bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of Egyptian developmental screening chart for infants from birth up to 30 months
Authors: Shafie Ali M. El , Omar Zein A.L. , Bashir Mai M. , mahmoud sorour fayez , Basma El-sayedamr M. , Hussein Ahmed E. , Bahbah Wael A.
Published: June 2020

Background: Detecting developmental delay in infants is an ongoing world commitment, especially for those below three years old. Early detection prevents the adverse outcomes in this critical period of age. To accurately assess the development of children; a culturally appropriate screening tool must be used. Egypt lacks such tool and multiple studies have shown that western tools are not suitable in other cultures.Objectives: To establish sufficient easy, rapid, culturally appropriate and applicable screening chart for early detection of developmental delay among Egyptian infants from birth up to 30 months.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on 1503 Egyptian infants of both genders aged from birth up to 30 months assumed to have normal development according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were selected from vaccination centers and well-baby clinics. Developmental milestones from Baroda development screening test (BDST) were applied on them. Egyptian infants' developmental millstones scores were analyzed and carefully prepared in tables and charts. 97% pass levels of developmental achievements of infants represent the threshold below which infants are considered delayed. A z-score chart for motor and mental development follow up was designed by calculating each age group achievement.Results: The designed Egyptian Developmental Screening Chart (EDSC) is represented in a chart format with two curves 50% and 97% pass level. Infants considered delayed when infant's score below 97% pass level. Results revealed a statistically significant difference between Egyptian and Baroda chart at 50% and 97%pass levels.Conclusions: Extensive revision of the BDST was needed in order to create a more culturally appropriate Egyptian screening chart. This is the first study to create an Egyptian-specific screening tool, to be rapid and easy to use in Egypt for early detection of developmental delay and enabling early intervention practices. A z-score curve is reliable for follow up motor and mental development by calculating each age group achievement.
Platelet adhesion and aggregate formation controlled by immobilised and soluble VWF
Authors: Schneider Matthias F. , Fallah Mohammad A. , Mess Christian , Obser Tobias , Schneppenheim Reinhard , Alexander-Katz Alfredo , Schneider Stefan W. , Huck Volker
Published: June 2020

Background It has been demonstrated that von Willebrand factor (VWF) mediated platelet-endothelium and platelet-platelet interactions are shear dependent. The VWF's mobility under dynamic conditions (e.g. flow) is pivotal to platelet adhesion and VWF-mediated aggregate formation in the cascade of VWF-platelet interactions in haemostasis. Results Combining microfluidic tools with fluorescence and reflection interference contrast microscopy (RICM), here we show, that specific deletions in the A-domains of the biopolymer VWF affect both, adhesion and aggregation properties independently. Intuitively, the deletion of the A1-domain led to a significant decrease in both adhesion and aggregate formation of platelets. Nevertheless, the deletion of the A2-domain revealed a completely different picture, with a significant increase in formation of rolling aggregates (gain of function). We predict that the A2-domain effectively ‘masks’ the potential between the platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib and the VWF A1-domain. Furthermore, the deletion of the A3-domain led to no significant variation in either of the two functional characteristics. Conclusions These data demonstrate that the macroscopic functional properties i.e. adhesion and aggregate formation cannot simply be assigned to the properties of one particular domain, but have to be explained by cooperative phenomena. The absence or presence of molecular entities likewise affects the properties (thermodynamic phenomenology) of its neighbours, therefore altering the macromolecular function.
A comparison of Passive Surveillance and Active Cluster-Based Surveillance for Dengue Fever in southern coastal Ecuador
Authors: Vitale Melissa , Lupone Christina D , Kenneson-Adams Aileen , Ochoa Robinson Jaramillo , Ordoñez Tania , Beltran-Ayala Efráin , Endy Timothy P. , Rosenbaum Paula F. , Stewart-Ibarra Anna M.
Published: June 2020

Background: Dengue is a major emerging infectious disease, endemic throughout the tropics and subtropics, with approximately 2.5 billion people at risk globally. Active (AS) and passive surveillance (PS), when combined, can improve our understanding of dengue’s complex disease dynamics to guide effective, targeted public health interventions. The objective of this study was to compare findings from the Ministry of Health (MoH) PS to a prospective AS arbovirus research study in Machala, Ecuador in 2014 and 2015. Methods: Dengue cases in the PS system were compared to laboratory confirmed acute dengue illness cases that entered the AS study during the study period. Variables of interest included age, class, and sex. Outbreak detection curves by epidemiologic week, overall cumulative incidence and age-specific incidence proportions were calculated. Descriptive statistics were tabulated for all variables of interest. Chi-square tests were performed to compare demographic characteristics between the AS and PS data sets in 2014 and 2015. Results: 177 and 245 cases were identified from 1/1/2014 to 12/31/2015 by PS and AS, respectively; nine cases appeared in both systems. AS identified a greater number of laboratory-confirmed cases in 2014, accounting for more than 60% of dengue cases in the study area. In 2015, the opposite trend was observed with PS identifying 60% of the dengue cases in the region. Peak transmission time, as noted by AS and PS was similar in 2014 whereas earlier detection was observed by AS in 2015.Younger patients were more frequently identified by PS, while older patients were identified more frequently by AS. The cumulative incidence proportion for laboratory confirmed dengue illness reported via PS to the MoH was 4.12 cases per 10,000 residents in 2014, and 2.21 cases per 10,000 residents in 2015.Conclusions: Each surveillance system captured distinct demographic subgroups within the Machala population, possibly due to differences in healthcare seeking behaviors, access to care, emerging threats of other viruses transmitted by the same mosquito vector and/or differences in clinical presentation. Integrating AS with pre-existing PS can aid in identifying additional cases in previously under diagnosed subpopulations, improving our understanding of disease dynamics, and facilitating the implementation of timely public health interventions..
A Recognition Algorithm of VGPO Jamming Based on Discrete Chirp-Fourier Transform
Authors: Wu Chuanzhang , Chen Baixiao
Published: June 2020

This paper addresses the recognition problem of velocity gate pull-oﬀ (VGPO) jamming from the target echo signal for the velocity-based tracking system. The discrete chirp-Fourier transform (DCFT) is studied in this paper to jointly estimate the chirp rates and frequencies of the target and jamming signals. Firstly, the scaling characteristic of the DCFT algorithm is explored. Then we focus on the quantitative eﬀect of the VGPO jamming signal by analyzing the jointly estimated results in each pulse. The quantitative eﬀect indicates that, as long as the estimated frequency is unchanged, the relationship between the estimated chirp rate and the pulse numbers is similar to the relationship between the frequency oﬀset of VGPO jamming and the time. Finally, by utilizing the joint estimated results in each pulse repetition interval and calculating the mean square to variance ratio (MSVR) of the normalized estimated chirp rate, the VGPO jamming can be recognized. Simulation results show that the jamming signal and the target echo become distinguishable with the proposed feature. Comparing to the existing works, the proposed method can correctly recognize the jamming signal with lower jamming-to-noise ratio (JNR) 5dB with less data needed, which means it can work eﬀectively in the early stage of interference implementation and shows great potential in practical applications.
Milan criteria in the MELD era – Is it justifiable to extend the limits for orthotopic liver transplantation?
Authors: Morgül Mehmet Haluk , Felgendreff Philipp , Kienlein Andreas , Gauger Ulrich , Semmling Katrin Semmling , Hau Hans-Michael , Tautenhahn Hans-Michael , Bartels Michael
Published: June 2020

Background: The Milan criteria (MC) are widely used for the indication of liver transplantation (LTx) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Good long-term results have also been reported following LTx for patients exceeding the MC. In this article, we compare the overall and recurrence-free survival of our patients fulfilling and exceeding the MC according to the posttransplant histopathological results.Patients and Methods: Data from 120 patients with HCC (22 females and 98 males) were analyzed. The median patient age was 61 years (Q1, Q3: 54.7, 65.4), and the median MELD score was 11 (Q1, Q3: 8, 15). The median follow-up period was 53 months (Q1, Q3: 16.6, 78). Patients were categorized into established criteria (MC, up-to-seven (UTS), Asan criteria, AFP score), and the outcome of the individual groups was compared.Results: Seventy-four of 120 patients fulfilled the MC, 86 patients met the UTS criteria, 85 patients fulfilled the Asan criteria, and 79 patients had an AFP score less than or equal to 2. The 1- and 5-year survival rates of all patients were 76.7% and 55.6%, respectively. In total, 14.2% of all patients (5.4% of patients who met the MC, 7% of patients who met the UTS criteria, 5.9% of patients who met the Asan criteria, and 6.3% of patients who had an AFP score less than 2) experienced recurrence.Conclusions: The outcomes of the patients were comparable to those reported in the current literature. In our population, similar recurrence and survival rates of the patients were noted for patients fulfilling the UTS criteria irrespective of fulfilling or exceeding the MC. Consequently, we consider using UTS criteria as the extended criterion for LTx indication
The diagnostic value of quantitative analysis of ASL, DSC-MRI and DKI in the Grading of Cerebral Gliomas: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luan Jixin , Wu Mingzhen , Wang Xiaohui , Qiao Lishan , Guo Guifang , Zhang Chuanchen
Published: June 2020

Objective: To perform quantitative analysis on the efficacy of using relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in arterial spin labeling (ASL), relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in dynamic magnetic sensitivity contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI), and mean kurtosis (MK) in diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) to grade cerebral gliomas.Methods: Literature regarding ASL, DSC-MRI, or DKI in cerebral gliomas grading in both English and Chinese were searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBM, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Database as of 2019. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of ASL, DSC-MRI, and DKI in the grading of cerebral gliomas. Result: A total of 54 articles (11 in Chinese and 43 in English) were included. Three quantitative parameters in the grading of cerebral gliomas, rCBF in ASL, rCBV in DSC-MRI, and MK in DKI had the pooled sensitivity of 0.88 [95%CI(0.83,0.92)], 0.92 [95%CI (0.83,0.96)], 0.88 [95%CI (0.82,0.92)], and the pooled specificity of 0.91 [95%CI (0.84,0.94)], 0.81 [95%CI (0.73,0.88)], 0.86 [95%CI (0.78,0.91)] respectively. The pooled area under the curve (AUC) were 0.95 [95%CI (0.93,0.97)], 0.91 [95%CI (0.89,0.94)], 0.93[95%CI (0.91,0.95)] respectively.Conclusion: Quantitative parameters rCBF, rCBV and MK have high diagnostic accuracy for preoperative grading of cerebral gliomas.
Changes in bowel sounds of inpatients undergoing general anesthesia
Authors: Wang Guojing , Wang Mingjun , Liu Hongyun , Zhao Suping , Liu Lu , Wang Weidong
Published: June 2020

Background: General anesthesia can affect intestinal function, but there is no objective, practical and effective indicator to evaluate the inhibition and recovery of intestinal function. The main objectives of this study were to assess whether bowel sounds (BSs) changed before, immediately after and 3 hours after general anesthesia, and whether these changes in BSs are an effective indicator of intestinal function and an accurate guide for post-operative feeding. Methods: We randomly selected 26 inpatients and collected three sets of 5-minute continuous BS data before the operation (Pre-op), immediately after the operation (Pro-op) and three hours after the operation (3h-Pro-op) for each patient. Then the linear and nonlinear characteristic values (CVs) of each effective bowel sound were extracted and paired t-tests and rank-sum tests were used to evaluate the changes in the BSs. Results: The differences in CVs, between Pre-op and Pro-op, as well as between Pro-op and 3h-Pro-op, were statistically significant (p <0.05). However, there is no statistically significant differences between all the CVs between Pre-op and 3h-Pro-op (p >0.05). Conclusion: BSs changes before and after general anesthesia. Furthermore, the BSs are weakened due to general anesthesia and recover to the pre-op state three hours later. Therefore, the BSs can be an indicator of intestinal function under general anesthesia, so as to provide guidance for postoperative feeding, which is of considerable clinical significance.
Preoperative Tumor Biopsy Results In More Detected Sentinel Nodes Than Intraoperative Biopsy In Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: yuan chenxi , wang xinzhao , liu zhaoyun , li chao , bian mengxue , shan jing , song xiang , Yu Zhi-yong , yu jinming
Published: June 2020

Background Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) acts as a vital role in the breast cancer surgery, and the identified number of sentinel nodes determines its accuracy to represent the status of axillae. There remain two tumor biopsy modes in breast cancer, preoperative and intraoperative biopsy. We compared the effect of the two different biopsies on the result of SLNB. Methods Patients with clinical stage T1-3, N0 tumor were enrolled in this study. 53% received preoperative tumor biopsy and 47% received intraoperative excisional biopsy. For search of the sentinel lymph node, patients received dual tracer injection. The number of SLNs detected and false negative rate were compared between groups. Results 204 patients were enrolled, 108 received preoperative tumor biopsy and 96 received intraoperative excisional biopsy. Among all the patients, 160 received ALND following SLNB. Preoperative tumor biopsy detected more SLNs than intraoperative biopsy (mean rank 113.87 vs. 90.9, p= 0.004). False negative rate in preoperative and intraoperative tumor biopsy was 3% and 18%, respectively. Conclusions Patients in preoperative tumor biopsy group could find more SLNs than intraoperative biopsy patients. False negative rate was also lower in preoperative biopsy group.
Effects of long-term sleep disruption on cognitive function and brain amyloid-β burden: a case-control study
Authors: Thomas Jana , Ooms Sharon J. , Mentink Lara J. , Booij Jan , Rikkert Marcel G.M. Olde , Overeem Sebastiaan , Kessels Roy P.C. , Claassen Jurgen A.H.R.
Published: June 2020

Background: Recent evidence indicates that disrupted sleep could contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease by influencing the production and/or clearance of the amyloid-β protein. We set up a case-control study to investigate the association between long-term work-induced sleep disruption, cognitive function, and brain amyloid-β burden.Methods: 19 male maritime pilots (aged 48-60 years) with chronic work-related sleep disruption and a sex-, age and education-matched control sample (n=16, aged 50-60 years) with normal sleep completed the study. Primary sleep disorders were ruled out with in-lab polysomnography. Additional sleep measurements were obtained at home using actigraphy, sleep-wake logs, and a single-lead EEG device. Cognitive function was assessed with a neuropsychological test battery sensitive to early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Brain amyloid-β burden was assessed in maritime pilots using 18F-flutemetamol amyloid PET-CT.Results: Maritime pilots reported significantly worse sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)=8.8±2.9) during workweeks, compared to controls (PSQI=3.2±1.4; 95% CI 0.01 to 2.57; p=0.049). This was confirmed with actigraphy-based sleep efficiency (86% ±3.8 vs. 89.3% ±4.3; 95% CI 0.43 to 6.03; p=0.03). Home-EEG recordings showed less total sleep time (TST) and deep sleep time (DST) during workweeks compared to rest-weeks (TST: 318.56 (250.21–352.93) vs. TST: 406.17 (340–425.98); p=0.001; DST: 36.75 (32.30–58.58) vs. DST 51.34 (48.37–69.30); p=0.005)). There were no differences in any of the cognitive domains between the groups. For brain amyloid-β levels, mean global cortical standard uptake value ratios of 18F-flutemetamol were all in the normal range (1.009 ±0.059; 95% CI 0.980 to 1.037), confirmed by visual reads.Conclusions: Capitalizing on the particular work-rest schedule of maritime pilots, this study with a small sample size observed that long-term intermittent sleep disruption had no effects on global brain amyloid-β levels or cognitive function.
Early and non-consensual sexual debut among Chinese men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tang Weiming , Wang Yehua , Huang Wenting , Wu Dan , Yang Fan , Xu Yongshi , Ong Jason J. , Fu Hongyun , Yang Bin , Wang Cheng , Ma Wei , Wei Chongyi , Tucker Joseph D.
Published: June 2020

Background: Early sexual debut and non-consensual sex have been linked to higher sexual risk and STI infection in adulthood among men who have sex with men (MSM) in high-income countries. This study aimed to examine early and non-consensual sexual debut among Chinese MSM and to evaluate factors associated with early sexual debut and non-consensual sex. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 among Chinese men assigned male sex at birth, ≥18 years old, and who had ever engaged in anal sex with a man. Participants answered questions regarding socio-demographics, condomless sex, age at anal sexual debut with a man, and whether the first anal sex was consensual. Factors associated with an early sexual debut (<18 years old) and non-consensual sex at sexual debut were evaluated. We defined early sexual debut as having anal sex with another man at 17 years old or younger, and the participants were asked whether their first male-to-male anal sex was non-consensual. Results: Overall, 2031 eligible men completed the survey. The mean age of sexual debut was 20.7 (SD=4.3) years old. 17.6% (358/2031) of men reported early sexual debut, and 5.0% (101/2031) reported a non-consensual sexual debut. The early sexual debut was associated with having more male sexual partners (adjusted OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06–1.15) and condomless anal sex in the last three months (AOR=1.71, 95% CI 1.34-2.18). MSM whose sexual debut was non-consensual were more likely to have condomless anal sex (AOR=1.76, 95% CI 1.17-2.66), and to have reported an early sexual debut (AOR=2.72, 95% CI 1.75-4.21). Conclusions: Many Chinese MSM reported early sexual debut and non-consensual sex, both of which are associated with sexual risk behaviors and drive STI transmission. These findings highlight the need for designing tailored interventions for MSM who experienced early sexual debut and non-consensual sex at debut.
Kinetic analysis of the growth rate of sporadic and hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma: Comparing the postoperative calcitonin-doubling rate with the hypothetical preoperative tumor volume-doubling rate
Authors: Kihara Minoru , Miyauchi Akira , Masuoka Hiroo , Higashiyama Takuya , Ito Yasuhiro , Miya Akihiro
Published: June 2020

Background

Our previous kinetic analyses of changes in the tumor volume (TV) of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas during active surveillance revealed that the tumors' growth varied over time from rather rapid growth to shrinkage and that the hypothetical TV-doubling rates (DRs) before the patients' presentation were much larger than their observed TV-DRs, indicating that rapid growth phases preceded their presentation. Whether this phenomenon also occurs in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) was unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 46 MTC patients (18 hereditary, 28 sporadic; 9–80 years old at surgery, median 53.5 years; 19 males and 27 females) with elevated postoperative calcitonin (Ct) suggesting persistent disease. We calculated each patient's Ct-DR and his/her hypothetical TV-DR, using the tumor size and age at surgery.

Results

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Men perspectives on attending antenatal care visits together with their pregnant partners in Misungwi district, rural Tanzania: a qualitative study
Authors: Boniphace Maendeleo , Matovelo Dismas , Laisser Rose , Swai Hadija , Yohana Victoria , Tinka Sylvia , Mwaikasu Lusako , Mercader Hannah , Brenner Jennifer L , Mitchell Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Background: Mens’ attendance, together with their pregnant partners at facility-based antenatal care (ANC) visits is important, yet remains uncommon in parts of rural Tanzania. This study examined perspectives of men on attending with their pregnant partners in Misungwi District, Tanzania.Methods: Individual interviews (n=6) and focus group discussions (5) were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires with fathers, expectant fathers and other key informants (health providers, volunteer community health workers, Village leaders). The interviewers were researchers trained on how to conduct interviews prior field visits. The questions were asked using Tanzania National language ( Swahili).Transcripts were recorded, transcribed in Swahili Language and later on it was translated in English language. The research team conducted thematic analysis using English language by grouping related codes into themes. The main themes were obtained upon agreement with the research team. Results: Two key system/societal-level themes were identified: (1) males who attended facility-based ANC visits and experienced lack of being given ANC feedback from health care workers and partners and hence men felt excluded from visit services; and (2) traditional cultural beliefs and gender roles strongly influenced the choice not to attend visits. This resulted into men being hidden pregnancy details (secrecy) from their partners in the community. Conclusion: To maximize gender equity in maternal and health requires involvement of men at ANC visits in Misungwi. This can be achieved by addressing core traditional and systemic barriers including use of community health workers. Improved communication between partners and health care providers through provision of ANC feedback and male involvement in examination room is warranted to promote access to ANC.
Characteristics of HIV-1 Molecular Transmission Networks and Drug Resistance Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Tianjin, China (2014-2018)
Authors: Zheng Minna , Yu Maohe , Chen Shaohui , Zhou Ning , Ning Tielin , Li Long , Zhao Fangning , Zhao Xuan , Zhu Jingjin , Jiang Guohong
Published: June 2020

BackgroundIn Tianjin, China, there is a relatively high prevalence of HIV in men who have sex with men (MSM). The number of cases of HIV in Tianjin is also increasing. We investigated the HIV molecular transmission network, genetic tropisms, and drug resistance mutations in Tianjin. MethodsBlood samples were collected from 510 newly diagnosed antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve HIV-1-infected subjects among MSM in Tianjin. Partial pol and env genes were sequenced and used for phylogenetic, genetic tropism, and genotypic drug resistance analyses. Molecular clusters were identified with 1.5% genetic distance and 90% bootstrap support.ResultsAmong the 436 HIV-1 pol sequences obtained from the study participants, various genotypes were identified, including CRF01_AE (56.9%), CRF07_BC (27.8%), B (7.3%), CRF55_01B (4.1%), unique recombinant forms (URFs) (3.7%), and CRF59_01B (0.2%). A higher prevalence of X4 viruses was observed in individuals infected with CRF55_01B (56.3%) and CRF01_AE (46.2%) than with other subtypes. Of all 110 sequences in the 36 clusters, 62 (56.4%) were observed in 23 CRF01_AE clusters and 18 (16.4%) in four CRF07_BC clusters. Nine sequences clustered with at least one other shared the same drug resistance mutation (DRM). In different cluster sizes, the distributions of individuals by age, presence of sexually transmitted disease, and presence of DRMs, were significantly different. ConclusionWe revealed the characteristics of HIV molecular transmission, tropism, and DRMs of ART-naïve HIV-infected individuals among the MSM population in Tianjin. Identifying infected persons at risk of transmission is necessary for proposing counseling and treating these patients to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Epidemiological Scenario of Leprosy in a Province in China: Long Delay in Diagnosis and High Rate of Deformity.
Authors: Li Ge , Zhang Qing-Ping , Lin Zhao-Xing , Chen Ping , Li Chao
Published: June 2020

Background: This ecological study aimed to analyze both the tendency and the characteristics of leprosy in an endemic province in the Chinese Northwest. Methods: The medical records of leprosy in the province of Shaanxi, China, 1998-2018 were collected from the leprosy management information system in China (LEPMIS). Epidemiological variables were analyzed in this study. Results: 477 new cases were diagnosed between 1998-2018 in this area. The average rate of annual detection was 0.070/100,000, and the average annual prevalence was 0.305/100,000. The mean age of new patients was 46.71 years, and the ratio of male to female was 2.46:1. There were 399 cases (83.6%) of multibacillary (MB) forms. 148 cases (31.03%) had grade II disability. The mean delay in diagnosis for new cases was 62.01 months. Conclusion: The epidemiological study showed that the characteristics of the new leprosy cases in our province were still long delay in diagnosis and high rate of deformity, which indicated the need of actions of stimulating early diagnosis and treatment, and strengthening the detection of leprosy in low prevalent areas.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance of Dysregulated Expression of Circular RNAs in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Chenghao , He Jieyu , Qi Lin , Duan Zhixi , Wan Lu , Wang Wanchun , Tu Chao , Li Zhihong
Published: June 2020

Background
CircRNAs have emerged as pivotal regulators in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis and progression, but their prognostic and diagnostic significance remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to perform an updated meta-analysis to explore the clinical, diagnostic and prognostic values of circRNAs in osteosarcoma.
Methods
Several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane Library, were systematically searched up to April 10, 2020. Eligible studies regarding the relationship between circRNAs levels and clinicopathological, diagnostic and prognostic values in osteosarcoma patients were included in this study. Pooled odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to measure clinical characteristics, while hazard ratios with 95% CIs were adopted to assess overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).
Results
Overall, 26 relevant studies involving 1,652 patients with osteosarcoma were enrolled, with eighteen studies on clinicopathological parameters, ten on diagnosis and eighteen on prognosis. For clinical parameters, overexpression of oncogenic circRNAs was intimately correlated with larger tumor size (P < 0.00001), advanced Enneking stage (P < 0.00001), poor differentiation (P = 0.0001), and distant metastasis (DM) (P < 0.00001). In contrast, the downregulated circRNAs showed negative correlation with Enneking stage (P = 0.002) and DM (P < 0.0001). For the diagnostic values, the summary area under the curve of circRNA for the discriminative efficacy between osteosarcoma patients and non-cancer counterparts was estimated to be 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83–0.89), with a weighted sensitivity of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74–0.84), specificity of 0.80 (95%: 0.75–0.84), and diagnostic odds ratio of 15.48 (10.85–22.10), respectively. For the prognostic significance, oncogenic circRNAs had poor OS (HR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.68–2.19) and DFS (HR = 2.65, 95% CI: 2.02–3.49), while elevated expression of tumor-suppressor circRNAs were closely related to longer OS (HR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28–0.69).
Conclusions
Taken together, our study showed that aberrantly expressed circRNA signatures could serve as potential biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma.
Communicating Evidence About the Causes of Obesity and Support for Obesity Policies in British and US populations: Two Population-Based Survey Experiments
Authors: Reynolds James P , Vasiljevic Milica , Pilling Mark , Hall Marissa G , Ribisl Kurt M , Marteau Theresa M
Published: June 2020

Background: Public support for numerous obesity policies is low which is one barrier to their implementation. One reason for this low support is the tendency to ascribe obesity to failings of willpower as opposed to the environment. Correlational evidence supports this position: beliefs about the causes of obesity are associated with support for policies that aim to reduce obesity. However, the experimental evidence for the causal nature of this association is mixed. Methods: In two experimental studies participants were randomised to receive no message, messages about the environment’s influence on obesity (Study 1 & 2), or messages about the environment’s influence on human behaviour (Study 1). We investigated whether communicating these messages changed support for policies to tackle obesity and beliefs about the causes of obesity. Participants were recruited from nationally representative samples in Great Britain (Study 1 & 2) and the USA (Study 2) (total N = 4391). Study 2 was designed to replicate two previously published studies.Results: While the belief that obesity is caused by the environment was associated with support for obesity policies, neither study found evidence that communicating the messages increased support for obesity policies or strengthened beliefs about the environment’s role in obesity. Conclusions: The current study replicates earlier studies reporting an association between beliefs about obesity and the environment but does not replicate two earlier experimental studies that suggested the association is causal. The evidence reported here suggests that people’s beliefs about the causes of obesity are resistant to change and therefore not a promising avenue to increase support for obesity policies.
The Relationship Between Ambient Temperature and FPG, A Series of Cross-Sectional Studies in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Luo Jiali , He Guanhao , Xu Yanjun , Chen Zihui , Xu Xiaojun , Chen Shaowei , Hu Jianxiong , Ji Guiyuan , Liu Tao , Zeng Weilin , Li Xing , Xiao Jianpeng , Guo Lingchuan , Ma Wenjun
Published: June 2020

Background: There existed evidence that the incidence and glycemic control rate of T2DM have seasonal variation, which can be attributed to the effect of temperature on FPG. The present study aimed to examine the associations between short-term ambient temperature exposure and FPG among different populations and calculate temperature-FPG association adjusted prevalence and glycemic control rate of T2DM.Methods: Four cross-sectional health surveys with 26,350 respondents were conducted in Guangdong Province from 2007 to 2015. Multistage cluster sampling was used to recruit study participants. Gaussian generalized additive model was employed to evaluate the associations between daily mean ambient temperature and FPG among different populations (total, non-T2DM, old-T2DM and new-T2DM populations). Prevalence and glycemic control rate of T2DM were calculated based on the exposure-response association between temperature and FPG. Results: The exposure-response curve of temperature and FPG were downward parabola in total, non-T2DM and old-T2DM populations, while the curve was “U”-shaped but not significant in new T2DM population. When temperature increased from 10th percentile to 50th percentile, the FPG significantly decreased 0.14 (95%CI: -0.17, -0.11) mmol/L, 0.11 (95%CI: -0.12, -0.11) and 0.44 (95%CI: -0.80, -0.08) in total, non-T2DM and old-T2DM populations, respectively. When temperature increased from 50th to 90th percentile, the FPG significantly decreased 0.19 (95%CI: -0.22, -0.16) mmol/L, 0.17 (95%CI: -0.17, -0.17) and 0.51 (95%CI: -0.79, -0.23) in total, non-T2DM and old-T2DM populations, respectively. The alteration of rate related to the temperature difference was observed from 5℃ to 30℃, with gently decreases from 10.03% to 9.39% in prevalence of T2DM and greatly increases from 32.1% to 58.6% in glycemic control rate of T2DM, respectively.Conclusion: FPG, the prevalence and glycemic control rate of T2DM are affected by ambient temperature, which suggests temperature and FPG association should be considered and adjusted when estimating T2DM epidemiology and developing clinical management of T2DM.
Forecasting the COVID-19 Outbreak: An Application of Arima and Fuzzy Time Series Models
Authors: Verma Prashant , Khetan Mukti , Dwivedi Shikha , Dixit Shweta
Published: June 2020

Purpose: The whole world is surfaced with an inordinate challenge of mankind due to COVID-19, caused by 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). After taking hundreds of thousands of lives, millions of people are still in the substantial grasp of this virus. This virus is highly contagious with reproduction number R0, as high as 6.5 worldwide and between 1.5 to 2.6 in India. So, the number of total infections and the number of deaths will get a day-to-day hike until the curve flattens. Under the current circumstances, it becomes inevitable to develop a model, which can anticipate future morbidities, recoveries, and deaths. Methods: We have developed some models based on ARIMA and FUZZY time series methodology for the forecasting of COVID-19 infections, mortalities and recoveries in India and Maharashtra explicitly, which is the most affected state in India, following the COVID-19 statistics till “Lockdown 3.0” (17th May 2020). Results: Both models suggest that there will be an exponential uplift in COVID-19 cases in the near future. We have forecasted the COVID-19 data set for next seven days. The forecasted values are in good agreement with real ones for all six COVID-19 scenarios for Maharashtra and India as a whole as well.Conclusion: The forecasts for the ARIMA and FUZZY time series models will be useful for the policymakers of the health care systems so that the system and the medical personnel can be prepared to combat the pandemic.
Right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain as determined by speckle tracking echocardiography is a noninvasive predictor of acute cellular rejection in adult heart transplantation
Authors: Cruz Cecília Beatriz Bittencourt Viana , Hajjar Ludhmila A. , Bacal Fernando , Lofrano-Alves Marco S. , Lima Márcio S.M. , Abduch Maria C. , Viera Marcelo L.C. , Chiang Hsu P. , Salviano Juliana B. C. , Costa isabela Bispo Santos da Silva , Fukushima Julia Tizue , Sbano Joao C.N. , Mathias Wilson , Tsutsui Jeane M.
Published: June 2020

Background

Acute cellular rejection (ACR) is a major complication after heart transplantation. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) remains the gold standard for its diagnosis, but with concerning complications. We evaluated the usefulness of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and the biomarkers for detecting ACR after heart transplantation.
Methods

We prospectively studied 60 transplant patients with normal left and right ventricular systolic function who underwent EMB for surveillance sixth months after transplantation. Sixty age- and sex-matched healthy individuals constituted the control group. Conventional echocardiographic parameters left ventricular global longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain (LV-GLS, LV-GRS and LV-GCS, respectively), left ventricular systolic twist (LV-twist) and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS) were analyzed just before procedure. We also measured biomarkers at the same moment.
Results

Of 60 patients included, 17 (28%) had severe ACR (grade ≥ 2R) and 43 (72%) had no significant ACR (grade 0–1R). Absolute values of LV-GLS, LV-twist and RV-FWLS were lower in transplant patients with ACR degree ≥ 2 R compared with those without ACR (12.5% ± 2.9 vs 14.8% ± 2.3, p = 0.002 ; 13.9° ± 4.8 vs 17.1° ± 3.2, p = 0.048; 21.4%± 3.2 vs 16.6% ± 2.9, p < 0.001; respectively), while no differences were observed in both LV-GRS or LV-GCS. All these parameters were lower in transplant group without ACR than in non-transplant controls, except for LV-twist. Cardiac troponin I levels were significantly higher in patients with significant ACR than in patients without significant ACR [0.19 (0.09–1.31) vs. 0.05 (0.01–0.18), p = 0.007]. In multivariate analysis, RV-FWLS was the only independent predictor of ACR (odds ratio = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.40–0.81; p = 0.02). RV-FWLS < 18.0% had an accuracy of 85% to predict ACR.
Conclusion

Heart transplant patients have altered left ventricular dynamics compared with non-transplant individuals. RV-FWLS was the only independent predictor of ACR after heart transplantation and should be considered a valuable noninvasive screening parameter for its detection.
Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Reduction in Patients’ Waiting Time for Outpatient Procedures: A Matched Case–Control Study
Authors: Li Xiaoqing , Tian Dan , Li Weihua , Dong Bin , Wang Hansong , Yuan Jiajun , Li Biru , Shi Lei , Lin Xulin , Zhao Liebin , Liu Shijian
Published: June 2020

Background: Many studies indicate that patient satisfaction is significantly negatively correlated with waiting time. A well-designed healthcare system should not keep patients waiting too long for appointment and consultation. However, in China, patients spend considerable time waiting, and the actual time spent on diagnosis and treatment in the consulting room is comparatively less.Methods: We developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted module that is embedded in hospital information systems. Through its use, outpatients were automatically recommended an imaging examination or a laboratory test based on their symptoms and chief complaint. Thus, they could get examined or tested before they went to see the doctor. People who saw a doctor in the traditional way were assigned to the conventional group, and those who used the AI-assisted system were assigned to the AI-assisted group. We conducted a 1:1 case–control study that applied propensity score matching to pair the data from patients in a pediatric tertiary hospital between August 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020. Waiting time was defined as the time from registration to preparation for a laboratory test or an imaging examination. The total cost included the registration fee, test fee, examination fee, and drug fee. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the differences in time and cost between the AI-assisted group and the conventional group. The statistical significance level was set at 0.05 for two sides.Results: A total of 12,342 visits were recruited for this study, consisting of 6,171 visits in the conventional group and 6,171 visits in the AI-assisted group. The median waiting time was 0.38 (inter-quartile range: 0.20, 1.33) hours for the AI-assisted group compared with 1.97 (0.76, 3.48) hours for the conventional group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Using AI can significantly reduce the waiting time of patients for outpatient procedures, and thus, enhance the outpatient process of hospitals.
Detection of Deep Low-frequency Earthquakes in the Nankai Subduction Zoneover 11 Years Usingamatched Filter Technique
Authors: Kato Aitaro , Nakagawa Shigeki
Published: June 2020

To improve our understanding of the long-term behavior of low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs) along the tremor belt of the Nankai subduction zone, we applied a matched filter technique to continuous seismic data recorded by a dense and highly sensitive seismic network over an 11year window, April 2004 to August 2015. We detected a total of ~510,000 LFEs, or ~23× the number of LFEs in the JMA catalog for the same period. During long-term slow slip events (SSEs) in the Bungo Channel, a series of migrating LFEbursts intermittently occurred along the fault-strike direction, with slow hypocenter propagation. Elastic energy released by long-term SSEs appears to control the extent of LFE activity. We identify slowlymigrating fronts of LFEs during major episodic tremor and slip (ETS)events, which extend over distances of up to 100 km and follow diffusion-like patterns of spatial evolution with a diffusion coefficient of ~104 m2/s. This migration pattern closely matches the spatio-temporal evolution of tectonictremors reported by previous studies. At shorter distances, up to 15 km, we discovered rapid diffusion-like migrationof LFEs with a coefficient of ~105 m2/s. We also recognize that rapid migration of LFEs occurred intermittently in many streaks during major ETS episodes. These observations suggest that slow slip transients contain a multitude of smaller, temporally clustered fault slip events whose evolution is controlled by a diffusional process.
Dietary Branched-chain Amino Acid Evaluation Through Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Kidd Michael T. , Poernama F. , Wibowo T. , Maynard C. W. , Liu S. Y.
Published: June 2020

Background:Valine and isoleucine are similar in chemical structure and their limitation in broiler chicken diets. To evaluate their limitation and interactive effects, multivariate assessment nutrition studies for the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are needed. A three level (-1, 0, +1), three-factor Box-Behnken design study was conducted to assess BCAA ratios to lysine of 65, 75, and 85 for valine, 58, 66, and 74 for isoleucine, and 110, 130, and 150 for leucine in male and female Lohman Indian River broilers from 22 to 35 d of age.Results:Live performance of male broilers was not affected by BCAA level. However, male broilers fed increasing isoleucine had improved (P = 0.07) carcass yield as leucine and valine were reduced. Female broilers had improved body weight gain (P = 0.05) and feed conversion (P = 0.003) when leucine and isoleucine were at their lowest levels, but increasing leucine impaired live performance and warranted concomitant increases in isoleucine to restore responses. Increasing dietary isoleucine and valine in female broilers increased breast meat yield (P = 0.05), but increasing leucine tended to diminish the response.Conclusion:The female Lohman Indian River broiler is more sensitive to BCAA diet manipulation than that of males. Specifically, as dietary leucine is increased in female broilers, dietary isoleucine increases were needed to offset the negative effects. Both valine and isoleucine improved breast meat yield in female broilers, but only when birds were fed the lowest dietary leucine.
Super-spreaders: detection and culling in the control of bovine besnoitiosis.
Authors: Grisez Christelle , Bottari Leslie , Prévot Françoise , Alzieu Jean-Pierre , Liénard Emmanuel , Corbière Fabien , Rameil Marie , Desclaux Xavier , Lacz Christophe , Boulon Christian , Petermann Julie , Mével Jeanne Le , Vilardell Carine , Jacquiet Philippe
Published: June 2020

Background
Bovine besnoitiosis is an emerging vector-borne disease in Europe caused by the Apicomplexa Besnoitia besnoiti. The mechanical transmission from infected to naïve hosts is permitted by horse flies and stable flies. Bovine besnoitiosis is difficult to control due to the complexity of its diagnosis in the acute stage of the disease, poor treatment success and chronically asymptomatic cattle acting as parasite reservoirs. When serological prevalence is low, detection and specific culling of seropositive cattle is feasible; however, economic considerations preclude this approach when serological prevalence is high. The aims of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of detection of super-spreaders in highly infected herds and to test their selective elimination as a new control strategy for bovine besnoitiosis.
Methods
Real-time PCR analyses performed on skin tissues from 160 asymptomatic animals sampled at slaughterhouses showed that the tail base was the best location to evaluate the dermal parasite DNA load. All seropositive animals (N = 518) from eight dairy or beef cattle farms facing a high serological prevalence of besnoitiosis were sampled and their skin analysed by real-time PCR. A recommendation of rapid and selective culling of super-spreaders was formulated and provided to the cattle breeders. Subsequent serological monitoring of naïve animals was used to evaluate the interest of this control strategy over time.
Results
Among the 518 seropositive animals, a low proportion of individuals (13%) showed Ct values below 36, 17% had doubtful results (36 < Ct ≤ 40) and 70% had negative PCR results. These proportions were grossly similar on the eight farms, regardless of their production type (beef or dairy cattle), size, geographic location or history of besnoitiosis. Within two weeks of the biopsy, the rapid culling of super-spreaders was implemented on only three farms. The numbers of newly infected animals were lower on these farms compared to those where super-spreaders were maintained in the herd.
Conclusions
Real-time PCR analyses performed on skin biopsies of seropositive cattle showed huge individual variabilities in parasite DNA load. The rapid culling of individuals considered as super-spreaders seems to be a new and encouraging strategy for bovine besnoitiosis control.
Sürdürülebilirliğin Temel Taşı: Ekolojik Ayak İzi
Authors: MIZIK Ece Tuğba , YİĞİT AVDAN Zehra
Published: June 2020

İnsan nüfusunun artması ve teknolojinin gelişmesiyle birlikte doğal kaynaklara olan talep her geçen gün artmaktadır. Üretim ve tüketim ihtiyaçlarını sağlamak için kullanılan doğal kaynaklar insanların dünyanın sahibi olduğuna dair düşüncelerinden dolayı tahrip edilerek düşüncesizce kullanılmaktadır. Ekolojik ayak izi ifadesi kaynak kullanımının sürdürülebilir bir biçimde gerçekleştirilebilmesi için kullanılan sayısal bir metottur. Bu metot ekolojik kaynakların ekonomik değerlerinin olduğunu belirten ekolojik ekonomi ve sürdürülebilirlik kavramlarının bir bütününü temsil etmektedir. Ekolojik ayak izi kavramı, tüketilen ekolojik verimli kaynak miktarlarını ve bu kaynakların alan bazında belirlenmesini sağlayarak ekolojik kaynak tüketimini sayısallaştırmaktadır. Son zamanlarda sürdürülebilirlik kavramının disiplinler arası değerlendirilmesi sonucunda ekolojik ayak izi kavramı genişletilerek ayak izi ailesi kavramı oluşturulmuştur. Ayak izi ailesi, ekolojik kaynakların tüketiminin kaynak bazında değerlendirilmesini sağlayarak her bir kaynağın sürdürülebilirliğini sağlamaktadır. Bu çalışmada, ekolojik kaynakların sürdürülebilir yönetiminde anahtar rol oynayan ekolojik ayak izi kavramının tarihçesi ve kaynakların yönetiminde etkin olan ayak izi ailesi hakkında detaylı bir derleme çalışması yapılmıştır.