bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the morphology of Mature ovarian follicles using Image Processing Toolbox
Authors: Bao LI-Feng , Li Hui-Mei
Published: July 2020

Objective: This study aims to investigate the morphological characteristics of mature follicles with clinical value. Study Design:a retrospective studyMethods: The five morphological indexes of follicles in 72 natural ovulation cycles were measured. The shoot time of follicle photos was the day before ovulation. Measurement software was the MATLAB Image Processing Toolbox. Results: The measured average area, perimeter, equivalent circle diameter and roundness were 301.29 ± 8.52 mm2, 62.23 ± 6.82 mm, 20.21 ± 3.08 mm and 0.89 ± 0.05, respectively; and the maximal diameter was 23.12 ± 3.06 mm. Conclusion: Image Processing Toolbox is a simple and convenient measurement software. The standardization of the reference indexes of follicular morphology has an important clinical application value in reproductive medicine.Research Highlights and Graphical Abstract: In the present study, the morphological characteristics of these folliclesinclude the area, perimeter, maximal diameter, equivalent circle diameter and roundness were preliminarily studied using the related measurement software.
Predictability of pain intensity and psychological distress by suggestibility and attitude to menstruation among female university students
Authors: Abazari Nader , Heydarinasab Leila , Yaghubi Hamid , Farahani Hojjatollah
Published: July 2020

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is commonly seen among women of reproductive age and can be aggravated by emotional and physical symptoms. (PMS) has a wide variety of signs and symptoms tend to recur in a predictable pattern including fatigue, pain, mood swings, food cravings, tender breasts, irritability and depression. For most of women, the physical pain and psychological distress are severe enough to affect their daily lives. It has been observed that pain intensity and psychological distress can be affected by psychosocial variables such as catastrophizing, beliefs, coping skills, perceived social support, and learning about pain from important others. this investigation has aimed to assess Predictability of pain intensity and psychological distress by suggestibility and attitude to menstruation among Iranian population of women.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 130 female students of Shahed university of Tehran between 20 to 35-year-old. The data were collected through the, MAQ, Numeric pain assessment, DASS-42, SHSS/C, SRQ, and Demographic form. Significant level was set at 0.05. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS-24 software. The analysis method was standard regression. Results: we had 130 female students of Shahed university of Tehran participated in investigation and their data was analyzed. Pearson correlation between total score of attitudes to menstruation and subscales of DASS-42 stress, anxiety and depression was respectively (0.778), (0.751) and (0.773). after that, correlation between pain intensity and total score of attitudes to menstruation was (0.732). moreover, results showed correlation between suggestibility score with subscales of DASS-42 stress, anxiety and depression was respectively (0.731), (0.733) and (0.8741). finally, data analysis demonstrated that correlation between suggestibility score with pain intensity was (0.735). about all of indexes, sig = 0.05.Conclusion: results showed that attitude to menstruation and suggestibility can predict significantly all three subscales of psychological distress (depression, anxiety and stress), so do data analysis demonstrated that more negative attitude to menstruation can predict significantly pain intensity of menstruation among females. (sig=0.05)
Female Partner Experiences of Prostate Cancer Patients’ Engagement With A Community-Based Football Intervention: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Midtgaard Julie , Tjørnhøj-Thomsen Tine , Rørth Mette , Kronborg Malene , Bjerre Eik Dybboe , Oliffe John
Published: July 2020

BackgroundProstate cancer is often labelled a couple’s disease wherein the partner plays an important role in the man’s illness management and related health promotion activities. The aim of this study was to explore partner experiences of prostate cancer patients’ engagement with a community-based football program. MethodsEight audio-visual recorded semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 39 female partners of men with prostate cancer who participated in a community-based football program as part of the nationwide FC Prostate Community Trial (NCT02430792). Data was managed with the software program Nvivo 11 and analysed inductively to derive thematic findings. ResultsThe four thematic findings were: 1) ‘Hope of a new beginning’ which included stories of hope that football would mitigate the negative effects of men’s prostate cancer treatment[s]; 2) ‘My new partner’ was characterized by attributing connections between physical activity and elevated mood as a by-product of men’s involvement in the program; 3) ‘Football first’ included assertions of the couples mutual commitment to the football program; and 4) ‘Invisible needs’ contrasted insecurity, and unforeseen challenges for partners feeling somewhat neglected. Overall, the results confirm the need for cohesion and flexibility amongst couple-dyads to ensure partners and men with prostate cancer benefit from their involvement in football programs.ConclusionsThis study indicates that prostate cancer survivors’ engagement with community-based football are intricately connected to gender relations, roles and identities. In many instances, these gendered dimensions aided positive dyadic coping and long-term exercise adherence.
Gender Dimensions of the Impact of HIV/AIDS on Stunting in Children Under Five Years in Zimbabwe
Authors: Macheka Lesley , Kembo George , Kairiza Terrence
Published: July 2020

Background: HIV/AIDS can have a disastrous effect on household food and nutrition security, an example includes stunting in children. However, stunting and HIV/AIDS are highly gendered phenomena that need to be explored in order to get an in-depth understanding of the interrelationship. This study was therefore aimed at investigating gender dimensions of the impact of HIV/AIDS on stunting in children under five years from HIV/AIDS affected households in Zimbabwe. Methods: The study uses a large scale nationally representative cross-sectional dataset of 13 854 Zimbabwean households for the year 2019. To test hypothesis 1, the study employs binary choice models (Probit and Logit) since the outcome variable household HIV/AIDS status is dichotomous. To test hypothesis 2 and 3, the study employs the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) approach to circumvent the self selection problem in the creation of treatment and control groups for households affected by HIV/AIDS and those that are not. Results: The results revealed that household HIV/AIDS status is independent of the gender of household head. On the other hand, the results for the PSM estimates show that the probability of the household having a stunted child under five years is higher for households with an HIV positive member compared to those without. In addition, female headed households with an HIV positive member are more likely to have a stunted child under five years compared to male headed households under similar circumstances. Conclusion: Overall, the results provide evidence of a higher risk of stunting among children from households affected by HIV/AIDS. The study offers three major findings. Firstly, the study finds no significant association between gender of the household head and household HIV/AIDS status. Secondly, households that have at least one HIV positive member are more likely to have a stunted child under five years. Lastly, female headed households with at least one HIV positive member are more likely to have a stunted child under five years compared to male headed household with similar HIV/AIDS status. The findings have important policy implications towards improved integration of HIV/AIDS status, household head gender and child nutrition services in affected households.
Study on the formation and separation process of droplets in the medical piezoelectric atomization device induced by intra-hole fluctuation
Authors: Yan Qiufeng , Sun Wanting , Zhang Jianhui
Published: July 2020

Oral inhalation of aerosolized drugs can be directly performed on the affected body organs including lesions of the throat, trachea as well as lungs. As compared to the other conventional therapies such as intravenous drip, intramuscular injection and external topical administration, this novel technique can greatly reduce the dosage and side effects of drugs. However, the traditional atomization devices always exhibit many drawbacks, such as wide spreading distribution of atomization particle size, the instability of transient atomization quantity and difficulties in precise energy control, which seriously restrict more extensive application of atomization inhalation therapy. The formation and separation process of droplets is a microphenomenon of atomization. Research on the droplet formation and separation process will help us to better understand the atomization mechanism. In present work, the Conservative Level Set Method (CLSM) is the first time to be applied on the simulation of the formation and separation of droplets in a medical piezoelectric atomization device induced by intra-hole fluctuation. The intra-hole fluctuation mechanism is analyzed in details, and also the expression of the volume change of the micro cone hole is evaluated. The control equation and simulation model of droplet formation and separation process has been well established by meshing the simulation model, and thereby the process of droplet formation and separation is simulated. The corresponding results demonstrate that the breaking time of droplets decreases with the increase of inlet velocity and liquid temperature, and increases with the increase of liquid concentration. Meanwhile, the volume of droplet decreases with the increase of inlet velocity and liquid concentration, but increases with the increase of liquid temperature. The velocity of droplet is enhanced with the inlet velocity and liquid temperature rising, and reduced with the increase of liquid concentration. When the large side diameter of micro-cone hole is set as 79 μm, the breaking time of the droplet reaches a minimum value of 38.7 μs, whereas the volume and the velocity of droplet reaches a maximum value of 79.8 pL and 4.46m/s, respectively. This study reveals the atomization mechanism of the medical piezoelectric atomization device induced by intra-hole fluctuation from a micro perspective . It provides theoretical guidance for the design of medical piezoelectric atomization devices and contributes to the promotion of inhalation therapy in practical use.
Integrated Analysis of Virus and Host Transcriptomes in Cervical Cancer in Asian and Western Populations
Authors: Qiu Qiongzi , Zhou Qing , Luo Aoran , Li Xufan , Li Kezhen , Li Wenfeng , Yu Mengqian , Amanullah Md , Lu Bingjian , Lu Weiguo , Liu Pengyuan , Lu Yan
Published: July 2020

Background: Race may influence vulnerability to HPV and have an effect on cervical cancer survival independent of socioeconomic status. Integration of the virus and host transcriptomes from different populations provides an unprecedented opportunity to understand these racial disparities in the prevalence of HPV and its associated cervical cancers in addition to fundamentally advancing the knowledge of HPV-induced cervical carcinogenesis and progression. Methods: We performed RNA-Seq analysis of 90 tumors and 39 adjacent normal tissues from cervical cancer patients at Zhejiang University (ZJU) in China, and conducted a comparative analysis with RNA-Seq data of 286 cervical cancers from TCGA. Results: We found a significantly higher rate of HPV positives and HPV integrations in TCGA than in ZJU. In addition to LINC00393 and HSPB3 as new common integration hotspots in both populations, we found new hotspots such as SH2D3C and CASC8 in TCGA, and SCGB1A1 and ABCA1 in ZJU. We described the first, to our knowledge, virus-transcriptome-based classification of cervical cancer that is highly predictive of clinical outcome. Particularly, patients with expressed E5 performed better than those without E5 expression. However, the constituents of these virus-transcriptome-based tumor subtypes differ dramatically between the two populations. We further characterized the immune infiltration landscapes between different HPV statuses and revealed significantly elevated levels of regulatory T cells and M0 macrophages in HPV positive tumors, which were associated with poor prognosis. Conclusions: These findings increase our understanding of the racial disparities in the prevalence of HPV and its associated cervical cancers between Asian and Western populations, and also have important implications in the classification of tumor subtypes, prognosis, and anti-canc
Achieving the Recommended Levels of Physical Activity and Sleep among American Adolescent Athletes.
Authors: Knell Gregory , Walker Timothy J. , Johnson Ashleigh M. , Burkhart Scott O. , Polousky John D.
Published: July 2020

Background. Few adolescents are getting sufficient levels of physical activity and sleep despite the well understood health benefits of achieving sufficient levels of both, concurrently. This may be related to the limited understanding on the utility of programs to concurrently improve physical activity and sleep in adolescent populations. This study aimed to determine whether sports participation was associated with achieving the recommended levels of sleep and physical activity among a representative sample of American adolescents.Methods. Participants included a representative sample (n=58,008) of American adolescents who self-reported sport-participation (0, 1, 2, 3 or more teams yearly), and recommended levels of physical activity (at least 60-minutes per day of moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity [MVPA], and at least 3-days per week of muscle-strengthening activities [MSA]) and sleep (≤12-13 years: 9 to 10+ hours; 14-17 years: 8-10+ hours; ≥18 years: 7-9 hours). Multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate the relative odds of meeting the physical activity (MVPA and MSA) and sleep recommendations (independently and in combinations) in sex stratum among those participating in sports versus non-participation.Results. Overall, 49.2% (95%CI: 47.1%-51.4%) of males and 38.6% (95%CI: 37.3%-40.0%) of females report not participating in any sport. Sport-participation differed by sex, age, ethnicity (Hispanic), and weight status. Those who play 1-sport team had higher odds (females: OR=1.95 [95% CI=1.59-2.40]; males: OR=2.20 [1.91-2.52] of concurrently achieving recommendations for sleep and physical activity (MVPA and MSA) compared to those playing no sports teams, after adjustment. Measures of effect were larger for more sports teams played, indicating a possible dose-response relation.Conclusions. Among this representative sample of American adolescents, sports participation was consistently associated with a healthier physical activity and sleep profile. Practitioners should consider encouraging sports participation to adolescents when possible, particularly among females, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with concerns about getting adequate sleep and/or physical activity.
The Impact of the Quality of Sexual Education on HIV/AIDS in Zambia: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Fotso Arlette Simo , Findley Sally , Chisumpa Vesper H. , Sachathep Karampreet , Mulenga Lloyd B.
Published: July 2020

Background:This paper focuses on how sexual education quality is associated with HIV-related knowledge, stigma and risky sexual behaviour among Zambians. The implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education programme since 2014, with sequential in-service teacher training provides a natural experiment for testing the hypothesis that quality of sexual education, not quantity only, is positively associated with HIV knowledge, and negatively associated with risky sexual behaviours and stigma. Methods:Data are drawn from the 2016 Zambian Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment survey, which sampled 24,663 individuals aged 15-59 years old nationwide. Province fixed-effects double difference model is used to test our hypothesis. Results:We found that sexual education with well-trained teachers reduced the number of HIV-related stigma by 0.13 points, while as expected it was associated with a greater number of correct HIV-related knowledge (0.29 points). No significant association was found between quality of sex education and risky sexual behaviours. Conclusion:These results point to the importance of investing in high quality sexual education to combat the HIV-AIDS progression.
Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Among Women of Reproductive Age in Kenya and Tanzania: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Orwa James , Gatimu Samwel Maina , Mantel Michaela , Luchters Stanley , Mugerwa Micheal A. , Brownie Sharon , Subi Leonard , Mrema Secilia , Nyaga Lucy , Edwards Grace , Mwasha Loveluck , Isangula Kahabi , Selestine Edna , Jadavji Sofia , Pell Rachel , Mbekenga Columba , Temmerman Marleen
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Delayed health seeking continues to contribute to preventable maternal and neonatal deaths in low resource countries. Some of the strategies to avoid the delay includes early preparation for the birth and detection of danger signs. We aimed to assess the level of practice and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) in Kenya and Tanzania.Methods: We conducted community-based multi-stage cross-sectional surveys in Kilifi and Kisii counties in Kenya and Mwanza region in Tanzania and included women who delivered two years preceding the survey (2016-17). A woman who mentioned at least three out of five BPCR components was considered well-prepared. Bivariate and multivariable proportional odds model were used to determine the factors associated with the BPCR. The STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies informed the design and reporting of this study.Results: Only 11.4% (59/519) and 7.6% (31/409) of women were well-prepared for birth and its complications in Kenya and Tanzania, respectively, while 39.7% and 30.6% were unprepared, respectively. Level of education (primary: adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.59, 95% CI: 1.14–2.20, secondary: aOR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.39–3.59), delivery within health facility (aOR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.15–2.29), good knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy (aOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.80–2.04), labour and childbirth (aOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 0.93–2.67), postpartum (aOR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.24–5.79), and antenatal care were associated with BPCR (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.13–1.78).Conclusion: Overall, most pregnant women were not prepared for birth and its complications in Kilifi, Kisii and Mwanza region. Improving level of education, creating awareness on danger signs during preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period, and encouraging antenatal care and skilled birth care among women and their male partners/families are recommended strategies to promote BPCR practices and contribute to improved pregnancy outcomes in women and newborns.
Urine Collection in Cervical Cancer Screening – Comparison of Two HPV DNA Assays
Authors: Tranberg Mette , Jensen Jørgen Skov , Bech Bodil Hammer , Andersen Berit
Published: July 2020

Background: To reach non-participants, reluctant to undergo clinician-based cervical cancer screening and cervico-vaginal self-sampling, urine collection for high-risk human papillomavirus detection (hrHPV) may be valuable. Using two hrHPV DNA assays, we evaluated the concordance of hrHPV positivity in urine samples in comparison with cervico-vaginal self-samples and cervical cytology samples taken by the general practitioner (GP). We also studied women's accept of urine collection and preferences towards the different sampling procedures.Methods: One hundred fifty paired self-collected urine and cervico-vaginal samples and GP-collected cervical cytology samples were obtained from 30 to 59-year-old women diagnosed with ASC-US within the Danish cervical cancer screening program. After undergoing cervical cytology at the GP, the women collected first-void urine and cervico-vaginal samples at home and completed a questionnaire. Each sample was hrHPV DNA tested by the GENOMICA® CLART and COBAS® 4800 assays. Concordance in hrHPV detection between sample types was determined using Kappa (k) statistics. Sensitivity and specificity of hrHPV detection in urine was calculated using cervical sampling as reference.Results: With the COBAS assay, urine showed good concordance to the cervico-vaginal (k=0.66) self-samples and cervical samples (k =0.66) for hrHPV detection. The corresponding concordance was moderate (k=0.59 and k=0.47) using CLART. Compared to cervical sampling, urinary hrHPV detection had a sensitivity of 63.9% and a specificity of 96.5% using COBAS; compared with 51.6% and 92.4% for CLART. Invalid hrHPV test rates were 1.8% for COBAS and 26.9% for CLART. Urine collection was well-accepted and 42.3% of the women ranked it as the most preferred future screening procedure.Conclusions: Urine collection provides a well-accepted screening option. With COBAS, higher concordance between urine and cervico-vaginal self-sampling and cervical sampling for hrHPV detection was found compared to CLART. Urinary hrHPV detection is feasible, but its accuracy may need to be improved before urine collection at home can be offered to non-participants reluctant to both cervical sampling and cervico-vaginal self-sampling.
Effect of sex on clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients: a population-based study
Authors: Kang Seok Hui , Kim Sang Won , Park Jong Won , Do Jun Young , Cho Kyu Hyang
Published: July 2020

Background

Previous studies have reported the association between sex and clinical outcomes; however, the most relevant results were obtained as part of analyses evaluating other prognostic factors. This study aimed to evaluate the association between sex and clinical outcomes in patinets with COVID-19 using a population-based dataset.
Methods

This retrospective study utilized claims data from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service of Korea. Confirmed patients were included among all participants who underwent COVID-19 testing. Diseases including COVID-19 were defined using International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10). During follow-up, clinical outcomes except death were defined using Electronic Data Interchange or ICD-10 codes from the dataset.
Results

A total of 234,427 patients underwent laboratory testing for COVID-19. Finally, 7327 patients were included; of these, 2964 were men and 4363 were women. The proportions of patients with diabetes mellitus or hypertension as major comorbidities were higher among men than among women of the some age groups, but there were no significant differences in the Charlson comorbidity index score between men and women in same age group. Survival and clinical outcomes including acute kidney injury, the use of inotropes, mechanical ventilator, and cardiac events were greater in men than women. The mortality rate was the highest for the populations aged 50–64 or ≥ 65 years. Subgroup analyses for age, diabetes mellitus, or hypertension showed favorable results for patient survival or clinical outcomes in women compared to men.
Conclusion

Our population-based study showed that female patients with COVID-19 were associated with favorable outcomes, including survival. The impact of sex was more evident in population aged 50–64 or ≥ 65 years.
ChemSpectra: A Web-based Spectra Editor for Analytical data
Authors: Huang Yu-Chieh , Tremouilhac Pierre , Nguyen An , Jung Nicole , Bräse Stefan
Published: July 2020

ChemSpectra, a web-based software to visualize and analyze spectroscopic data, integrating solutions for IR (infrared spectroscopy), MS (mass spectrometry), and one dimensional 1H and 13C NMR (proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy, is described. ChemSpectra serves as work instrument for the analysis of the most often used types of one dimensional spectroscopic data in synthetic (organic) chemistry research. The software is able to deal with the open file formats JCAMP-DX (IR, MS, NMR) and mzML (MS), allowing the further extension to other formats as exemplarily shown for selected proprietary mass spectrometry data files of type RAW and NMR spectra files of type FID. The JavaScript based editor can be integrated with other software, which was shown for the Chemotion electronic lab notebook (ELN) and Chemotion repository, demonstrating the implementation to a digital work environment that offers additional functionality and sustainable research data management options. ChemSpectra supports different functions for the work with spectroscopic data such as zoom functions, peak picking and the automatic peak detection according to a default or manually defined threshold. NMR specific functions include the definition of a reference signal, the integration of signals, coupling constant calculation and multiplicity assignment. Embedded to a web application such as an ELN or a repository, the editor additionally allows the association to a sample and a file management. The file management supports the storage of the original spectra along with the last edited version and an automatically generated image of the spectra in png format. To maximize the benefit of the spectra editor for e.g. ELN users, an automated procedure for the transfer of the detected or manually chosen signals to the ELN was implemented. ChemSpectra is released under the AGPL license to encourage its re-use and further developments by the community.
Anesthesia for an emergency gastrorrhagia operation in a patient suspected with COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Chen Yu , Lv Hao
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China since December 2019 was very grave. According to Chinese govenment's guidelines, patients can be divided into confirmed cases and suspected cases. The protective measures for both are the same.Case summaryWe report a case of an emergency gastrorrhagia operation for a patient suspected to have contracted COVID-19. A 54-year-old man with massive gastric hemorrhage was scheduled for an emergency operation for exploratory hemostasis. COVID-19 infection, however, could not be ruled out, and the patient was treated as a suspected case. All the protective measures were based on patients infected or suspected to be infected with COVID-19. Before the operation, we carried out a series of protective measures, such as preparing the operating room and wearing personal protective gear. We increased the dose of neuromuscular blocking agents during the induction of anesthesia to prevent the splashing of secretions by coughing. The operation went smoothly, and the patient was transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU) in the isolation ward for extubation. Seven days later, the patient was ruled out for COVID-19 infection. ConclusionThe patient recovered successfully from the massive gastric hemorrhage, and the medical staff were not infected.
Intraventricular synchronism assessment by gated - SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging in cardiac resynchronization therapy. Does cardiomyopathy type influence results?
Authors: Peix Amalia , Padrón Kenia , Cabrera Lázaro O. , Castañeda Osmín , Milán Danet , Castro Jesús , Falcón Roylan , Martínez Frank , Rodríguez Lydia , Sánchez Jesús , Mena Erick , Carrillo Regla , Fernández Yoel , Escarano Ricardo , Páez Diana , Dondi Maurizio
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To analyse the evolution post-cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) cardiomyopathy (CM) patients compared to other types of CM, according to clinical and functional variables, by using gated-SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).Methods: Ninety-three patients (60 ± 11 years, 28% women) referred for pre-CRT assessment were studied and divided into three groups: 1 (non-ischemic CM with LVNC, 11 patients), 2 (ischemic CM, 28 patients), and 3 (non-ischemic CM, 53 patients). All were studied by a 99mTc-MIBI gated-SPECT MPI at rest pre-CRT implantation, and 6±1 months after, including intraventricular dyssynchrony assessment by phase analysis. Quality of life was measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ).Results: No differences in sex, atherosclerotic risk factors other than smoking habit, and MLHFQ results were found among groups. LVNC CM patients were younger, with greater QRS width and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at baseline, but the differences were not significant. No significant differences were found at baseline regarding ventricular function, although end-diastolic volume was slightly higher in LVNC CM patients. Mean SRS was significantly higher (p<0.0001) in ischemic patients (14.9) vs. non-ischemic ones (8.7 in group 1 and 9 in group 2). At baseline, LVNC CM patients were significantly more dyssynchronous: their phase standard deviation (PSD) was higher (89.5±14.2 degrees) vs. groups 2 (65.2±23.3 degrees) and 3 (69.7±21.7 degrees), p=0.007. Although the quality of life significantly improved in all groups, non-ischemic patients (with or without LVNC) showed a higher LVEF increase and volumes reduction at 6 months post-CRT. Dyssynchrony reduced post-CRT in all groups. Nevertheless, those more dyssynchronous at baseline (LVNC CM) exhibited the most significant intraventricular synchronism improvement: PSD was reduced from 89.5±14.2 degrees at baseline to 63.7±20.5 degrees post-CRT (p=0.028). Six months post-CRT, 89% of patients were responders: 11 (100%) of those with LVNC CM, 25 (86%) of those with ischemic CM, and 47 (89%) of patients with non-ischemic CM. No patient with LVNC CM had adverse events during the follow-up.Conclusion: CRT contributes to a marked improvement in non-ischemic CM patients with non-compaction myocardium. Phase analysis in gated-SPECT MPI is a valuable tool to assess the response to CRT.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Impact of Even the Most Successful Campaigns Fades
Authors: Lapostolle Frédéric , Weisslinger Lisa , Durand Charles , Adnet Frédéric
Published: July 2020

BackgroundFor over 35 years the ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ (BCAM) has worked to increase public information about breast cancer and to raise funds for research. The aim of this study was to analyze how the interest generated by this campaign evolved over time, in the US and other countries.MethodsWe investigated the Google Trends® according to previously recommended methods. The study was based on Internet searches using the term ‘’breast cancer’’ worldwide and in the United-States. Google Trends® gives the relative search volume of every request as an index on a scale from 0 to 100, (100 corresponding to the maximum number of requests during the studied period). We compared the relative searches index using the term ‘’breast cancer’’ during October, the breast cancer awareness month, and the rest of the of the year avec a 10 years period.Results120 months were analyzed including 10 October months. Median index for worldwide searches on ‘’breast cancer’’ during the 110 months was 35 (34-39). It didn’t significantly change during the study period (R2=0,3). Median index of the 10 peaks was 83 (64-92) (p<0,001 vs 110 months). The peak index linearly decreased (R2=0,88) during the study period. It reached 100 in 2012 and 64 in 2020. In the United-States, median index for searches during the 110 months was 28 (26-32). It didn’t significantly change during the study period (R2=0,3). Median index of the 10 peaks was 83 (63-92) (p<0,001 vs 110 months). The peak index linearly decreased (R2=0,73) during the study period. It reached 100 in 2012 and 64 in 2020.ConclusionsThis internet activity study shows that the impact of the ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ seems to be slowly decreasing. The number of Internet searches generated by the campaign has been reduced by almost 40% in both the United-States and worldwide.
Modeling the Environmental Suitability for Bacillus Anthracis Spores Survival in the Qinghai Lake Basin, China
Authors: Arotolu Temitope Emmanuel , Wang HaoNing , JiaNing Lv , Kun Shi , Hein Van Gils , Huang Liya , XiaoLong Wang
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Bacillus anthracis spores may remain viable for many years in soil. Previous studies have identified East Qinghai and neighbouring Gansu in northwest China as a potential source of anthrax infection. This study was carried out to identify conditions and areas in the Qinghai lake basin that are environmentally suitable for Bacillus anthracis spore survival. Materials and Methods: Anthrax occurrence data from 2005 – 2016 and environmental variables were spatially modeled by a maximum entropy algorithm to evaluate the contribution of the variables to the distribution of the spore. A Principal Component and Variance Inflation Analysis were adopted to limit the number of environmental variables and minimize multicollinearity. Results: The three variables that contributed most to the suitability model for B. anthracis spores are a relatively high annual mean temperature (53%), soil type (35%), and a high human population density (12%). The most significant soil types were cambisols and kastanozems. The resulting distribution map identifies the permanently inhabited rim of the Qinghai Lake as highly suitable for the survival and persistence of the spores. Conclusion: The highly suitable areas for spores could be considered as a risk zone for Anthrax infection by spores of the livestock and the human population. Our environmental suitability map and the identified variables provides the nature reserve managers and animal health authorities readily available information to devise a surveillance strategy in B. anthracis suitable regions to abate future epidemics.
Tuberculous Pericarditis with tamponade in COVID-19: A case report
Authors: WONG SHIUN WOEI , Xuan Jessica Ng Ke , Woon Chia Yew
Published: July 2020

IntroductionTuberculous pericarditis is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis infection. COVID-19 pandemic poses a challenge in detecting uncommon disease. Pericardial effusion with tamponade has been described with COVID-19 but the association with tuberculosis is not yet known. Case presentationA 47-year-old man was admitted with symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Rapid progression of cardiomegaly on radiograph with clinical deterioration were suggestive of pericardial tamponade. Urgent pericardiocentesis revealed hemoserous fluid, elevated adenosine deaminase and positive TB PCR. He was started on steroid, anti-tuberculous therapy and Remdesivir with marked improvement of symptoms. Repeat echocardiogram and CT Thorax showed resolution of pericardial fluid and patient was discharged well. ConclusionsThis case highlights the difficulty in detecting a concomitant rare but important disease. The development of massive pericardial tamponade acutely is not pathognomonic for COVID-19, and a careful diagnostic process involving multi-modality imaging, occurred to arrive at a diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Pruning from spheroidal to cubic canopy induced aphid outbreak by altering the plant performance in Box tree
Authors: Chen Anqun , Liu Yinzhan , Liu Xiaolin , Xuan Juan , Qiao Chunlian , Miao Renhui , Zhao Cancan
Published: July 2020

Backgrounds: Plant-animal interactions comprise the fundamental relationships of ecological research, and are sensitive to environmental change. However, The effects of pruning on animal-plant interactions have rarely been studied. Methods: We conducted field experiments to examine the impact of artificially-pruned shapes (e.g. cubic and spheroidal canopy) on the performance of the Box tree and the resulting aphid abundance at three sites; on a university campus, at a road green belt, and in a residential area. The differences of aphid abundance and plant morphology were determined with ANOVAs and paired-sample tests. Relationships between the investigated parameters were detected with simple regression and structural equation modelResult: Abundance was higher in plants with a cubic canopy than with a spheroidal canopy. Plants with a cubic canopy had lower leaf dry mass content and inflorescence numbers, but greater fresh twig length than the plants with a spheroidal canopy. The aphid abundance was negatively correlated with the leaf dry mass content and inflorescence numbers, and positively correlated with the fresh twig length. Conclusion: Our findings have proven that pruning shape can significantly affect the abundance of herbivores on the pruned plants. The results can provide data support for human actives can alter plant performance, and thereby to change insect preference.
Signature Based on Immune-Related LncRNA Can Predict Overall Survival of Osteosarcoma Patients
Authors: Li Longqing , Zhang Lianghao , Khader Manhas Adbul , Zhang Yan , Lu Xinchang , Zhang Yi , Liu Yongkui , Wen Jia , Liu Tao , Yuan Yaobo , Li Jiazhen
Published: July 2020

Background: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor common in children and adolescents. Metastatic status remains the most important guideline for classifying patients and making clinical decisions. Despite many efforts, newly diagnosed patients receive the same therapy that patients have received over the last 4 decades. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology and the rise of immunotherapy, it is necessary to deeply explore the immune molecular mechanism of osteosarcoma.Methods: We obtained RNA-seq data and clinical information of osteosarcoma patients from TCGA database and TARGET database. With the help of co-expression analysis we identified immune-related lncRNA and then by means of univariate Cox regression analysis prognostic-related lncRNA was screened out. And also by using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression method a model based on immune-related lncRNA was constructed. The differences in overall survival, immune infiltration, immune checkpoint gene expression, and tumor microenvironmental immunity type between the two groups were evaluated.Results: We constructed a signature consisting of 13 lncRNA. Our results show that signatures can reliably predict the overall survival of patients with osteosarcoma and can bring net clinical benefits. Further more, the signatures can be used for further risk stratification of the metastasis patients. Patients in the low-risk group had higher immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint gene expression. The results from gene set variation analysis show that patients in low-risk group are closely related to immune-related pathways when compared with patients in high-risk group. Finally, patients in the low-risk group are more likely to be classified as TMIT I and hence more likely to benefit from immunotherapy.Conclusion: Our signature may be a reliable marker for predicting the overall survival of patients with osteosarcoma.
Spatiotemporal evolution and diffusion pattern of the COVID-19 epidemic in Hainan Province, China
Authors: Gao Xing , Li Gang , Wang Jiaobei , Xu Tingting
Published: July 2020

Within one month after the first case occurred in Hainan Province, the number of confirmed cases increased to 168, and there was no increase in nearly three months. As the southernmost province and a famous tourist destination, its frequent economic exchanges and high-intensity movements may affect the spread of epidemic. Therefore, it is of great theoretical and practical significance to examine the spatiotemporal evolution and diffusion pattern of the COVID-19 epidemic in Hainan Province.
COVID-19 Confinement In Portugal: Effects On The Household Routines Of Children Under 13
Authors: Pombo André , Luz Carlos , Rodrigues Luis Paulo , Cordovil Rita
Published: July 2020

Objective To know how confinement affects children’s routines, more specifically their physical activity (PA) and sedentary time.MethodsAn online survey was launched to assess how Portuguese children under 13 years of age are adjusting their daily routines to confinement. Parents reported the daily time each child was engaged in different activities, which were used to calculate overall sedentary time and overall physical activity time.Results: Data from 2159 children, indicated that during confinement: i) there was a decrease in children’s physical activity time (72.3%); and an increase in screen time (71.3%) and family activities (83.9%); ii) the only sex differences were found on Playful Screen Time (boys > girls) and in Play without PA (girls > boys); iii) along age groups, there was a trend for the increase of the overall sedentary time and a complementary decrease of overall physical activity time (both F(3,2097) =97.951, p < .001).Conclusion: Overall, PA of confined children showed low levels and a clear decreasing trend along childhood. Conjoint family and societal strategies to target specific age groups should be organized in the future.
Chest X-Ray Findings and Temporal Lung Changes in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Rousan Liqa A , Elobeid Eyhab , Karrar Musaab , Khader Yousef
Published: July 2020

Background: Chest CT scan and chest x-rays show characteristic radiographic findings in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Chest x-ray can be used in diagnosis and follow up in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The study aims at describing the chest x-ray findings and temporal radiographic changes in COVID-19 patients.Methods: From March 15 to April 20, 2020 patients with positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for COVID-19 were retrospectively studied. Patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, and chest x-ray findings were reported. Radiographic findings were correlated with the course of the illness and patients’ symptoms.Results: A total of 88 patients (50 (56.8%) females and 38 (43.2%) males) were admitted to the hospital with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. Their age ranged from 3-80 years (35.2 ±18.2 years). 48/88 (45%) were symptomatic, only 13/88 (45.5%) showed abnormal chest x-ray findings. A total of 190 chest x-rays were obtained for the 88 patients with a total of 59/190 (31%) abnormal chest x-rays. The most common finding on chest x-rays was peripheral ground glass opacities (GGO) affecting the lower lobes. In the course of illness, the GGO progressed into consolidations peaking around 6-11 days (GGO 70%, consolidations 30%). The consolidations regressed into GGO towards the later phase of the illness at 12-17 days (GGO 80%, consolidations 10%). There was increase in the frequency of normal chest x-rays from 9% at days 6- 11 up to 33% after 18 days indicating a healing phase. The majority (12/13, 92.3%) of patients with abnormal chest x-rays were symptomatic (P=0.005).Conclusion: The chest x-ray findings were similar to those reported on chest CT scan in patients with COVID-19, Chest x-ray can be used in diagnosis and follow up in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
The Effect of Smoking on Progression From Ductal Carcinoma in Situ to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Takada Koji , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Asano Yuka , Goto Wataru , Kouhashi Rika , Yabumoto Akimichi , Morisaki Tamami , Shibutani Masatsune , Takashima Tsutomu , Fujita Hisakazu , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: July 2020

Background: If ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is diagnosed by histological examination such as core needle biopsy or vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB), invasion is often found by removing the entire tumor and performing pathological examination. According to a meta-analysis, the rate of invasion found by postoperative pathological examination is about 25%. Smoking is a risk factor for carcinogenesis in various carcinomas, including breast cancer. We examined the correlation between the risk of invasion found by postoperative pathology and smoking history in patients who were diagnosed with DCIS by preoperative biopsy.Methods: In this study, we examined 128 patients who were diagnosed with DCIS by preoperative biopsy. Before the biopsy, all patients were asked about the duration of smoking, number of cigarettes smoked per day, and whether they were currently smoking. The data were used to calculate each patient’s tobacco exposure based on pack-years. The statistical analyses included the Pearson’s chi-square test and logistic analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed on the risk factors for invasion diagnosed by postoperative pathological examination in all cases diagnosed with DCIS by preoperative biopsy.Results: Of all the patients included in this study, 107 (83.5%) never smoked, which represented the majority, while 8 patients (6.3%) smoked at diagnosis with DCIS, and 13 (10.2%) had quit smoking before diagnosis. Tobacco exposure was 10 or less pack-years for 11 patients (8.6%) and more than 10 pack-years for 10 patients (7.8%). Number of pack-years was not an independent factor (p=0.349, odds ratio [OR]=0.329), but current smoker status (p=0.006, OR=not calculable) was an independent factor with VAB (p=0.018, OR=0.327).Conclusions: This study suggests that tobacco components may have an influence on the progression from DCIS to invasive ductal carcinoma.
RESPOSTA DE FEIJÃO-CAUPI À INOCULAÇÃO COM ESTIRPE DE RIZÓBIO
Authors: Rocha Higo Gustavo Da Silva , Castro Helainy De Sousa , Freitas José Roberto Brito
Published: July 2020

O feijão-caupi vem ganhando força na produção brasileira de grãos, entretanto, sua produtividade poderia ser aumentada pelo uso de inoculantes de rizóbios, maximizando o processo de nodulação, e consequentemente, maior fixação biológica do nitrogênio no solo, suprindo as necessidades deste nutriente requerido pela planta, baixando custos com aplicação de fertilizantes nitrogenados, e diminuindo o processo de salinização dos solos. Objetivou-se com este estudo, avaliar a resposta do feijão-caupi à inoculação de sementes com estirpe de rizóbio, em comparação à adubação mineral nitrogenada. Este experimento foi inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos: sementes inoculadas; adubação com ureia; e controle. A cultivar de feijão-caupi utilizada foi a BRS Guariba. Foram avaliadas características estruturais e produtividade das plantas: massa seca da parte aérea, número de nódulos e acúmulo de nitrogênio na parte aérea, número de vagens e de grãos por planta, e produtividade de grãos. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, realizando-se os testes de Tukey ao nível de 5% de significância. Verificou-se valores de acúmulo de nitrogênio na parte aérea iguais (P>0,05), entre o tratamento inoculado com estirpe BR3267 e o tratamento com aplicação de ureia, com 261,33 e 235,61 mg, respectivamente; A produtividade foi maior (P<0,05) no tratamento com inoculante, com 600 kg/ha, em comparação aos 445 e 285 kg/ha dos tratamentos com ureia, e controle, respectivamente. A inoculação das sementes de feijão-caupi com a estirpe de rizóbio BR 3267, é a alternativa que proporciona o maior ganho produtivo, em comparação a adubação com ureia, no manejo da cultura do feijão-caupi.