bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer services and excess 1-year mortality in people with cancer and multimorbidity: near real-time data on cancer care, cancer deaths and a population-based cohort study
Authors: Lai Alvina G , Pasea Laura , Banerjee Amitava , Hall Geoff , Denaxas Spiros , Chang Wai Hoong , Katsoulis Michail , Williams Bryan , Pillay Deenan , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Linch David , Hughes Derralynn , Forster Martin D , Turnbull Clare , Fitzpatrick Natalie K , Boyd Kathryn , Foster Graham R , Enver Tariq , Nafilyan Vahe , Humberstone Ben , Neal Richard D , Cooper Matt , Jones Monica , Pritchard-Jones Kathy , Sullivan Richard , Davie Charlie , Lawler Mark , Hemingway Harry
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care services and overall (direct and indirect) excess deaths in people with cancer.

Methods

We employed near real-time weekly data on cancer care to determine the adverse effect of the pandemic on cancer services. We also used these data, together with national death registrations until June 2020 to model deaths, in excess of background (pre-COVID-19) mortality, in people with cancer. Background mortality risks for 24 cancers with and without COVID-19-relevant comorbidities were obtained from population-based primary care cohort (Clinical Practice Research Datalink) on 3 862 012 adults in England.

Results

Declines in urgent referrals (median=−70.4%) and chemotherapy attendances (median=−41.5%) to a nadir (lowest point) in the pandemic were observed. By 31 May, these declines have only partially recovered; urgent referrals (median=−44.5%) and chemotherapy attendances (median=−31.2%). There were short-term excess death registrations for cancer (without COVID-19), with peak relative risk (RR) of 1.17 at week ending on 3 April. The peak RR for all-cause deaths was 2.1 from week ending on 17 April. Based on these findings and recent literature, we modelled 40% and 80% of cancer patients being affected by the pandemic in the long-term. At 40% affected, we estimated 1-year total (direct and indirect) excess deaths in people with cancer as between 7165 and 17 910, using RRs of 1.2 and 1.5, respectively, where 78% of excess deaths occured in patients with ≥1 comorbidity.

Conclusions

Dramatic reductions were detected in the demand for, and supply of, cancer services which have not fully recovered with lockdown easing. These may contribute, over a 1-year time horizon, to substantial excess mortality among people with cancer and multimorbidity. It is urgent to understand how the recovery of general practitioner, oncology and other hospital services might best mitigate these long-term excess mortality risks.
Comparison of active versus passive surveillance adverse event reporting in a paediatric ambulatory chiropractic care setting: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pohlman Katherine A , Carroll Linda , Tsuyuki Ross T , Hartling Lisa , Vohra Sunita
Published: November 2020

Objectives

This pragmatic, cluster, stratified randomised controlled trial (RCT) compared the quantity and quality of adverse event (AE) reports after chiropractic manual therapy in children less than 14 years of age, using active versus passive surveillance reporting systems.

Method

Data were collected between November 2014 and July 2017 from 60 consecutive paediatric patient visits to participating chiropractors. Those allocated to active surveillance collected AE information with three paper-based questionnaires (two from patients, one from chiropractors) to identify any new or worsening symptoms after treatment. Passive surveillance involved AE information reported by chiropractors on a web-based system. To assess quality of reporting, AE reports greater than mild were reviewed by content experts. The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of AE reports in active versus passive surveillance.

Results

Ninety-six chiropractors agreed to participate and enrolled in the study: 34 chiropractors in active surveillance with 1894 patient visits from 1179 unique patients and 35 chiropractors in passive surveillance with 1992 patient visits from 1363 unique patients. In the active arm, AEs were reported in 8.8% (n=140, 95% CI 6.72% to 11.18%) of patients/caregivers, compared with 0.1% (n=2, 95% CI 0.02% to 0.53%) in the passive arm (p<0.001). The quality of AE reports was not evaluated because the five AE reports reviewed by the content experts were determined to be of mild severity.

Conclusion

We found that active surveillance resulted in significantly more AE reports than passive surveillance. Further prospective active surveillance research studies should be conducted with children receiving chiropractic manual therapy to understand mechanisms and risk factors for moderate and severe AEs, and to further explore how and when to solicit patient safety information.
EGFR amplification and outcome in a randomised phase III trial of chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy plus panitumumab for advanced gastro-oesophageal cancers
Authors: Smyth Elizabeth C , Vlachogiannis Georgios , Hedayat Somaieh , Harbery Alice , Hulkki-Wilson Sanna , Salati Massimiliano , Kouvelakis Kyriakos , Fernandez-Mateos Javier , Cresswell George D , Fontana Elisa , Seidlitz Therese , Peckitt Clare , Hahne Jens C , Lampis Andrea , Begum Ruwaida , Watkins David , Rao Sheela , Starling Naureen , Waddell Tom , Okines Alicia , Crosby Tom , Mansoor Was , Wadsley Jonathan , Middleton Gary , Fassan Matteo , Wotherspoon Andrew , Braconi Chiara , Chau Ian , Vivanco Igor , Sottoriva Andrea , Stange Daniel E , Cunningham David , Valeri Nicola
Published: November 2020

Objective

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition may be effective in biomarker-selected populations of advanced gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma (aGEA) patients. Here, we tested the association between outcome andEGFRcopy number (CN) in pretreatment tissue and plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of patients enrolled in a randomised first-line phase III clinical trial of chemotherapy or chemotherapy plus the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody panitumumab in aGEA (NCT00824785).

Design

EGFRCN by either fluorescence in situ hybridisation (n=114) or digital-droplet PCR in tissues (n=250) and plasma cfDNAs (n=354) was available for 474 (86%) patients in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Tissue and plasma low-pass whole-genome sequencing was used to screen for coamplifications in receptor tyrosine kinases. Interaction between chemotherapy and EGFR inhibitors was modelled in patient-derived organoids (PDOs) from aGEA patients.

Results

EGFRamplification in cfDNA correlated with poor survival in the ITT population and similar trends were observed when the analysis was conducted in tissue and plasma by treatment arm. EGFR inhibition in combination with chemotherapy did not correlate with improved survival, even in patients with significantEGFRCN gains. Addition of anti-EGFR inhibitors to the chemotherapy agent epirubicin in PDOs, resulted in a paradoxical increase in viability and accelerated progression through the cell cycle, associated with p21 and cyclin B1 downregulation and cyclin E1 upregulation, selectively in organoids fromEGFR-amplified aGEA.

Conclusion

EGFRCN can be accurately measured in tissue and liquid biopsies and may be used for the selection of aGEA patients. EGFR inhibitors may antagonise the antitumour effect of anthracyclines with important implications for the design of future combinatorial trials.
Bouncing cosmology in f(Q) symmetric teleparallel gravity
Authors: Bajardi Francesco , Vernieri Daniele , Capozziello Salvatore
Published: November 2020

We consider f(Q) extended symmetric teleparallel cosmologies, where Q is the non-metricity scalar, and constrain its functional form through the order reduction method. By using this technique, we are able to reduce and integrate the field equations and thus to select the corresponding models giving rise to bouncing cosmology. The selected Lagrangian is then used to develop the Hamiltonian formalism and to obtain the Wave Function of the Universe which suggests that classical observable universes can be recovered according to the Hartle Criterion.
Lattice fractional quantum field theory: Exact differences approach
Authors: Tarasov Vasily E.
Published: November 2020

An approach, which is based on exact fractional differences, is used to formulate a lattice fractional field theories on unbounded lattice spacetime. An exact discretization of differential and integral operators of integer and non-integer orders is suggested. New type of fractional differences of integer and non-integer orders, which are represented by infinite series, are used in quantum field theory with non-locality. These exact differences have a property of universality, which means that these operators do not depend on the form of differential equations and the parameters of these equations. In addition, characteristic feature of the suggested differences is an implementation of the same algebraic properties that have the operator of differentiation (property of algebraic correspondence). Lattice analogs of the fractional-order N-dimensional differential operators are proposed. The continuum limit of the suggested lattice field theory gives a fractional field theory for the continuum four-dimensional spacetime. The fractional field equations, which are derived from equations for lattice spacetime with long-range properties of power-law type, contain the Riesz type derivatives on non-integer orders with respect to spacetime coordinates.
Models for the BPS Berry connection
Authors: Ohya Satoshi
Published: November 2020

Motivated by the Nahm’s construction, in this paper, we present a systematic construction of Schrödinger Hamiltonians for a spin-1/2 particle where the Berry connection in the ground-state sector becomes the Bogomolny–Prasad–Sommerfield (BPS) monopole of SU(2) Yang–Mills–Higgs theory. Our construction enjoys a single arbitrary monotonic function, thereby creating infinitely many quantum-mechanical models that simulate the BPS monopole in the space of model parameters.
Scaling and hetero-/auto-Bäcklund transformations with solitons of an extended coupled (2+1)-dimensional Burgers system for the wave processes in hydrodynamics and acoustics
Authors: Gao Xin-Yi , Guo Yong-Jiang , Shan Wen-Rui
Published: November 2020

The Burgers-type equations are applied to oceanography, hydrodynamic turbulence, gas dynamics, shock-wave formation, acoustic transmission structure, boundary-layer behavior, continuum-traffic simulation, convection-dominated diffusion, wave formation in the thermo-elastic media, vorticity transport, dispersion in the porous media, particle sedimentation in fluid suspension, colloid evolution, and so forth. Hereby, taking into account the wave processes in hydrodynamics and acoustics, we investigate an extended coupled (2+1)-dimensional Burgers system, and with symbolic computation, work out a scaling transformation, two hetero-Bäcklund transformations and two auto-Bäcklund transformations, with the soliton solutions. Our results are dependent on the coefficients in the system.
The effect of methyl ammonium chloride doping for perovskite solar cells on structure, crystallization and power conversion efficiency
Authors: Gao Jing , Liao Chujian , Guo Yanqun , Zhou Difan , Zeng Zhigang , Cai Chuanbing
Published: November 2020

The perovskite membrane with large particle size, uniform coverage and high quality is the prerequisite for the preparation of efficient and stable perovskite solar cells. Various additives have been used to increase the grain size and improve the film morphology and crystal quality. In this paper, methylammonium chloride (MACl) was proposed to obtain high crystalline quality of [Formula: see text] perovskite absorption layer. The results show that the adding ammonium methyl chloride into the precursor of tricationic perovskite not only passivates surface defects to form high-quality and large-grain perovskite films, but also facilitates the formation of pure [Formula: see text]-phase [Formula: see text]. Meanwhile, the designed perovskite precursor solutions were used to fabricate mesoporous perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Owing to the perovskite layer consisting of optimized MACl doping, the short-circuit current density [Formula: see text] of PSCs reaches 23.81 mA/cm2, which is 2.73 mA/cm2 higher than the primary [Formula: see text] based on PSCs. The obtained power conversion efficiency (PCE) increases from 13.67% to 17.59%.
An Ultimate Investigation on the Adsorption of Amantadine on Pristine and Decorated Fullerenes C59X (X=Si, Ge, B, Al, Ga, N, P, and As): A DFT, NBO, and QTAIM Study
Authors: Mohammadi Mohsen Doust , Salih Idris H. , Abdullah Hewa Y.
Published: November 2020

In this investigation, the feasibility of detecting the amantadine (AMD) molecule onto the outer surface of pristine fullerene (C[Formula: see text]), as well as C[Formula: see text]X ([Formula: see text], Ge, B, Al, Ga, N, P, and As) decorated structures, was carefully evaluated. For achieving this goal, a density functional theory level of study using the HSEH1PBE functional together with a 6-311G(d) basis set has been used. Subsequently, the B3LYP-D3, wB97XD and M062X functionals with a 6-311G(d) basis set were also employed to consider the single point energies. Natural bond orbital (NBO) and the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) were implemented using the B3LYP-D3/6-311G(d) method and the results were compatible with the electronic properties. In this regard, the total density of states (TDOSs), the Wiberg bond index (WBI), natural charge, natural electron configuration, donor–acceptor NBO interactions, and the second-order perturbation energies are performed to explore the nature of the intermolecular interactions. All of the energy calculations and population analyses denote that by adsorbing of the AMD molecule onto the surface of the considered nanostructures, the intermolecular interactions are of the type of strong physical adsorption. Among the doped fullerenes, Ge-doped structure has very high adsorption energy compared to other elements. Generally, it was revealed that the sensitivity of the adsorption will be increased when the AMD molecule interacts with the decorated fullerenes and decrease the HOMO–LUMO band gap; therefore, the change of electronic properties can be used to design suitable nanocarrier.
Virtual Screening of Natural Curcumins and Related Compounds Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Alves Daniela Ribeiro , da Rocha Matheus Nunes , de Sousa Damião Sampaio , Oliveira Iris Cristina Maia , Marinho Marcia Machado , de Morais Selene Maia , Marinho Emmanuel Silva
Published: November 2020

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) is a viral disease that was classified as a pandemic situation on a global scale in early 2020. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV)-2 has the enzyme Mpro, until then, best characterized as an important biological target for intracellular viral replication. To investigate the interactions between curcumins and other compounds derived from cinnamic acid with the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro protease as well as to infer their physicochemical and drug-like properties, four natural curcumins and eight related compounds were selected for in silico screening, of molecular docking with the biological target Mpro, to suggest a therapeutic method associated with antiSARS-CoV-2 drugs, such as anakinra, azithromycin, baricitinib, hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir. All curcumins and related compounds can act as synergistic inhibitors of the main viral protein in SARS-CoV-2. The curcumins and other compound ligands showed similar interactions with the enzyme comparable to the control ligands. The ligands capsaicin, dehydrozingerol, dibenzoylmethane and isoeugenol stand out, due to their strong interactions. Among the compounds tested in this study, capsaicin, an alkaloid that is obtained from the fruits of plants of the genus Capsicum, showed significant activity in terms of its potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral replication.
Footprints of the Alice Springs Orogeny preserved in far northern Australia: an application of multi-kinetic thermochronology in the Pine Creek Orogen and Arnhem Province
Authors: Nixon Angus L. , Glorie Stijn , Collins Alan S. , Whelan Jo A. , Reno Barry L. , Danišík Martin , Wade Benjamin P. , Fraser Geoff
Published: November 2020

The Precambrian Pine Creek Orogen and Arnhem Province represent two of the oldest basement terrains in northern Australia and are often considered to be devoid of significant regional deformation since the cessation of regional metamorphism in the Paleoproterozoic. A major caveat in the current hypothesis of long-lived structural inactivity is the absence of published low-temperature thermochronological data and thermal history models for this area. Here we report the first apatite fission track and (U–Th–Sm)/He data for crystalline samples from both the Pine Creek Orogen and Arnhem Province, complemented with apatite geochemistry data acquired by electron microprobe and laser ablation mass spectrometry methods, and present multi-kinetic low-temperature thermal history models. The thermal history models for the Pine Creek Orogen and Arnhem Province reveal a distinct phase of denudation coeval with the Paleozoic Alice Springs Orogeny. By integrating with previous studies, we suggest that this event deformed a larger area of the Australian crust than previously perceived. Localized Mesozoic thermal perturbations proximal to the Pine Creek Shear-Zone additionally record evidence for Mesozoic reheating contemporaneous with mantle-induced subsidence and the onset of sedimentation in the Money Shoal Basin, while the Arnhem Province samples demonstrate no evidence of Mesozoic thermal perturbations.

Supplementary Material:
EPMA protocol comparison, AFT plots and modelling, additional geochemistry, datasets and instrumentation parameters are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5206664
Perspective—Beyond the Century-Long Paradigm of Hydrogen Electrochemistry through the Laviron–Amatore Paradox
Authors: Kurapati Niraja , Buoro Rafael Martos , Amemiya Shigeru
Published: November 2020

Herein, we advance our fundamental understanding of hydrogen electrochemistry as crucial energy technology by challenging the century-long paradigm that Volmer, Heyrovsky, and Tafel reactions are elementary. We identify and resolve the theoretical controversy of this phenomenological model to argue that each reaction must be stepwise not concerted elementarily. The stepwise model provides unprecedented insights as exemplified by resolving current debates on the Tafel analysis and volcano plot based on the controversial concerted model. The stepwise mechanism has not been distinguished from the concerted mechanism experimentally owing to the Laviron–Amatore paradox, which will be overcome by developing transient nanoelectrochemical methods.
A Product Service Supply Chain Network Equilibrium Model considering Capacity Constraints
Authors: Peng Yongtao , Xu Dan , Li Yaya , Wang Kun
Published: November 2020

With the further development of manufacturing servitization, the supply chain established by enterprises has gradually evolved into a product service supply chain. The introduction of service flow has made supply chain management more complicated. In this paper, we build a product service supply chain network composed of raw material suppliers, service providers, manufacturing integrators, and customers. The equilibrium model for decision-makers at all levels is established by variational inequality. In particular, we emphasize the impact of product and service capacity constraints and changes in the product service integration ratio on network equilibrium. The results show that, while capacity constraints on production tend to stabilize and unify the market price, service-related capacity constraints polarize the customer pay price. That is to say, product capability constraints limit the quality of product service systems, while service capability constraints limit the types of product service systems. Furthermore, the introduction of service flow and integration with products creates a more closely networked relationship between the upper and lower layers of the product service supply chain, and an increase in the service proportion will increase the network equilibrium profit.
Anthracycline‐Induced Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients from Southern Sri Lanka: An Echocardiographic Analysis
Authors: Sandamali Jayasinghe Arachchige Nirosha , Hewawasam Ruwani Punyakanthi , Fernando Madappuli Arachchige Chaminda Sri Sampath , Jayatilaka Kamani Ayoma Perera Wijewardana , Madurawe Ranji Duleep , Sathananthan Periyasamy Pillai , Ekanayake Upul , Horadugoda Jayamini
Published: November 2020

Anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity has never been investigated in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients using echocardiographic findings. A prospective cohort study was performed. All newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who were administered with anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC schedule) for the first time were enrolled in the study. In the hospital setting, anthracycline is administered only as a combination therapy, and only this combination was selected to limit the effect of other cardiotoxic chemotherapy agents. Records of echocardiography were obtained: one day before anthracycline chemotherapy (baseline), one day after the first chemotherapy dose, one day after the last chemotherapy dose, and six months after the completion of anthracycline chemotherapy. Following parameters were recorded from the echocardiography results: ejection fraction (EF, %), fractioning shortening (FS, %), posterior wall thickness, left ventricle (PWT, mm), the thickness of interventricular septum (IVS, mm), left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD, mm), and left ventricular end‐systolic diameter (LVESD, mm). Statistical analysis of the echocardiography results was performed using ANOVA at four stages. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. Subclinical cardiac dysfunction was defined as a fall of EF >10% during the follow‐up echocardiography. There was no significant change (p > 0.05) between the baseline echocardiographic parameters and one day after the 1st anthracycline dose. However, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the baseline echocardiographic parameters and one day after the last anthracycline dose and six months after the completion of anthracycline therapy with a gradual and progressive deterioration in functional parameters including EF, FS, PWT, and IVS over time. There were 65 patients out of 196 (33.16%) who developed subclinical cardiac dysfunction six months after the completion of anthracycline chemotherapy. The prevalence of subclinical anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity was relatively higher in these patients. An equation was also developed based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to predict the anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity of a patient six months after the completion of anthracycline chemotherapy. We believe that this will help in the monitoring of patients who undergo anthracycline therapy for cardiotoxicity. It is recommended to carry out a long‐term follow‐up to detect early‐onset chronic progressive cardiotoxicity in all patients who were treated with anthracycline therapy.
Calcium Homeostasis in Ventricular Myocytes of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Al Kury Lina T.
Published: November 2020

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder commonly characterized by high blood glucose levels, resulting from defects in insulin production or insulin resistance, or both. DM is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, with diabetic cardiomyopathy as one of its main complications. It is well established that cardiovascular complications are common in both types of diabetes. Electrical and mechanical problems, resulting in cardiac contractile dysfunction, are considered as the major complications present in diabetic hearts. Inevitably, disturbances in the mechanism(s) of Ca2+ signaling in diabetes have implications for cardiac myocyte contraction. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made in outlining the mechanisms responsible for the diminished cardiac contractile function in diabetes using different animal models of type I diabetes mellitus (TIDM) and type II diabetes mellitus (TIIDM). The aim of this review is to evaluate our current understanding of the disturbances of Ca2+ transport and the role of main cardiac proteins involved in Ca2+ homeostasis in the diabetic rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. Exploring the molecular mechanism(s) of altered Ca2+ signaling in diabetes will provide an insight for the identification of novel therapeutic approaches to improve the heart function in diabetic patients.
Effect of Artemisia rupestris L. Extract on Gastrointestinal Hormones and Brain‐Gut Peptides in Functional Dyspepsia Rats
Authors: Wang Chun , Wang Bin , Aili Maimaiti , Huo Shixia , Han Meng-ting , Aibai Silafu , Li Zhi-Jian
Published: November 2020

Artemisia rupestris L. is the perennial herb of rupestris belonging to Artemisia (Compositae), which is wildly distributed in Xinjiang (China), middle Asia, and Europe. It is known to have anti‐inflammatory, hepatoprotective, immune function regulation, and gastrointestinal function regulation effects. AR is used to treat digestive diseases, but the effects of AR on antifunctional dyspepsia (FD) activity have not yet been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Artemisia rupestris L. extract (ARE) on gastrointestinal hormones and brain‐gut peptide in functional dyspepsia (FD) rats. Sixty Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. An FD rat model was established by irregular tail clamp stimulation for 14 days except the blank group. After FD rat models, the blank group and model group were given menstruum, and the medicated rats were given corresponding medicine for 14 days. The general observations, bodyweight, and food intake were observed, and the content of serum gastrin (GAS), plasma motilin (MTL), plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and plasma somatostatin (SS) by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was observed. The content of plasma VIP and plasma SS in the ARE group was significantly lower than in the model group, and the content of serum GAS and plasma MTL was increased in the ARE group; the GAS expression of antrum and hypothalamus was increased in the ARE group, and SS expression of antrum and hypothalamus was decreased in the ARE group by immunohistochemical detection; the results of semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) indicate that ARE inhibits the mRNA expression of VIP. Our results suggest that ARE can recover gastrointestinal hormone levels and regulation of the peripheral and central nervous system and alter gut peptide levels, which confirm the therapeutic effect of ARE on functional dyspepsia.
Strongyloidiasis in Africa: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis on Prevalence, Diagnostic Methods, and Study Settings
Authors: Hailu Tadesse , Nibret Endalkachew , Amor Arancha , Munshea Abaineh
Published: November 2020

Background. Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection mainly caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. Although it is a predominant parasite in tropics and subtropics where sanitation and hygiene are poorly practiced, the true prevalence of strongyloidiasis is not known due to low‐sensitivity diagnostic methods. Objective. This systematic review and meta‐analysis is aimed at determining the pooled prevalence of strongyloidiasis in African countries, stratified by diagnostic methods, study settings, and patients. Methods. Cross‐sectional studies on strongyloidiasis published in African countries from the year 2008 up to 2018 in PubMed and Google Scholar databases and which reported at least one Strongyloides spp. infection were included. Identification and screening of eligible articles were also done. Articles whose focus was on strongyloidiasis in animals, soil, and foreigners infected by Strongyloides spp. in Africa were excluded. The random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of strongyloidiasis across African countries as well as by diagnostic methods and study settings. The heterogeneity between studies was also computed. Result. A total of 82 studies were included. The overall pooled prevalence of strongyloidiasis was 2.7%. By individual techniques, the pooled prevalence of strongyloidiasis was 0.4%, 1.0%, 3.4%, 9.3%, 9.6%, and 19.4% by the respective direct saline microscopy, Kato‐Katz, formol ether concentration, polymerase chain reaction, Baermann concentration, and culture diagnostic techniques. The prevalence rates of strongyloidiasis among rural community, school, and health institution studies were 6.8%, 6.4%, and 0.9%, respectively. The variation on the effect size comparing African countries, diagnostic methods, study settings, and patients was significant (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions. This review shows that strongyloidiasis is overlooked and its prevalence is estimated to be low in Africa due to the use of diagnostic methods with low sensitivity. Therefore, there is a need for using a combination of appropriate diagnostic methods to approach the actual strongyloidiasis rates in Africa.
On More General Fractional Differential Equations Involving Mixed Generalized Derivatives with Nonlocal Multipoint and Generalized Fractional Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Shammakh Wafa , Alzumi Hadeel Z. , AlQahtani Bushra A.
Published: November 2020

This paper deals with the existence of solutions for a new boundary value problem involving mixed generalized fractional derivatives of Riemann-Liouville and Caputo supplemented with nonlocal multipoint boundary conditions. The existence results for inclusion case are also discussed. The nonlinear term belongs to a general abstract space, and our results rely on modern theorems of fixed point. Ulam stability is also presented. We provide some examples that well-illustrate our main results.
SARPPIC: Exploiting COVID-19 Contact Tracing Recommendation through Social Awareness
Authors: Asabere Nana Yaw , Acakpovi Amevi , Ofori Emmanuel Kwaku , Torgby Wisdom , Kuuboore Marcellinus , Lawson Gare , Adjaloko Edward
Published: November 2020

Globally, the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is resulting in high fatality rates. Consequently, the prevention of further transmission is very vital. Until vaccines are widely available, the only available infection prevention methods include the following: contact tracing, case isolation and quarantine, social (physical) distancing, and hygiene measures (washing of hands with soap and water and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers). Contact tracing, which is key in preventing the spread of COVID-19, refers to the process of finding unreported people who maybe infected by using a verified case to trace back possible infections of contacts. Consequently, the wide and fast spread of COVID-19 requires computational approaches which utilize innovative algorithms that build a memory of proximity contacts of cases that are positive. In this paper, a recommender algorithm called socially aware recommendation of people probably infected with COVID-19 (SARPPIC) is proposed. SARPPIC initially utilizes betweenness centrality in a social network to measure the number of target contact points (nodes/users) who have come into contact with an infected contact point (COVID-19 patient). Then, using contact durations and contact frequencies, tie strengths of the same contact points above are also computed. Finally, the above algorithmic computations are hybridized through profile integration to generate results for effective contact tracing recommendations of possible COVID-19-infected patients who will require testing in a healthcare facility. Benchmarking experimental results in the paper demonstrate that, using two interconnected relevant real-world datasets, SARPPIC outperforms other relevant methods in terms of suitable evaluation metrics such as precision, recall, and F-measure.
Immune‐Related Four‐lncRNA Signature for Patients with Cervical Cancer
Authors: Zheng Jianfeng , Cao Benben , Zhang Xia , Niu Zheng , Tong Jinyi
Published: November 2020

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common gynecological malignancy for which prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers are urgently needed. The signature based on immune‐related lncRNAs (IRLs) of CC has never been reported. This study is aimed at establishing an IRL signature for patients with CC. A cohort of 326 CC and 21 normal tissue samples with corresponding clinical information was included in this study. Twenty‐eight IRLs were collected according to the Pearson correlation analysis between the immune score and lncRNA expression (p < 0.01). Four IRLs (BZRAP1‐AS1, EMX2OS, ZNF667‐AS1, and CTC‐429P9.1) with the most significant prognostic values (p < 0.05) were identified which demonstrated an ability to stratify patients into the low‐risk and high‐risk groups by developing a risk score model. It was observed that patients in the low‐risk group showed longer overall survival (OS) than those in the high‐risk group in the training set, valid set, and total set. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) for the four‐IRL signature in predicting the one‐, two‐, and three‐year survival rates was larger than 0.65. In addition, the low‐risk and high‐risk groups displayed different immune statuses in GSEA. These IRLs were also significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration. Our results showed that the IRL signature had a prognostic value for CC. Meanwhile, the specific mechanisms of the four IRLs in the development of CC were ascertained preliminarily.
[Retracted] Research Status of Differentially Expressed Noncoding RNAs in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Shi Rou , Chen Yingjian , Liao Yuanjun , Li Rang , Lin Chunwen , Xiu Liangchang , Yu Haibing , Ding Yuanlin
Published: November 2020

Aims. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an important role in the occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This paper summarized the current evidences of the involvement microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the differential expressions and their interaction with each other in T2DM. Methods. The differentially expressed miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in the blood circulation (plasma, serum, whole blood, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells) of patients with T2DM were found in PubMed, GCBI, and other databases. The interactions between ncRNAs were predicted based on the MiRWalk and the DIANA Tools databases. The indirect and direct target genes of lncRNAs and circRNAs were predicted based on the starBase V2.0, DIANA Tools, and LncRNA‐Target databases. Then, GO and KEGG analysis on all miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA target genes was performed using the mirPath and Cluster Profile software package in R language. The lncRNA–miRNA and circRNA–miRNA interaction diagram was constructed with Cytoscape. The aim of this investigation was to construct a mechanism diagram of lncRNA involved in the regulation of target genes on insulin signaling pathways and AGE–RAGE signaling pathways of diabetic complications. Results. A total of 317 RNAs, 283 miRNAs, and 20 lncRNAs and circRNAs were found in the circulation of T2DM. Dysregulated microRNAs and lncRNAs were found to be involved in signals related to metabolic disturbances, insulin signaling, and AGE–RAGE signaling in T2DM. In addition, lncRNAs participate in the regulation of key genes in the insulin signaling and AGE–RAGE signaling pathways through microRNAs, which leads to insulin resistance and diabetic vascular complications. Conclusion. Noncoding RNAs participate in the occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes and lead to its vascular complications by regulating different signaling pathways.
Recognition of Immune Microenvironment Landscape and Immune‐Related Prognostic Genes in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Huiling , You Shuo , Fang Meng , Fang Qian
Published: November 2020

Background. Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor in women. The immunophenotype of tumor microenvironment (TME) has shown great therapeutic potential in tumor. Method. The transcriptome was obtained from TCGA and GEO data. Immune infiltration was analyzed by single‐sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA). The immune feature was constructed by Cox regression analysis. In addition, the coexpression of differential expression genes (DEGs) was identified. Through enrichment analysis, the function and pathway of module genes were identified. The somatic mutations related to immune characteristics were analyzed by Maftools. By using the consistency clustering algorithm, the molecular subtypes were constructed, and the overall survival time (OS) was predicted. Results. Immune landscape can be divided into low immune infiltration and high immune infiltration. Cox regression analysis identified seven immune cells as protective factors of BC. In the coexpression modules for DEGs of high and low immune infiltration, module 1 was related to T cells and high immune infiltration. In particular, the area under the curve (AUC) value of hub gene SASH3 was the highest, and the correlation with T cells was stronger in the high immune infiltration. Enrichment analysis found that oxidative stress, T cell aggregation, and apoptosis were observed in high immune infiltration. In addition, TP53 was identified as the most important somatic gene mutation related to immune characteristics. Importantly, we also constructed seven immune cell‐based breast cancer subtypes to predict OS. Conclusion. We evaluated the immune landscape of BC and constructed the gene characteristics related to the immune landscape. The potential of T cells and SASH3 in immunotherapy of BC was revealed, which may guide the development of new clinical treatment strategies.
Effects of Inonotus obliquus Polysaccharides on Proliferation, Invasion, Migration, and Apoptosis of Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Su Baohui , Yan Xuezhi , Li Yuezhong , Zhang Junshan , Xia Xiaoyan
Published: November 2020

Objectives. To observe the effect of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOP) on the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells and to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanism. Methods. IOP was extracted from Inonotus obliquus, human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells and U2OS cells were cultured in vitro, and the effects of IOP on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of MG-63 cells and U2OS cells were determined by CCK-8 assays, cell scratch assays, transwell assays, and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of related proteins in the Akt/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways. Results. Compared with the control group, MG-63 cells and U2OS cells treated with IOP of 80 μg/ml, 160 μg/ml, and 320 μ g/ml in the experimental group had significantly lower proliferation activity, decreased migration and invasion ability, and increased apoptosis rate (

P
<
0.05

). Furthermore, IOP could significantly inhibit the activation of the Akt/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathway (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. IOP can regulate the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells by inhibiting the activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. It has antitumor activity on osteosarcoma and has the potential of clinical application in osteosarcoma treatment.
Pricing Decisions in Closed-Loop Supply Chains with Competitive Fairness-Concerned Collectors
Authors: Shu Yadong , Dai Ying , Ma Zujun
Published: November 2020

Based on the Shapley value fairness concern framework, a fairness concern utility system is established for the closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) with one manufacturer, one retailer, and two competitive collectors. Under the five models (one centralized and four decentralized), the influence of competitive strength and fairness concern degree of collectors on the pricing decisions is analyzed. The following conclusions can be obtained: (1) When the manufacturer considers the fairness concern of the collectors, fairness concern is a way for the collectors to obtain more profit. Whether the manufacturer “proactively” considers the fairness concern of the collectors is an approach to benefiting the collectors but only in the case of “active” consideration, there is less self-loss to the manufacturer. (2) When the collectors’ fairness concern cannot be considered by the manufacturer, the equilibrium recycling price sets lower for the purpose of achieving more profit by the collectors. At this point, the profit of the collectors and the manufacturer is the lowest, and so is the return rate of the CLSC. (3) When the collectors do not care about whether they are being fairly treated but the manufacturer “actively” takes the fairness of the collectors into consideration, the collectors get “unexpected” attention from the manufacturer, which makes the performance of the collectors more positive than it is when their fairness concerns are taken into account. The profit increased by the collectors is more than that lost by the manufacturer, so the profit of the CLSC is the largest. Additionally, our findings provide some managerial insights on the pricing decision in the case where the collectors consider fairness concern.
Downregulation of Long Noncoding RNA LUCAT1 Suppresses the Migration and Invasion of Bladder Cancer by Targeting miR‐181c‐5p
Authors: Chen Yifan , Zhang Wentao , Shen Liliang , Kadier Aimaitiaji , Huang Jianhua , Wang Ruiliang , Wu Pengfei , Yao Xudong
Published: November 2020

Purpose. The long noncoding RNA LUCAT1 (lung cancer‐associated transcript 1) has been reported to be highly expressed in bladder cancer samples, but its role and molecular mechanisms need to be elucidated. Methods. Bioinformatics methods show that miR‐181c‐5p is a target of LUCAT1. Here, we aimed to reveal whether LUCAT1 participates in the development of bladder cancer via targeting miR‐181c‐5p. The expression levels of LUCAT1 and miR‐181c‐5p were detected by RT‐PCR technology in bladder cells and tissues. The effects of the LUCAT1/miR‐181c‐5p axis on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were tested by CCK‐8, wound healing, Transwell chambers, and flow cytometry assays. The expressions of apoptosis/migration‐related proteins were detected by western blotting assays. Results. The results demonstrated that LUCAT1 was overexpressed in bladder cancer tissue and cells, while miR‐181c‐5p showed a low expression pattern as compared to normal bladder cells and tissues. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities were significantly impaired, and cell apoptosis was enhanced when LUCAT1 was silenced in UM‐UC‐3 and T24 cell lines, but this effect was abolished by miR‐181c‐5p downregulation. In addition, miR‐181c‐5p downregulation impaired LUCAT1 downregulation which mediated the decreased expressions of Bcl2 and N‐cadherin and the increased expressions of Bax and E‐cadherin. Moreover, we found that KRAS was a direct target of miR‐181c‐5p and was under the positive regulation of LUCAT1. Conclusion. Collectively, this study reveals that knockdown of LUCAT1 inhibits the migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells in a miR‐181c‐5p‐dependent manner, which may be related to KRAS downregulation.
Knowledge and Practice of Employed Mothers towards Exclusive Breastfeeding and Its Associated Factors in Mecha District, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mazengia Amare Lisanu , Demissie Hibru
Published: November 2020

Background. Exclusive breastfeeding is an important strategy for improving child health. However, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among employees is very low in developing countries including Ethiopia. Objective. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of employed mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding and its associated factors in Mecha district, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 05 to June 30, 2019. A stratified random sampling technique was applied. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23 software. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of knowledge and practice. Result. A total of 449 participants were enrolled with a response rate of 95.54%. The study revealed that 92.1% (95% CI: (89.5–94.6)) of participants had good knowledge. However, only 38.5% (95% CI: (33.8–42.9)) employed mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively. Certain predictors such as maternity leave (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI:(0.10–0.91),

p

value = 0.03), mothers’ level of education (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI: (1.66–5.34),

p

value <0.001), support from husbands(AOR = 0.26, 95% CI (0.14–0.47),

p

value <0.001), and actual time to return back to their work(AOR = 0.21; 95% CI: (0.08–0.51),

p

value = 0.01) were statistically associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions and Recommendations. The knowledge and practice of employed mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding were affected by the number of predictors. Exclusive breastfeeding practice among employed mothers was low. It is advisable to give some flexible working hours for breastfeeding mothers.
Effect of Platelet‐Rich Plasma Injection on Mild or Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Dong Chunke , Sun Yan , Qi Yingna , Zhu Yuting , Wei Hongyu , Wu Di , Li Chungen
Published: November 2020

Objective. To evaluate efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) injection in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), we conducted this meta‐analysis, as well as proposed a protocol for its application in curative processes. Methods. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PRP for the management of mild or moderate CTS were included in this study. Database search was conducted from study inception to July 2020, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. We used visual analogue scores (VAS) and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) as evaluation tools for primary outcomes. Second outcomes comprised cross‐sectional area (ΔCSA) and electrophysiological indexes including distal motor latency (DML), sensory peak latency (SPL), motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP). The pooled data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted with the evidence of heterogeneity. Egger’ test was used to investigate publication bias. Results. 9 RCTs were finally screened out with 434 patients included. Control groups comprised corticosteroid injection in 5 trials, saline injection in 1 trial, and splint in 3 trials. At the 1st month after follow‐up, only ΔCSA between the PRP group and the control group showed significant difference (P < 0.05). In the 3rd month, there were statistically significant differences in VAS, BCTQ, SPL, SNCV, and ΔCSA between two groups (P < 0.05), while no statistically significant differences were found in the remaining outcomes. In the 6th month, there were statistically significant differences at BCTQ (P < 0.05) in primary outcomes and ΔCSA (P < 0.05) in secondary outcomes between two groups. As to adverse events in PRP injection, only one study reported increased pain sensation within 48 h after injections. Conclusion. This systematic review and meta‐analysis demonstrates that the PRP could be effective for mild to moderate CTS and superior to traditional conservative treatments in improving pain and function and reducing the swelling of the median nerve for a mid‐long‐term effect. To some extent, the electrophysiological indexes also improved after PRP injection compared with others conservative treatments.