bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Tracking, Visualizing and Predicting the Life Expectancy of Virus
Authors: Mathur Nirbhay , Asirvadam Vijanth S. , Pasupulethi Naga Swetha
Published: June 2020

An outbreak of the corona virus is hitting around the world. Since many research had stated the prediction of the corona virus based on the active stage. But somehow the results are not reliable or very close enough to get any results. This research main focus is on understanding the life expectancy behavior of the corona virus. This research also develops the COVID-19 tracking dashboard to visualize the trend of cases recorded, cases recovered, and the number of cases died. A Bathtub model is used to understand the survival behavior of the corona virus and based on the life expectancy, a prediction along with visualization will be carried out.
Determinants of Home Delivery in the Central Zone of Tigrai, North Ethiopia: Evidence from Case-Control Study
Authors: Tololu Abdurehman Kalu , Massa Mulugeta Gebregiorgis , Kerie Mirkuzie Woldie , Misgina Kebede Haile , Alema Haileselasie Berhane , Weldu Meresa Gebremedhin
Published: June 2020

Background: Place of delivery is critical factor which affects the health of the mother and newborn. Delivery and early post-partum period remains the most important intervention in reducing maternal mortality and obstetric complications. This study aims to investigate the determinant factors of home delivery in North Ethiopia.Methods: A case control study was conducted from August 2017 to Feb 2018. A total of 324 mothers who delivered and visit public health facilities for postnatal care were included in the study. Mothers who delivered at home (cases=108) and health institutions (controls = 216) were selected by systematic sampling technique. Data were coded and entered using Epi-data 3.1 and exported to SPSS Version 21 for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify the predictors at p-value 0.05.Result: The mean age of cases and controls was 28.75(SD= ±3.5) and 25.53(SD= ±4.98) years respectively. The likelihood risk of home delivery was greater among mothers with no formal education (AOR=7.9, 95%CI: 1.49–42.05), no experience of institutional delivery (AOR=9.1, 95%CI: 1.58–52.21), unplanned pregnancy (AOR=8.4, 95%CI: 2.00-35.46), poor knowledge about obstetric complications (AOR=5.98, 95% CI: 1.20-29.77), and lack of joint decision on place of delivery (AOR=7.1, 95%CI: 1.34-37.61).Conclusions: Mothers with no formal education, lack of experience of facility delivery, unplanned pregnancy, absence of obstetric complications, poor knowledge on obstetric complications, and absence of joint decision were predictors of home delivery. Health professionals should take the opportunity of antenatal care to create awareness regarding to place of delivery to tackle the problems.
The epidemiological characteristics of pediatric Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from inpatients and outpatients at Beijing Children's Hospital
Authors: Lyu Shuang
Published: June 2020

Background: The epidemiological data of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates are important for the practice of treatment and prevention. This research aiming to explore the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric S. pneumoniae isolated from outpatients and inpatients.Methods: S. pneumoniae were isolated from unsterile samples of inpatients and outpatients younger than five years old between March 2013 and February 2014. The serotypes were determined by diagnostic pneumococcal antisera, and resistance against 13 antibiotics was tested by either the E-test or the disc diffusion method. The sequence types (STs) were analyzed with multilocus sequence typing (MLST).Results: The five dominant serotypes obtained from inpatients were 19F(32.9%), 19A(20.7%), 23F(10.7%), 6A(10.0%), and 14 (8.6%), while those in the outpatients were 19F (13.6%), 23F (12.9%), 6A (10.0%), 6B (10.0%), and 19A (7.9%). The coverage rates of the 7-, 10- and 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine formulations were high. The non-susceptibility to penicillin, cefuroxime, imipenem, erythromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole among the inpatient isolates were 7.1%, 92.8%, 65.7%, 100%, and 85.0%, respectively, while those among the outpatient isolates were 0.7%, 50.0%, 38.6%, 96.4%, and 65.7%, respectively. There were 45 and 81 STs detected from the pneumococci from inpatients and outpatients, respectively. CC271 was more prevalent in inpatients.Conclusions: The vaccine related serotypes were still prevalent either in inpatient department or in outpatient department, the prevalent serotypes and MLSTs with serious antibiotic resistance. More effective measures should be implemented to prevent S. pneumoniae diseases.
Atrophy subtypes and the ATN classification scheme in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cedres Nira , Ekman Urban , Poulakis Konstantinos , Shams Sara , Cavallin Lena , muehlboeck Sebastian , Granberg Tobias , Wahlund Lars-Olof , Ferreira Daniel , Westman Eric
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

We investigated the association between atrophy subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the ATN classification scheme, and key demographic and clinical factors, in two cohorts with different source characteristics (a highly selective research-oriented cohort, ADNI; and a naturalistic heterogeneous clinically-oriented cohort, Karolinska Imaging Dementia Study (KIDS).
METHODS

A total of 382 AD patients were included. Factorial analysis of mixed data was used to investigate associations between AD subtype based on brain atrophy patterns, ATN profiles based on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and age, sex, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), cerebrovascular disease (CVD) (burden of white matter signal abnormalities, WMSA), and APOE genotype.
RESULTS

Older patients with high WMSA burden, belonging to the typical AD subtype, and showing A + T + N + or A + T + N- profiles clustered together and were mainly from ADNI. Younger patients with low WMSA burden, limbic-predominant or minimal atrophy AD subtypes, and A + T-N- or A + T-N + profiles, clustered together and were mainly from KIDS. APOE ε4 carriers more frequently showed the A + T-N- and A + T + N- profiles.
CONCLUSIONS

Our findings align with the recent framework for biological subtypes of AD: the combination of risk factors, protective factors, and brain pathologies determines belonging of AD patients to distinct subtypes.
Usage Patterns, Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Dietary Supplement Intake Among Sri Lankan Elite Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rashani Suraweera Arachchilage Nimesha , Fernando Punchividanelage Nilu Jayashika , Pigera Shehani , Niriella Madunil Anuk , Jayawickreme Seevali Jayantha , Silva Arjuna Priyadarsin De
Published: June 2020

Background: The use of dietary supplements without adequate knowledge regarding their constituents places professional athletes at great risk due to possibility of being positive in dope testing. The aim of this study was to identify the dietary supplements usage patterns among elite athletes in various sport types and investigate their knowledge and attitudes regarding that.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which a self -administered anonymous questionnaire was used to collect data from 387 elite athletes participating in individual (athletics, karate, weightlifting, wrestling and shooting), team (cricket, volleyball, netball, rugby, football, kabaddi and hockey) and both (wushu and badminton) sports. The data were analysed using nonparametric tests; Pearson’s chi square test with the level of significant of p < 0.05.Results: Out of 387 athletes, 354 (91.5%) used dietary supplements, multivitamin (57%), electrolyte (49.7%), protein (43.5%), calcium (19.7%) and creatine (17.4%) as the most prevalent types. Gender, social status, educational level, and professionalism had no impact with the supplement use whereas the type of sport played showed a significant impact on supplement intake (p < 0.05), with athletes in netball, rugby, wrestling, badminton and shooting showed 100% usage. Vitamin, protein and creatine usage were high among rugby, netball and weightlifting players (p < 0.05). The majority of athletes consume supplements to improve their performance (41.8%) and energy (54. 5%). Further,60.5% of the athletes claimed on self-prescription without medical advice. Two perceptions of, supplements are essential for maintain fitness and win awards were significantly high in males (p <0.05). Athletes having participated in educational workshops and competed internationally showed significant concern about the contamination risk associated with supplements (p < 0.05). Rugby, weightlifting and netball players showed significant multiple supplement usage among others (p <0.05).Conclusion: This study confirms that dietary supplements are readily used by Sri Lankan elite athletes, while multivitamins, protein and energy drink products are preferred. Additionally, the majority of athletes engaged in supplement use with the aim of performance enhancement and increase energy. Nature of sport played was a determinant factor of net supplement usage while higher multiple supplement usage appeared among intensive sports.
Effect of otolaryngology residency program on confidence of obstructive sleep apnea managements
Authors: Sadeghniiat-Haghighi Khosro , Heidari Farrokh , Sohrabpour Saeed , Najafi Arezu , Ahmadi Seyyed Amir Yasin , Erfanian Reza
Published: June 2020

Background

According to the importance of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome managements by otolaryngologists, this study was designed to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practice of junior and senior residents of otolaryngology and evaluate the effect of current residency training program on choosing the first lines of treatment.
Methods

A total of 110 residents of otolaryngology were selected. Our study tools were obstructive sleep apnea knowledge and attitudes (OSAKA and OSAKA-KIDS) questionnaires. The participants were classified as junior and senior.
Results

Senior residents had significantly higher total knowledge score for OSAKA based on independent t test (12.73 VS 10.52). No significant difference was observed for OSAKA-KIDS (11.31 VS 10.69). Also, senior residents had significantly higher total attitude score (except management with CPAP) for OSAKA. The most frequent choice for the first line treatment was CPAP (63.8%) and weight loss (41.5%) among junior and senior residents, respectively.
Conclusions

Although the knowledge of otolaryngology residents increased during their program, the choice of first line treatment in obstructive sleep apnea was different between junior and senior residents. We found a need for further multidisciplinary education for residents especially in the management of sleep apnea particularly toward CPAP usage and this syndrome in pediatrics.
Application of 3D Printing and Framework Internal Fixation Technology for High Complex Rib Fractures
Authors: Zhou Xuetao , Zhang Dongsheng , Xie Zexin , Yang Yang , Chen Menghui , Liang Zheng , Zhang Guoliang , Li Shujun
Published: June 2020

Objective

To explore the clinical effect of 3D printing combined with framework internal fixation technology on the minimally invasive internal fixation of high complex rib fractures.
Methods

Total 16 patients with high complex rib fractures were included in the study. Before the procedure, the 3D rib model was reconstructed based on the thin-layer chest CT scan. According to the 3D model, the rib locking plate was pre-shaped, and the preoperative planning were made including the direction of the locking plate, the location of each nail hole and the length of the screw. During the operation, the locking plate was inserted from the sternum to the outermost fracture lines of ribs with screws at both ends. In addition, the locking plate was used as the frame to sequentially reduce the middle fracture segment and fix with screws or steel wires. Chest x-rays or chest CT scans after surgery were used to assess the ribs recovery. All patients were routinely given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for analgesia, and the pain level was evaluated using numerical rating scale (NRS).
Results

The preoperative planning according to the 3D printed rib model was accurate. The reduction and fixation of each fracture segment were successfully completed through the framework internal fixation technology. No cases of surgical death, and postoperative chest pain was significantly alleviated. Five to ten months follow up demonstrated neither loosening of screws, nor displacement of fixtures among patients. The lungs of each patients were clear and in good shape.
Conclusion

The application of 3D printing combined with framework internal fixation technology to the high complex rib fractures is beneficial for restoring the inherent shape of the thoracic cage, which can realize the accurate and individualized treatment as well as reduces the operation difficulty.
WITHDRAWN: Mechanical Properties and Electrochemical Corrosion Behaviour of TiSZ-Reinforced HydroxyapatiteCoatings on Magnesium Substrate with Titanium Interlayer
Authors: Akçay Ayşe , Karabas Muhammet , Kayalı Yusuf
Published: June 2020

In this study, pure and 10% wt. TiSZ-reinforced HA coatings were deposited on magnesium substrate using plasma spray as a single layer and double layer with a HVOF sprayed Ti bond coat. The coated specimens were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM, EDS). Rockwell-C adhesion and scratch tests were performed. The corrosion behaviours in simulated body fluid (SBF) of coatings were investigated by an electrochemical corrosion test. The microscopic observation shows that a dense, continuous Ti buffer layer and bioceramic HA, and HA+TiSZ coatings were produced successfully. The presence of the Ti intermediate layer reduced the corrosion rate of the bioceramic coatings. The double-layer HA-Ti coating on the magnesium substrate is more resistant to corrosion than the single-layer HA coating. Rockwell-C adhesion tests show that adhesion of coatings improves with the addition of TiSZ. Reinforcing HA with TiSZ negatively affected the scratch resistance of the coatings. The effect of the Ti bond layer on adhesion and cohesion behaviour of coatings is not significant.
Surgical and Postoperative Evaluations of Rectal Adenomas Ecised With a Novel Proctoscope.
Authors: Lima Roberta Denise Alkmin Lopes , Parra Rogerio Serafim , Feitosa Marley Ribeiro , Féres Omar , Rocha José Joaquim Ribeiro
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Many transanal endoscopic surgeries require a high level of technical expertise and surgeon experience. Considering the economic feasibility of material acquisition and the technical feasibility of training and experience with complex methods, a simpler technique with available resources is relevant for the excision of rectal adenomas. This study presents the surgical and postoperative results achieved with a novel proctoscope using the transanal endoscopic technique to excise rectal adenomas. The results are compared to the results obtained with other currently employed transanal techniques.
Methods

We retrospectively investigated the medical records of patients who underwent transanal endoscopic operations from April 2000 to June 2018 at two tertiary referral centers for colorectal cancer.
Results

This study included 99 patients. The mean age was 65.3 ± 13.3 years. The average size of the adenomas was 4.6 ± 2.3 cm, and their average distance to the anal border was 5.6 ± 3.3 cm. The average operative time was 65.3 ± 41.7 min. In 48.5% of the operations, the specimen was fragmented, and in 59.6% of the cases, the microscopic margins were free. The rates of postoperative complications and relapse were 5% and 19%, respectively. The mean follow-up was 80 ± 61.5 months.
Conclusions

The described proctoscope proved to be a viable technique with results similar to other techniques, with the advantage that it allowed greater accessibility for surgeons. Therefore, its use could be implemented and become widespread in surgical practice.
Bacterial culture and antibiotics susceptibility in chronic suppurative otitis media at the secondary care hospital in North India
Authors: Singh Anuj Kumar , Verma Amita
Published: June 2020

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is defined as a persistent infection of the middle ear with a perforated tympanic membrane and draining exudate for more than 6 weeks. Information about the organism responsible for COSM and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern is an important for effective treatment. Aim: This study aims to develop protocol for empirical treatment by determining aerobic bacterial profile and antibiotics susceptibility in patients of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) at a secondary care hospital in North India. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at ENT department of the secondary care hospital in North India on 85 patients, middle ear discharge sample was collected under strict aseptic conditions and antibiotic susceptibility done as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Result: 85 ear swabs were collected, and 89 bacterial isolates were identified, of which 62 (72.94%) sample with mono-microbial growth, 14 (16.47%) with polymicrobial growth, 8 (9.41%) show no growth and rest 1(1.17%) was contaminant. Among 89 isolates, 35 (39.33%) were Gram-positive bacteria, while 54 (60.67%) were Gram-negative bacteria. The most common isolates were Pseudomonas spp. (36; 40.45%), followed by MSSA (34; 38.20%), Proteus spp. ( 7; 7.87%), Klebsiella spp.(3; 3.37%), Enterobacter spp.(3; 3.37%), E. coli (3; 3.37%), Actinobacteria spp. (2; 2.25%) and MRSA (1; 1.12%). Pseudomonas spp. showed 100% susceptible to colistin, linezolid, imipenem, amikacin (97%); ciprofloxacin (92%); gentamicin (95%); Ceftriaxone (83%); meropenem (93%); Netilmicin (98%) and SXT (90%). Proteus spp. was 100% susceptible to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, Imipenem, meropenem, netilmicin; ampicillin (71%); amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (85%); ceftriaxone (85%); gentamicin (85%) and SXT (85%). Among Gram-positive bacteria, MSSA was 100 % susceptible to meropenem and Imipenem, amikacin (97%); gentamicin (81%); amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (91%); linezolid (92%); Netilmicin (94%); Vancomycin (91%); Colistin (97%) and SXT (41%). MRSA showed 100% susceptibility to gentamicin, netilmicin and vancomycin. Conclusion: Pseudomonas and MSSA were the principal bacterial isolate responsible for causing CSOM in this study though the most common organism was Pseudomonas spp. We conclude the combination of amikacin and ceftriaxone to be used as systemic therapy
COVID19 infection in health care professionals: risks, work-safety and psychological issues.
Authors: Dabholkar Yogesh , Sagane Bhagyashree , Dabholkar Twinkle , Divity Shivakumar
Published: June 2020

Introduction: (COVID-19) infection has spread widely over past 5 months to become a pandemic of global proportions affecting almost every country. While HCPs are expected to tackle this crisis by working in hospital and intensive care setting, there is real risk of them contracting infection and even dying. This article aims to report cases of healthcare personnel (HCPs) contracting COVID19 in various settings in a tertiary care hospital, a designated COVID centre, with view to disseminate information and review safety and psychological health issues of healthcare professionals.Methods: This study is a cross-sectional hospital-based survey from April 2020-June 2020. Data on demographics, workplace safety and psychological parameters from HCPs was collected by both interview and an online questionnaire form.Results: A total of 40 healthcare workers were infected in the hospital in a period of 2 months since the first COVID case was admitted in the hospital. Almost 57.5 % reported positive on several psychological parameters like anxiety, fear, anger, irritability and insomnia. About 42.5 % had no psychological counselling after testing positive.Discussion: These cases illustrate work-place risks for healthcare workers of acquiring COVID19 and highlight the problems faced in terms of risks of transmission to patients and colleagues, isolation of contacts in departments leading to near-breakdown of services and psychological stress to healthcare workers.Conclusion: Healthcare workers being at frontline of exposure to corona patients are at increased risk of developing COVID19 infections. Healthcare workers are working under tremendous stress in this pandemic and it is necessary to combat fear with facts and work towards safe work atmosphere so that they can discharge their duties to best of their ability.
Impact of diabetes on COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality: a retrospective study from Northern Italy
Authors: Ciardullo Stefano , Zerbini Francesca , Perra Silvia , Muraca Emanuele , Cannistraci Rosa , Lauriola Marinella , Grosso Paolo , Lattuada Guido , Ippoliti Giovanbattista , Mortara Andrea , Manzoni Giuseppina , Perseghin Gianluca
Published: June 2020

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of pre-existing diabetes on in-hospital mortality in patients admitted for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods. This is a single center, retrospective study conducted at Policlinico di Monza hospital, located in the Lombardy region, Northern Italy. We reviewed medical records of 373 consecutive adult patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 between February 22 and May 15, 2020. Data were collected on diabetes status, comorbid conditions and laboratory findings. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the effect of diabetes on in-hospital mortality after adjustment for potential confounding variables.Results. Mean age of the patients was 72 ± 14 years (range 17-98), 244 (65.4%) were male and 69 (18.5%) had diabetes. The most common comorbid conditions were hypertension (237 [64.8%]), cardiovascular disease (140 [37.7%]) and malignant neoplasms (50 [13.6%]). In-hospital death occurred in 142 (38.0%) patients. In the multivariable model older age (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.07 [1.04-1.10] per year), diabetes (OR 2.2 [1.10-4.73]), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 3.30 [1.22-8.90]), higher values of lactic dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein were independently associated with in-hospital mortality.Conclusion. In this retrospective single-center study, diabetes was independently associated with a higher in-hospital mortality. More intensive surveillance of patients with this condition is to be warranted.
Evaluate the Feasibility of Gd-based Contrast Clearance Differenceto Delineate Subvolume Target in Primary and Metastatic Brain Tumors Radiotherapy- A Prospective Study
Authors: Wang Yin Xing , Gong Guan Zhong , SU Ya , WANG Li Zhen , LU Jie , Yin Yong
Published: June 2020

Background: To evaluate the feasibility ofdelineating subvolume target in brain tumor radiotherapy using gd-based contrast clearance difference.Methods：Twenty-six patients with malignant brain tumor were scanned with MRI. The first and second acquisitions of standard T2-weighted images (T2WI) andT1-weighted images (T1WI) were respectively performed?> at 5 minutes and 60 minutesafter injection of contrast agent. Delayed contrast extravasation MRI(DCEM) computed by Brainlab concludesregions of contrast agent clearance which represent active tumor，andregions of contrast accumulation which represent non-tumor tissues. Based on T2WI images,14 patients were divided into group A and group B, with andwithout liquefaction necrosis, respectively. Then,gross target volume (GTV) was delineated on T1WI images. Based on the GTV, active tumor (GTV tumor) and non-tumorregions(GTV non-tumor) were delineated on T1WI-DCEM fusion images, whileliquefaction necrosis (GTVliquefaction)and non-liquefaction(GTVnon-liquefaction)were delineated on T1-T2WI fusion images. Finally, the differences between different subvolumes were compared by paired t-test.Results：In group A,the mean value of GTVA was 21.38±25.70 cm3, and the GTVnon-liquefaction and GTVliquefaction were 13.65±18.15cm3 and6.30±7.57cm3, respectively. The GTV tumor was 10.40±13.52 cm3 whilethe GTV non-tumor was 9.55±14.57 cm3, The GTVnon-liquefaction increased by an average of 28.2%（P＜0.05）,compared to GTV tumor . While the GTV non-tumor increased by an average of 46.3% (P＜0.05), compared tothe GTVliquefaction.In group B, the mean value of GTVB on enhanced T1WI was4.39±3.75 cm3. The GTV non-tumorreduced by an average of 50.3% (P＜0.05) , compared totheGTV tumor.Conclusion：Comparedto T2WI, the DCEM has advantages in identifyingthe liquefaction areaand could clearly differentiatesubvolume of active tumor from non-liquefaction necrosis.DCEMis meaningful in guiding the delineation of subvolume in primary and metastatic brain tumors.
The Effect of Infection Precautions on Colonization of Nursing Staff with Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Three Beirut Hospitals
Authors: Haddad Nicholas , Ghosn Joanna Abi
Published: June 2020

Background: ESBL-PE are emerging worldwide. This study assesses the effect of contact precaution (CP) on ESBL-PE-colonization rates among nurses in 3 hospitals in Beirut, where ESBL is endemic, to define risk factors for colonization, and evaluate the ongoing use of CP to prevent ESBL-PE transmission to healthy nurses. Methods: Cross-sectional, non-randomized study completed in three hospitals. Hospital 1 required CP, Hospital 2 recently stopped CP, and Hospital 3 had stopped it 3 years previously. Questionnaires and stool-collection containers were distributed to all patient care nurses in those 3 hospitals. Returned samples were tested using agar dilution technique. Results: 269 of 733 nurses volunteered; 140 met inclusion criteria (no recent hospitalization, antibiotic use, known ESBL-PE colonization). 15% were ESBL-positive. Compared to nurses from Hospital 3, nurses from Hospital 1 were 59% less likely to be colonized, while nurses from Hospital 2 were 62% more likely to be colonized. Discussion: In hospitals where CP is ongoing for ESBL-positive patients, transmission to nursing staff was reduced. Additionally, a work experience of 2-4 years increased the odds of ESBL-PE colonization in comparison with longer nursing experience. HIGHLIGHTS : • We examined the impact of contact precautions (CP) for Extended spectrum beta-lactamase- producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) colonized patients on rates of ESBL-PE colonization in nursing staff. • We found significantly decreased rates of colonization in nurses from a hospital utilizing CP, and significantly increased rates of colonization among nurses from a hospital that recently • discontinued CP, compared with nurses from a hospital that had discontinued CP 3 years previously. • Findings suggest that contact precaution may be required to prevent ESBL-PE transmission from patients to nursing staff.
Molecular and Clinical Characterization of LAG3 in Breast Cancer Through 2994 Samples
Authors: Liu Qiang , Qi Yihang , Zhai Jie , Kong Xiangyi , Wang Xiangyu , Fang Yi , Wang Jing
Published: June 2020

Background Despite the promising impact of cancer immunotherapy targeting CTLA4 and PD1/PDL1, a large number of cancer patients fail to respond. LAG3 (Lymphocyte Activating 3), also named CD233, is a protein Coding gene served as alternative inhibitory receptors to be targeted in the clinic. The impact of LAG3 on immune cell populations and co-regulation of immune response in breast cancer remained largely unknown. Methods To characterize the role of LAG3 in breast cancer, we investigated transcriptome data and associated clinical information derived from a total of 2994 breast cancer patients. Results We observed that LAG3 was closely correlated with major molecular and clinical characteristics, and was more likely to be enriched in higher malignant subtype, suggesting LAG3 was a potential biomarker of triple-negative breast cancer. Furthermore, we estimated the landscape of relationship between LAG3 and ten types of cell populations in breast cancer. Gene ontology analysis revealed LAG3 were strongly correlated with immune response and inflammatory activities. We investigated the correlation pattern between LAG3 and immune modulators in pan-cancer, especially the synergistic role of LAG3 with other immune checkpoints members in breast cancer. Conclusions LAG3 expression was closely related to malignancy of breast cancer and might serve as a potential biomarker; LAG3 might plays an important role in regulating tumor immune microenvironment, not only T cells, but also other immune cells. More importantly, LAG3 might synergize with CTLA4, PD1/ PDL1 and other immune checkpoints, thereby lending more evidences to combination cancer immunotherapy by targeting LAG3, PD1/PDL1, and CTLA4 together.
Level of CRP predicts need for respiratory support in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Markowicz Samuel , Donat Sunniva , Glaude Eddy-Laurent , Pommier Jean-David , Curlier Elodie , Guyomard-Rabenirina Stéphanie , Kikweta Jeanos , Amanako Junior , Ouassou Amael , Roger Pierre-Marie
Published: June 2020

PurposePredictors of disease severity in COVID-19 are essential to identify patients requiring hospitalization. Our aim was to determine the relationship of C-reactive protein (CRP) with the need for respiratory support.MethodsThis was a retrospective monocentric study of all patients hospitalized for confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. CRP was measured on admission in the serum. Patients were classified using the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and a 3-stage internal severity score (ISS) based upon respiratory parameters. Chest CT scans performed on admission were analysed following guidelines. Correlations of CRP levels with disease severity, radiological score, oxygen or mechanical ventilation requirement, and death were studied.Results61 patients were included from March 13th to April 8th, 2020. CRP levels were better related to the ISS compared to the PSI, being 18 (5-54), 130 (50-147) and 169 (97-241) mg/L respectively for the low, intermediate and high severity groups (p = 0.004 and p = 0.017). Analysis of the 51 available CT scans found a smaller correlation between CRP levels and radiological score (p < 0.05). The CRP levels were related to oxygen requirement (n = 50, p = 0.001), mechanical ventilation (n = 20, p = 0.004) and death (n = 10, p= 0.001).ConclusionCRP level on admission was a good marker of clinical and radiological severity in COVID-19 pneumonia, and could be used to identify patients needing hospitalization and intensive care.
Real-world evaluation of a computed tomography-first triage strategy for suspected Coronavirus disease 2019 in outpatients with fever in Japan: an observational cohort study
Authors: Miyake Shigeta , Higurashi Takuma , Jono Takashi , Akimoto Taisuke , Ogawa Fumihiro , Oi Yasufumi , Tanaka Katsushi , Hara Yu , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Kato Hideaki , Yamashiro Tsuneo , Utsunomiya Daisuke , Nakajima Atsushi , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Maeda Shin , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: June 2020

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic continues to spread worldwide. Because of the absence of reliable rapid diagnostic systems, patients with symptoms of Coronavirus disease 2019 are treated as suspected of the disease. Use of computed tomography findings in Coronavirus disease 2019 are expected to be a reasonable method for triaging patients, and computed tomography-first triage strategies have been proposed. However, clinical evaluation of a computed tomography-first triage protocol is lacking.The aim of this study is to investigate the real-world efficacy and limitations of a computed tomography-first triage strategy in patients with suspected Coronavirus disease 2019.Methods: This was a single-center cohort study evaluating outpatients with fever who received medical examination at Yokohama City University Hospital, prospectively registered between 9 February and 5 May 2020. We treated according to the computed tomography-first triage protocol. The primary outcome was efficacy of the computed tomography-first triage protocol for patients with fever in an outpatient clinic. Efficacy of the computed tomography-first triage protocol for outpatients with fever was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. We conducted additional analyses of the isolation time of feverish outpatients and final diagnoses.Results: In total, 108 consecutive outpatients with fever were examined at our hospital. Using the computed tomography-first triage protocol, 48 (44.9%) patients were classified as suspected Coronavirus disease 2019. Nine patients (18.8%) in this group were positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 using polymerase chain reaction; no patients in the group considered less likely to have Coronavirus disease 2019 tested positive for the virus. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of our computed tomography-first triage protocol for Coronavirus disease 2019 were 100%, 60.2%, 18.8%, and 100%, respectively. The protocol significantly shortened the duration of isolation for the not-suspected versus the suspected group (70.5 vs. 1037.0 minutes, P < .001). Conclusions: Our computed tomography-first triage protocol was acceptable for screening patients with suspected Coronavirus disease 2019. This protocol will be helpful for appropriate triage, especially in areas where polymerase chain reaction is inadequate.
Bioinformatics analysis reveals the ceRNA co-expression network in tumor microenvironment and prognostic biomarkers in Sarcomas
Authors: Zou Dandan , Wang Yang , Wang Meng , Zhao Bo , Hu Fei , Li Yanguo , Zhang Bingming
Published: June 2020

Background

Sarcomas (SARCs) are rare, heterogeneous mesenchymal neoplasia. To understand the tumor microenviroment (TME) and identify potential biomarkers for prognosis that associated with TME of SARCs might provide effective clues for immune therapy.
Methods

We evaluated the immune scores and stromal scores by using the RNA sequencing dataset of SARCs patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the ESTIMATE algorithm. Then the differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs), miRNAs (DEMs) and lncRNAs (DELs) were filtered after comparing the two high- and low- scores groups. Next, based on these DERNAs, we established a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and explored the prognostic roles of biomarkers involved in the network with the help of bioinformatics analysis.
Results

High immune scores were significantly associated with favorable overall survival of SARCs patients. Next, a total of 328 DEGs, 18 DEMs and 67 DELs that commonly regulated in the immune and stromal scores groups were obtained. And for the DEGs, some of the Gene Ontology (GO) terms and pathways were mainly associated with immune processes. A ceRNA network were constructed with 142 nodes and 424 edges, in which hsa-miR-9-5p, hsa-miR-490-3p, hsa-miR-133a-3p, hsa-miR-133b and hsa-miR-129-5p were the top 5 nodes. Additionally, the protein-protein Interaction (PPI) network identified MMP9, TYROBP, CSF1, CXCR4, FBN1, FLNA, PDGFRB, CYBB, FCGR3A and MYH11 as hub nodes with considerable importance that functioned in the network. Finally, the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that 9 mRNAs (APOL1, EFEMP1, LYZ, MEDAG, MYH11, RARRES1, TNFAIP2, TNFSF10 and ZNF385A), 2 miRNAs (hsa-miR-9-5p and hsa-miR-183-5p) and 3 lncRNAs (CTD-2228K2.7, HOTAIRM1 and NCF1C) were closely associated with the overall survival of SARCs patients.
Conclusions

Taken together, our study confirmed that the prognosis value of immune scores for SARCs patients, also we identified a list of TME-related biomarkers which might contribute to prognostic prediction and help improve the efficacy of immune therapy.
Improved inflammatory bowel disease, wound healing and normal of oxidative burst under treatment with empagliflozin in glycogen storage disease type Ib
Authors: Grünert Sarah Catharina , Elling Roland , Maag Bärbel , Wortmann Saskia B. , Derks Terry G. J. , Hannibal Luciana , Schumann Anke , Rosenbaum-Fabian Stefanie , Spiekerkoetter Ute
Published: June 2020

Background

Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD Ib) is a rare inborn error of glycogen metabolism due to mutations in SLC37A4. Besides a severe form of fasting intolerance, the disorder is usually associated with neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction causing serious infections, inflammatory bowel disease, oral, urogenital and perianal lesions as well as impaired wound healing. Recently, SGLT2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin that reduce the plasma levels of 1,5-anhydroglucitol have been described as a new treatment option for the neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction in patients with GSD Ib.
Results

We report on a 35-year-old female patient with GSD Ib who had been treated with G-CSF for neutropenia since the age of 9. She had a large chronic abdominal wound as a consequence of recurrent operations due to complications of her inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment with 20 mg empagliflozin per day resulted in normalisation of the neutrophil count and neutrophil function even after termination of G-CSF. The chronic abdominal wound that had been unchanged for 2 years before the start of empagliflozin nearly closed within 12 weeks. No side effects of empagliflozin were observed.
Conclusion

SGLT2 inhibitors are a new and probably safe treatment option for GSD Ib-associated neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction. We hypothesize that restoration of neutrophil function and normalisation of neutrophil apoptosis leads to improvement of wound healing and ameliorates symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Serum procalcitonin levels predict disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with sepsis shock: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fu Guang , He Xi-si , Li Hao-li , Zhan Hai-chao , Lu Jun-fu , Chen Yan-hong , Yang Zi-Long , Huang Jia-jia , Feng Yong-wen , Luan Ying-yi , Wu Ming
Published: June 2020

Background

Complication of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a determinant of the prognosis in patients with sepsis shock. Procalcitonin (PCT) has been advocated as a marker of bacterial sepsis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum PCT levels and DIC with sepsis shock
Methods

A cohort study was designed which included patients that admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018 and the follow-up to discharge. 164 septic shock patients were divided into DIC and non-DIC groups according to international society of thrombosis and homeostasis (ISTH). PCT was measured at the admission to ICU, and all the participants received routine biochemical coagulation test subsequently.
Results

PCT levels were considerably higher in septic shock patients who developed DIC than those who did not (54.6[13.6–200]vs12.6[2.4–53.3]ng/ml), respectively, P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression model revealed that PCT level was significantly associated with risk of DIC independent of conventional risk factors. In addition, curve fitting showed a linear relationship between PCT and DIC score. The Receiver Operating characteristic(ROC) curve suggested that the optimal cut-off point for PCT to predicting DIC induced by septic shock was 42.0 ng/ml, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.701(95% CI [0.619–0.784], P < 0.001). More importantly, incorporating PCT with other risk factors into the prediction model significantly increased the AUC for prediction of DIC induced by sepsis shock (0.801vs 0.706; P = 0.012).
Conclusions

Our study suggests that PCT levels on admission is significantly and independently associated with DIC development subsequently with septic shock, combining PCT levels with other risk factors could significantly improve the prediction of DIC induced by sepsis shock.
Embarked on social processes (the rivers) in dynamic and multilevel networks (the boats)
Authors: Lazega Emmanuel
Published: June 2020

This paper is the written text underlying the keynote presentation at the Sunbelt XXXVIII in Utrecht, 2018. It presents a neo-structural approach to social processes in the organizational society and the usefulness of the analyses of multilevel networks to understand how we navigate these processes and are made aware of them when we face cooperation dilemmas. Empirical illustrations look at how multilevel networks and relational infrastructures are useful to research a process such as coopetitive learning in science, business and government. A conclusion focuses on the role of multilevel relational infrastructures in institutional entrepreneurship, social change and politics, as well as on our responsibility to develop our knowledge of these social processes and multilevel relational infrastructures as open science.
Influence of Climate on the Spatiotemporal Distribution of Malaria in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Makondo Lungile , Adeola Abiodun , Makgoale Thabo , Botai Joel , Adisa Omolola , Botai Christina
Published: June 2020

Background:

Malaria, though curable, continues to be a major health and socioeconomic challenge. Malaria cases have been on the rise for the last two years in the malaria-endemic region of South Africa. Thulamela Municipality in Limpopo, South Africa, which falls within several municipalities at Vhembe district that are affected by malaria. About 33,448 malaria cases were reported over a period of 20 years (1998 January-2018 December).

Objective:

The study aims to determine the influence of climate on the spatiotemporal distribution of malaria cases in Thulamela Municipality for the last two decades (1998 January-2018 December).

Methods:

The analysis is divided into two sections, including temporal and spatial distribution of malaria cases, and the correlating climatic and environmental factors. Time series analysis is conducted to determine the variations of malaria and climate. Malaria and climatic factors (rainfall, maximum temperature, minimum temperature) were globally correlated using matrix scatterplot spearman correlation with a certain significance level. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression was performed to determine the significant climate factors that locally affect the spatial distribution of malaria cases. The local environmental factor (rivers) was analyzed using buffering and terrain analysis.

Results:

A positive spearman correlation of the time series was found with the significance level of 0.01. The climate variables were not strongly significant to the spatial distribution of malaria at the village level. The villages which continued to record high malaria cases were in proximity to rivers by 2km. The Thulamela municipality falls within 20-30°C, which is essential for the incubation of mosquitoes and transmission of malaria. The areas receiving about 125 to 135 mm of total monthly rainfall record high malaria cases. The temperature, rainfall, and rivers are important factors for malaria transmission.

Conclusion:

Knowledge of the drivers of the spatiotemporal distribution of malaria is essential for a predicting system to enhance effective malaria control in communities such as the Thulamela municipality.
The Genetic Base For Drug Addiction (Preprint)
Authors: Abdul Hiwa
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

its about genetic base for drug addiction and affect on human being.

OBJECTIVE

There are many evidences about relationship between eating behavior and drug addiction. A number of susceptibility loci that point to shared higher order genetic pathways underling addiction were found in genetic studies. This study assumed that a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of food addiction would produce important enrichment in genes and pathways related to addiction.

METHODS

This study done among 314 women of European ancestry, by using a GWAS of food addiction, which is determined by the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS). Results for enrichment of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (n 5 44), genes (n 5 238), and pathways (n 5 11) involved in drug addiction were tested.

RESULTS

Two loci met GW-significance (P < 2.5 10 -8) with no obvious roles in eating behavior, they are mapping to 17q21.31 and 11q13.4. GW results were significantly enriched for gene members of the MAPK signaling pathway (P = 0.02). After adjustment for multiple testing, candidate SNP or gene for drug addiction was not linked with food addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

: limited support was delivered for shared genetic underpinnings of drug addiction and food addiction, although the GWAS of mYFAS, need further investigation and follow up.
COVID-19 Communication and Lockdown Strategies of Selected Countries—Brazil, India, South Africa and Vietnam
Authors: Kakonge Amb. Dr. John O.
Published: June 2020

This paper focuses on case studies of four countries—Brazil, India, South Africa and Vietnam—to determine whether communication strategies and lockdown policies have been effective in reducing the numbers of positive cases of COVID-19. Given the data limitations, it is not clear whether the communication strategies each country used have helped to enforce the lockdown. Regardless, there is no question that lockdown, whether national or selective, has helped to reduce increases of positive cases in three countries-India, South Africa and Vietnam; Brazil has not had a lockdown, and numbers have escalated. Lockdown, in turn, has helped the former countries to plan ahead to cope with COVID-19. Moreover, from these case studies reviewed, it is demonstrated that the success of lockdowns depends on the understanding and support of all stakeholders.
Análisis del presupuesto aprobado y del gasto ejercido, 2001-2017. El caso del Ramo 33
Authors: Sánchez Said
Published: June 2020

Algunas investigaciones han mostrado que el gobierno federal gasta más de lo establecido en el presupuesto de egresos. En el caso de las trasferencias federales, la evidencia aún es escasa. Por lo tanto, los objetivos de esta investigación son mostrar datos sobre la diferencia entre el presupuesto y el gasto ejercido del Ramo 33 en el periodo 2001-2017; destacar cómo se distribuye entre los estados; y determinar si la alineación partidista vertical incide en su repartición. Mediante un análisis de tipo panel, los resultados muestran que hay un sobreejercicio del gasto del Ramo 33, pero la alineación partidista vertical no tiene un efecto en él. En suma, no hay una influencia partidista en la distribución de estos recursos.
The Google trends effect on the behavior of the exchange rate Mexican peso - US dollar
Authors: Durán Bustamante Mario , Hernandez del Valle Adrian , Ortiz Ramírez Ambrosio
Published: June 2020

We show the advantage of using Google search engine trends to forecast the volatility of the shortterm (weekly) exchange rate between the Mexican peso and United States dollar. We perform a comparison of models in the literature that have used Google Trends to examine explanatory variables. Some of
the models are based on time series, whereas others are based on the similarity function, which captures the cognitive form of human reasoning. For example, an investor who needs to know the value that a variable will take in the future will take into account relevant, known, and available information, and weigh it to calculate the forecast. We conclude that taking into account the Google Trends variable helps explains partially the behaviour of volatility; and it is necessary to incorporate more aggregation levels. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, literature on the subject of using Google Trends to explain relevant economic variables is relatively scarce.