significant decrease in cancer stem cell markers. All these properties make this protein a potential application in clinical cancer therapies via co-administration with chemotherapy for relapse cancer treatment.
Impacts of Climate Variability on Pastoralists and Their Adaptation/Coping Strategies in Fentale District of Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekuyie Muluken , Mulu Desta
Published: October 2020

Background: Recently, more emphasis has been given to preparing and adapting communities to the adverse impacts of climate change than mitigating its risks. The present study was conducted in Fentale district, Central Ethiopia to determine the perceived adverse impacts of climate change and variability, the perception of pastoral households on the patterns of climate change and variability, and identify the adaptation /coping strategies of pastoralists to climate change impacts. A household questionnaire survey and focus group discussion were employed to collect primary data at a household level. A total of 130 pastoral households were sampled using random sampling. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The findings revealed that the perception of pastoral households on rainfall and temperature patterns was in line with the results of the recorded meteorological data analysis of the present study except the Kiremt rainfall and the long-term annual rainfall trends. The results indicated that pasture and water availability became scarce and livestock assets and productivity were highly reduced, due to adverse impacts of climate change and variability. The most important strategies deployed by the local people included (i) integrating livestock with crop production, (ii) livestock mobility, (iii) livestock diversification and herd composition change, (iv) decreased consumption, (v) remittance, (vi) cash for work and (vii) food aid. Conclusion: Therefore, the decision-makers should support and enhance household’s indigenous adaptation strategies through the provision of market access, early warning information, affordable credit access, and development of water points.
WITHDRAWN: Effect of Below-Knee Compression Garments on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): A Randomized Controlled Laboratory Study With Multi-Parametric Analysis
Authors: Hotfiel Thilo , Höger Svenja , Nagel Armin M. , Uder Michael , Kemmler Wolfgang , Forst Raimund , Engelhardt Martin , Grim Casper , Heiss Rafael
Published: October 2020

Background: The impact of compression on overexertion-related muscle injuries such as delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a subject of controversy. Identifying the mechanisms, optimal conditions, and application settings under which compression therapy may alter muscle metabolism and improve recovery is crucial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of wearing below-knee compression garments during exercise and a post-exercise period of 6 hours on clinical, functional, and morphological outcomes in DOMS in the lower limb.Methods: Eighteen healthy volunteers (age: 24.1 ±3.6 years, BMI 22.7 ± 2.7 kg/m2) were enrolled in this controlled laboratory study. Repeated measures were aquired at baseline (T0), 6 h (T1), and 48 h (T2) after a standardized eccentric and plyometric exercise protocol, with the participants wearing a compression garment (21-22 mmHg) on a randomly selected calf during and for the first 6 h after exercise. Magnet resonance imaging (MRI) was performed using a 3T scanner for quantification of intramuscular edema (T2 signal intensity (SI), T2 time, and manual volume segmentation); jump height, calf circumference, ankle dorsiflexion (DF), creatine kinase (CK) levels, and muscle soreness were assessed for clinical and functional evaluation. Results: DOMS was confirmed in all participants after 48 h, with a significant increase in muscle soreness (p < 0.001) and CK levels (p = 0.001), decrease in jump height (p < 0.01), and the presence of intramuscular edema (p < 0.01) in both the compressed and non-compressed limbs. No differences between the compressed and non-compressed limbs were observed for muscle soreness and jump height at any point in time. Similarly, MRI T2 SI, T2 time, soreness, and manual segmentation revealed no significant effect of the compression treatment. The assessment of calf circumference and DF showed no statistically significant changes at any point of time in either the compression or non-compression limb (p = 1.0). Conclusions: The continuous application of below-knee compression garments during combined eccentric and plyometric exercise and until 6 h post-exercise has no significant effect on clinical signs of DOMS, jump performance, or the development of intramuscular edema observed in MRI.
Relevance of Bell Inequalities For Interpreting EPR-Bohm Experiments
Authors: Scarzafava Eugene
Published: October 2020

The various Bell Inequalities used to interpret the results of EPR-Bohm experiments are shown to be inappropriate for such experiments. The inequalities do not allow for correlation between the particles, which is the basis for such experiments, and therefore are irrelevant. Claims that the results of such experiments, because they violate the inequalities, require the conclusion that the measurement of one particle in an "entangled" pair can instantly affect the state of its partner, even at great distances, are untrue and need to be modified.
Construction and Preservation of a Stable and Highly Expressed Recombinant Helicobacter pylori Vacuolating Cytotoxin A with Apoptotic Activity
Authors: Yuan Ling-Zhi , Shi Xiao , Tang Dan , Zheng Shao-Peng , Xiao Zhi-Ming , Wang Fen
Published: October 2020

Background: VacA is the only exocrine toxin of H. pylori, which plays a very important role in the customization of H. pylori in the gastric mucosa, contributing to the pathogenesis of gastritis-cancer. Studies about vacA structure and function was hindered by the lack of efficient production system. In this study, we developed methodology for expression, purification and stable storage of a functionally active vacA toxin in E.coli.Results: A 2502-bp fragment and vacA gene were identified. An 89.7-kDa VacA34-854 recombinant protein was expressed and purified from the recombinant engineering bacteria and was preserved stably in 50 mM acetic acid buffer (pH 2.9). The amount of the recombinant protein was larger in the inclusion bodies than in the supernatant. In addition, after a 24-h culture with VacA recombinant protein, GES-1 cells demonstrated evidence of apoptosis including early nuclear immobilization and clustering under inverted microscope and TEM. It was found that VacA recombinant protein induced apoptosis by TUNEL assay.Conclusions: A VacA recombinant protein that is stably and highly expressed and possesses pro-apoptotic activity is successfully constructed. The protein is stably preserved in 50 mM acetic acid buffer (pH 2.9).
Purification and characterization of a surfactin-like biosurfactant produced by Bacillus velezensis KLP2016 and its application towards engine oil degradation
Authors: Meena Khem Raj , Dhiman Rajni , Singh Kailash , Kumar Sachin , Sharma Abhishek , Kanwar Shamsher S. , Mondal Rittick , Das Sandip , Franco Octavio L. , Mandal Amit Kumar
Published: October 2020

Engine oil used in automobiles is a threat to soil and water due to recalcitrant properties of its hydrocarbons. It pollute surrounding environment which affect both flora and fauna of earth. Microbes are able to degrade hydrocarbons containing engine oil to utilize as a substrate for their growth. Our results demonstrated that Bacillus velezensis KLP2016 (Gram +ve, endospore forming; Accession number KY214239) cell-free broth recorded an emulsification index (E 24 %) from 52.3% to 65.7% against different organic solvents, such as benzene, pentane, cyclohexane, xylene, n -hexane, toluene and engine oil. The surface tension of the cell-free broth of B. velezensis grown in Luria Bertani broth at 35°C decreased from 55 to 40 mN.m -1 at critical micelle concentration 17.2 µg/mL. The active biosurfactant molecule of cell-free broth of Bacillus velezensis KLP2016 was purified by Dietheylaminoethyl-cellulose and size exclusion chromatography, followed by HPLC (RT=1.130), UV-vis spectrophotometry (210 nm) and thin layer chromatography (R f =0.90). Purified biosurfactant molecular weight was found ~1.0 kDa, on the basis of Electron Spray Ionization-MS. A concentration of 1980×10 -2 parts per million of CO 2 was trapped in a KOH solution after 15 days incubating the bacterium in Luria Bertani broth containing engine oil (1%). Results suggests that bacterium Bacillus velezensis KLP2016 may be a promising solution to the engine oil pollution problem with achieving a bioactive biosurfactant molecule for further eco-friendly application(s).
Efficacy and Prognosis of Chemoradiotherapy for 501 Patients With Postoperative Recurrence of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Kong Yan , Gao Hongmei , Li Youmei , Li Shuguang , Yan Ke , Zhu Shuchai , Shen WenBin
Published: October 2020

Background: To analyze the efficacy and prognosis of chemoradiotherapy for patients with recurrence of esophageal cancer. Method: A single center study was conducted in 501 patients with recurrent esophageal cancer who received chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Univariate or multivariate analysis was performed to assess the survival, recurrence pattern, prognosis of retreatment and influencing factors. Result: The median time to recurrence of esophageal cancer was 11.6 months (range: 0.3-87.4 months), while the median survival time of chemoradiotherapy after recurrence was 12.1 months. Multivariate analysis identified gender, pN stage, log odds of positive lymph nodes (lodds) value, chemotherapy cycle, recurrence time, and combined distant metastasis as independent prognostic factors (P=0.002, 0.035, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.001). In this study, 157 patients had combined combined distant metastasis, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of these patients after radiotherapy were 43.3%, 9.1%, and 5.5%, respectively. On the contrary, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of patients with local regional recurrence (LRR) only were 53.6, 22.6%, and 16.4%, respectively. Statistically, the differences in the survival rates were significant between the above two groups of patients (B=10.786, P=0.001). Meanwhile, we identified recurrence time, chemotherapy cycle, and prescribed dose as the significant factors affecting the prognosis among 344 patients with postoperative LRR only (a=22.605, 13.957, 10.446; P=0.000, 0.000, 0.005). Conclusion: This study showed that chemoradiotherapy is safe and effective in patients with recurrent esophageal cancer, while male patients with late pN stage, high lodds, chemotherapy of ≤ 2 cycles, recurrence time of ≤ 24 months, or combined distant metastasis had a poor prognosis.
Successful Laparoscopy-assisted Repair of a Rectovaginal Fistula after Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Ohta Hiroyuki , Hashimoto Kyozo , Mizukuro Tomoyuki , An Byonggu , Zen Yumi , Kojima Masatsugu , Ueki Tomoyuki , Miyake Toru , Nishina Yusuke , Terada Yoshitaka , Kitamura Naomi , Akabori Hiroya , Fujino Mitsuhiro , Shimizu Tomoharu , Tani Masaji , Mekata Eiji
Published: October 2020

Background: A rectovaginal fistula (RVF) after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is troublesome and refractory. Although various surgical procedures have been previously described, no definitive procedure has shown satisfactory outcomes. We present two consecutive Japanese patients who underwent successful surgery for a RVF after low anterior resection. Case presentation: The patients were a 61-year-old woman and a 64-year-old woman. They were admitted to our hospital with a chief complaint of fecal discharge from the vagina after low anterior resection using the double-stapling technique for rectal cancer. They were diagnosed with RVF. Local surgical procedures, including diverting ileostomy, were unsuccessful in previous hospitals. Therefore, we performed laparoscopy-assisted repair of the RVF. In both the patients, laparoscopically robust pelvic adhesions were dissected, and the sigmoid colon was transected just before the RVF. Thereafter, in combination with a perineal approach, the rectum along with a previous anastomosis and fistula were completely removed. Surgeries were completed after vaginal repair, redo coloanal anastomosis, and interposition of the dissected connective tissue. In both the patients, the postoperative courses were uneventful. They have complained of neither recurrence of any RVF nor fecal incontinence 1 year and 10 months respectively after diverting stoma closure.Conclusions: A laparoscopy-assisted procedure with reanastomosis and interposition of the perineal connective tissue can be an effective treatment for an RVF after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.
Trends in the Incidence and Mortality of Colorectal Cancer in a Brazilian City
Authors: Moura Alex Rodrigues , Marques Adriane Dorea , Dantas Mylena Santos , Brito Érika Abreu Costa , Souza Mariana Rosário , Lima Marcela Sampaio , Siqueira Hianga Fayssa Fernandes , Silva Angela Maria da , Lisboa Ana Carolina Ribeiro , Nunes Marco Antonio Prado , Santos Marceli de Oliveira , Lima Carlos Anselmo
Published: October 2020

Objectives: This study was conducted to analyse the trends in the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the city of Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil, between 1996 and 2015 through statistical analysis using the Joinpoint Regression Program 4.7.0.0. and to identify its geographical distribution in the municipality. Results: A total of 1,322 cases and 467 deaths of CRC over the study period were included. Men´s incident cases comprised 40% of the sample, and women´s 60%. The death cases were 43% for men and 57% for women. Among the 20 – 44 year age group, for males, there was a highest significant growth trend. For women, the growth trend, with the Annual Percent Change (APC) observed, was the 45 and 64 years age group. Regarding mortality both genders, trends were stable. Regarding geographic distribution, there was a constancy of hotpoints in the northeast region of the municipality. This study showed the increasing in incidence mainly the young men between 20 to 44 years, with significantly statistical, but with mortality stability in Aracaju.
Preliminary Morphological Study and Food Uptake Experiment for Transmission of Gregarine Infection from Infected Bivalves, Anadara cornea (Reeve, 1844) to the Mud Crab Genus Scylla as an Intermediate Host.
Authors: Zakariah Mohd Ihwan , Daud Hassan Mohd , Hassan Marina , Sharma Reuben Kumar Sunil , Abdullah Mhd. IKhwanuddin
Published: October 2020

Objective: Research about gregarine become important due to the problem reported by this parasite especially in commercial bivalve i.e. Oyster. Diagnose of these parasites are important to secure the aquaculture industry in the future. Due to the advanced technologies nowadays, this research regarding to these parasites are become relevant to be study. The objective of this study is to determine the occurrence of gregarine parasites in wild mud crab and the food uptake transmission of gregarine infection from infected bivalves, Anadara cornea (Reeve, 1844) to the mud crab genus Scylla. Result: Preliminary study show that high prevalence of infection was reported in the Hairy Cockle (Anadara cornea) from Setiu Lagoon, Malaysia. From the analysis, the infection intensity was high and each phagocyte (Pha) contain maximum of 15 oocyst (Oc). Each oocyst has a single cell wall, longitudinal shape and contained sporozoite (Sz). Parasitophorous Vacuole (Pv) cover by membrane wall. There is no transmission of parasites reported in this experiment.
An Intelligent Prenatal Screening System for the Prediction of Trisomy-21
Authors: Jamshidnezhad Amir , Hosseini Seyed Mohsen , Mohammadi-Asl Javad , Mahmoudi Mandana
Published: October 2020

Objective: Early and accurate diagnosis of genetic diseases such as Down syndrome can lead to correct action and prevent irreversible events. Therefore, the use of accurate and low-risk diagnostic methods to detect these diseases in the fetal period is important. In this study, a combined artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) was used to predict Down syndrome through first trimester screening test. In order to examine the proposed model, sample data were collected on 381 pregnant women who referred to a private screening reference laboratory for the first trimester screening test and NT ultrasound between 11 and 13 weeks of gestation. The proposed model in this study was a feedforward neural which its structure and input parameters were determined by (GA).Results: The average of 10 times experiments showed that the developed model can accurately identify cases of Down syndrome with specificity of 99.72% and sensitivity of 90.91%, and a mean square error (MSE) of 0.61%. The results of this study showed that the use of GA in optimizing the structure of the neural network technique can increase the accuracy in diagnosing Down syndrome through the information of first trimester screening tests.
Characteristics of Registered Systematic Reviews on Treatment for COVID-19 in Prospero Platform
Authors: Zhang Ruinian , Gao Ya , Xie Dairong , Lian Rongna , Tian Jinhui
Published: October 2020

Background: Characteristics and research collaboration of registered systematic reviews (SRs) on treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze research collaboration, interventions, and outcome measures in registered SRs of treatment associated with COVID-19 and point out the problem.Methods: PROSPERO was searched for SRs of treatment related to COVID-19 as of June 2, 2020. Excel 2016 was used for descriptive statistical analysis of the extracted information. VOSviewer 1.6.14 software was used to generate network maps for collaborations between countries and institutions.Results: A total of 189 SRs were included, which were registered by 301 institutions from 39 countries. China (69, 36.50%) was the country with the highest output. Cooperation between countries was not close enough. Chengdu university of traditional Chinese medicine (7, 3.70%) was the institutions with the highest output. There is close cooperation between institutions. Interventions included antiviral therapy (81, 42.86%), respiratory support (16, 8.47%), circulation support (11, 5.82%), plasma therapy for convalescent patients (11, 5.82%), immunotherapy (9, 4.76%), TCM Treatment (9, 4.76%), rehabilitation treatment (5, 2.65%), anti-inflammatory treatment (16, 8.47%), and other treatments (31, 16.40%). In antiviral therapy (81, 42.86%), the most commonly used drugs were chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (26, 13.76%), followed by remdesivir (12, 6.35%), lobinavir/ritonavir(11, 5.82%), favipiravir (5, 2.65%), ribavirin (5, 2.65%), interferon (5, 2.65%), abiron (4, 2.12%), abidor (4, 2.12%), but the description was brief, and no specific implementation plan was provided. The most frequently used primary outcome was mortality rate (92, 48.68%), and the most frequently used secondary outcome was length of hospital stay (48, 25.40%). The expression of the outcomes was not standardized.Conclusions: Many COVID-19 SRs of treatment have been registered, but the completion rate was low. Although there were some collaborations between countries and institutions of the current registered SRs of treatment related to COVID-19 on PROSPERO, cooperation between countries should be further strengthened. More attention should be paid to the deficiency of interventions and outcome measures, and the standardization of results should be strengthened.
CIP4 Expression is Associated With The Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Keqian , Mao Tianqi , He Zhicheng , Wu Xiaojiao , Peng Yu , Chen Yanrong , Dong Yan , Ruan Zhihua , Wang Zhe
Published: October 2020

Background: This study was conducted to detect the expression of Cdc42 interacting protein 4 (CIP4) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), and explore the role of CIP4 in prognosis of CRC patients.Methods: The expression of CIP4 mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-CPR) and compared by student’s t-test between groups. Relationships of clinical characteristics and CIP4 expression were analyzed by Chi-square test. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate the overall survival of CRC patients. And Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the prognostic biomarkers for CRC patients.Results: The qRT-PCR results showed that CRC tissues were detected with significantly high CIP4 mRNA expression compared with adjacent normal controls (P<0.0001). The overexpression of CIP4 in CRC tissues was influenced by distant metastasis (P=0.021), lymphatic invasion (P=0.012) and TNM stage (P=0.006). But, other clinical factors including age, gender, differentiation and tumor site were proved to have no obvious effects on CIP4 expression (all, P>0.05). The survival curves showed that patients with high CIP4 expression generally lived shorter than those with low CIP4 expression (P<0.001). In addition, the multivariate analysis revealed that differentiation (P=0.044, HR=1.631, 95%CI=1.013-2.626) and CIP4 expression (P=0.000, HR=5.283, 95%CI=3.138-8.893) were of great prognostic significance for CRC patients.Conclusion: Taken together, up-regulation of CIP4 in CRC tissues represented poor prognosis for patients.