bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural network topology correlates to cognitive impairment and iPTH level in End-stage renal disease patients with peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Wang Longsheng , Zou Liwei , Wu Hanqiu , Shan Yanqi , Zhao Ru , Liu Guiling , Tao Fangbiao , Zheng Suisheng , Gong Xijun
Published: May 2019

Objective: The burden of cognitive impairment in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing peritoneal dialysis has received more attention lately. It is associated with hospitalization, mortality and poorer quality of life. We aimed to assess the topological alterations of the brain white matter structural network in ESRD and the correlation between network metrics with Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores and clinical data.
Methods: The study included 25 ESRD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT group), 25 patients without SHPT (Non-SHPT group) and 25 healthy controls (HC group) of comparable age and sex. Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to assess the cognitive function. The WM structural network was constructed by DTI technique, and then we used graph theoretical approaches to detect changes in the global and regional properties of the WM networks in these participants through deterministic tractography method.
Results: ESRD patients showed cognitive impairment compared to HC, and the SHPT patients had lower cognitive scores than the Non-SHPT patients. The global topological organization and local efficiency of the WM network was significantly disrupted in the SHPT but not in the Non-SHPT patients compared with the HC group. Moreover, lower regional efficiency was found in the ESRD patients, mainly distributed in the frontal and parietal cortices. In addition, an association was found between iPTH, shortest path length and cognitive impairment, and the iPTH level was negatively correlated with small-worldness by two indexes, the normalized clustering coefficient and the normalized shortest path length.
Conclusion: The present study indicated that the brain structural connectome in ESRD patients with high iPTH levels was disrupted in association with cognitive impairment and it is a potential connectome-based biomarker for early detection.
MiPepid: MicroPeptide identification tool using machine learning
Authors: Zhu Mengmeng , Gribskov Michael
Published: May 2019

Background

Micropeptides are small proteins with a length <= 100 amino acids. They were traditionally ignored as few were discovered due to technical difficulties. In the past decade, a growing number of micropeptides have been shown to play significant roles in vital biological activities. Despite the increased amount of data, we still lack bioinformatics tools specifically for identifying micropeptides from DNA sequences. Indeed, most existing tools for classifying coding and noncoding ORFs were built on datasets in which “normal-sized” proteins are considered to be positives and short ORFs are generally considered to be noncoding. Since the functional and biophysical constraints on small peptides are likely to be different from those on “normal” proteins, methods for predicting short translated ORFs must be trained independently from those for longer proteins.

Results

In this study, we developed MiPepid, a machine-learning tool specifically for the identification of micropeptides. We trained MiPepid using carefully cleaned data from existing databases and logistic regression with 4-mer features. With only the sequence information of an ORF, MiPepid is able to predict whether it encodes a micropeptide with 96% accuracy on a blind dataset of high-confidence micropeptides, and to correctly classify newly discovered micropeptides not included in either the training or the blind test data. Compared with state-of-the-art coding potential prediction methods, MiPepid performs exceptionally well, as other methods incorrectly classify most bona fide micropeptides as noncoding. MiPepid is alignment-free and runs sufficiently fast for genome-scale analyses. It is easy to use and is available at https://github.com/MindAI/MiPepid.

Conclusion

MiPepid was developed to specifically predict micropeptides, a category of proteins with increasing significance, from DNA sequences. It shows evident advantages over existing coding potential prediction methods on micropeptide identification. It is ready to use and runs fast.
Missense mutations in a transmembrane domain of the Komagataeibacter xylinus BcsA lead to changes in cellulose synthesis
Authors: Salgado Luis , Blank Silvia , Esfahani Reza Alipour Moghadam , Strap Janice L. , Bonetta Dario
Published: May 2019

Background

Cellulose is synthesized by an array of bacterial species. Komagataeibacter xylinus is the best characterized as it produces copious amounts of the polymer extracellularly. Despite many advances in the past decade, the mechanisms underlying cellulose biosynthesis are not completely understood. Elucidation of these mechanisms is essential for efficient cellulose production in industrial applications.

Results

In an effort to gain a better understanding of cellulose biosynthesis and its regulation, cellulose crystallization was investigated in K. xylinus mutants resistant to an inhibitor of cellulose I formation, pellicin. Through the use of forward genetics and site-directed mutagenesis, A449T and A449V mutations in the K. xylinus BcsA protein were found to be important for conferring high levels of pellicin resistance. Phenotypic analysis of the bcsAA449T and bcsAA449V cultures revealed that the mutations affect cellulose synthesis rates and that cellulose crystallinity is affected in wet pellicles but not dry ones.

Conclusions

A449 is located in a predicted transmembrane domain of the BcsA protein suggesting that the structure of the transmembrane domain influences cellulose crystallization either by affecting the translocation of the nascent glucan chain or by allosterically altering protein-protein interactions.
A pragmatic pilot randomized phase II controlled trial of Prothrombin Complex Concentrates (PCC) versus Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) in adult patients who are Undergoing Heart Surgery (PROPHESY)
Authors: Green Laura , Roberts Neil , Cooper Jackie , Field Jane , Gill Ravi , Klein Andrew , Agarwal Seema , Stanworth Simom , Johnston Atholl , Monk Vivienne , O’Brien Ben
Published: May 2019

Background

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is the accepted standard treatment for clotting factor replacement in bleeding patients during, or immediately after cardiac surgery. In the United Kingdom (UK) prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is not licensed in this setting although it is being used in Europe, because it has a higher concentration of clotting factor levels, and it can be administered rapidly and in small volume, resulting in less volume overload during cardiac surgery.

Methods

PROPHESY is a pragmatic single-centre, open-label, randomized, controlled pilot trial that will assess whether it is feasible to perform a large trial in the future that will compare PCC versus FFP in patients who are bleeding (not on warfarin) and who require blood transfusion. Over a 15-month period, 50 patients will be randomized to PCC versus FFP if they develop active bleeding within 24 hours of cardiac surgery, and for whom the clinician has decided to administer FFP for treatment of bleeding. Standard laboratory and Point-of-Care assessments will be performed as per routine practice, and additional research blood samples will be taken at three time-points to assess haemostasis. Subjects will be assessed daily up to hospital discharge or 30 days or death (whichever occurs first) and will be followed up for 90 days after surgery to assess for thromboembolic complications, and hospital re-admission since discharge. Quality of life assessment will be performed pre-surgery and at 90 days. We will also perform qualitative research with clinical experts and patients to explore the understanding and experience with the interventions, and adherence to study procedures and protocol.

Discussion

There have been no randomized control trials that have compared the safety and efficacy of FFP versus PCC in cardiac surgery in patients who are bleeding. This pilot study will assess if individual components of a large trial are deliverable to assess the safety and efficacy of the two blood products in the future.
Bifunctional Cu2-xSe-decorated hierarchical TiO2 nanotube mesh with solar water evaporation and photodegradation effects for clean water generation
Authors: Ren Peng , Yang Xiuchun
Published: May 2019

The desalination and purification of sea or brackish water by utilizing solar energy are considered to be the most feasible solutions to overcome the problems of water shortage and pollution. In this study, a bifunctional Cu2-xSe-decorated hierarchical TiO2 nanotube mesh (CTNM) was designed and synthesized successfully for both solar water evaporation and photodegradation. Cu2-xSe enhances solar light absorption and solar water evaporation performance as a low-cost absorber because of its localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. Meanwhile, the formation of the p-Cu2-xSe/n-TiO2 heterojunction improves the photodegradation performance by increasing separation and transport of photogenerated charge carriers. Hence, CTNM has a relatively high solar water evaporation conversion efficiency of 83.06% and also can photodegrade 95% of methyl orange after 3 h under 2.5 kW m−2 simulated solar irradiation, which demonstrate the extremely high utilization ratio of solar energy of CTNM.
Adipocytes-released Peptides Involved in the Control of Gastrointestinal Motility
Authors: Idrizaj Eglantina , Garella Rachele , Squecco Roberta , Baccari Maria Caterina
Published: May 2019

The present review focuses on adipocytes-released peptides known to be involved in the control of gastrointestinal motility, acting both centrally and peripherally. Thus, four peptides have been taken into account: leptin, adiponectin, nesfatin-1, and apelin. The discussion of the related physiological or pathophysiological roles, based on the most recent findings, is intended to underlie the close interactions among adipose tissue, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. The better understanding of this complex network, as gastrointestinal motor responses represent peripheral signals involved in the regulation of food intake through the gut-brain axis, may also furnish a cue for the development of either novel therapeutic approaches in the treatment of obesity and eating disorders or potential diagnostic tools.
Pre-operative Exposure to Ustekinumab: A Risk Factor for Postoperative Complications in Crohn's Disease (CD)?
Authors: Shim Hang Hock , Ma Christopher , Kotze Paulo Gustavo , Panaccione Remo
Published: May 2019

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestinal tract that is characterised
by a relapsing and remitting course. Despite advancements in therapeutic options for CD, a
substantial number of patients still require surgery for medically refractory disease or disease-related
complications. Given the widespread adoption of biologic therapies for the management of patients
with moderate-to-severe CD, a high number of patients are likely to be on biologic therapy at the time
of needing intestinal surgery: the safety of biologics in perioperative setting is of great interest. While
more clinical data are available for TNF antagonists and vedolizumab, the safety data for ustekinumab,
an IL 12/23 inhibitor, is lacking. Here, we review the available data from published literature on
the postoperative outcomes for CD patients exposed to ustekinumab perioperatively.
Medical-surgical Combined Approach in Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease (CD): Doing it Together
Authors: Sahnan Kapil , Adegbola Samuel O , Fareleira Ana , Hart Ailsa , Warusavitarne Janindra
Published: May 2019

Fistulising perianal Crohn’s disease (pCD) is an aggressive phenotype, and patients not
only suffer from perianal manifestations but also a worsening course for their luminal disease. This
article describes the 6 key steps clinicians need to consider when managing patients with pCD which
include; (i) ensuring a prompt diagnosis, (ii) multi-disciplinary management, (iii) psychological support,
(iv) using multimodal medical and surgical treatment strategies, (v) continually monitoring and
optimising therapy and (vi) ensuring that patients have a way of accessing care if required. Patients
with fistulising pCD often have an unpredictable disease course and complete remission can be elusive.
As such, a considered and nuanced approach is essential keeping the wider multi-disciplinary
team and the patient involved in all decision making.
A Computer - Aided Drug Designing for Pharmacological Inhibition of Mutant ALK for the Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sharda Saphy , Khandelwal Ravina , Adhikary Ritu , Sharma Diksha , Majhi Manisha , Hussain Tajamul , Nayarisseri Anuraj , Singh Sanjeev Kumar
Published: May 2019

Background:

Lung cancer is the most common among all the types of cancer worldwide with
1.8 million people diagnosed every year, leading to 1.6 million deaths every year according to the American
cancer society. The involvement of mutated Anaplasic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) positive fusion
protein in the progression of NSCLC has made a propitious target to inhibit and treat NSCLC. In the
present study, the main motif is to screen the most effective inhibitor against ALK protein with the potential
pharmacological profile. The ligands selected were docked with Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) and
CEP-37440 (PubChem CID- 71721648) was the best docked pre-established compound with a permissible
pharmacological profile.

Methods:

The selected ligands were docked with Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD). With reference to the
obtained compound with the lowest re-rank score, PubChem database was virtually screened to retrieve a
large set of similar compounds which were docked to find the compound with higher affinity. Further
comparative studies and in silico prediction included pharmacophore studies, proximity energy parameters,
ADMET and BOILED-egg plot analysis.

Results:

CEP-37440 (PubChem CID- 71721648) was the best docked pre-established compound with
preferable pharmacological profile and PubChem compound CID-123449015 came out as the most efficient
virtually screened inhibitor. Interestingly, the contours of the virtual screened compound PubChem
CID- 123449015 fall within our desired high volume cavity of protein having admirable property to control
the ALK regulation to prevent carcinogenesis in NSCLC. BOILED-Egg plot analysis depicts that
both the compounds have analogous characteristics in the divergent aspects. Moreover, in the evaluations
of Blood Brain Barrier, Human Intestinal Absorption, AMES toxicity, and LD50, the virtually screened
compound (PubChem CID-123449015) was found within high optimization.

Conclusion:

These investigations denote that the virtually screened compound (PubChem CID-
123449015) is more efficient to be a better prospective candidate for NSCLC treatment having good
pharmacological profile than the pre-established compound CEP-37440 (PubChem CID- 71721648) with
low re-rank score. The identified virtually screened compound has high potential to act as an ALK inhibitor
and can show promising results in the research of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
The Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis among Iranian Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kalmarzi Rasoul N. , Ataee Pedram , Fathollahpour Asadollah , Behzadifar Masoud , Moradi Maryam , Sharifian Faezeh , Kalani Navid , Kooti Wesam
Published: May 2019

Background:

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the world is 10-15%, and it is currently the most common chronic disease among children. There is no comprehensive statistics about the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among Iranian children, therefore, this systematic review and metaanalysis was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among the Iranian children.

Methods:

The present study was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The data was collected using key words including allergic rhinitis, prevalence, epidemiology, child OR children, pediatrics and Iran, in international databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and three national databases including Magiran, Iran Medex, and Scientific Information Databank (SID) till December 2018. The STROBE checklist was used for quality assessment. The data were analyzed using STATA software version 12.1.

Results:

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children and adolescents were 18% (99.7% CI: 10-28% with publication bias of 0.174) and 25% (99.8% CI: 17-33 with publication bias of 0.617) respectively. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in males was estimated to be 27% (99.4% CI: 17-36) with publication bias of 0.538 and in females was 23% (99.4% CI: 14-31) with publication bias of 0.926.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis is approximately high among Iranian children and adolescents; thus, educational strategies should be considered to decrease the prevalence of this disease in Iran.
Nutritional Interventions for Elderly and Considerations for the Development of Geriatric Foods
Authors: Kaur Damanpreet , Rasane Prasad , Singh Jyoti , Kaur Sawinder , Kumar Vikas , Mahato Dipendra Kumar , Dey Anirban , Dhawan Kajal , Kumar Sudhir
Published: May 2019

The process of aging is characterized by numerous changes in the body which has an
overall negative effect on the health and lifestyle of elderly. Nutrition deserves special attention as
an individual reaches old age. It plays a vital role in affecting the quality of life, including physical,
mental and social health. The physiological decline in food intake is very common among older age
and this result in nutritional deficiencies. These increased nutritional deficiencies are the major risk
factors for certain chronic diseases and deteriorated age related health. Thus, the adoption of nutritional
intervention can be a measure to tackle the current situation of nutritional deficiencies and
promote a healthy lifestyle.
Plant Growth Promoting and Stress Mitigating Abilities of Soil Born Microorganisms
Authors: Ali Shahid , Xie Linan
Published: May 2019

Abiotic stresses affect the plant growth in different ways and at different developmental stages that reduce the crop yields. The increasing world population continually demands more crop yields; therefore it is important to use low-cost technologies against abiotic stresses to increase crop productivity. Soil microorganisms survive in the soil associated with plants in extreme condition. It was demonstrated that these beneficial microorganisms promote plant growth and development under various stresses. The soil microbes interact with the plant through rhizospheric or endophytic association and promote the plant growth through different processes such as nutrients mobilization, disease suppression, and hormone secretions. The microorganisms colonized in the rhizospheric region and imparted the abiotic stress tolerance by producing 1-aminocyclopropane-1- carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, antioxidant, and volatile compounds, inducing the accumulation of osmolytes, production of exopolysaccharide, upregulation or downregulation of stress genes, phytohormones and change the root morphology. A large number of these rhizosphere microorganisms are now patented. In the present review, an attempt was made to throw light on the mechanism of micro-organism that operates during abiotic stresses and promotes plant survival and productivity.
Clinico-hematological Study of Theileriosis in Gir and Jaffrabadi Calves
Authors: Brahmbhatt N. N. , Kumar B. , Thakre B. J. , Parmar V. L. , Choravada D. R. , Patel J. A.
Published: May 2019

The present study was undertaken to know the hematological alteration in Theileria infected Gir and Jaffrabadi calves in and around Junagadh, Gujarat. Young calves (less than one year of age) with suspected clinical signs of hemoprotozoan infection, presented at the Veterinary Clinical Complex of the College in Junagadh, were taken in this study. Out of 64 suspected cases examined, 13 (20.31%) were found positive for Theileria infection by microscopic blood smear examination. The prevalence of Theileria infection was more in the rainy season (27.27%) followed by summer (26.31%) and least in the winter season (8.69%). Theileria infection was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in young calves of less than 6 months of age (31.0 %) as compared to calves of 6–12 months of age (9.1%). A nonsignificant higher infection was recorded in Gir calves (22.22%) than Jaffrabadi calves (17.85%). There was no effect of breed, sex or season on Theileria infection in Gir and Jaffrabadi calves in and around Junagadh. Hematological studies revealed anemic condition and increased total leukocyte count with neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia.
Efficacy of Ovsynch and Ovsynch Plus Protocol for Improvement of Fertility in Postpartum Sahiwal Cows
Authors: Lakher J. P. , Awasthi M. K. , Khan J. R. , Poyam M. R.
Published: May 2019

The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Ovsynch and Ovsynch plus protocol in postpartum (day 60) Sahiwal cows (n=18). Animals were randomly divided into three equal groups, viz., Ovsynch group Ovsynch plus group and Control group. Animals of group I (n = 6) were treated with traditional Ovsynch protocol. The animals (n = 6) of group II were treated with Ovsynch plus protocol which consisted of an initial intramuscular injection of eCG (Folligon) @ 250 IU on day 60 postpartum followed 3 days later by GPG (Ovsynch) protocol. In group-III Control, no treatment was given to animals (n = 6). Treated animals were inseminated at a fixed time between 14 and 20 hrs after second GnRH injection, irrespective of estrus detection. Blood samples were collected from each animal on days 50 and 60 postpartum to determine the status of cyclicity in animals based on serum concentrations of progesterone (P4). A third blood sample was collected on the day of prostaglandin treatment to determine the response of first GnRH injection. Four animals each were cyclic, and two were acyclic in both treatment groups. Four animals each responded to first GnRH treatment in both treatment groups.
Similarly, two animals each got conceived giving conception rate of 50% (2/4) in each treatment. In the control group, one out of 6 animals got conceived yielding 16.66 % conception rate (1/6) during the study period. It may be thus concluded that Ovsynch and Ovsynch plus protocol may be used during the early postpartum period to improve the reproductive efficiency in postpartum Sahiwal cows.
Identifying Early Conception Using Ultrasound in Ovsynch Treated Postpartum Anestrus Gir Cows
Authors: Parikh S. S. , Kavani F. S. , Raval R. J. , Vala K. B. , Makwana R. B.
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to detect early conception using transrectal ultrasonography in postpartum anestrus Gir cows treated with Ovsynch protocol (Group-I, n=11), keeping the same number of normal cyclic cows as control (Group-II, n=11). Ultrasonography
examinations were performed using a real-time B-mode ultrasound scanner equipped with 7.5 MHz convex array transducer on day
11, 22 and 32 post-AI to monitor ovarian structures and uterine changes. Cent percent of anestrus animals responded to the Ovsynch
protocol with clear signs of estrus. The conception rates at induced and second estrus in the treatment group were 45.45 and 33.33%,
respectively, with an overall conception rate of 2 cycles post-treatment as 63.63%. In the control group, first service, second service
and overall conception rates of 2 cycles were 36.36, 14.28 and 45.45%, respectively. The results obtained were better with the Ovsynch
protocol. Ultrasound scanning on day 22 and 32 revealed visualization of the fluid and embryonic vesicle, respectively. Early embryonic
death occurred in one cow out of six between days 22 and 32 post-AI in ovsynch treated group.
Incidence and Histopathology of Sebaceous Gland Tumors in Dogs
Authors: Patel M. P. , Ghodasara D. J. , Jani P. B. , Joshi B. P. , Dave C. J.
Published: May 2019

The study was aimed to know the prevalence of sebaceous gland tumor in canine and its classification based on histopathology. A total of 569 biopsy samples of canines suspected for neoplastic growth received by Department of Veterinary Pathology from TVCC departments of College of Veterinary Science and A.H. Anand over last 16 years (2001 to 2017) were analyzed. The biopsy samples were subjected to histopathological examinations by using H and E staining. Out of 569 biopsy samples, sebaceous gland growth was observed in 23 (4.04%) cases. The highest incidence (39.13%) was recorded for 9 to 12 years of age. The incidence of sebaceous gland tumor was observed in all the breeds; however, the Labrador retriever was the most affected breed followed by Pomeranian, non-descript and others. The frequent site for sebaceous gland tumor was eyelid. Out of 23 sebaceous gland tumors, one hyperplasia, 19 adenomas, two , and one adenocarcinoma were observed, suggesting that sebaceous gland adenoma was the most common type of sebaceous gland tumors in canine.
Bancos forrajeros de Moringa oleífera, en condiciones de bosque húmedo tropical
Authors: Navas Panadero Alexander
Published: May 2019

Los eventos climáticos extremos pueden afectar la producción de forraje y la eficiencia en los sistemas de producción ganadera. Las especies gramíneas presentan alta vulnerabilidad bajo estas condiciones, razón por la cual es importante buscar alternativas que permitan adaptar los sistemas ganaderos. Se determinó el desempeño de Moringa oleifera en ecosistemas de bosque húmedo tropical, como alternativa forrajera en programas de alimentación. Se evaluó durante un año M. oleifera en bancos forrajeros, en Yopal, Casanare (Colombia). Se determinó el efecto sobre las características químicas y la macrofauna del suelo, la producción de materia seca, la relación entre la biomasa de hojatallo, y la calidad nutricional de la planta completa y fracciones (hoja-tallo). Se utilizó un diseño al azar y estadística descriptiva para las variables
Effectiveness of chitosan as a natural coagulant in treating turbid waters
Authors: Marey AM
Published: May 2019

Aluminum, Lime and iron coagulants are commonly used in most industries for many decades to coagulate particles in surface water also removing turbidity from the water prior to flocculation, sedimentation or filtration. Although effective, inorganic coagulants have several disadvantages, there has been a concern about the relation between aluminum residuals in treated water and Alzheimer disease and toxic effects of metallic coagulants on the aquatic environment. Hence nowadays, there has been great attention in the improvement of natural coagulants in treated water such as chitosan; chitosan is a natural linear cellulose-like copolymer of glucosamine and N-acetyl-glucosamine widely distributed in nature. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of chitosan on the removal of suspended solids (bentonite clay) from water. A series of batch flocculation tests with chitosan under different conditions was conducted. The results indicate that chitosan is a potent coagulant for bentonite suspension. Coagulation of chitosan showed efficiency of 96.9%. The coagulant performed well at concentration of 1g chitosan/100 ml water at PH=6.
Stakeholder Perceptions of Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavior Therapy as a Treatment Option for Alcohol Misuse: Qualitative Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Hadjistavropoulos Heather D , Gullickson Kirsten M , Adrian-Taylor Shelley , Wilhelms Andrew , Sundström Christopher , Nugent Marcie
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) has been found to be effective for treating alcohol misuse in research trials, but it is not available as part of routine care in Canada. Recent recommendations in the literature highlight the importance of integrating perspectives from both patient and health care stakeholders when ICBT is being implemented in routine practice settings.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to gain an understanding of how ICBT is perceived as a treatment option for alcohol misuse by interviewing diverse stakeholders. Specifically, the objectives were to (1) learn about the perceived advantages and disadvantages of ICBT for alcohol misuse and (2) elicit recommendations to inform implementation efforts in routine practice.

METHODS

A total of 30 participants representing six stakeholder groups (ie, patients, family members, academic experts, frontline managers, service providers, and health care decision makers) participated in semistructured interviews. To be included in the study, stakeholders had to reside in Saskatchewan, Canada, and have personal or professional experience with alcohol misuse. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Stakeholders identified numerous advantages of ICBT for alcohol misuse (eg, accessibility, convenience, privacy, relevance to technology-based culture, and fit with stepped care) and several disadvantages (eg, lack of internet access and technological literacy, isolation, less accountability, and unfamiliarity with ICBT). Stakeholders also provided valuable insight into factors to consider when implementing ICBT for alcohol misuse in routine practice. In terms of intervention design, stakeholders recommended a 6- to 8-week guided program that uses Web-based advertising, point-of-sale marketing, and large-scale captive audiences to recruit participants. With regard to treatment content, stakeholders recommended that the program focus on harm reduction rather than abstinence; be evidence based; appeal to the diverse residents of Saskatchewan; and use language that is simple, encouraging, and nonjudgmental. Finally, in terms of population characteristics, stakeholders felt that several features of the alcohol misuse population, such as psychiatric comorbidity, readiness for change, and stigma, should be considered when developing an ICBT program for alcohol misuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Stakeholders’ insights will help maximize the acceptability, appropriateness, and adoption of ICBT for alcohol misuse and in turn contribute to implementation success. The methodology and findings from this study could be of benefit to others who are seeking to implement ICBT in routine practice.
Next-Generation Sequencing–Based Cancer Panel Data Conversion Using International Standards to Implement a Clinical Next-Generation Sequencing Research System: Single-Institution Study (Preprint)
Authors: Park Phillip , Shin Soo-Yong , Park Seog Yun , Yun Jeonghee , Shin Chulmin , Jung Jipmin , Choi Kui Son , Cha Hyo Soung
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

The analytical capacity and speed of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology have been improved. Many genetic variants associated with various diseases have been discovered using NGS. Therefore, applying NGS to clinical practice results in precision or personalized medicine. However, as clinical sequencing reports in electronic health records (EHRs) are not structured according to recommended standards, clinical decision support systems have not been fully utilized. In addition, integrating genomic data with clinical data for translational research remains a great challenge.

OBJECTIVE

To apply international standards to clinical sequencing reports and to develop a clinical research information system to integrate standardized genomic data with clinical data.

METHODS

We applied the recently published ISO/TS 20428 standard to 367 clinical sequencing reports generated by panel (91 genes) sequencing in EHRs and implemented a clinical NGS research system by extending the clinical data warehouse to integrate the necessary clinical data for each patient. We also developed a user interface with a clinical research portal and an NGS result viewer.

RESULTS

A single clinical sequencing report with 28 items was restructured into four database tables and 49 entities. As a result, 367 patients’ clinical sequencing data were connected with clinical data in EHRs, such as diagnosis, surgery, and death information. This system can support the development of cohort or case-control datasets as well.

CONCLUSIONS

The standardized clinical sequencing data are not only for clinical practice and could be further applied to translational research.
Online Information on Electronic Cigarettes: Comparative Study of Relevant Websites From Baidu and Google Search Engines (Preprint)
Authors: Chen Ting , Gentry Sarah , Qiu Dechao , Deng Yan , Notley Caitlin , Cheng Guangwen , Song Fujian
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Online information on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) may influence people’s perception and use of e-cigarettes. Websites with information on e-cigarettes in the Chinese language have not been systematically assessed.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the types and credibility of Web-based information on e-cigarettes identified from Google (in English) and Baidu (in Chinese) search engines.

METHODS

We used the keywords vaping or e-cigarettes to conduct a search on Google and the equivalent Chinese characters for Baidu. The first 50 unique and relevant websites from each of the two search engines were included in this analysis. The main characteristics of the websites, credibility of the websites, and claims made on the included websites were systematically assessed and compared.

RESULTS

Compared with websites on Google, more websites on Baidu were owned by manufacturers or retailers (15/50, 30% vs 33/50, 66%; P<.001). None of the Baidu websites, compared to 24% (12/50) of Google websites, were provided by public or health professional institutions. The Baidu websites were more likely to contain e-cigarette advertising (P<.001) and less likely to provide information on health education (P<.001). The overall credibility of the included Baidu websites was lower than that of the Google websites (P<.001). An age restriction warning was shown on all advertising websites from Google (15/15) but only on 10 of the 33 (30%) advertising websites from Baidu (P<.001). Conflicting or unclear health and social claims were common on the included websites.

CONCLUSIONS

Although conflicting or unclear claims on e-cigarettes were common on websites from both Baidu and Google search engines, there was a lack of online information from public health authorities in China. Unbiased information and evidence-based recommendations on e-cigarettes should be provided by public health authorities to help the public make informed decisions regarding the use of e-cigarettes.
Mechanisms and Effects of a WeChat-Based Intervention on Suicide Among People Living With HIV and Depression: Path Model Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Li Yiran , Guo Yan , Hong Y Alicia , Zhu Mengting , Zeng Chengbo , Qiao Jiaying , Xu Zhimeng , Zhang Hanxi , Zeng Yu , Cai Weiping , Li Linghua , Liu Cong
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV and depression have high rates of suicide. Studies of mobile health (mHealth) interventions have shown feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in improving mental health in people living with HIV and depression. However, few studies have examined the mechanisms and effects of mHealth interventions on suicide.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to examine the mechanisms and effects of a WeChat-based intervention, Run4Love, on suicide among people living with HIV and depression in China, while considering perceived stress and depressive symptoms as mediators.

METHODS

A sample of 300 People living with HIV and depression was recruited from the outpatient clinic of a large HIV or AIDS treatment hospital and was randomized to the Run4Love group or a control group. Data were collected at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups. Path analysis modeling, with longitudinal data, was used in data analyses.

RESULTS

The Run4Love mHealth intervention had a direct effect on reducing suicide rate at the 6-month follow-up (beta=−.18, P=.02) and indirect effect through reducing perceived stress and depressive symptoms at the 3-month follow-up (beta=−.09, P=.001). A partial mediating effect between perceived stress and depressive symptoms accounted for 33% (–0.09/–0.27) of the total effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Through path analyses, we understood the mechanisms and effects of an mHealth intervention on suicide prevention. The findings underscored the importance of stress reduction and depression treatment in such a program. We call for more effective suicide prevention, especially mHealth interventions targeting the vulnerable population of people living with HIV and depression.

CLINICALTRIAL

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=21019
Evaluation of Mobile Apps Targeted at Patients With Spondyloarthritis for Disease Monitoring: Systematic App Search (Preprint)
Authors: Kwan Yu Heng , Ong Wei Jie , Xiong Mengfei , Leung Ying Ying , Phang Jie Kie , Wang Charmaine Tze May , Fong Warren
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

There are many apps developed for patients with spondyloarthritis in the market, but their purpose and quality are not objectively evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate existing publicly available, high-quality apps that use validated measurement instruments for monitoring spondyloarthritis disease activity.

METHODS

We conducted a review of apps available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store based on a combination of keywords and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Validated disease activity measurement instruments were identified. Data regarding app characteristics, including the presence of validated disease activity measurement, were extracted. The Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) was used to review the apps for user experience.

RESULTS

A total of 1253 apps were identified in the app stores, and 5 apps met the criteria and were further analyzed. Moreover, 2 apps (MySpA and Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis App) contained some of the validated disease activity monitoring instruments for specific spondyloarthritis subtypes. These 2 apps were also rated good on the MARS (with total mean scores ≥4 out of 5), whereas the other apps scored poorly in comparison.

CONCLUSIONS

There are 2 high-quality spondyloarthritis disease activity monitoring apps publicly available, but they only target 2 spondyloarthritis subtypes—ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. There is a lack of high-quality apps that can measure disease activity for other spondyloarthritis subtypes, and no app that consolidates all validated disease activity instruments across subtypes was available.
Automatically Diagnosing Disk Bulge and Disk Herniation With Lumbar Magnetic Resonance Images by Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks: Method Development Study (Preprint)
Authors: Pan Qiong , Zhang Kai , He Lin , Dong Zhou , Zhang Lei , Wu Xiaohang , Wu Yi , Gao Yanjun
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Disk herniation and disk bulge are two common disorders of lumbar intervertebral disks (IVDs) that often result in numbness, pain in the lower limbs, and lower back pain. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is one of the most efficient techniques for detecting lumbar diseases and is widely used for making clinical diagnoses at hospitals. However, there is a lack of efficient tools for effectively interpreting massive amounts of MR images to meet the requirements of many radiologists.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to present an automatic system for diagnosing disk bulge and herniation that saves time and can effectively and significantly reduce the workload of radiologists.

METHODS

The diagnosis of lumbar vertebral disorders is highly dependent on medical images. Therefore, we chose the two most common diseases—disk bulge and herniation—as research subjects. This study is mainly about identifying the position of IVDs (lumbar vertebra [L] 1 to L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5 to sacral vertebra [S] 1) by analyzing the geometrical relationship between sagittal and axial images and classifying axial lumbar disk MR images via deep convolutional neural networks.

RESULTS

This system involved 4 steps. In the first step, it automatically located vertebral bodies (including the L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, and S1) in sagittal images by using the faster region-based convolutional neural network, and our fourfold cross-validation showed 100% accuracy. In the second step, it spontaneously identified the corresponding disk in each axial lumbar disk MR image with 100% accuracy. In the third step, the accuracy for automatically locating the intervertebral disk region of interest in axial MR images was 100%. In the fourth step, the 3-class classification (normal disk, disk bulge, and disk herniation) accuracies for the L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 IVDs were 92.7%, 84.4%, 92.1%, 90.4%, and 84.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The automatic diagnosis system was successfully built, and it could classify images of normal disks, disk bulge, and disk herniation. This system provided a web-based test for interpreting lumbar disk MR images that could significantly improve diagnostic efficiency and standardized diagnosis reports. This system can also be used to detect other lumbar abnormalities and cervical spondylosis.
GIANT COLONIC POLYPS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENT WITH FAMILIAL ADENOMATOUS POLYPOSIS
Authors: Djurić Zlatko , Nagorni Aleksandar , Jovičić-Milentijević Maja , Maksimović Jelisaveta
Published: May 2019

This article describes a 16-year-old girl with signs of malnutrition, rectal bleeding, hypoalbuminemia and anemia. At the age of 6 months she was operated on for hepatoblastoma. Last two years she has been followed by endocrinologist because of amenorrhea. Her family history was unremarkable. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed multiple small gastric polyps. Colonoscopy showed a few polyps in rectum and hundreds of them  (3-25 mm in diameter) in sigmoid and descending colon. Giant colonic polyps at splenic flexure region prevented further passage of the scope. The diagnosis of FAP was established based on the endoscopy and pathology of colonic polyps removed by snare polypectomy. Extraintestinal manifestations of FAP have not been detected. The patient underwent prophylactic surgery (restorative proctocolectomy). The post-operative course was uneventful. In our knowledge, this is the first report of giant colonic polyps in a pediatric patient suffering from FAP. This clinical syndrome can be presented not only with different genetic backgrounds and diverse clinical pictures but also with intriguing endoscopic findings.
STRUCTURE OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE FREQUENCY OF MICRONUCLEI IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES AND AGE, GENDER, SMOKING HABITS AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN SOUTH-EAST REGION OF SERBIA
Authors: Hedrih Andjelka , Najman Stevo , Hedrih Vladimir , Milosevic-Djordjevic Olivera
Published: May 2019

Frequency of micronuclei (MN) in peripheral blood lymphocytes is a measure of genotoxicity and spontaneous chromosomal instability with many modifying factors. The aim of this work was to examine the relation between results of micronucleus test and set of socio-demographic parameters in healthy population in south-east Serbia using structure equation approach. Cytokinesis–block (CB) technique was used for analysis of MN frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes on 133 healthy volunteers of various ages. Socio-demographic data was collected through a questionnaire. The mean frequency of MN gradually rose with age from 0.56±0.71 in new-borns to 5.48 ±3.65 in the 61-80 years age group (AG), with a decrease in the 81-92 years AG. MN frequency was positively correlated with age, altitude of birth place, altitude of place of residence, nuclear buds and nucleoplasmatic bridges, and negatively with education level and smoking habits. Linear structural model revealed age to be related to all of the examined variables, and indicates probable existence of another factor, independent of age, influencing all of these except nuclear buds. It can be concluded that the frequency of micronuclei is influenced by age and factor/s resembling socioeconomic status or lifestyle and this influence is independent of age.
INCIDENCE OF PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL RISK FACTORS FOR CHILDHOOD ASTMA
Authors: Jakovljevic Milica , Mitrović Dragana , Živanović Snežana
Published: May 2019

Asthma is one of the most frequent chronic diseases of childhood. Its etiology is not fully understood and risk factors for its development are numerous. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of prenatal and postnatal risk factors in children suffering from asthma. The study was conducted on a sample of 100 patients with a diagnosis of asthma according to Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines. The data was collected using a questionnaire. We have considered prenatal (smoking during pregnancy, hormone and antibiotic therapy, the use of acetaminophen and dietary supplements, maternal blood sugar level, the term of delivery and the method of childbirth) and postnatal risk factors (oxygen and antibiotic therapy during the first year of life, immunization status during the first 6 months of life and presence of the older sibling in the family). In our study group, the most common prenatal risk factors related to asthma were: smoking during pregnancy, hormone therapy, the use of the dietary supplements and delivery via Caesarean section, while the most frequently found postnatal risk factors were: antibiotic therapy during the first year of life and the presence of older child in the family.
CAMOUFLAGE THERAPY OF HYPOPLASIA OF THE MAXILLA. CASE REPORT
Authors: Perović Tatjana , Aleksić Ilija , Blazej Zorica
Published: May 2019

Maxillary hypoplasia is one of the forms of class III malocclusion. On average, 60%  class III malocclusions are characterized by maxillary underdevelopment in all three directions. Anomalies in position, size and the shape of facial bones, maxilla in particular, usually appear in childhood, become more pronounced in adolescence until the end of the growth period. The aim of the paper is to show the camouflage treatment of the patient in adolescence with maxillary hypoplasia. Using the RME method in the upper jaw, extraction in the lower jaw and fixed orthodontic devices in both jaws, a satisfactory result was achieved.
PILONIDAL DISEASE
Authors: Nestorović Milica , Pecić Vanja , Branković Branko , Mihajlović Dragan , Petrović Dejan , Jeremić Ljiljana , Pešić Ivan , Ignjatović Nebojša , Gmijović Marko , Krivokapić Zoran , Stanojević Goran
Published: May 2019

Pilonidal disease is a common and well-recognized medical condition. It affects people in reproductive age, especially men and in combination with in-patient and outpatient treatment and absence from work it causes a considerable socioeconomic loss. This fact led to a renewed interest in understanding of the disease and search for the ideal method of treatment. The purpose of this review was to provide update on therapeutic options for patients with pilonidal disease. In case of chronic or recurrent pilonidal disease various treatment options exist, addressing different measures of surgical outcome. Like for many conditions, there is increase in the use of minimally invasive techniques in the treatment, which could be alternative to surgical excisions for pilonidal disease. Procedures for treatment of pilonidal disease can be divided in two large groups: minimally invasive treatment and excisional procedures. Although various treatment options exist nowadays, surgery is still preferred as definitive treatment. The optimal closure of the wound following an excision is still under debate since outcome measures depend mostly on type of closure selected. Most of the procedures fail to achieve the goals altogether. The final decision on treatment should be made based on surgeon and the patient’ preference.