bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 in a Rural Community: Outbreak Dynamics, Contact Tracing and Environmental RNA
Authors: Fernández de Mera Isabel G. , Rodríguez del Río Francisco J. , de la Fuente José , Pérez Sancho Marta , Hervas Dolores , Moreno Inma , Dominguez Mercedes , Domínguez Lucas , Gortázar Christian
Published: May 2020

Background: Since March 2020, Spain is severely hit by the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Understanding and disrupting the early transmission dynamics of the infection is crucial for impeding sustained transmission. Methods: We recorded all COVID-19 cases and traced their contacts in an isolated rural community. We also sampled 10 households, 6 public service sites and the wastewater from the village sewage for environmental SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Results: The first village patient diagnosed with COVID-19-compatible symptoms occurred on March 3, 2020, twelve days before lockdown. A peak of 39 cases occurred on March 30. By May 15, the accumulated number of symptomatic cases was 53 (6% of the population), of which only 22 (41%) had been tested and confirmed by RT-PCR as SARS-CoV-2 infected, including 16 hospitalized patients. Contacts (n=144) were six times more likely to develop symptoms. Environmental sampling detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in two households with known active cases and in two public service sites: the petrol station and the pharmacy. Samples from other sites and the wastewater tested negative. Conclusions: The low proportion of patients tested by RT-PCR calls for urgent changes in disease management. We propose that early testing of all cases and their close contacts would reduce infection spread, reducing the disease burden and fatalities. In a context of restricted testing, environmental RNA surveillance might prove useful for early warning and to identify high-risk settings enabling a targeted resource deployment.
Bilateral Line Local Binary Patterns for Face Recognition
Authors: Truong Hung Phuoc , Nguyen-Khoa Minh Bao , Kim Yong-Guk
Published: May 2020

Local binary pattern is one of the visual descriptors and can be used as a powerful feature extractor for texture classification. In this paper, a novel representation for face recognition is proposed, called it Bilateral Line Local Binary Patterns (BL-LBP). This scheme is an extension of Line Local Binary Patterns descriptors in the statistical learning subspace. The present bilateral descriptors are fused with an ensemble learning of calibrated SVM models. The performance of this scheme is evaluated using 5 standard face databases. It is found that it is robust against illumination variation, diverse facial expressions and head pose variations and its recognition accuracy reaches 98 percent, running on a mobile device with a processing speed of 63 ms per face. Results suggest that our proposed method can be very useful for the vision systems that have limited resources where the computational cost is critical.
Optimising ‘Positive’ Findings from Judgement Bias Tests: A Consideration of Inherent Confounding Factors Associated with Test Design and Biology
Authors: Whittaker Alexandra , Barker Timothy
Published: May 2020

The assessment of positive emotional states in animals has been advanced considerably through the use of judgement bias testing. JBT methods have now been reported in a range of species. Generally, these tests show good validity as ascertained through use of corroborating methods of affective state determination. However, published reports of judgement bias task findings can be counter-intuitive and show high inter-individual variability. It is proposed that these outcomes may arise as a result of inherent inter- and intra-individual differences as a result of biology. This review discusses the potential impact of sex and reproductive cycles, social status, genetics, early life experience and personality on judgement bias test outcomes. We also discuss some aspects of test design that may interact with these factors to further confound test interpretation. There is some evidence that a range of biological factors affect judgement bias test outcomes, but in many cases this evidence is limited and needs further characterisation to reproduce the findings and confirm directions of effect. It is our proposition that researchers should consider dedicated study on these factors and their impact on judgement biasing. This is needed to confirm effect and investigate mechanisms. Alternately, consideration and reporting of these factors in JBT studies through incorporation in statistical analyses will provide much needed additional data on their impact. These actions will enhance the validity and practical applicability of the JBT for welfare assessment.
Fixator-Assisted Nailing for Managing Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Sequelae: A Novel Technique
Authors: Hashem Majdi , Alatassi Raheef
Published: May 2020

Case:

An 18-year-old man with a slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated within in situ screw fixation 5 years earlier presented to our clinic with hip pain, limping, and limited range of motion (ROM) of the left hip. Fixator-assisted nailing (FAN) accompanied by double femoral osteotomies was performed to treat the proximal femoral deformity. At follow-up, the patient had regained full ROM and acceptable alignment of the left lower limb.

Conclusion:

The FAN approach effectively manages proximal femoral deformities in select patients. It requires careful analysis of the deformity, meticulous preoperative planning, and surgeons familiar with both intramedullary nailing and external fixation techniques.
Intra-articular Extraskeletal EWSR1-Negative NR4A3-Positive Myxoid Chondrosarcoma
Authors: Lal Divakar N. , El-Zammar Ola , Naous Rana , Damron Timothy A.
Published: May 2020

Case:

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas (EMCs) are rare soft-tissue malignancies. Intra-articular occurrence is even more rare. To our knowledge, this case is one of only 2 reported intra-articular EMC cases of the knee free of local recurrence and/or amputation at follow-up. This case is also distinctive for being fluorescence in-situ hybridization–negative for the typical EMC-balanced translocation t(9;22) which fusesEWSR1withNR4A3, harboring instead a variant translocation resulting in fusion ofNR4A3with a less common gene fusion partner.

Conclusion:

This is a unique case of intra-articular EMC of the knee with a rare molecular fingerprint and an unusually positive outcome.
Rapid Neurologic Deterioration due to an Enlarging Thoracic Spine Synovial Cyst
Authors: Lambrechts Mark J. , Goldstein Christina L.
Published: May 2020

Case:

We present the case of a 69-year-old man arriving to our clinic after a previous outside hospital recommendation of L1-S1 fusion due to degenerative scoliosis. A thoracic spine synovial cyst was identified through magnetic resonance imaging. The patient had rapid progression of his neurologic deficit due to cyst enlargement. We elected to perform cyst decompression and instrumented fusion of the involved thoracic segment. The patient rapidly regained full neurologic function. After the one-year follow-up, he remained asymptomatic with no progression of thoracolumbar degeneration.

Conclusions:

Thoracic spine synovial facet cysts are uncommonly encountered. Decompression alone or decompression and fusion are both viable treatment options depending on the surgeon's assessment of spine stability after decompression. This diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with unilateral lower extremity upper motor neuron findings.
The origin and significance of convolute lamination and pseudonodules in an ancient deep-marine turbidite system: From deposition to diagenesis
Authors: Al-Mufti Omar N. , Arnott R. William C.
Published: May 2020

Soft-sediment deformation structures, like convolute lamination and pseudonodules, are common in deep-marine turbidites, but details of their origin and timing of formation remain a source of debate. Deep-marine basin-floor deposits of the Neoproterozoic Upper Kaza Group (Windermere Supergroup) crop out superbly in the Castle Creek study area and provide an ideal laboratory to investigate these aspects in convolute-laminated pseudonodules, and also how that deformation influenced later diagenesis. Pseudonodules consist of well-sorted, matrix-poor, upper medium- to coarse-grained, planar-stratified or cross-stratified sandstone that are underlain and overlain by comparatively more poorly sorted, matrix-rich, graded sandstone of similar grain size. Deposition of the stratified pseudonodules is interpreted to have occurred during the same event that deposited the graded sandstone, albeit during a period of general transport bypass, whereby isolated, shallow, seafloor depressions became filled with well-sorted, stratified sand. As stratified sand accumulated the depressions slowly subsided until a critical thickness had built up and exceeded the load-bearing capacity of the substrate composed of graded sand. This destabilized the surface separating the two layers and resulted in the stratified unit foundering, and in some cases becoming completely enveloped by, the upward-displaced lower-density substrate. Surprisingly, despite the deformed macroscopic character of the stratified sediment, primary grain fabric, including intergranular porosity up to 40%, was preserved and influenced early diagenesis, which, owing to dispersed phosphate cement and depleted carbon isotope composition of the pervasive carbonate cement, would have begun very near the sediment–water interface. Importantly also, pseudonodules are common in basin-floor deposits but comparatively rare in continental-slope strata. Expanding flow conditions over the basin floor would have promoted grain settling, and in turn development of a more stably (density) stratified flow structure. Ultimately this resulted in higher local rates of sedimentation on the basin floor and the accumulation of a substrate more prone to later liquidization.
Correlation of Knowledge and Beliefs to Adherence with Antibiotic Use in Adult Patients at a Private Hospital in Sidoarjo
Authors: Wattiheluw Muhammad Hasan , Herawati Fauna , Setiasih Setiasih , Yulia Rika
Published: May 2020

Infectious diseases are one of the top ten causes of death in the world. Antibiotic therapy is administered for infectious diseases, but if bacteria are exposed to antibiotics continuously, then the bacteria are able to adapt to the medication, thereby resulting in antibiotic resistance. This condition results in an increase in mortality, long hospitalization period, and increased cost of antibiotic therapy and health services. Adherence to using antibiotics may be influenced by knowledge and beliefs about them. This study aimed to understand correlation between knowledge and belief with adherence to antibiotic use at a private hospital in Sidoarjo. This cross-sectional study, the data collected in three months period, was conducted with a questionnaire for assessment knowledge and belief. A pill count method was applied for assessment adherence to using antibiotics prescribed by doctors. The study results show that knowledge of the respondents was adequate for 76 people (69.7%), belief was adequate for 74 people (67.9%), and adherence to antibiotic use for 79 people (72%). Regression analysis showed that the variable that significantly influenced the adherence of patients in using antibiotics was perceived threat (p-value = 0,029). Sex, age, education, income, occupation, and marital status have no contribution to antibiotic knowledge, belief, and adherence.
Religious Leader’s Support toward Individual at Risk ofHIV/AIDS to Attend Voluntary Counselling and Testing Service
Authors: Manurung Imelda Februati Ester , Wahyuni Chatarina Umbul , Probandari Ari
Published: May 2020

Religious leader is a figure who is believed to have the gift of healing. A person with illness will follow any advice the religious leader gives for his/her recovery.Based on the phenomenon, religious leader is a potential local figure to give support for individuals at risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) andacquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study aimed to determine factors related to religious leader’s support toward individuals at risk of HIV andAIDS to attend voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service. This study was an observational analytical with cross-sectional design. The population of thisstudy was religious leader in Kupang City. The sample size was 70 people selected through random sampling technique. The data were collected using questionnaire and analyzed using chi-square and multiple logistic regression test. Factors significantly related to the religious leaders supports’ for individuals atrisk of HIV and AIDS to get VCT were knowledge (OR = 9.01; 95% CI = 1.73 - 47.07), servant leadership (OR = 11.67; 95% CI = 2.44 - 55.84, trust (OR =11.55; 95% CI = 2.35 - 56.70) and perception (OR = 6.12; 95% CI = 1.26 - 29.71). Social capital had no significant effect on the religious leader support’s (OR= 1.06; 95% CI = 0.22 - 5.12). It is necessary to improve religious leader’s knowledge of HIV and AIDS.
Adaptation and Validation of the Tamil (Sri Lanka) Version ofthe Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Authors: Coonghe Pethirupillai Amal Dinesh , Fonseka Pushpa , Sivayogan Sampasivamoorthy , Keshavaraj Ajantha , Malhotra Rahul , Ostbye Truls
Published: May 2020

The study aimed to develop the Tamil (Sri Lanka) version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and investigate its reliability and validity as a briefscreening tool for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Tamil-speaking Sri Lankan elderly with normal cognition and MCI were recruited from a neurology clinic.Adaptation of the English MoCA to the Tamil (Sri Lanka) involved context-specific content modification and translation. The content validity, reliability, sensitivity,and specificity of the tool were evaluated. Study participants were 184 older adults, comprising 85 with normal cognition and 99 neurologist-diagnosed MCI.The tool had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed an area under the curve of 0.87(95% CI = 0.83 - 0.91) for detecting MCI. The optimal cut-off score for detection of MCI was 23/24, yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 84.7% and 76.4%,respectively. The Tamil (Sri Lankan) version of the MoCA maintains its core diagnostic properties rendering it a valid and reliable tool for screening of MCIamong Tamil speaking Sri Lankan older adults.
A concept analysis of children with complex health conditions: implications for research and practice
Authors: Azar Rima , Doucet Shelley , Horsman Amanda Rose , Charlton Patricia , Luke Alison , Nagel Daniel A , Hyndman Nicky , Montelpare William J.
Published: May 2020

Background: This concept analysis aimed to clarify the meaning of “children with complex health conditions” and endorse a definition to inform future research, policy, and practice. Methods: Using Walker and Avant’s (2011)’s approach, we refined the search strategy with input from our team, including family representatives. We reviewed the published and grey literature. We also interviewed 84 health, social, and educational stakeholders involved in the care of children with complex health conditions about their use/understanding of the concept. Results: We provided model, borderline, related, and contrary cases for clarification purposes. We identified defining attributes that nuance the concept: (1) conditions and needs’ breadth; (2) uniqueness of each child/condition; (3) varying extent of severity over time; 4) developmental age; and (5) uniqueness of each family/context. Antecedents were chronic physical, mental, developmental, and/or behavioural condition(s). There were individual, family, and system consequences, including fragmented services. Conclusions: Building on previous definitions, we proposed an iteration that acknowledges the conditions’ changing trajectories as involving one or more chronic condition(s), regardless of type(s), whose trajectories can change over time, requiring services across sectors/settings, oftentimes resulting in a lower quality of life. A strength of this paper is the integration of the stakeholders’/family’s voices into the development of the definition.
Analysis and comprehensive comparison of PacBio and nanopore-based RNA sequencing of the Arabidopsis transcriptome
Authors: Cui Jiawen , Shen Nan , Lu Zhaogeng , Xu Guolu , Wang Yuyao , Jin Biao
Published: May 2020

Background: The number of studies using third-generation sequencing using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) is rapidly increasing in many different research areas. Among them, plant full-length single-molecule transcriptome studies have mostly used PacBio sequencing, whereas ONT is rarely used. Therefore, in this study, we examined ONT RNA sequencing methods in plants. We performed a detailed evaluation of reads from PacBio, Nanopore direct cDNA (ONT Dc), and Nanopore PCR cDNA (ONT Pc) sequencing including characteristics of raw data and identification of transcripts. In addition, matched Illumina data were generated for comparison. Results: ONT Pc showed overall better raw data quality, whereas PacBio generated longer read lengths. In the transcriptome analysis, PacBio and ONT Pc performed similarly in transcript identification, simple sequence repeat analysis, and long non-coding RNA prediction. PacBio was superior in identifying alternative splicing events, whereas ONT Pc could estimate transcript expression levels. Conclusions: This paper made a comprehensive comparison of PacBio and nanopore-based RNA sequencing of the Arabidopsis transcriptome, the results indicate that ONT Pc is more cost-effective for generating extremely long reads and can characterise the transcriptome as well as quantify transcript expression. Therefore, ONT Pc is a new cost-effective and worthwhile method for full-length single-molecule transcriptome analysis in plants.
Dairy Cow Culling - Reasons and Risk Factors
Authors: Rilanto Triin , Reimus Kaari , Orro Toomas , Emanuelson Ulf , Viltrop Arvo , Mõtus Kerli
Published: May 2020

Background Culling is a major cost for dairy farms but also an essential part in managing herd productivity. This study aimed to identify the culling rates of Estonian dairy cows, identify the farmers’ stated reasons and risk factors for culling. This observational study used registry data of all cows from herds with ≥20 cow-years in 2013-2015. Cow lactation-level analyses included data of 86,373 primiparous cows from 409 herds and 177,561 lactations of 109,295 multiparous cows from 410 herds. Weibull proportional hazard regression models were used to identify risk factors for culling due to slaughter or death. Results The overall culling rate of Estonian dairy cows was 26.24 (95% CI 26.02; 26.46) per 100 cow-years. The most common reasons farmers stated for culling were feet/claw disorders (26.4%), udder disorders (22.6%), metabolic and digestive disorders (18.1%) and fertility problems (12.5%). Animal-level risk factors for culling were Holstein breed, older parity, lower milk yield breeding value, older age at first calving, longer previous calving interval, having assisted calving, stillbirth and birth of twins/triplets. Lower milk yield, somatic cell count over 200,000 cells/ml and fat/protein ratio over 1.5 at first test-milking after calving were associated with greater culling hazard during the lactation. Cows from larger herds, herds with decreasing size and higher milk yields had a higher culling probability. Conclusions This study emphasises the need for improved management of hoof health and prevention of mastitis and metabolic diseases. It is essential to ensure easy calving and good health of cows around calving in order to lower the culling hazard.
Exosomal microRNAs are novel circulating biomarkers in cigarette,waterpipe smokers, E-cigarette users and dual smokers
Authors: Singh Kameshwar P. , Maremanda Krishna P. , Li Dongmei , Rahman Irfan
Published: May 2020

Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) produce aerosolized substances by heating a liquid, which contains large number of chemicals. The aerosol generated by E-cig may produce adverse health effects. Cigarette smoke exposure causes various diseases including COPD, atherosclerosis, and lung cancer. Waterpipe tobacco smoking also causes various acute and chronic health effects including cardiopulmonary diseases. microRNAs are present in higher concentration in exosomes that play a major role in various physiological and pathological functions. We hypothesized that the non-coding RNAs transcript may serve as susceptibility to disease biomarkers by smoking and vaping. Results: Our data show the enrichment of various non-coding RNAs that include microRNAs, tRNAs, piRNAs, snoRNAs, snRNAs, Mt-tRNAs, and other biotypes in exosomes. A comprehensive differential expression analysis of microRNAs, tRNAs and piRNAs showed significant changes across different pairwise comparisons. The seven microRNAs that were common and differentially expressed of when all the smoking and vaping groups were compared with non-smokers (NS) are hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-let-7f-5p, hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-30a-5p and hsa-let-7i-5p. The e-cig vs. NS group has differentially expressed 5 microRNAs (hsa-miR-224-5p, hsa-miR-193b-3p, hsa-miR-30e-5p, hsa-miR-423-3p, hsa-miR-365a-3p, and hsa-miR-365b-3p) that is specific for this group and are not expressed in other three groups. Gene set enrichment analysis of microRNAs showed significant changes in the top six enriched functions that consisted of biological pathway, biological process, molecular function, cellular component, site of expression and transcription factor in all the groups. Further, the pairwise comparison of tRNAs and piRNA in all these groups revealed significant changes in their expressions. Conclusions: Plasma exosomes of cigarette smokers, waterpipe smokers, e-cig users and dual smokers have common differential expression of microRNAs which may serve to distinguish smoking and vaping subjects from NS. Among them has-let-7a-5p has high sensitivity and specificity to distinguish NS with the rest of the users, using ROC curve analysis. This study will pave the way for the utilizing the potential of exosomes/miRNAs as a novel theranostic agents in understanding the lung injury caused by tobacco smoking and vaping.
Functional production of human antibody by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Huynh Hung Hiep , Morita Naoki , Sakamoto Toshihiro , Katayama Takuya , Miyakawa Takuya , Tanokura Masaru , Chiba Yasunori , Shinkura Reiko , MARUYAMA Jun-ichi
Published: May 2020

Background: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as biopharmaceuticals take a pivotal role in the current therapeutic applications. Generally mammalian cell lines, such as those derived from Chinese hamster ovaries (CHO), are used to produce the recombinant antibody. However, there are still concerns about the high cost and the risk of pathogenic contamination when using mammalian cells. Aspergillus oryzae, a filamentous fungus recognized as a GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) organism, has an ability to secrete a large amount of proteins into the culture supernatant, and thus the fungus has been used as one of the cost-effective microbial hosts for heterologous protein production. Pursuing this strategy the human anti-TNFα antibody adalimumab, one of the world’s best-selling antibodies for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, was chosen to produce the full length of mAbs by A. oryzae. Generally, N-glycosylation of the antibody affects immune effector functions such as antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) via binding to the Fc receptor (FcγR) on immune cells. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to first delete the Aooch1 gene encoding a key enzyme for the hyper-mannosylation process in fungi to investigate the binding ability of antibody with FcγRIIIa.Results: Adalimumab was expressed in A. oryzae by the fusion protein system with α-amylase AmyB. The full-length adalimumab consisting of two heavy and two light chains was successfully produced in the culture supernatants. Among the producing strains, the highest amount of antibody was obtained from the ten-protease deletion strain (39.7 mg/L). Two-step purifications by Protein A and size-exclusion chromatography were applied to obtain the high purity sample for further analysis. The antigen-binding and TNFα neutralizing activities of the adalimumab produced by A. oryzae were comparable with those of a commercial product Humira®. No apparent binding with the FcγRIIIa was detected with the recombinant adalimumab even by altering the N-glycan structure using the Aooch1 deletion strain, which suggests only a little additional activity of immune effector functions.Conclusion: These results demonstrated an alternative low-cost platform for human antibody production by using A. oryzae, possibly offering a reasonable expenditure for patient’s welfare.
Sex differences in the relationship between dietary pattern adherence and cognitive function among older adults: Findings from the NuAge study
Authors: D’Amico Danielle , Parrott Matthew D. , Greenwood Carol E. , Ferland Guylaine , Gaudreau Pierrette , Belleville Sylvie , Laurin Danielle , Anderson Nicole D. , Kergoat Marie-Jeanne , Morais Jose A. , Presse Nancy , Fiocco Alexandra J.
Published: May 2020

Background: Consumption of a prudent dietary pattern rich in healthy nutrients is associated with enhanced cognitive performance in older adulthood, while a Western dietary pattern low in healthy nutrients is associated with poor age-related cognitive function. Sex differences exist in dietary intake among older adults; however, there is a paucity of research examining the relationship between sex-specific dietary patterns and cognitive function in later life. Methods: The current study aimed to investigate sex differences in the relationship between sex-specific dietary pattern adherence and global cognitive function at baseline and over a 3-year follow-up in 1268 community-dwelling older adults (Mage=74 years, n = 664 women, n = 612 men) from the Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging (NuAge). A 78-item Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to estimate dietary intake over the previous year. Sex-specific dietary pattern scores were derived using principal component analysis. Global cognition was assessed using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS). Results: Adjusted linear mixed effects models indicated that a healthy, prudent dietary pattern was not associated with baseline cognitive performance in men or women. No relationship was found between Western dietary pattern adherence and baseline cognitive function in women. Among men, adherence to an unhealthy, Western dietary pattern was associated with poorer baseline cognitive function (b = -0.652, p = 0.02, 95% CI [-1.22, -0.65]). No association was found between prudent or Western dietary patterns and cognitive change over time in men or women. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of conducting sex-based analyses in aging research and suggest that the relationship between dietary pattern adherence and cognitive function in late life may be sex-dependent.
Transitions in Adolescent Boys and Young Men’s High-Risk Sexual Behaviour in India
Authors: Sharma Santosh Kumar , Vishwakarma Deepanjali
Published: May 2020

Background: The sexual behaviour of adolescents is of importance due to the engagement in risky sexual activity at a too early age, which may be associated with the adverse outcomes. The study aims to understand the transitions in adolescent boys and young men’s high-risk sexual behaviour in India using two rounds of Indian demographic health survey, NFHS-3 (2005-06) and NFHS-4 (2015-16). Methods: A total of 25,538 in NFHS-3 (2005-06) and 35,112 in NFHS-4 (2015-16) men were considered for the analysis. Men have been divided into two age groups as 15-19 years (adolescent) and 20-24 (young men) for comparison purposes. Descriptive and multivariate statistics have been used. Results: Overall, high-risk sexual behaviour has increased among adolescent boys (64% to 70%) and young men (18% to 27%) from 2005-06 to 2015-16. The trend of live-in relationship has increased among adolescent boys of rural areas (0.6% to 6.0%) as well as in urban areas (3.1% to 10.9%) over the last ten years. Adolescent boys having 10th and above years of schooling (AOR=1.98; p<0.01), residing in urban areas (AOR=2.23; p<0.01), and belonging to the affluent class of households (AOR=1.41; p<0.05) were more likely to engage in high-risk sexual activity than the young men in India. The odds of high-risk sexual behaviour was higher among alcohol-using adolescent boys (AOR= 1.82; p<0.01) and young men (AOR=2.38; p<0.01) in 2015-16.Conclusions: The study concludes that early sexual debut, lower prevalence of condom use at first sexual experience, tendency of live-in-relationship, and alcohol consumption indicate the hazardous interconnection between such behaviours among adolescent boys over the last decade which put them at higher-risky sexual behaviour as compared to young men. Adolescent’ sexual behaviours have both short-term and long-term consequences, and interventions that focus on multiple domains of risk may be the most effective in helping to promote broad reproductive health among young adults.
Comparison of the clinicopathological characteristics and their impact on outcomes of resected colorectal liver metastases across time
Authors: Chen Lionel , Syn Nicholas L. , Goh Brian K. P. , Cheow Peng Chung , Raj Prema , Koh Yexin , Chung Alexander , Lee Ser Yee , Ooi London Lucien , Chan Chung Yip , Teo Jin Yao
Published: May 2020

Background Resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) has been established as the standard of care. This study aims to compare the change in clinicopathological characteristics of patients who underwent curative resection of CLM across two time periods – 2000 to 2010 (P1) and 2011 to 2016 (P2) and evaluate the prognostic impact of these characteristics on survival outcomes. Methods Patients who undergo liver resection for CLM at Singapore General Hospital from January 2000 to December 2016 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. The primary end point was overall survival. Results There were 183/318 (57.5%) patients and 135/318 (42.5%) patients in P1 and P2 respectively. There was a lower proportion of patients who had nodal metastases from primary colorectal cancer and clinical risk score (CRS) less than 3 in P2 when compared to P1. There was no difference in survival between both time periods. Independent predictors of survival for the cohort were CEA levels ≥200ng/ml, primary tumour grade and lymph nodal status. Independent predictors of poor survival in P1 were poorly differentiated colorectal cancer and nodal metastases while in P2, independent predictors of poor survival were multiple liver metastases and nodal metastases.Conclusion Nodal metastases from primary colorectal cancer is an independent predictor of poor survival across time for resectable CLM. Although there is no difference in survival between the two time periods, patients with multiple liver metastases should be carefully considered prior to surgery as it is also an independent predictor of overall survival.
Cerenkov luminescence imaging is an effective preclinical tool for assessing colorectal cancer PD-L1 levels in vivo
Authors: Zhao Sheng , Pan Wen-Bin , Jiang Hui-Jie , Zhang Rong-Jun , Jiang Hao , Liang Zong-Hui , Hu Hong-Bo
Published: May 2020

Background: Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that immunotherapy has effectively delayed tumor progression, and the clinical outcomes of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy were related to PD-L1 expression level in the tumors. A 131I-labeled anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody tracer, 131I-PD-L1-Mab, was developed to study the target ability of non-invasive Cerenkov luminescence imaging in colorectal cancer xenograft mice.Method: Anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody labeled with 131I (131I-PD-L1-Mab), and in vitro binding assays were used to evaluate the affinity of 131I-PD-L1-Mab to PD-L1 and their binding level to different colorectal cancer cells, and compared with flow cytometry, western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining. The clinical application value of 131I-PD-L1-Mab was evaluated through biodistribution and Cerenkov luminescence imaging, and different tumor-bearing models expressing PD-L1 were evaluated.Results: 131I-PD-L1-Mab showed high affinity to PD-L1, and the equilibrium dissociation constant was 1.069×10-9M. The competitive inhibition assay further confirmed the specific binding ability of 131I-PD-L1-Mab. In four different tumor-bearing models with different PD-L1 expression, the biodistribution and Cerenkov luminescence imaging showed that the RKO tumors demonstrated the highest uptake of the tracer 131I-PD-L1-Mab, with a maximum uptake of 1.613 ± 0.738%IA/g at 48 h.Conclusions: There is a great potential for 131I-PD-L1-Mab noninvasive Cerenkov luminescence imaging to assess the status of tumor PD-L1 expression and select patients for anti-PD-L1 targeted therapy.
Preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index predicts prognosis of patients with non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Hu Xu , Shao Yan-Xiang , Yang Zhi-Qiang , Dou Wei-Chao , Xiong San-Chao , Li Xiang
Published: May 2020

Background: A novel systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), based on the neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelet counts, is associated with the prognosis of several cancers. The present study evaluates the prognostic significance of SII in non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Method: The present study retrospectively reviewed the medical record of patients with non-metastatic RCC who underwent nephrectomy between 2010 and 2013. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify the optimal cut-off value. In addition, the propensity score matching (PSM) was performed with a matching ratio of 1:1. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify the prognostic factors. The results were reported by hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: A total of 646 patients were included in the final analysis. High SII group (>529) was significantly associated with older age (P=0.014), larger tumor (P<0.001), higher pathological T stage (P<0.001), higher tumor grade (P<0.001) and more tumor necrosis (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the higher preoperative SII was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR=2.26; 95%CI 1.44-3.54; P<0.001) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR=2.17; 95%CI 1.33-3.55; P=0.002). After PSM, elevated preoperative SII was an independent predictor of poor OS (HR=1.78; 95%CI 1.1-2.87; P=0.018) and CSS (HR=1.8; 95%CI 1.07-3.03; P=0.027).Conclusion: In conclusion, preoperative SII is associated with adverse factors for RCC. Furthermore, higher preoperative SII is an independent predictor of poor OS and CSS in surgically treated patients with non-metastatic RCC. More prospective and large scale studies are warranted to validate our findings.
L-Carnitine Supplementation could improve Clinical Symptom but not effect on C- reactive Protein and Malondialdehyde in Obese Women with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: BAGHBAN FARNAZ , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh , Mozaffari-Khosravi Hassan , Dehghan Ali , Fallahzadeh Hossein
Published: May 2020

Backgrounds:L-carnitine decreases oxidation and inflammation by reducing the fatty acid in plasma and using oxygen in ATP synthesis. So, knee osteoarthritis (KOA) can be improved by reducing apoptotic chondrocytes. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of L-carnitine supplementation along with low calorie diet and low calorie diet alone on improvement of KOA among obese women. In other words, we aimed to investigate the additional effect of L- carnitine on improvement of KOA among obese women who received low calorie diet.Methods76 obese women with KOA were randomly assigned into two low-calorie diet groups; the first one received the 1000 mg L-carnitine (LCG) and with the second group took the placebo (PLG) (n = 38). Anthropometry indices, body composition, lipid profile, C- reactive Protein (CRP), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) WOMAC index were assessed at the baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: At the end of the study, the LCG showed significant improvements compared with the PLG in the total WOMAC scores (17.41 ± 9.81 compared with 23.50 ± 12.02 (P = 0.024)); physical function (11.15 ± 6. 56 compared with 15.61 ± 8.17 (P = 0.014)); BMI (-1.21 ± 0.84 kg/m2 compared with − 0.79 ± 0.70 kg/m2 (P = 0.027)). However, MDA, total cholesterol, fat and visceral fat mass decreased only in LCG significantly, but not in the PLG. Other variables did not have any significant changes. Conclusion: Oral administration of 1000 mg L-carnitine in 12 weeks could improve WOMAC score and BMI, but not affect CRP, MDA, and lipid profile. Further trials with higher doses and longer durations, are required to verify our results. IRCT registration number: IRCT2017011932026N2. Registration date: 2017-04-27.
90 Days Impacts of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning on Patients Undergoing Open Total Aortic Arch Replacement: A Post-Hoc Analysis of a Previous Trial
Authors: Chen Yimeng , Wang Guyan , Zhou Hui , Yang Lijing , Zhang Congya , Yang Xiying , Lei Guiyu
Published: May 2020

Background: In the previous randomized controlled trial by our research group, we evaluated the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) in 130 patients (65 per arm) on acute kidney injury (AKI) within 7 days of open total aortic arch replacement. Significantly fewer RIPC-treated patients than sham-treated patients developed postoperative AKI, and, epically, RIPC significantly reduced serious AKI (stage II–III). However, the long-term effect of RIPC in patients undergoing open total aortic arch replacement is unclear. Methods: This study was a post-hoc analysis. We aimed to assess the roles of RIPC in major adverse kidney events (MAKE), defined as consisting persistent renal dysfunction, renal replacement therapy and mortality, within 90 days after surgery in patients receiving open total aortic arch replacement.Results: In this 90-day follow-up study, data were available for all study participants. We found that RIPC failed to improve the presence of MAKE within 90 days after surgery (RIPC: 7 of 65[10.8%]) vs sham: 15 of 65[23.1%]; P=0.061). In those patients who developed AKI after surgery, we found that the rate of MAKE within 90 days after surgery differed between the RIPC group and the sham group (RIPC: 4 of 36[11.2%]; sham: 14 of 48[29.2%]; P=0.046).Conclusions: At 90 days after open total aortic arch replacement, we failed to find a difference between the renoprotective effects of RIPC and sham treatment. The effectiveness or ineffectiveness of RIPC should be further investigated in a large randomized sham-controlled trial.Trial registration: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Fuwai Hospital (No. 2016–835) and our previous study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov before patient enrollment (NCT03141385; principal investigator: G.W.; date of registration: March 5, 2017).
Hiding in Plain Sight: Gendered Dimensions of Health Worker Migration from ‘Source’ Country Perspectives
Authors: Bourgeault Ivy Lynn , Runnels Vivien , Atanackovic Jelena , Spitzer Denise , Roberts Margaret Walton
Published: May 2020

Background: Gender roles affect health worker migration and their migration experiences, but policy responses have rarely considered the gender dimensions of health worker migration. This invisibility and lack of attention can lead to social, health and labour market inequities. Methods: A Canadian-led research team with co-investigators in the Philippines, South Africa, and India studied the international migration of health workers from these ‘source’ countries through documentary, interview and survey data with workers and country-based stakeholder interviews. Our particular focus was to examine the causes, consequences and policy responses to health worker migration. Here we undertake an explicit gender-based analysis highlighting the gender-related influences and implications that emerged from the literature, policy documents and empirical data. Results: Our data from nurses, physicians, and other health workers reveal that gender mediates health workers’ access and participation in health worker training, employment, and migration, and the impact of health worker migration is gendered, depending on country context. Female migrant health workers were “preferred” for “innate” personal characteristics and cultural reasons. Female nurse migration in particular is greatly influenced and linked to personal relationships and social networks including friends in the diaspora. Remittances by female nurses to family back home may play a large role in the decision to migrate. Migration may improve social status of women nurses, but it also exposes them to deskilling, sexism and racialization. Regardless of these apparent differences in migration decision-making and experiences for women and men health workers, gender is rarely considered either as an important contextual influence or analytic category in the policy responses.Conclusion: An explicit gender-based analysis on health worker migration offers useful insights for health workers considering migration and those that ultimately migrate, the workplaces and families they leave behind, and social and health policy of their countries.
Metabolic acclimation supports higher aluminium-induced secretion of citrate and malate in an aluminium-tolerant hybrid clone of Eucalyptus
Authors: Li Wannian , Finnegan Patrick , Dai Qin , Yang Mei
Published: May 2020

Background
Eucalyptus is the main timber species, most of which are hybrid clones, and usually grow in aluminized acid soil in China. The exudation of organic acids from roots may contribute to detoxification of Al and lead to the Al-tolerance in Eucalyptus genotypes. To further understand the organic acid response in Al tolerance in Eucalyptus, the Al-tolerant Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla clone GL-9 (marked as “G9”) and the Al-sensitive Eucalyptus urophylla clone GL-4 (marked as “W4”) were used to investigate the secretion and metabolism of citrate and malate in roots.
Results
Eucalyptus seedlings in hydroponics were exposed to the presence or absence of 4.4 mM Al at pH 4.0 for 24 hours. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHM) and the anion channel blocker phenylglyoxal (PG) were applied to explore possible pathways involved in organic acid secretion. The Al treatments caused higher Al accumulation in roots of both clones. The secretion of malate and citrate was greater in G9 than in W4, corresponding to the relatively higher tolerance in G9 to Al. The peak Al concentration occurred after 1 h in G9 roots and declined afterward, indicating the activation of detoxification to alleviate Al accumulation. After 6 h of Al exposure, the efflux of citrate dramatically increased in G9 after a substantial lag phase, while both peak Al accumulation in roots and peak malate secretion occurred and there was no induction of citrate secretion in W4. Enhanced activity for citrate synthase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, and reduced activity for NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase, aconitase and NADP-malic enzyme were closely associated with the greater secretion of citrate in G9. Both PG and CHM were effective inhibitors of citrate and malate secretion in both Eucalyptus clones, except the malate secretion in W4 was not affected by CHM.
Conclusions
In two different Al-tolerant Eucalyptus clones, both secretion and internal accumulation of citrate and malate in roots were involved in Al detoxification. An anion channel on the plasma membrane could be an important mode of organic acid secretion. Citrate and relevant metabolizing enzymes led more important role in the response to Al in E. grandis × E. urophylla.
Combating the melioidosis pathogen using antibiotics in combination with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Malawong Sathit , Thammawithan Saengrawee , Sirithongsuk Pawinee , Nasompag Sawinee , Daduang Sakda , Klaynongsruang Sompong , Wong Pamela T. , Patramanon Rina
Published: May 2020

Background

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the Gram-negative bacillus bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei. Due to the emerging resistance of B. pseudomallei to antibiotics, including ceftazidime (CAZ), the development of novel antibiotics and alternative modes of treatment has become an urgent issue. Here, we demonstrate an ability to synergistically increase the efficiency of antibiotics through their combination with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
Method:

Combinations of four conventional antibiotics, including CAZ, imipenem (IMI), meropenem (MER), or gentamicin sulfate (GENT), with AgNPs were tested for their bactericidal effects against three isolates of B. pseudomallei, including 1026b, H777, and 316c, using the microdilution checkerboard method of antibiotic and AgNPs mixing. Morphological changes in the bacteria after treatment with the combined antibiotic-AgNPs was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Result

The combination of four antibiotics with AgNPs gave fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index values and fractional bactericidal concentration (FBC) index values ranging from 0.312 to 0.75 µg/mL and 0.252 to 0.625 µg/mL, respectively, against the three isolates of B. pseudomallei. SEM imaging revealed damage to the bacterial cell structure at the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and FIC levels, while extreme severe cellular damage was observed at the FBC level. Surprisingly, at the FBC level, the bacteria produced large amounts of fibers that are the components of biofilm.
Conclusion

The study clearly shows that most of the combinatorial treatments exhibited synergistic antimicrobial effects against all three isolates of B. pseudomallei. The highest enhancing effect was observed for GENT with AgNPs. We also found that the combination of these antibiotics with AgNPs restored their bactericidal potency in the bacterial strains previously shown to be resistant to the antibiotic. The observed synergistic activities of conventional antibiotics with AgNPs suggest that it might also be possible to achieve equivalent or higher levels of bacterial cell death with lower concentrations of antibiotics using the combined treatments. These results support the use of the antibiotic/AgNPs combination as an alternative design strategy for new therapeutics to more effectively combat melioidosis.
Effect of magnetized ethanol-gasoline blends on vibration and sound emissions of a single cylinder SI engine
Authors: Faraji Hosna , Heidarbeigi Kobra , Samadi Sadegh
Published: May 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.