bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of food parenting practices regarding junk food and sugary drinks among parent-child dyads
Authors: Thomson Jessica L. , Hennessy Erin , Landry Alicia S. , Goodman Melissa H.
Published: August 2020

Background

Children’s food preference and intake patterns are affected by parental child feeding practices. The objective was to determine patterns of food parenting practices regarding junk food and sugary drinks (JS) and investigate their associations with demographic characteristics and dietary intake in a large cohort of parents and their children (12–17 years).

Methods

Dyadic survey data from the cross-sectional, internet-based Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating Study, conducted in 2014, were analyzed using latent class analysis to identify patterns of use for six JS parenting practices – negative emotions, restriction, monitoring, availability, modeling, and child involvement – based on parent and child report. Model covariates included self-reported parent and child sex, age (child only), body mass index category (based on height and weight), added sugars intake, and legitimacy of parental authority.

Results

Based on 1657 parent-child dyads, five parenting practice patterns were identified representing different levels of practice use – Complete Influencers (28%; reference class), Indifferent Influencers (21%), Negative Influencers (20%), Minimal Influencers (18%), and Disagreeing Influencers (13%). Compared to older child dyads, younger child dyads were less likely to belong to Indifferent and Minimal Influencers (79 and 63% lower odds, respectively). Greater parent added sugars intake increased the odds of belonging to Indifferent and Negative Influencers (4 and 5% higher for every teaspoon increase, respectively) while greater child added sugars intake decreased the odds of belonging to Minimal Influencers (6% lower for every teaspoon increase). Compared to dyads with high scores, dyads with low child scores for legitimacy of parental authority regarding JS were 18 times as likely to belong to Disagreeing Influencers.

Conclusions

The study findings suggest that parents utilize distinct patterns of feeding practices regarding JS ranging from use of many practices, use of some practices, to low use of any practice, with differential associations with parent and child intakes of added sugars. Counseling or intervening with parents to use a mix of structure practices, such as availability and modeling, to positively influence their child’s and possibly their own intake of sugary snacks and drinks may prove more efficacious than use of coercive control practices, such as negative emotions.
Potential prognostic value of delta-like protein 3 in small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Benchao , Li Heng , Liu Chao , Wang Shuting , Zhang Feiyue , Zhang Li , Li Mingjie , Li Gaofeng
Published: August 2020

Background

Current researches have revealed that delta-like protein 3 (DLL3) may be related with prognosis in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, this finding remains controversial in small cell lung cancer. This meta-analysis was systematically performed to evaluate the prognostic value of DLL3 in SCLC.

Methods

The PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were retrieved to collect the eligible references. Through Stata 15.0 software, we pooled hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) by using random or fixed-effects models to evaluate the association between DLL3 and SCLC survival results.

Results

A total of 6 inter-related studies including 645 patients were qualified. After we removed 1 study, the remaining 5 studies including 601 patients were pooled to testify that high expression of DLL3 was an inferior prognostic for patients with SCLC in Asian populations (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.69; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.000). The pooled results showed that DLL3 might be higher expression in advanced metastasis SCLC in Asian populations (RR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.71, 0.99; I2 = 44.7%, p = 0.039). But the expression of DLL3 was not correlated with sex (RR = 1.33, 95% CI = 0.98, 1.80; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.064), smoking history (RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.58, 1.75; I2 = 72.1%, p = 0.967) and tumour stage (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.44, 1.05; I2 = 66.6%, p = 0.081).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis confirms that in Asian populations, high expression of DLL3 was a potential poor prognostic biomarker for SCLC and DLL3 highly expressed in advanced stage SCLC in Asian populations.
Engaged scholarship and public policy decision-making: a scoping review
Authors: McIsaac Jessie-Lee D. , Riley Barbara L.
Published: August 2020

Background

Engaged scholarship includes the coproduction and use of research by partnerships that blend research, policy and/or practice perspectives. This way of doing research attempts to bridge-the-gap between knowledge and its application. Recent reviews have described practices that support engagement and involve the community in research and patients in healthcare but there is less known about how to engage individuals working to inform public policy.

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this research was to articulate the actions and context that support the coproduction and use of research to inform public policy decisions. The study focuses on partnerships between researchers and stakeholders working in public policy across different levels and sectors of government.

Methods

A scoping review methodology was used. Relevant articles were identified from six electronic bibliographic databases of peer-reviewed literature.

Findings

A total of 9904 articles were screened and 375 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. The included 11 studies were from research partnerships internationally and described actions and contextual factors contributing to the coproduction and use of research to inform public policy. Key actions included facilitating frequent interactions with public policy stakeholders, joint planning for research, and collaboration to execute data collection and analysis. Contextual factors included clarity in responsibilities, prior relationships, and mutual respect for partner priorities and perspectives.

Conclusions

Key actions and contextual factors were identified in this review and warrant further study to strengthen research–policy partnerships and their outcomes.
Adenovirus infection promotes the formation of glioma stem cells from glioblastoma cells through the TLR9/NEAT1/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Zang Jian , Zheng Min-Hua , Cao Xiu-Li , Zhang Yi-Zhe , Zhang Yu-Fei , Gao Xiang-Yu , Cao Yuan , Shi Mei , Han Hua , Liang Liang
Published: August 2020

Background

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are glioma cells with stemness and are responsible for a variety of malignant behaviors of glioma. Evidence has shown that signals from tumor microenvironment (TME) enhance stemness of glioma cells. However, identification of the signaling molecules and underlying mechanisms has not been completely elucidated.

Methods

Human samples and glioma cell lines were cultured in vitro to determine the effects of adenovirus (ADV) infection by sphere formation, RT-qPCR, western blotting, FACS and immunofluorescence. For in vivo analysis, mouse intracranial tumor model was applied. Bioinformatics analysis, gene knockdown by siRNA, RT-qPCR and western blotting were applied for further mechanistic studies.

Results

Infection of patient-derived glioma cells with ADV increases the formation of tumor spheres. ADV infection upregulated stem cell markers and in turn promoted the capacities of self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation of the infected tumor spheres. These ADV infected tumor spheres had stronger potential to form xenograft tumors in immune-compromised mice. GSCs formation could be promoted by ADV infection via TLR9, because TLR9 was upregulated after ADV infection, and knockdown of TLR9 reduced ADV-induced GSCs. Consistently, MYD88, as well as total STAT3 and phosphorylated (p-)STAT3, were also upregulated in ADV-induced GSCs. Knockdown of MYD88 or pharmaceutical inhibition of STAT3 attenuated stemness of ADV-induced GSCs. Moreover, we found that ADV infection upregulated lncRNA NEAT1. Knockdown of NEAT1 impaired stemness of ADV-induced GSCs. Lastly, HMGB1, a damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP) that triggers TLR signaling, also upregulated stemness markers in glioma cells.

Conclusion

ADV, which has been developed as vectors for gene therapy and oncolytic virus, promotes the formation of GSCs via TLR9/NEAT1/STAT3 signaling.
Metabolic and clinical responses to Bunium Persicum (black caraway) supplementation in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Jafari-Maskouni Saber , Shahraki Mansour , Daneshi-Maskooni Milad , Dashipour Alireza , Shamsi-Goushki Ali , Mortazavi Zinat
Published: August 2020

Background

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide. We aimed to determine the metabolic and clinical responses to Bunium Persicum (Black Caraway) supplementation in overweight and obese patients with T2DM.

Methods

Participant recruitment took place in the diabetic clinic of Bu-Ali hospital in Zahedan. Due to the eligibility criteria, 60 participants were randomly placed into two groups, namely placebo (n = 30) and BP (n = 30). The supplementation was considered one 1000 mg capsule 2 times /day BP by meals (lunch and dinner) for 8 weeks. Physical activity levels, dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements [weight, height, and waist circumference], glycemic indices [fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin (FBI)], blood lipids [triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c)], and serum nesfatin-1 level were determined. Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), Quantitative insulin sensitivity checks index (QUICKI), and Body Mass Index (BMI) were computed.

Results

In comparison with placebo, BP significantly decreased FBG, HOMA-IR, and BMI (P <  0.05). The differences in the FBI, QUICKI, TG, TC, LDL, HDL, WC, and Nesfatin-1 were not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

BP supplementation improved serum glucose indices and BMI among overweight and obese T2DM patients. Further trials are needed to confirm results.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), IRCT20181207041876N1, Registered 18/01/2019,https://irct.ir/trial/35752
Non-communicable disease governance in the era of the sustainable development goals: a qualitative analysis of food industry framing in WHO consultations
Authors: Lauber Kathrin , Ralston Rob , Mialon Mélissa , Carriedo Angela , Gilmore Anna B.
Published: August 2020

Background

The UN system’s shift towards multistakeholder governance, now embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), invites a broad range of actors, including the private sector, to the policymaking table. Although the tobacco industry is formally excluded from engagement, this approach provides opportunities for other unhealthy commodity industries to influence the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) non-communicable disease (NCD) agenda. Focusing on the food industry, this research maps which actors engaged with WHO consultations, and critically examines actors’ policy and governance preferences as well as the framing they employ to promote these preferences in the global context.

Methods

All written responses from food industry actors to publicly available NCD-relevant WHO consultations held between September 2015 and September 2018 were identified, totalling forty-five responses across five consultations. A qualitative frame analysis was conducted to identify policy positions expressed by respondents, as well as arguments and frames used to do so.

Results

Though no individual companies responded to the consultations, the majority of participating business associations had some of the largest multinational food corporations as members. Respondents overarchingly promoted non-statutory approaches and opposed statutory regulation and conflict of interest safeguards. To this purpose, they framed the food industry as a legitimate and necessary partner in policymaking, differentiating themselves from the tobacco industry and referencing a history of successful collaboration, while also invoking multistakeholder norms and good governance principles to portray collaboration as required. Respondents contrasted this with the limits of WHO’s mandate, portraying it as out of step with the SDGs and framing NCD decision-making as a matter of national sovereignty.

Conclusion

We observed that the UN’s call for partnerships to support the SDGs is invoked to defend corporate access to NCD policy. This highlights the need for more cautious approaches which are mindful of the commercial determinants of health. Systematic opposition to regulation and to governance approaches which may compromise commercial actors’ insider role in global health by food industry actors shown here, and the strategic use of the Sustainable Development agenda to this purpose, raises questions about the value of collaboration from the perspective of international health agencies such as WHO.
Development and psychometric testing of an observation-based assessment tool focusing on work-related stressors among health professionals: the STRAIN-External Observation of work Stressors
Authors: Peter Karin A. , Stadelmann Esther , Schols Jos M. G. A. , Halfens Ruud J. G. , Hahn Sabine
Published: August 2020

Background

Health professionals are especially affected by various stressors in their daily work, such as a high workload, physical and emotional challenges. The aim of this study was to develop and test the validity, reliability and usability of an observation-based instrument designed to assess work stressors in the healthcare sector.

Methods

Using a cross sectional design, 110 health professionals were observed during one entire shift by an external observer. Factor analysis was used to test construct validity, Cronbach’s alpha to test internal consistency and correlations using Kendall’s Tau were computed to test for convergent validity.

Results

For 9 out of 10 tested scales the results showed a one-factor solution for all observation scales (explained variance ranged from 55.5 to 80.2%), satisfactory reliability (Cronbach’s alpha between .67 and .92), sufficient usability and satisfactory convergent validity.

Conclusions

The newly developed STRAIN-EOS, an observation-based assessment tool designed to assess stressors specifically in the healthcare sector, was shown to be potentially useful. However, further refinement and testing is necessary before it can be widely used.
A combination of cytokeratin 5/6, p63, p40 and MUC5AC are useful for distinguishing squamous cell carcinoma from adenocarcinoma of the cervix
Authors: Li Hailing , Jing Xiaotong , Yu Jie , Liu Jiannan , Zhang Tingguo , Chen Shiming , Zhang Xiaofang
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas are the most common types of cervical cancer. Compared to squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas are more common in younger women and have a poorer prognosis. Yet, so far, no useful biomarkers have been developed for these two types of cancer. In the following study, we examined the combination of cytokeratin 5/6, p63, p40 and MUC5AC for distinguishing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from adenocarcinoma of the cervix (AEC).

Materials and methods

A total of 101 SCC and 108 AEC were collected. Immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to determine the expression of CK5/6, p63, p40, CK7 and MUC5AC. One pathologist who was blinded to the patient’s clinical and pathological data interpreted the staining results.

Results

MUC5AC and CK7 were detected in 81.48 and 82.41% of AEC cases compared to 9.9 and 49.50% of SCC cases (P < 0.05); the specificity of MUC5AC was higher than that of CK7 in AEC (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of MUC5AC combined with p40 or p63 was similar to that of CK7, but the specificity was slightly higher than that of CK7 in AEC. Moreover, the expression of MUC5AC was correlated with the degree of tumor differentiation in adenocarcinomas (P = 0.036) and was not related to the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma and subtypes.

Conclusions

MUC5AC may be useful as a biomarker for differential diagnoses between squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the cervix.
Correction to: Local preferences for three indigenous oil-seed plants and attitudes towards their conservation in the Kénédougou province of Burkina Faso, West-Africa
Authors: Tiétiambou Fanta Reine Sheirita , Salako Kolawolé Valère , Tohoun Jésukpégo Roméo , Ouédraogo Amadé
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Trends and outcomes of blunt renal trauma management: a nationwide cohort study in Japan
Authors: Nakao Shunichiro , Katayama Yusuke , Hirayama Atsushi , Hirose Tomoya , Ishida Kenichiro , Umemura Yutaka , Tachino Jotaro , Kiguchi Takeyuki , Matsuyama Tasuku , Kiyohara Kosuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Nakagawa Yuko , Shimazu Takeshi
Published: August 2020

Background

There is a paucity of information for predicting patient outcomes other than the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) renal injury scale. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the patient characteristics and outcomes of patients with blunt renal trauma using a nationwide database in Japan.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the Japan Trauma Data Bank (JTDB) from 2004 to 2018. We identified patients with blunt renal trauma by AIS codes converted to AAST grades. We evaluated trends in patient characteristics and management and assessed factors associated with mortality and nephrectomy using a multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

We identified 3550 patients with blunt renal trauma. Their median age was 43 years and 74.2% were male. Nephrectomy was performed in 3.8%, and the overall mortality rate was 9.5%. We found increasing trends in age and emergency abdominal angiography and decreasing trends in nephrectomy and mortality over the 15-year period. The following factors were associated with mortality: age ≥ 65 years (adjusted OR 3.36); pedestrian accident (adjusted OR 1.94); fall from height (adjusted OR 1.91); shock on arrival (adjusted OR 4.02); concomitant injuries to the head/neck (adjusted OR 3.14), pelvis/lower-extremity (adjusted OR 1.59), liver (adjusted OR 1.68), spleen (adjusted OR 1.45), and gastrointestinal tract (adjusted OR 1.90); AAST grades III–V (adjusted ORs 1.42, 2.16, and 5.55); and emergency abdominal angiography (adjusted OR 0.70). The following factors were associated with nephrectomy: shock on arrival (adjusted OR 1.98), concomitant injuries to the thorax (adjusted OR 0.46) and spleen (adjusted OR 2.07), AAST grades III, IV, and V (adjusted ORs 18.40, 113.89, and 468.17), and emergency abdominal angiography (adjusted OR 0.28).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the AAST grade and emergency angiography were associated with mortality and nephrectomy in blunt renal trauma in the Japanese population.
Can accuracy of component alignment be improved with Oxford UKA Microplasty® instrumentation?
Authors: Ng Jonathan Patrick , Fan Jason Chi Ho , Lau Lawrence Chun Man , Tse Tycus Tao Sun , Wan Samuel Yik Cheung , Hung Yuk Wah
Published: August 2020

Background

One factor in the long-term survivorship of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is the accuracy of implantation. In addition to implant designs, the instrumentation has also evolved in the last three decades to improve the reproducibility of implant placement. There have been limited studies comparing mobile bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with contemporary instrumentation and fixed bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with conventional instrumentation. This study aims to determine whether the Microplasty instrumentation in Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty allows the surgeon to implant the components more precisely and accurately.

Methods

A total of 150 patients (194 knees) were included between April 2013 and June 2019. Coronal and sagittal alignment of the tibial and femoral components was measured on postoperative radiographs. Component axial rotational alignment was measured on postoperative computer tomography. The knee rotation angle was the difference between the femoral and tibial axial rotation. A rotational mismatch was defined as a knee rotation angle of > 10°. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test and Mann-Whitney nonparametric test. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in each analysis.

Results

Between April 2013 to June 2019, 112 patients (150 knees) received Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, one patient (2 knees) had Journey unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, and 37 patients (42 knees) received Zimmer unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. All femoral components in the Oxford group were implanted within the reference range, compared with 36.6% in the fixed bearing group (p < 0.001). 88.3% of Oxford knees had tibial component falling within the reference range, whereas 56.1% of knees in the fixed bearing group fell within the reference range (p < 0.001). 97.5% of Oxford knees had tibial slope that fell within reference range, whereas 53.7% fell within range for fixed bearing group (p < 0.001). Femorotibial rotational mismatch of more than 10° was noted in 13.8% in Oxford group and 20.5% in fixed bearing group (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Microplasty instrumentation for Oxford mobile bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is more accurate and precise compared to conventional fixed bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in sagittal, coronal, and axial alignment. Prospective studies with long-term follow-up are warranted to investigate the clinical implications.
Development of a national survey on foot involvement among people with psoriatic arthritis in Australia using a best practice approach: a survey development protocol
Authors: Carter Kate , Walmsley Steven , Rome Keith , Turner Deborah E.
Published: August 2020

Background

Limited research to date has defined the nature and extent of foot involvement in a psoriatic arthritis‐specific population in Australia and the scale of the problem remains unclear. Survey research provides the ideal opportunity to sample a large population over a wide geographical area. Although quality criteria for survey research have been developed, research shows that adherence is low and that survey studies are poorly reported in peer‐reviewed survey articles, which limits the ability to inform future survey design. The objective of this paper was to develop a national survey about foot involvement in people with psoriatic arthritis using a best practice approach. This is a methods paper for the development of survey research.

Methods

A systematic, multi‐stage process of survey development was undertaken, which comprised 3 phases: 1) the generation of the conceptual framework and survey content; 2) the development of the survey and pre‐testing and 3) development of the survey dissemination strategy. A survey best practice approach was adopted using iterative pre‐testing techniques, which included; cognitive debriefing, cultural sensitivity review, survey design expert validation, subject expert validation and pilot testing. Targeted postal and online survey dissemination strategies were developed a priori to optimise the response rates anticipated.

Results

A 59‐item survey with 8 sections was developed. Findings demonstrated a high survey response (n = 649), high data completeness (83% of respondents reached the end of the survey) and low rates of missing data (below 5% for 95% of respondents). Extensive survey pre‐testing among the target population, health professionals and experts improved the overall quality, content validity, functioning and representativeness of the survey instrument, which optimised potential response rates. Clear audit trails that mapped the analytical process at each stage substantiated the rigour of the survey development methods. Robust strategies for sampling, survey dissemination and community engagement were deemed to have made a powerful contribution to response rates and the scale of information collected.

Conclusions

Robust patient‐centred methods in survey design were used to create a novel, high‐quality survey to comprehensively evaluate psoriatic arthritis‐related foot involvement. Transparent and precise description of the survey design and dissemination methods provides useful information to other researchers embarking on survey design in healthcare.
Psoriatic arthritis: exploring the occurrence of sleep disturbances, fatigue, and depression and their correlates
Authors: Haugeberg Glenn , Hoff Mari , Kavanaugh Arthur , Michelsen Brigitte
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Sleep disturbances, fatigue, and anxiety/depression in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may be influenced by skin and musculoskeletal manifestations. All of these in turn affect the psychosocial impact of disease. The objective was to explore the occurrence of sleep disturbances, fatigue, and anxiety/depression in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, and their correlates.

Methods

A broad data collection was performed in 137 Norwegian PsA outpatient clinic patients including demographics, disease activity measures for both skin and musculoskeletal involvement, and patient-reported outcome measures. Sleep disturbances and fatigue were defined present if the numeric rating scale (0–10) score was ≥ 5. Anxiety/depression was assessed using a questionnaire (1–3; 1 defined as no anxiety/depression). Descriptive statistics was applied, and associations were explored using univariate and adjusted linear regression analysis.

Results

The mean age was 52.3 years, PsA disease duration 8.8 years; 49.6% were men and 54.8% were currently employed/working. The prevalence of sleep disturbances was 38.0%, fatigue 44.5%, and anxiety/depression 38.0%. In adjusted analysis, pain, fatigue, and higher mHAQ were associated with sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances, pain, and anxiety/depression were associated with fatigue, whereas only fatigue was associated with anxiety/depression.

Conclusions

The prevalence of sleep disturbances, fatigue, and anxiety/depression was frequently reported by PsA patients. No measures reflecting skin involvement or objective measures of musculoskeletal involvement were independently associated with sleep disturbances, fatigue, or anxiety/depression. Our data suggest that patients’ perceptions of musculoskeletal involvement (pain or mHAQ) play an important role causing sleep disturbances and fatigue, whereas fatigue in PsA patients is strongly associated with anxiety/depression.
District-level strategies to control the HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe: a practical example of precision public health
Authors: Makurumidze Richard , Decroo Tom , Lynen Lutgarde , Chinwadzimba Zororo Kudzaishe , Van Damme Wim , Hakim James , Rusakaniko Simbarashe
Published: August 2020

Objective

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using survey and programme data to assess district-level performance along the HIV care cascade (HIV testing target achievement, linkage to ART and ART coverage) in order to formulate district-specific recommendations, taking into consideration prevalence and yield of testing.

Results

Data from 60 districts were analysed. Forty-eight districts (80.0%) surpassed 90% of their 2018 HIV testing targets. Linkage to ART was less than 90% in 40 districts (83.3%). Thirty districts (50.0%) had ART coverage above 90%. Of the 30 districts with suboptimal (< 90%) ART coverage, 18 districts had achieved high HIV testing target but with suboptimal linkage to ART, 6 had achieved high HIV testing targets and high linkage to ART, 4 had both suboptimal HIV testing target achievement and linkage to ART and 2 had suboptimal HIV testing target achievement and high linkage to ART. Priority should be given to districts with suboptimal ART coverage. Remediation strategies should be tailored to address the poorly performing stage of the cascade in each of the districts.
The diagnostic power of CD117, CD13, CD56, CD64, and MPO in rapid screening acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Tran Vinh Thanh , Phan Thang Thanh , Mac Hong-Phuoc , Tran Tung Thanh , Ho Toan Trong , Pho Suong Phuoc , Nguyen Van-Anh Ngoc , Vo Truc-My , Nguyen Hue Thi , Le Thao Thi , Vo Tin Huu , Nguyen Son Truong
Published: August 2020

Objective

The same immuno-phenotype between HLA-DR-negative acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) causes APL rapid screening to become difficult. This study aimed to identify the associated antigens for APL and the best model in clinical uses.

Results

A total of 36 APL (PML–RARA+) and 29 HLA-DR-negative non-APL patients enrolled in this study. When a cut-off point of 20% events was applied to define positive or negative status, APL and non-APL patients share a similar immuno-phenotype of CD117, CD34, CD11b, CD13, CD33, and MPO (P > 0.05). However, expression intensity of CD117 (P = 0.002), CD13 (P < 0.001), CD35 (P < 0.001), CD64 (P < 0.001), and MPO (P < 0.001) in APL are significantly higher while CD56 (P = 0.049) is lower than in non-APL subjects. The Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) analysis identified CD117 (≥ 49% events), CD13 (≥ 88% events), CD56 (≤ 25% events), CD64 (≥ 42% events), and MPO (≥ 97% events) antigens as an optimal model for APL diagnosis. A combination of these factors resulted in an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.98 together with 91.7% sensitivity and 93.1% specificity, which is better than individual markers (AUC were 0.76, 0.84, 0.65, 0.82, and 0.85, respectively) (P = 0.001).
Effects of long-term sleep disruption on cognitive function and brain amyloid-β burden: a case-control study
Authors: Thomas Jana , Ooms Sharon J. , Mentink Lara J. , Booij Jan , Olde Rikkert Marcel G. M. , Overeem Sebastiaan , Kessels Roy P. C. , Claassen Jurgen A. H. R.
Published: August 2020

Background

Recent evidence indicates that disrupted sleep could contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease by influencing the production and/or clearance of the amyloid-β protein. We set up a case-control study to investigate the association between long-term work-induced sleep disruption, cognitive function, and brain amyloid-β burden.

Methods

Nineteen male maritime pilots (aged 48–60 years) with chronic work-related sleep disruption and a sex-, age-, and education-matched control sample (n = 16, aged 50–60 years) with normal sleep completed the study. Primary sleep disorders were ruled out with in-lab polysomnography. Additional sleep measurements were obtained at home using actigraphy, sleep-wake logs, and a single-lead EEG device. Cognitive function was assessed with a neuropsychological test battery, sensitive to early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Brain amyloid-β burden was assessed in maritime pilots using18F-flutemetamol amyloid PET-CT.

Results

Maritime pilots reported significantly worse sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) = 8.8 ± 2.9) during work weeks, compared to controls (PSQI = 3.2 ± 1.4; 95% CI 0.01 to 2.57;p = 0.049). This was confirmed with actigraphy-based sleep efficiency (86% ± 3.8 vs. 89.3% ± 4.3; 95% CI 0.43 to 6.03;p = 0.03). Home-EEG recordings showed less total sleep time (TST) and deep sleep time (DST) during work weeks compared to rest weeks (TST 318.56 (250.21–352.93) vs. TST 406.17 (340–425.98);p = 0.001; DST 36.75 (32.30–58.58) vs. DST 51.34 (48.37–69.30);p = 0.005)). There were no differences in any of the cognitive domains between the groups. For brain amyloid-β levels, mean global cortical standard uptake value ratios of18F-flutemetamol were all in the normal range (1.009 ± 0.059; 95% CI 0.980 to 1.037), confirmed by visual reads.

Conclusions

Capitalizing on the particular work-rest schedule of maritime pilots, this study with a small sample size observed that long-term intermittent sleep disruption had no effects on global brain amyloid-β levels or cognitive function.
Impact of the Q.Clear reconstruction algorithm on the interpretation of PET/CT images in patients with lymphoma
Authors: Wyrzykowski Michał , Siminiak Natalia , Kaźmierczak Maciej , Ruchała Marek , Czepczyński Rafał
Published: August 2020

Background

Q.Clear is a new Bayesian penalized-likelihood PET reconstruction algorithm. It has been documented that Q.Clear increases the SUVmax values of different malignant lesions.

Purpose

SUVmax values are crucial for the interpretation of PET/CT images in patients with lymphoma, particularly when the early and final responses to treatment are evaluated. The aim of the study was to systematically analyse the impact of the use of Q.Clear on the interpretation of PET/CT in patients with lymphoma.

Methods

A total of 280 18F-FDG PET/CT scans in patients with lymphoma were performed for staging (sPET), for early treatment response (iPET), after the end of treatment (ePET) and when a relapse of lymphoma was suspected (rPET). Scans were separately reconstructed with two algorithms, Q.Clear and OSEM, and further compared.

Results

The stage of lymphoma was concordantly diagnosed in 69/70 patients with both algorithms on sPET. Discordant assessment of the Deauville score (p < 0.001) was found in 11 cases (15.7%) of 70 iPET scans and in 11 cases of 70 ePET scans. An upgrade from a negative to a positive scan by Q.Clear occurred in 3 cases (4.3%) of iPET scans and 7 cases (10.0%) of ePET scans. The results of all 70 rPET scans were concordant. The SUVmax values of the target lymphoma lesions measured with Q.Clear were higher than those measured with OSEM in 88.8% of scans.

Conclusion

Although the Q.Clear algorithm may alter the interpretations of PET/CT in only a small proportion of patients, we recommend using standard OSEM reconstruction for the assessment of treatment response.
Understanding the mental health of doctoral researchers: a mixed methods systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-synthesis
Authors: Hazell Cassie M. , Chapman Laura , Valeix Sophie F. , Roberts Paul , Niven Jeremy E. , Berry Clio
Published: August 2020

Background

Data from studies with undergraduate and postgraduate taught students suggest that they are at an increased risk of having mental health problems, compared to the general population. By contrast, the literature on doctoral researchers (DRs) is far more disparate and unclear. There is a need to bring together current findings and identify what questions still need to be answered.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods systematic review to summarise the research on doctoral researchers’ (DRs) mental health. Our search revealed 52 articles that were included in this review.

Results

The results of our meta-analysis found that DRs reported significantly higher stress levels compared with population norm data. Using meta-analyses and meta-synthesis techniques, we found the risk factors with the strongest evidence base were isolation and identifying as female. Social support, viewing the PhD as a process, a positive student-supervisor relationship and engaging in self-care were the most well-established protective factors.

Conclusions

We have identified a critical need for researchers to better coordinate data collection to aid future reviews and allow for clinically meaningful conclusions to be drawn.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration CRD42018092867
Existence, uniqueness, and stability of uncertain delay differential equations with V-jump
Authors: Jia Zhifu , Liu Xinsheng , Li Cunlin
Published: August 2020

No previous study has involved uncertain delay differential equations with jump. In this paper, we consider the uncertain delay differential equations with V-jump, which is driven by both an uncertain V-jump process and an uncertain canonical process. First of all, we give the equivalent integral equation. Next, we establish an existence and uniqueness theorem of solution to the differential equations we proposed in the finite domain and the infinite domain, respectively. Once more, the concept of stability for uncertain delay differential equations with V-jump is proposed. In addition, the sufficient condition for stability theorem is derived. To judge existence, uniqueness, and stability briefly, we provide some examples in the end.
Robust cooperative car-parking: implications and solutions for selfish inter-vehicular social behaviour
Authors: Aliedani Ali , Loke Seng W. , Glaser Sebastien
Published: August 2020

Vehicular cooperation mechanisms are known to provide efficiency and scalability benefits but for the mechanisms to be human-centric, there is a need for them to be robust and resilient to anti-social behaviours such as deception. More specifically, decentralised vehicle-to-vehicle cooperation has been shown to be an effective and convenient approach to coordinate the use of dynamically changing common road resources such as car parking. However, the potential for selfish behaviour of some vehicles in the form of sending false information for self-benefit has a significant effect on the value of cooperation. In this paper, we investigate, via extensive simulations, the deception behaviour of malicious vehicles looking to park by sending false information in decentralized vehicle cooperation. Furthermore, Deception Detection Mechanisms (DDMs) are introduced and are shown to be valuable in ameliorating the effects of malicious vehicles. The work has broader implications for an open world of autonomous and adaptive systems with decentralized control and ownership which need to cooperate to use shared resources; they are susceptible to malicious behaviour, and hence, need to be built to be robust to such behaviour.
Importance of plant and bird traits on the seed removal pattern of endangered trees across different forest patches in southeast China
Authors: Li Ning , Zhang Shuai , Ren Yuan-Hao , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2020

Seed removal by birds has been recognized as an important part of seed dispersal process in patchy forest areas; however, few studies have focused on the contribution of both plant and bird traits to seed removal. In this study, field data of seed removal for Taxus chinensis was combined with the data of bird and plant traits for analysis. The relevant traits of plants and birds that influenced T. chinensis–bird interaction were identified in a remnant patchy forest in yew ecological garden, Fujian Province, southeast China. Twenty bird species were found to forage and remove the seeds of T. chinensis. The number of bird species varied in different forest patches; however, their contribution to seed removal showed no significant differences. Both bird and plant traits were found to affect seed removal. The seed removal rate was positively affected by bird traits, such as foraging frequency and wing length, but decreased with body weight. The plant traits, such as number of fruits, tree height, canopy density, and crown width, which are related to safe shelter and food resource conditions, increased the seed removal rate. Our results underline the functional importance of bird and plant traits in the seed removal from endangered trees in patchy forests. Therefore, future conservation strategies should prioritize and recognize the role of both plant and bird traits in seed dispersal in remnant patchy forests.
Sepsis related mortality of extremely low gestational age newborns after the introduction of colonization screening for multi-drug resistant organisms
Authors: Härtel Christoph , Faust Kirstin , Fortmann Ingmar , Humberg Alexander , Pagel Julia , Haug Clara , Kühl Reinhard , Bohnhorst Bettina , Pirr Sabine , Viemann Dorothee , Simon Arne , Zemlin Michael , Poralla Silvia , Müller Andreas , Köstlin-Gille Natascha , Gille Christian , Heckmann Matthias , Rupp Jan , Herting Egbert , Göpel Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

Background

In 2013 German infection surveillance guidelines recommended weekly colonization screening for multidrug-resistant (MDRO) or highly epidemic organisms for neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and extended hygiene measures based on screening results. It remains a matter of debate whether screening is worth the effort. We therefore aimed to evaluate sepsis related outcomes before and after the guideline update.

Methods

The German Neonatal Network (GNN) is a prospective cohort study including data from extremely preterm infants between 22 + 0 and 28 + 6 gestational weeks born in 62 German level III NICUs.

Results

Infants treated after guideline update (n = 8.903) had a lower mortality (12.5% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.036), reduced rates for clinical sepsis (31.4 vs. 42.8%, p <  0.001) and culture-proven sepsis (14.4% vs. 16.5%, p = 0.003) as compared to infants treated before update (n = 3.920). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, nine pathogens of culture-proven sepsis were associated with sepsis-related death, e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa [OR 59 (19–180), p <  0.001)]. However, the guideline update had no significant effect on pathogen-specific case fatality, total sepsis-related mortality and culture-proven sepsis rates with MDRO. While the exposure of GNN infants to cefotaxime declined over time (31.1 vs. 40.1%, p <  0.001), the treatment rate with meropenem was increased (31.6 vs. 26.3%, p <  0.001).

Conclusions

The introduction of weekly screening and extended hygiene measures is associated with reduced sepsis rates, but has no effects on sepsis-related mortality and sepsis with screening-relevant pathogens. The high exposure rate to meropenem should be a target of antibiotic stewardship programs.
Impact and returns on investment of mungbean research and development in Myanmar
Authors: Sequeros Teresa , Schreinemachers Pepijn , Depenbusch Lutz , Shwe Tun , Nair Ramakrishnan Madhavan
Published: August 2020

Background

There is a need for better evidence for the impact of plant breeding research on nutrient-rich crops such as pulses to guide policy-making and investment. Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L). Wilczek) is one of the major pulses of South and Southeast Asia and makes an important contribution to food security and agricultural sustainability. The objective of this study is to quantify impact of and returns on investment from international mungbean breeding research for Myanmar.

Methods

This study applies the economic surplus model, which is a widely applied method to quantify the economic impact of agricultural technology adoption at the aggregate level. Sensitivity analysis is used to test some of the key assumptions underlying the method. All data come from secondary sources. Estimates of economic impact are combined with investment costs to quantify returns on investment.

Results

Four mungbean varieties coming out of international agricultural research and released by the national agricultural system of Myanmar created aggregate economic gains of USD 1.4 billion from 1980 to 2016 and this is projected to increase to USD 3.7 billion by 2030. International donors and the Myanmar government invested about USD 5 million in the country’s mungbean research and development over this period. The average dollar invested generated USD 92 in economic gains up to 2016 and this is expected to increase to USD 181 by 2030. The internal rate of return is 27%. There is a 20-year time lag between start of investment and start of economic benefits.

Conclusions

International research into mungbean improvement led by the World Vegetable Center has created tremendous economic impact for Myanmar, most of it accruing to smallholder farm households and laborers contributing to the mungbean harvest. The unconditional sharing of plant genetic resources between national agricultural research systems in Asia was a key contributor to the success. It is important that this culture of sharing is maintained. The finding that agricultural research investment in mungbean gives high returns supports the case for diversifying investments into nutrient-rich crops to address Asia’s and the world’s nutritional and environmental challenges.
A five-compartment model of age-specific transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zhao Ze-Yu , Zhu Yuan-Zhao , Xu Jing-Wen , Hu Shi-Xiong , Hu Qing-Qing , Lei Zhao , Rui Jia , Liu Xing-Chun , Wang Yao , Yang Meng , Luo Li , Yu Shan-Shan , Li Jia , Liu Ruo-Yun , Xie Fang , Su Ying-Ying , Chiang Yi-Chen , Zhao Ben-Hua , Cui Jing-An , Yin Ling , Su Yan-Hua , Zhao Qing-Long , Gao Li-Dong , Chen Tian-Mu
Published: August 2020

Background

The novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, also called 2019-nCoV) causes different morbidity risks to individuals in different age groups. This study attempts to quantify the age-specific transmissibility using a mathematical model.

Methods

An epidemiological model with five compartments (susceptible–exposed–symptomatic–asymptomatic–recovered/removed [SEIAR]) was developed based on observed transmission features. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases were divided into four age groups: group 1, those ≤ 14 years old; group 2, those 15 to 44 years old; group 3, those 45 to 64 years old; and group 4, those ≥ 65 years old. The model was initially based on cases (including imported cases and secondary cases) collected in Hunan Province from January 5 to February 19, 2020. Another dataset, from Jilin Province, was used to test the model.

Results

The age-specific SEIAR model fitted the data well in each age group (P < 0.001). In Hunan Province, the highest transmissibility was from age group 4 to 3 (median: β43 = 7.71 × 10− 9; SAR43 = 3.86 × 10− 8), followed by group 3 to 4 (median: β34 = 3.07 × 10− 9; SAR34 = 1.53 × 10− 8), group 2 to 2 (median: β22 = 1.24 × 10− 9; SAR22 = 6.21 × 10− 9), and group 3 to 1 (median: β31 = 4.10 × 10− 10; SAR31 = 2.08 × 10− 9). The lowest transmissibility was from age group 3 to 3 (median: β33 = 1.64 × 10− 19; SAR33 = 8.19 × 10− 19), followed by group 4 to 4 (median: β44 = 3.66 × 10− 17; SAR44 = 1.83 × 10− 16), group 3 to 2 (median: β32 = 1.21 × 10− 16; SAR32 = 6.06 × 10− 16), and group 1 to 4 (median: β14 = 7.20 × 10− 14; SAR14 = 3.60 × 10− 13). In Jilin Province, the highest transmissibility occurred from age group 4 to 4 (median: β43 = 4.27 × 10− 8; SAR43 = 2.13 × 10− 7), followed by group 3 to 4 (median: β34 = 1.81 × 10− 8; SAR34 = 9.03 × 10− 8).

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 exhibits high transmissibility between middle-aged (45 to 64 years old) and elderly (≥ 65 years old) people. Children (≤ 14 years old) have very low susceptibility to COVID-19. This study will improve our understanding of the transmission feature of SARS-CoV-2 in different age groups and suggest the most prevention measures should be applied to middle-aged and elderly people.