bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breast Cancer Mass Detection in DCE-MRI Using Deep-Learning Features Followed by Discrimination of Infiltrative vs In Situ Carcinoma through A Machine-learning Approach
Authors: Conte Luana , Tafuri Benedetta , Portaluri Maurizio , Galiano Alessandro , Maggiulli Eleonora , De Nunzio Giorgio
Published: August 2020

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide in women. This aggressive tumour can be categorized into two main groups: in situ and infiltrative, with the latter being the most common malignant lesions. The current use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was shown to provide highest sensitivity in the detection and discrimination between benign vs. malignant lesions, when interpreted by expert radiologists. In this article, we present the prototype of a Computer-Aided Detection/Diagnosis (CAD) system that could provide valuable assistance to the radiologist for the discrimination between in situ and infiltrating tumours. The system consists of two main processing levels: 1) Localization of possibly tumoral regions of interest (ROIs) through an iterative procedure based on intensity values (ROI Hunter) followed by a deep-feature extraction and classification method for false-positive rejection; 2) Characterization of the selected ROIs and discrimination between in situ and invasive tumour, consisting of Radiomics feature extraction and classification through a machine-learning algorithm. The CAD system was developed and evaluated using a DCE-MRI image database, containing at least one confirmed mass per image, as diagnosed by an expert radiologist. When evaluating the accuracy of the ROI Hunter procedure with respect to the radiologist-drawn boundaries, sensitivity to mass detection was found to be 75%. The AUC of the ROC curve for discrimination between in situ and infiltrative tumors was 0.70.
Pan-Echinocandin-Resistant Candida glabrata Bloodstream Infection Complicating COVID-19: A Fatal Case Report
Authors: Posteraro Brunella , Torelli Riccardo , Vella Antonietta , Leone Paolo Maria , De Angelis Giulia , De Carolis Elena , Ventura Giulio , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Fantoni Massimo
Published: August 2020

Coinfections with bacteria or fungi may be a frequent complication of COVID-19, although coinfections with Candida species in COVID-19 patients remain rare. We report the 53-day clinical course of a complicated type-2 diabetes patient diagnosed with COVID-19, who developed bloodstream infections initially due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, secondly to multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, and lastly to a possibly fatal Candida glabrata. Development of FKS-associated pan-echinocandin resistance in the C. glabrata isolated from the patient after 13 days of caspofungin treatment aggravated the situation. The patient died of septic shock shortly before the prospect of receiving potentially effective antifungal therapy. This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and monitoring for antimicrobial drug-resistant coinfections to reduce their unfavorable outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
MODEL PENDIDIKAN PEREDAM PEMIKIRAN DAN GERAKAN RADIKAL BELAJAR DARI KUDUS
Authors: Rosyid Moh
Published: August 2020

Educational institutions that produce educated generation is a place of reliance on the growth of generations berakhlakul karimah, friendly, courteous, and obey the rules of the country and religion. However, in reality, there is an educated generation but a terrorist actor. This happens because his life is in the environment (non-educational institutions) are coloring his mindset. Thus, the social environment contributes to the creation of a radical or polite generation. The consequence that must be done by formal and non formal education institutions is to change the learning patterns that text book into education that comes to the field with the content of the values of internal tolerance and inter-religious people. It is also necessary to realize the education of Bela Negara which is being worked by the Ministry of Defense RI era Jokowi-JK President. Tolerant education and state defenses are part of the effort to counter radical reasoning so that educators need to produce learning tips that do not dwell on class and text, it is also necessary to create an education that puts forward the real facts of social as a matter of study. The occurrence of radical reasoning because life is like a frog in a shell so that something different is identified with error. The need for intergovernmental and social elements to raise awareness that true education is the implementation of education in the home environment, community environment, and in educational institutions as a whole, not only in formal educational institutions only. Consequently, the need for learning innovation together in realizing an educated generation with smart and moral potential. Educational tips need to promote tolerant education in order to become a fanatic generation in dealing with differences in ethnicity, religion, and social strata in their environment. This effort is reinforced by the fact that terrorist networks have become an epidemic of acute illness in this country. In fact, the majority of educated perpetrators of terror, both formal education and non-formal religious education (Islamic).
PENGEMBANGAN MODEL MANAJEMEN KURIKULUM 2013
Authors: Utami Wikan Budi , Amir Yayat Hidayat , Ponoharjo Ponoharjo , Aulia Fikri
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to find a 2013 curriculum management model and provide recommendations to policy makers in developing the 2013 curriculum in the city of Tegal. The implementation of the 2013 curriculum in the city of Tegal is still on a limited scale and there are still many schools that are constrained by the implementation of the 2013 curriculum. This research was carried out at Al-Irsyad High School in the city of Tegal. This type of research is research and development. The results of this study indicate that the 2013 curriculum management model at Al-Irsyad High School in Tegal city was developed through the following steps: curriculum process, planning, curriculum organizing, staffing and curriculum control. The development procedure, is started by conducting a feasibility study and needs and then ends with the implementation of improvements and adjustments after being tested

 
Burden of viral hepatitis caused by specific aetiologies in China, 1990-2016: findings from the GBD 2016
Authors: Li Man , Wang Zhuo-qun , Zhang Lu , Zheng Hao , Zhou Mai-geng , Liu Dian-wu
Published: August 2020

Purpose The aim of this study is to quantify the burden caused by viral hepatitis in China from 1990 to 2016. Methods: Data from the GBD 2016 study were extracted to calculate incidence, prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Trends in DALYs were assessed in 33 provinces/regions. Results: From 1990 to 2016, the total incidence of hepatitis decreased by 88.5%. However, the prevalence of hepatitis (counts in thousands), increased by 37.6% from 153,856 (95% UI: 136,047-172,319) in 1990 to 211,721 (95% UI: 179,776-240,981) in 2016, with age-standardized prevalence rates changing slightly. The number and age-standardized rates of prevalence increased by 35.9% and 1.6% for hepatitis B, respectively, and by 81.8% and 30.4% for hepatitis C. Guangxi, Guangdong and Hainan had the highest age-standardized prevalence rates (≥16,500 per 100,000). Tibet, Qinghai and Gansu had the highest age-standardized DALYs rates (≥40 per 100,000). The largest absolute number of DALYs was observed in the 15-49 year age group in 2016. The highest rate of DALYs occurred in males aged 50-69 years and in females aged ≧70 years. Conclusion: The incidence and DALYs of viral hepatitis decreased dramatically from 1990 to 2016. However, the prevalence still remains at a high level, which may result in heavy burdens in the future.
Promoting traditional foods for human and environmental health: lessons from agroecology and Indigenous communities in Ecuador
Authors: Deaconu Ana Laura , Mercille Geneviève , Batal Malek
Published: August 2020

Background: The displacement of traditional dietary practices is associated with negative nutritional consequences for rural Indigenous people, who already face the brunt of both nutritional inadequacies and excesses. Traditional food (TF) consumption and production practices can improve nutritional security by mitigating disruptive dietary transitions, providing nutrients and improving agricultural resilience. Meanwhile, traditional agricultural practices regenerate biodiversity to support healthy ecosystems. In Ecuador, Indigenous people have inserted TF agricultural and dietary practices as central elements of the country’s agroecological farming movement. This study assesses factors that may promote TF practices in rural populations and explores the role of agroecology in strengthening such factors.

Methods: Mixed methods include a cross-sectional comparative survey of dietary, food acquisition, production and socioeconomic characteristics of agroecological farmers (n=61) and neighboring reference farmers (n=30) in Ecuador’s Imbabura province. Instruments include 24-hour dietary recall and a food frequency questionnaire of indicator traditional foods. We triangulate results using eight focus group discussions with farmers’ associations.

Results: Compared to their neighbors, agroecological farmers produce and consume more TFs, and particularly underutilized TFs. Farm production diversity, reliance on non-market foods and agroecology participation act on a pathway in which TF production diversity predicts higher TF consumption diversity and ultimately TF consumption frequency. Age, income, market distance and education are not consistently associated with TF practices. Focus group discussions corroborate survey results and also identify affective (e.g. emotional) and commercial relationships in agroecological spaces as likely drivers of stronger TF practices.

Conclusions: Traditional food practices in the Ecuadorian highlands are not relics of old, poor and isolated populations but rather an established part of life for diverse rural people. However, many TFs are underutilized. Sustainable agriculture initiatives may improve TF practices by integrating TFs into production diversity increases and into consumption of own production. Agroecology may be particularly effective because it is a self-expanding global movement that not only promotes the agricultural practices that are associated with TF production, but also appears to intensify affective sentiments toward TFs and inserts TFs in commercial spaces. Understanding how to promote TFs is necessary in order to scale up their potential to strengthen nutritional health.
Cohort Profile: The Nigerian HIV Geriatric Cohort Study
Authors: Dakum Patrick , Avong Yohanna Kambai , Odutola Michael Kolawole , Okuma James , Kayode Gbenga Ayodele , Nta Iboro Ekpo , Ndembi Nicaise , Mensah Charles , Khamofu Hadiza , Okonkwo Prosper , Okpanachi John Oko , Ezeanolue Echezona
Published: August 2020

Background: The Nigerian HIV Geriatric Cohort (NHGC) is a longitudinal cohort setup to learn how elderly people living with HIV (EPLHIV) in Nigeria fare, despite not being prioritized by the national treatment program, and to deepen knowledge for their differentiated care and achieve better outcomes. In this paper, we describe data collected on sociodemographic and clinical data from EPLHIV from the inception of Nigeria’s national HIV program to 2018.Methods: Patient-level data spanning the period 2004 to 2018, obtained from comprehensive HIV treatment hospitals, that are supported by four major PEPFAR-implementing partners in Nigeria were used. These 4 entities collaborated as member organizations of the Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance. We defined elderly as those aged 50 years and above. From deidentified treatment records, demographic and clinical data of EPLHIV ≥50-year-old at ART initiation during the review period was extracted, merged into a single REDcap® database, and described using STATA 13.Results: A total of 101,652 unique EPLHIV entries were analysed. This cohort’s data was of 53,608(52.7%) women, 51,037(71.4%) of EPLHIV identified as married and 33,446(51.1%) unemployed. Mean age was 57.1 years (SD=6.9) with average duration on ART as 4.6 years (SD=3.5). ART profile showed that 88,792(95.7%) were on 1st-line and 55,905 (64.9%) were on TDF-based regimens. Mean-body mass index (BMI) was 23.0 kg/m2 (SD=5.4 kg/m2) with 56,010(55.1%), 19,619(19.3%) and 8844(8.7%) showing normal (18.5kg/m2–24.9kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25 -<30kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥30kg/m2) ranges respectively. Prevalence of hypertension (systolic-BP >140mmHg or diastolic-BP >90mmHg) was 21,550(21.2%). EPLHIV Mean CD4 count was 420cells/μL (SD=285cells/μL) and 83,660(82.3%) had a viral load result showing <1000copies/ml. As for treatment outcomes, available records showed that 54.1% were active-in-treatment, 28.4% were lost-to-follow-up and 6.8% died. Poor population death records and aversion to autopsies makes it almost impossible to estimate AIDS-related deaths.Conclusions: This cohort describes the clinical and non-clinical profile of EPLHIV in Nigeria. We are following up the cohort to design and implement intervention programs, develop prognostic models to achieve better care outcomes for EPLHIV. This cohort would provide vital information for stakeholders in HIV prevention, care and treatment to understand the characteristics of EPLHIV.
Assessing and coping with the financial burden of Computed Tomography utilization in Limbe, Cameroon: a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study
Authors: Tambe Joshua , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Ongolo-Zogo Pierre , Nguefack-Tsague Georges , Edjua Andrew , Mbome-Njie Victor , Minkande Jacqueline Ze
Published: August 2020

Background There has been a significant increase in computed tomography (CT) utilization in the past two decades with the major challenges being a high exposure to ionizing radiation and rising costs. In this study we assess the risk of financial hardship after CT utilization and elaborate on how users adapt and cope in a sub-Saharan context with user fee for services and no national health insurance policy.Methods We carried out a sequential explanatory mixed methods study with a quantitative hospital-based survey of CT users followed by in-depth interviews of some purposively selected participants who reported risk of financial hardship after CT utilization. Data was summarized using frequencies, percentages and 95% confidence intervals. Logistic regression was used in multivariable analysis to determine predictors of risk of financial hardship. Identified themes from in-depth interviews were categorized. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated.Results A total of 372 participants were surveyed with a male to female sex ratio of 1:1.2. The mean age (standard deviation) was 52(17) years. CT scans of the head and facial bones accounted for 63% (95%CI: 59% - 68%) and the top three indications were suspected stroke (27% [95%CI: 22% - 32%]), trauma (14% [95%CI: 10% - 18%]) and persistent headaches (14% [95%CI: 10% - 18%]). Seventy-two percent (95%CI: 67% - 76%) of the respondents reported being at risk of financial hardship after CT utilization and predictors in the multivariable analysis were a low socioeconomic status (aOR: 0.19 [95%CI: 0.10 - 0.38]; p<0.001), being unemployed or retired (aOR: 11.75 [95%CI: 2.59 – 53.18]; p=0.001) and not having any form of health insurance (aOR: 3.59 [95%CI: 1.31 - 9.85]; p=0.013). Coping strategies included getting financial support from family and friends, borrowing money and obtaining discounts from the hospital administration and staff.Conclusion No health insurance, being unemployed or retired and a low socioeconomic status are associated to risk of financial hardship after CT utilization. Diverse coping strategies are utilized to lessen the financial burden, some with negative consequences. Minimizing out-of-pocket payments for CT and/or the direct cost can reduce this financial burden and improve access to CT.
Directional preference of otolith-related neurons in vestibular nucleus
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen , Kim Kyu-Sung , Kim Gyutae
Published: August 2020

Background: Due to the paired structure of two labyrinths, their neural communication is conducted through the interconnected commissural pathway. Using the tight link, the neural responding characteristics are formed in vestibular nucleus, and these responses are initially generated by the mechanical movement of the hair cells in the semicircular canals and otoliths. Although the mechanism to describe the neuronal responses to the head movements was evident, few direct experimental data were provided, especially the directional preference of otolith-related neurons as one of critical responses to elucidate the function of the neurons in vestibular nucleus (VN). Experimental Approach: The directional preference of otolith-related neurons was investigated in VN. Also, a chemically induced unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL) was performed to identify the origin of the directional preference. For the model evaluation, static and dynamic behavioral tests were performed. Following the evaluation, an extracellular neural activity was recorded for the neuronal responses to the horizontal head rotation and the linear head translation. Results: Seventy seven neuronal activities were recorded from thirty SD rats (270-450 g, male), and total population was divided into three groups; left UL (20), sham (35), right UL (22). Based on the directional preference, two sub-groups were again classified as contra- and ipsi-preferred neurons. There was no significance in the number of those sub-groups (contra-: 15/35, 43%; ipsi-: 20/35, 57%) in the sham (p=0.155). However, more ipsi-preferred neurons (19/22, 86%) were observed after right UL (p=6.056×10-5) while left UL caused more contra-preferred neurons (13/20, 65%) (p=0.058). In particular, the convergent neurons mainly led this biased difference in the population (ipsi-: 100% after right UL & contra-: 89% after left UL) (p<0.002). Conclusion: The directional preference was evenly maintained under a normal vestibular function, and its unilateral loss biased the directional preference of the neurons, depending on the side of lesion. Moreover, the dominance of the directional preference was mainly led by the convergent neurons which had the neural information related with head rotation and linear translation.
The injury mechanisms and injury pyramids among children and adolescents in Zhuhai City, China
Authors: Yin Xiling , Dai Wencan , Du Yukai , Li Deyun
Published: August 2020

Background: The unclear mechanisms and severity of injuries in the injury pyramids for Chinese children and adolescents prevent the prioritization of interventions. This study aimed to describe the injury mechanisms and injury pyramids in this population to provide a priority for injury prevention strategies. Methods: Death, hospitalization, and outpatient/emergency department visit data from patients aged 0~17 years with injuries were obtained from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017, in Zhuhai City, China. The injury mechanism ratios were calculated, and the injury pyramid ratios were drawn in proportion using injury mortality and the incidence of both injury hospitalizations and outpatient/emergency department injury visits. Results: The top three mechanisms for injuries in children and adolescents treated in outpatient/emergency departments were falls (52.02%), animal bites (14.57%), and blunt injuries (10.60%). The top three mechanisms for injury hospitalizations were falls (37.33%), road traffic injuries (17.87%), and fire/burns (14.29%), while the top three mechanisms for injury deaths were drowning (32.91%), road traffic injuries (20.25%) and falls (13.92%). The incidence rate of outpatient/emergency department injury visits for children and adolescents was 11,210.87/100,000; the incidence rate of injury hospitalization was 627.09/100,000, and the injury death rate was 10.70/100,000. For each injury death, there were 59 injury hospitalizations and 1,047 outpatient/emergency injury visits. Conclusions: The injury mechanisms were different for injury-related outpatient/emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths among children and adolescents. The injury mechanisms by sex at different stages of child development, and interventions should be formulated based on this finding. The ratios of the injury pyramids varied by age, sex, region, and injury mechanisms; minor nonfatal injuries were more common in children and adolescents. The differences in the severity and extent of the injuries suggested that injury interventions in children and adolescents still have a long way to go.
The enhancing antibiofilm activity of curcumin on Streptococcus mutans strains from severe early childhood caries
Authors: Li Bingchun , Pan Ting , Lin Huancai , Zhou Yan
Published: August 2020

Background

Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans ) is one of the main cariogenic bacteria for caries. It was found that the clinical strains of S. mutans isolated from caries active population have stronger cariogenic ability than the isolates from caries-free (CF) people. Previous studies have found that curcumin can inhibit biofilm formation of S. mutans UA159. The objective of this study is to explore the antibiofilm effect of curcumin on the clinical isolates of S. mutans from severe early childhood caries(SECC).

Results

The isolates from SECC group had more biomass than CF group (t=4.296, P<0.001). The acidogenicity and aciduricity of the strains from two groups showed no significant difference. After treatment with curcumin, the viability of biofilm was reduced to 61.865%±7.108% in SECC and to 84.059%±10.227% in CF group at 24 h (P<0.05). The net reduction of live bacteria and total bacteria in the SECC group was significantly higher than that of the CF group (live bacteria t=3.305, P=0.016; total bacteria t=2.378, P=0.045) at 5min. For 24h, the net reduction of live bacteria and total bacteria in the SECC group was significantly higher than that of the CF group (live bacteria t=3.305, P=0.016; total bacteria t=2.378, P=0.045). The reduction of biofilm thickness reduced significantly in 5min (t = 4.110, P = 0.015) and in 24h (t=3.453, P =0.014). Long-term (24h) curcumin treatment inhibited the amount of EPS in SECC group from (25.980±1.156) μm 3 /μm 2 to (20.136±1.042) μm 3 /μm 2 , the difference was statistically significant (t=7.510, P<0.001). The gene of gtfC, gtfD, ftf, gbpB, fruA and srtA in the CF group and the gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, ftf, gbpB, srtA in SECC group were respectively reduced after 5min curcumin treatment. After 24h treatment, the gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, ftf, gbpB, fruA and srtA in both two groups were downregulation, all the differences were statistically significant.

Conclusions

Curcumin has antibiofilm activity on clinical strains of S. mutans , especially for those isolated from SECC.
Digital Consultations in Swedish Primary Health Care: A Qualitative Study of Physicians’ Job control, Demand and Support
Authors: Fernemark Hanna , Skagerstrom Janna , Seing Ida , Ericsson Carin , Nilsen Per
Published: August 2020

Background Digital consultation with primary care physicians via mobile telephone apps has been spreading rapidly in Sweden since 2014. Digital consultation allows remote working because physicians can work from home, outside their traditional primary care environment. Despite the spread of digital consultation in primary care, there is a lack of knowledge concerning how the new service affects physicians’ psychosocial work environment. Previous research has focused primarily on the patients’ point of view and the cost-effectiveness of digital consultation. Hence, there is a paucity of studies from the perspective of physicians, focusing on their psychosocial work environment. The aim of this study was to investigate primary care physicians’ perceived work demands, control over working processes, and social support when providing digital consultation to primary care patients.Methods The study has a qualitative design, using semi-structured interviews conducted in Sweden in 2019. We used a purposeful sampling strategy to achieve a heterogeneous sample of physicians who represented a broad spectrum of experiences and perceptions. The interviews were conducted by video meeting, telephone, or a personal meeting, depending on what suited the participant best. The interview questions were informed by the Job Demand-Control-Support (JDCS) model, which was also used as the framework to analyze the data by categorizing the physicians’ perceptions and experiences into the three categories of the model (Demand, Control, Support), in the deductive analysis of the data.Results Analysis of the data yielded 9 subcategories, which were mapped onto the 3 categories of the JDCS model. Overall, the participants saw numerous benefits with digital consultations, not only with regard to their own job situation but also for patients and the health care system in general even though they identified some shortcomings and risks with digital care.Conclusions This study has demonstrated that physicians perceive working with digital consultation as flexible with a high grade of autonomy and reasonable to low demands. According to the participants, digital consultation is not something you can work with full time if medical skills and abilities are to be maintained and developed.
“Tele-Urology”: Is the COVID-19 Pandemic a Wake-up Call?
Authors: Almannie Raed , Almuhaideb Mana , Alzahrani Meshari , Binsaleh Saleh , Alyami Fahad
Published: August 2020

Background: The purpose of this research is to measure the current use of telemedicine technologies among urologists, their readiness to adopt the same, and to assess the barriers preventing such usage. Methods: 228 board-certified urologists completed our self-designed survey. An analysis was done to assess the increase in the use of telemedicine and the urologists’ telemedicine experience responses. Data analysis was done using SPSS software.Results: There has been a tremendous increase in the use of telemedicine among urologists during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Most of the respondents of this study performed general urology as part of their daily practice (59.6%). Prior to the pandemic, 53.9% of the participants had never used any means of telemedicine. However, during the pandemic, 72.4% of urologists who had never used telemedicine began using the same. Almost all of the respondents agreed that physical examination is difficult when using telemedicine, which resulted in the highest mean value among the questionnaire items. Urologists below 35 years old agreed, to a larger extent, that telemedicine saves them more time and is simple to use than urologists from other age groups.Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, most urologists adopted telemedicine technology rapidly. Adopting telemedicine in the future could have several benefits. However, the limitations of telemedicine should be respected in order to avoid compromising patient safety.
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form in Undergraduate Students and Clinical Patients
Authors: Zhang Panwen , Ouyang Zirong , Fang Shulin , He Jiayue , Fan Lejia , Luo Xingwei , Zhang Jianghua , Xiong Yan , Luo Fusheng , Wang Xiaosheng , Yao Shuqiao , Wang Xiang
Published: August 2020

Background: The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form (PID-5-BF) is a 25-item measuring tool evaluating maladaptive personality traits for diagnosis of personality disorders(PDs). As a promising scale, its impressive psychometric properties has been verified in some countries, however, there has no studies about the utility of PID-5-BF in Chinese settings. The current study aimed to examine cultural applicability of the Chinese version of PID-5-BF among undergraduate students and clinical patients.Methods: 7155 undergraduate students and 302 clinical patients completed the Chinese version of PID-5-BF. 228 students were chosen randomly for test-retest reliability at a 4-week interval. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to discover the most suitable construct in Chinese, measurement invariance(MI), internal consistency and external validity were also calculated. Results: An exploratory six-factor model was supported more suitable in both samples(Undergraduate sample: CFI = 0.905, TLI = 0.888, RMSEA = 0.044, SRMR = 0.039; Clinical sample: CFI = 0.904, TLI = 0.886, RMSEA = 0.044, SRMR = 0.063), adding a new factor“Interpersonal Relationships”. Measurement invariance across non-clinical and clinical sample was established(configural, weak, strong MI, and partial strict MI). Aside from acceptable internal consistency(Undergraduate sample: alpha=0.84, MIC=0.21; Clinical sample: alpha=0.82, MIC=0.16) and test-retest reliability(0.73), the association with 220-item PID-5 was significant(r = 0.93, p < 0.01), and six PDs measured by Personality diagnostic questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+) was correlated with expected domains of PID-5-BF. Conclusions: The Chinese version of the PID-5-BF showed satisfactory psychometric properties, which is a convenient and useful screening tool for personality disorders.
Clinical features of patients with hepatic portal venous gas
Authors: Fujii Manato , Yamashita Suguru , Tanaka Mayuko , Tashiro Jo , Takenaka Yoshiharu , Yamasaki Kazuki , Masaki Yukiyoshi
Published: August 2020

Background: Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) is a rare clinical condition that is caused by a variety of underlying diseases. However, the factors that would permit accurate identification of bowel ischemia, requiring surgery, in patients with HPVG have not been fully investigated.Methods: Thirty patients that had been diagnosed with HPVG using computed tomography between 2010 and 2019 were allocated to two groups on the basis of clinical and intraoperative findings: those with (Group 1; n = 12 [40%]) and without (Group 2; n = 18 [60%]) bowel ischemia. Eleven patients underwent emergency surgery, and bowel ischemia was identified in eight of these (73%). Four patients in Group 1 were diagnosed with bowel ischemia, but treated palliatively because of their general condition. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of Groups 1 and 2 and identified possible prognostic factors for bowel ischemia.Results: At admission, patients in Group 1 more commonly showed the peritoneal irritation sign, had lower base excess, higher lactate, and higher C-reactive protein, and more frequently had comorbid intestinal pneumatosis. Of the eight bowel ischemia surgery patients, four (50%) died, mainly because of anastomotic leak following bowel resection and primary anastomosis (3/4, 75%). All except one patient in Group 2, who presented with aspiration pneumonia, responded better to treatment.Conclusions: Earlier identification and grading of bowel ischemia according to the findings at admission should benefit patients with HPVG by reducing the incidence of unnecessary surgery and increasing the use of safer procedures, such as prophylactic stoma placement.
The CGI121 gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrates genetic linkage to increased lag time under enological conditions
Authors: Li Runze , Deed Rebecca C.
Published: August 2020

Background
In winemaking, it is standard practice to ferment white wines at low temperatures (10–18 ºC). However, low temperatures increase the fermentation duration and risk of problem ferments, which can lead to significant costs. The length of the lag period at fermentation initiation is one parameter that is heavily impacted by low temperatures. Therefore, the identification of Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes with an impact on fermentation kinetics, such as lag time, is of interest for winemaking.
Results
We selected a set of 28 S. cerevisiae BY4743 single deletants based on a prior list of candidate open reading frames (ORFs) mapped to quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosomes VII and XIII influencing the duration of fermentative lag time by bulk segregant analysis. Five out of 28 BY4743 deletants, Δapt1, Δcgi121, Δclb6, Δrps17a, and Δvma21, differed significantly in their fermentative lag phase duration compared to BY4743 in synthetic grape medium (SGM) at 15 ºC, over 72 h. Fermentation at 12.5 ºC for 528 h, to show a greater resolution of the lag times, identified the inability of BY4743 Δapt1 to initiate fermentation and confirmed the significantly longer lag times of the BY4743 Δcgi121, Δrps17a, and Δvma21 deletants. The three candidate ORFs were deleted in S. cerevisiae RM11-1a and S288C to perform single reciprocal hemizygosity analysis (RHA). RHA hybrids and single deletants of RM11-1a and S288C were fermented at 12.5 ºC in SGM. Lag time measurements confirmed genetic linkage of CGI121 on chromosome XIII, encoding a component of the EKC/KEOPS complex, to fermentative lag phase. Nucleotide sequences of RM11-1a and S288C CGI121 alleles differed by only one synonymous nucleotide suggesting that codon bias or positional effects might be responsible for the impact of this gene on lag phase duration.
Conclusion
This research demonstrates a new role of CGI121 in fermentative lag time in S. cerevisiae during fermentation and highlights the applicability of QTL analysis for investigating complex phenotypic traits in yeast, such as fermentation kinetics.
OKlahoma Nitrone-007: Novel Treatment for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma
Authors: Thomas Lincy , Smith Nataliya , Saunders Debra , Zalles Michelle , Gulej Rafal , Lerner Megan , Fung Kar-Ming , Carcaboso Angel M. , Towner Rheal A.
Published: August 2020

Background: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is the most common brainstem cancer in childhood. This rapidly progressing brainstem glioma holds a very dismal prognosis with median survival of less than 1 year. Despite extensive research, no significant therapeutic advancements have been made to improve overall survival in DIPG patients. Methods: Here, we used an orthotopic xenograft pediatric DIPG (HSJD-DIPG-007) mouse model to monitor the effects of anti-cancer agent, OKlahoma Nitrone-007 (OKN-007), as an inhibitor of tumor growth after 28 days of treatment. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we confirmed the previously described efficacy of LDN-193189, a known activin A receptor, type I (ACVR1) inhibitor, in decreasing tumor burden and found that OKN-007 was equally efficacious. Results: After 28 days of treatment, the tumor volumes were significantly decreased in OKN-007 treated mice (p<0.01). The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), as a measure of tissue structural alterations, was significantly decreased in OKN-007 treated tumor-bearing mice (p<0.0001). Histological analysis also showed a significant decrease in CD34 expression, essential for angiogenesis, of OKN-007 treated mice (p<0.05) compared to LDN-193189 treated mice. OKN-007-treated mice also significantly decreased protein expression of the human nuclear antigen (HNA) (p<0.001), ACVR1 (p<0.0001), and c-MET (p<0.05), as well as significantly increased expression of cleaved caspase 3 (p<0.001), compared to untreated mouse tumors.Conclusions: With the dismal prognosis and limited effective chemotherapy available for DIPG, there is significant room for continued research studies and OKN-007 merits further exploration as a therapeutic agent.
Autoencoder-Bank Based Design for Adaptive Channel-Blind Robust Transmission
Authors: Safi Hossein , Akbari Mohammad , Vaezpour Elahe , Parsaeefard Saeedeh , Shubair Raed M.
Published: August 2020

The idea of employing deep autoencoders (AEs) has been recently proposed to capture the end-to-end performance in the physical layer of communication systems. However, most of the current methods for applying AEs are developed based on the assumption that there is an explicit channel model for training that matches the actual channel model in the online transmission. Since the actual channel varies over time, this imposes a major limitation on employing AE-based systems. In this paper, without relying on an explicit channel model, we propose an adaptive scheme to increase the reliability of an AE-based communication system over diﬀerent channel conditions. More precisely, we divide the interval of random channel coeﬃcients into n sub-intervals. Subsequently, in the oﬄine training phase, we employ an AE bank consisting of n pairs of encoder and decoder and perform training over the sub-intervals. Then, in the online transmission phase, based on the actual channel conditions, the optimal pair of encoder and decoder is selected for data transmission in terms of satisfying an average block error rate (BLER) constraint imposed on the system. To monitor actual channel conditions for adopting the adaptive scheme, we assume a realistic scenario where the instantaneous channel gain is not known to Tx/Rx and it is blindly estimated at the RX, i.e., without using any pilot symbols. Our simulation results conﬁrms the superiority of the proposed adaptive scheme over a non-adaptive scenario in terms of average power consumption. For instance, when the target average BLER is equal to 10−4, our proposed algorithm with n = 5 can achieve a performance gain over 1.2 dB compared with a non-adaptive scheme.
The Role of a Virtual Avatar in Attention and Memory Tasks in Rett Syndrome
Authors: Fabio Rosa Angela , Pergolizzi Giorgia , Nucita Andrea , Iannizzotto Giancarlo , Tindara Caprì
Published: August 2020

Background: Since subjects with Rett syndrome (RTT) focus their attention mainly on the faces of people with whom they interact, in this study the role of a human-like avatar in enhancing cognitive processes was examined. More in depth, this study examined subjects with RTT performing attention and memory tasks with and without a virtual avatar.Method: Thirty-six girls with RTT participated in the study. They were matched for mental age and randomly submitted to two conditions (with and without virtual avatar) with two tasks (over-selectivity and memory paradigms). Results: The results indicated that the RTT group exposed to the virtual avatar condition, presented better attention and memory abilities than the matched RTT group without the avatar condition. Discussion: The results were discussed in light of the relationship between motivation, attention and memory in RTT.
First records of powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphales) on four medicinal plants in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Yu-Wei , Chou Pei-Yi , Hou Hsin-Yu , Kirschner Roland
Published: August 2020

Background
Production of medicinal plants in Taiwan is not only hampered by international market competition, but also lack of knowledge of their pathogens, such as powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphales, Ascomycota). Records of these fungi in Taiwan originate from few researchers for the last one hundred years and are still incomplete. Since powdery mildews in tropical/subtropical environments do not develop the sexual stages with morphologically diagnostic characteristics, internal transcribed spacer sequences (ITS) of the ribosomal RNA genes obtained from the asexual stages have become important modern tools for species identification.
Results
Powdery mildews on four medicinal plants from educational and ornamental plantations in Taiwan were identified based on the anamorph morphology and ITS sequences. Three powdery mildews on medicinal plants are new records for Taiwan, Arthrocladiella mougeotii on Lycium chinense, Erysiphe lespedezae on Uraria crinita, and E. lonicerae on Lonicera japonica. Eryngium foetidum is a new host for Erysiphe heraclei hitherto known on other host plants in Taiwan. Eryngium foetidum and Uraria crinita are new host plants for powdery mildews worldwide. Only specific field collection of the pathogens yielded the new records, not checking plant specimens in a phanerogam herbarium. The pathogens did not cause death of the host plants, but appeared to enhance stress by infection of mature leaves.
Conclusions
Taxonomic study of powdery mildews in Taiwan results into new host records of economically important medicinal plants in Taiwan with potential consequences for plant production and quarantine and also shows that host records are quite incomplete worldwide. Although ITS sequences were useful for species identification, the lack of data for several species on the same host genus on the one hand and the low variation between closely related species on the other indicate the need for further study.
Koala Retrovirus Diversity, Transmissibility, and Disease Associations
Authors: Zheng HaoQiang , Pan Yi , Tang Shaohua , Pye Geoffrey W. , Stadler Cynthia K , Vogelnest Larry , Herrin Kimberly Vinette , Rideout Bruce A , Switzer William M.
Published: August 2020

Background Koalas are infected with the koala retrovirus (KoRV) that exists as exogenous or endogenous viruses. KoRV is genetically diverse with co-infection with up to ten envelope subtypes (A-J) possible; KoRV-A is the prototype endogenous form. KoRV-B, first found in a small number of koalas with an increased leukemia prevalence at one US zoo, has been associated with other cancers and increased chlamydial disease. To better understand the molecular epidemiology of KoRV variants and the effect of increased viral loads (VLs) on transmissibility and pathogenicity we developed subtype-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays and tested blood and tissue samples from koalas at US zoos (n=78), two Australian zoos (n=27) and wild-caught (n=21) in Australia. We analyzed PCR results with available clinical, demographic, and pedigree data. Results All koalas were KoRV-A-infected. A small number of koalas (10.3%) at one US zoo were also infected with non-A subtypes, while a higher non-A subtype prevalence (59.3%) was found in koalas at Australian zoos. Wild koalas from one location were only infected with KoRV-A. We observed a significant association of infection and plasma VLs of non-A subtypes in koalas that died of leukemia/lymphoma and other neoplasias and report cancer diagnoses in KoRV-A-positive animals. Infection and VLs of non-A subtypes was not associated with age or sex. Transmission of non-A subtypes occurred from dam-to-offspring and likely following adult-to-adult contact, but associations with contact type were not evaluated. Brief antiretroviral treatment of one leukemic koala infected with high plasma levels of KoRV-A, -B, and -F did not affect VL or disease progression. Conclusions Our results show a significant association of non-A KoRV infection and plasma VLs with leukemia and other cancers. Although we confirm dam-to-offspring transmission of these variants, we also show other routes are possible. Our validated qPCR assays will be useful to further understand KoRV epidemiology and its zoonotic transmission potential for humans exposed to koalas because KoRV can infect human cells.
Geophilosophical Realness of Risk: A Case Study In National Housing Authority Resettlement Sites In Albay, Philippines
Authors: Abante Ana Marie Rico
Published: August 2020

The Geophilosophical realness of risk, as introduced in this study constitutes risk hotspots or coldspots information that are stored and sorted in hexagonal bins which represent geographical space. Using the binning technique, the author disclosed the 29,400 hectares in Albay Philippines are 99% significantly sited as risk hotspot physical space. Also, about 7,100 hectares, and 3,100 hectares have 95% and 90% significant risk hotspots, respectively. This study also presents resiliency being measured as a risk quantity, nearing a zero z-score that is enveloped by the fundamental geoinformation prerequisite to select safe, comfortable, and accessible space. The z-scores represent the risk hotspots and coldspots contained in hexagonal bins which mimic geographical aspects of the risk realness in Albay. The same z-scores were substituted for the 25 resettlement sites which provided answers to the query “what are the risk realities in NHA resettlement sites?” The results characterized the risk that are spreading at 14 resettlement’s sites in Albay are generally located within risk hotspot areas. This information is significant in preventing and mitigating risk receptively and responsively. The researcher concludes that DRRM entails interdisciplinary thinking to apply geospatial data science to risk governance. This dissertation revealed that government intervention may be ineffective when people are steadily allowed to occupy risk hotspots that weakens their capacity to defy the quantified risk as well as the accumulated and unbearable risk residuals caused by the unforeseen effects of changing climate such as volcanic eruptions, lahar, increasing flooding, and pandemics. The Metatheorems in this study posit that dependable preparedness is unlikely if the risk hotspots and coldspots of geographical locations are unknown or unclear, which would guide environmental planners, engineers, development managers, and decision makers to direct the people to suitably select safe space, comfortable sites, and accessible sites. Furthermore, this study presents that scientifically informed policy is a must-risk-reduction solution to restore stability (state of balance). Therefore, the practical implication of this study is providing a basis where a decision maker can picture when stability is unattainable the approach is to bring the development in the tri-nodal cities outside the risk trending areas in Albay.
Sexual Function, Mental Health, and Quality of Life Under Strain of COVID-19 Pandemic in Iranian Pregnant and Lactating Women: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mirzaei Negin , Sadatmahalleh shahideh Jahanian , Khomami Mahnaz Bahri , Moini Ashraf , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan
Published: August 2020

Background
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of pregnant and lactating women is unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on psychological health, sexual function, and quality of life (QoL) in Iranian pregnant and lactating women and compare the results with non-pregnant /lactating (as the control group).
Method:
This cross-sectional study was carried out on pregnant and lactating women as case groups, with non-pregnant /lactating women as control. Patients were asked to complete three questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). One-way ANOVA was used to reveal the statistical differences between the three groups.
Result
The mean age of patients was 20.81 ± 5.92 years old. Evaluation of the three groups with regard to HADS and SF-12 showed that all mean values were lower in pregnant women than in other groups. Also, the differences in scores in the three groups were statistically significant (P˂0.001). The comparison of FSFI scores showed that the mean of all domain and total scores were significantly lower in pregnant women compared with other groups. The differences between the three groups were statistically significant during desire, arousal, orgasm, pain, and total score (P˂0.001).
Conclusion
The COVID-19 epidemic increases the risk of depression, anxiety, FSD, and lowers QoL in pregnant and lactating women, with the general population. This suggests the urgent need for psychological intervention in the maternal population during the epidemic.