bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Health Belief Model to Analyse Murses’ Perception Towards their Behaviours for Keeping Surgical Instruments Moist
Authors: Chen Yanhua , Hu Juan , Huang Yan , Yi Liangying , Hu Ruixue
Published: December 2020

Background: Because of conflicts with work schedule of central sterile supply department (CSSD), surgical instruments might not be immediately cleaned or sterilized by CSSD staff members after use. If surgical instruments are not kept appropriately moist, tarnish or rusting may occur on the instruments, which will not only affect cleaning quality, but also shorten the normal service life of the instruments. Nurses’ perception towards their behaviours for keeping surgical instruments moist has been rarely studied. We aimed to use the health belief model to analyse nurses’ perception towards their behaviours for keeping surgical instruments moist. Methods: The survey utilising a general information questionnaire, and a self-designed nurses’ perception-behaviour scale for keeping surgical instruments moist was conducted with 360 nurses from the West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. Data was gathered with cluster sampling, and analysed in SPSS20.0. Results: Total score of nurses’ perception-behaviour scale for keeping surgical instruments moist was 139.93±15.145, among which mean score for perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy was 4.49±0.57, 4.62±0.48, 4.57±0.52, 3.47±0.94 and 4.16±0.66, respectively. Single factor analysis showed that score of nurses’ perception-behaviour scale for keeping surgical instruments moist varied with age, length of service and job title, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that length of service was the main factor affecting nurses’ perception towards their behaviours for keeping surgical instruments moist. Conclusion: Nurses should be offered intensive training on keeping surgical instruments moist due to their inadequate perception on it. However, an increase in knowledge does not necessarily bring behavior change. The nurses’ change in health beliefs and behaviours must be based upon developing the right attitude. As a result, they could realize the benefits of keeping surgical instruments moist, identify the barriers, and finally obtain the solutions.
Self-reported pain scores as a predictor of preterm birth in symptomatic twin pregnancy: a retrospective study
Authors: Kim Ji Hoi , Lee Seung Mi , Lee Sungyoung , Kim So Yeon , Hue Hye Jeong , Park Chan-Wook , Park Joong Shin , Jun Jong Kwan
Published: December 2020

Background: To evaluate the self-reported pain scores as a predictor of preterm birth (PTB) in symptomatic twin pregnancy and to develop a nomogram for the prediction model. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 148 cases of symptomatic twin pregnancies before 34 weeks of gestation visited at Seoul national university hospital from 2013 to 2018. With other clinical factors, self-reported pain score was evaluated by the numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores for pain intensity. By multivariate analyses and logistic regression, we developed a prediction model for PTB within 7 days. Using the Cox proportional hazards model, the curves were plotted to show the predictability of the PTB according to NRS pain score, while adjusting the other covariates. Results: 23 patients (15.5%) delivered preterm within 7 days. By a logistic regression analysis, higher NRS pain score (OR 1.558, 95% CI 1.093-2.221, P<0.05), shorter cervical length (OR 3.164, 95% CI 1.262-7.936, P<0.05) and positive fibronectin results (OR 8.799, 95% CI 1.101-70.330, P<0.05) affect PTB within 7 days. Using the variables, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the prediction model was 0.917. In addition, we developed a nomogram for the prediction of PTB within 7 days. Conclusions: Self-reported pain scores combined with cervical length and fetal fibronectin are useful in predicting impending PTB in symptomatic twin pregnancy.
On The Use of Dense Seismo-Acoustic Network to Provide Timely Early Warning of Volcanic Eruptions
Authors: Pichon Alexis Le , Pilger Christoph , Ceranna Lars , Marchetti Emanuele , Souty Viviane , Vergoz Julien , Listoswski Constantino , Hernandez Bruno , Mazet-Roux Gilles , Dupont Aurelien , Hereil Philippe
Published: December 2020

The Stromboli volcano is well known for its persistent explosive activity. On July 3rd and August 28th 2019, two paroxysmal explosions occurred, generating an eruptive column that quickly rose up to 5 km above sea level. For the first eruption, the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) issued a volcanic ash advisory to the civil aviation users with a two-hour delay. The various processes of these events were monitored in the near and far fields by infrasonic arrays up to distance of 3700 km and by the Italian national seismic network at a range of hundreds of kilometres. Using state-of-the-art propagation modelling, we identify the various seismic and infrasound phases for precise timing of the eruptions. We highlight the advantage of a dense seismo-acoustic network to enhance the monitoring capability of a global network at a regional scale for providing both a reliable source characterisation and a timely early warning to VAACs.
Drug use Pattern and Antenatal Care Utilization Among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia
Authors: Asmamaw Getahun , Ayenew Wondim , Tewuhibo Dinksew
Published: December 2020

Background: Taking medications during pregnancy can harm both the mother and fetus. However, avoiding drug utilization is a difficult due chance to occur maternal complications. The irrational use of medicine remains to worsen in developing countries. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the medication use pattern and its determinants among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods: This study used the national representative secondary data obtained from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic health survey (DHSprogram.com/Data). Simple descriptive statistics were used to present the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. Bivariate and multivariate regression models were performed consecutively to examine the significant statistical association between medication use and independent variables. Variables p < 0.25 during bivariate analysis were further analyzed with a multivariate regression model. A significant statistical association was detected if p < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval (CI). The 95% CIs and Odds ratios (OR) were also calculated for significant variables in bivariate regression. Stata/SE 14.2 statistical software was used to analyze the data.Results: About 10,29 (91.8%) of surveyed pregnant had taken at least one prescription drug. Thus, supplementary drugs were dominant (34% of iron folate). The prevalence of non supplementary drugs such as anthelmintic (15.3%), antibiotics (6%) followed by antimalarial (1.7%) drugs. Less than half 380 (34%) pregnant had received antenatal care (ANC) during their pregnancy. Thus, the majority of 364 (96%) of them received the ANC service at public health sectors. Most pregnant were in the second trimester when they started ANC. Pregnant aged from 35-49 years used drugs less likely by 65% (OR = 0.35, 95% CI =0.069-1.772) compared to younger pregnant. Poorer mothers were more likely to take medications by 53% (OR=0.47, 95% CI = 0.218-1.628) than middle income. The majority of pregnant were used medication during the second trimester (39.3%) followed by the third trimester (38.5%). Conclusion: The utilization of ANC was lower among pregnant women. Hence, increasing the coverage and utilization of ANC services is needed to improve the consumption of supplements and other preventive chemotherapy. Likewise, to expand the ANC service channel is important to monitor the irrational drug use of pregnant.
Person Re-Identification Using Convolutional Neural Network and Autoencoder Embedded on Frameworks Based on Siamese and Triplet Networks
Authors: Enembreck Fábia Isabella Pires , de Morais Erikson Freitas , Martins Marcella Scoczynski Ribeiro
Published: December 2020

The person re-identification problem addresses the task of identify if a person being watched by security cameras in surveillance environments has ever been in the scene. This problem is considered challenging, since the images obtained by cameras are subject to many variations, such as lighting, perspective and occlusions. This work aims to develop two robust approaches based on deep learning techniques for person re-identification, considering these variations. The first approach uses a Siamese neural network composed by two identical subnets. This model receives two input images that may or may not be from the same person. The second approach consists of a triplet neural network, with three identical subnets, which receives a reference image from a certain person, a second image from the same person and another image from a different person. Both approaches have identical subnets, composed by a convolutional neural network which extracts general characteristics from each image and an autoencoder model, responsible for addressing high variations that input images may undergo. To compare the developed networks, three datasets were used, and the accuracy and the CMC curve metrics were applied for the analysis. The experiments showed an improvement in the results with the use of the autoencoder in the subnets. Besides, Triplet Neural Network presented promising results in comparison with Siamese Neural Network and state-of-the-art methods.
Investigations on the Potential of Optical Coherence Tomography as an Imaging Tool for Eustachian Tube
Authors: Sun Xiao-Mei , Luo Jia-Qi , Xiao Zhi-Wen , Gu BA Qing-Yu , Lan BA Lin-Chan , Zhang Hui-Qing , Zhang Guan-Ping
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of eustachian tube optical coherence tomography (ET-OCT) for the pharyngeal region of the eustachian tube. Ten subjects with ear complaint accepted ET-OCT with the guidance of nasal endoscopy, and ET-OCT examination was performed on both sides of each subject's eustachian tubes. Operation process and images were analyzed. 10 subjects ranged from 21 to 73 years old (45 ± 14.77) were enrolled in this study. Eighteen ET-OCT imaging were completed. The mean duration of each examination was 2.80 ± 1.62 min (ranged from 2 to 7min). There was no adverse event or complication. In some subjects, the ET-OCT images presented clear eustachian tube wall microstructure, including distinct lumen, mucosa, submucosa, cartilage and plica. But in some subjects, it showed different characteristics, such as unclear hierarchy, secretions in the lumen. ET-OCT may help to distinguish eustachian tube structural composition and elucidate its pathophysiological mechanism. It is a valuable imaging tool suit for the eustachian tube, and it shows potential diagnostic value in determining luminal morphology, intraluminal mucosa and submucosal tissue in the pharyngeal region of the eustachian tube.
Comprehensive Analysis of IgA Nephropathy Expression Profiles: Identification of Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Gholaminejad Alieh , Gheisari Yousof , Jalali Sedigheh , Roointan Amir
Published: December 2020

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a kidney disease recognized by the presence of IgA antibody depositions in kidneys. The underlying mechanisms of this complicated disease is remained to be more explored and still there is an urgent need for discovery of noninvasive biomarkers for its diagnosis. In this investigation, an integrative approach was applied on mRNA and miRNA expression profiles in PBMCs to discover a gene signature and novel potential targets/biomarkers in IgAN.Methods: Datasets were selected from gene expression omnibus database. After quality control checking, two datasets were analyzed by Limma to identify differentially expressed genes/miRNAs (DEGs and DEmiRs). Following identification of DEmiR-target genes and data integration, intersecting mRNAs were subjected to different bioinformatic analyses. The intersecting mRNAs, DEmiRs, related transcription factors (from TRRUST database) and long-non coding RNAs (from LncTarD database) were used for construction of a multilayer regulatory network via Cytoscape.Result: “GSE25590” (miRNA) and “GSE73953” (mRNA) datasets were analyzed and after integration, 628 intersecting mRNAs were identified. The mRNAs were mainly associated with “Innate immune system”, “Apoptosis”, as well as “NGF signaling” pathways. A multilayer regulatory network was constructed and several hub-DEGs (Tp53, STAT3, Jun, etc.), DEmiRs (miR-124, let-7b, etc.), TFs (NF-kB, etc.), and lncRNAs (HOTAIR, etc.) were introduced as potential factors in the pathogenesis of IgAN.Conclusion: Integration of two different expression datasets and construction of a multilayer regulatory network not only provided a deeper insight into the pathogenesis of IgAN, but also introduced several key molecules as potential therapeutic target/non-invasive biomarkers.
Self-Care Training and Information Support of Patients With Mechanical Heart Valve on International Normalized Ratio and the Bleeding Complications
Authors: Zandi Shirdel , Imani Behzad , Safarpor GHolamreza
Published: December 2020

BackgroundPatients with mechanical heart valve due to the possibility of coagulation complications require lifelong use of anticoagulants and International Normalized Ratio (INR) control. But if not taken care of properly, anticoagulant therapy itself can put people at risk for bleeding and be life-threatening. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of Self-care training and information support of patients with mechanical heart valve on INR and the bleeding complications.DesignA randomized double-blind controlled trial.Settings and MethodsParticipants were recruited via convenience sampling from Farshchian hospital in Hamadan, Iran; and were randomly divided into two groups control (n=80) and intervention (n=80). Participants in the control group received only routine training; in addition, the intervention group received 6 sessions of self-care training and 6 months of information support. Monthly the level of INR and incidence of bleeding were determined. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and chi-square in spss16 software at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsDuring 6 months of follow-up, except for the third month, the frequency of INR levels in therapeutic target range (2.5-3.5) in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). Also in the intervention group, the incidence of bleeding complications was relatively less than the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05).Conclusion﻿Proper self-care training and information support in patients with mechanical heart valve replacement have positive results. By doing self-care, the level of a therapeutic target range of INR maintained and the incidence of bleeding complications can be reduced.
Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Alterations of Gut Microbiome in Ningxia China During Urbanization: An Epidemiological Survey
Authors: Du Yong , Ding Lu , Na Li , Sun Ting , Sun Xian , Wang Liqun , He Shulan , Wang Zhizhong , Lu Zhenhui , Li Feng , Guo Xiaofei , Zhang Yanhong , Tian Jin , Wang Bo , Zhai Sifan , Yang Chao , Liu Xiao
Published: December 2020

Background: In the 21st century, the continuous development of urbanization has dramatically changed people's living environment and lifestyle. The urban environment and the lifestyles it formed are accompanied by the risks that would threaten the health of individuals, as shown by the increased prevalence of chronic diseases. However, there is little research on the effect of urbanization on gut microbiome in residents.Results: Here we investigated the relation between living environment and gut microbiota in a homogenous population along an urban-rural gradient in Ningxia China. According to the degree of urbanization, the population is divided into four groups: mountainous rural (MR) represents non-urbanized areas, mountainous urban (MU) and plain rural (PR) represent preliminary urbanization, and plain urban (PU) is a representative of complete urbanization. Studies have found that with the deepening of urbanization, the prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, fatty liver, gallstones, and renal cysts, have gradually increased. The intestinal richness and diversity of the microbial community were significantly reduced in the PR and the PU groups compared with the MR and the MU groups. At the phylum level, the abundance of Proteobacteria gradually increased, while the abundance of Actinobacteria gradually decreased in the MU and the PR groups compared with the MR group. Based on linear discriminant analysis selection, the significantly enriched genera Faecalibacterium, Prevotella, and Pseudobutyrivibrio in the MR group gradually decreased in the MU, the PR, and the PU groups. Effect size results revealed that both residence and diet had an effect on intestinal microbiota.Conclusions: Urbanization attenuates gut microbial diversity and richness and might play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. Environmental exposure during urbanization, such as westernization of diet and pollution have been shown to affect gut microbiota. In this study, the disparate patterns of gut microbiota composition were revealed at different levels of urbanization, providing an opportunity to understand the pathogenesis of chronic diseases and the contribution of the “rural microbiome” in potential protection against the occurrence of chronic diseases.
Behavioural Strategies in Cyclic Models: The Effects of Directional Movement Tactics
Authors: Moura Beatriz , Silva Josinaldo Menezes da
Published: December 2020

We investigate behavioural strategies in stochastic simulations of systems with cyclic nonhierarchical dominance, as ageneralisation of the rock-paper-scissors game. We introduce directional movement tactics to one out of the species, whose individuals move according to an innate or a conditioned response to a stimulus; individuals of the other species move randomly. The directional movement tactics allow the individuals to conquer or maintain territory, either attacking or anticipating or Safeguarding themselves. We study the effects of the behavioural strategies for individuals with different levels of perception of the neighbourhood. Besides, we investigate the case where not all individuals are conditioned to perform the behavioural strategy or where individuals that do not use the tactic for every move. We found that self-preservation behaviour is more profitable in terms of population growth, where the best result is achieved for individuals with large perception radius that always move according to the movement tactic. Our findings show that the attack tactics is more gainful for short perception radius and if the individuals alternate the tactic with random movement. For anticipation, the best result is achieved for individuals with long-range perception using the tactics rarely. Finally, we calculated the coexistence probability and found that, in addition to providing a greater spatial density for the species, the Safeguarding tactic is the least jeopardising to biodiversity. Our results may be useful for experimental and theoretical biologists to understand systems of species whose individuals behave strategically, and how coexistence is maintained in an uneven scenario.
Diagnostic Yield of Colon Capsule Endoscopy for Crohn’s Disease Lesions in the Whole Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Yamada Keisaku , Nakamura Masanao , Yamamura Takeshi , Maeda Keiko , Sawada Tsunaki , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Ishikawa Eri , Ishikawa Takuya , Kakushima Naomi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Ohno Eizaburo , Kawashima Hiroki , Honda Takashi , Ishigami Masatoshi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUNDCrohn’s disease (CD) can involve the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract as well as the small and large bowel. PillCam colon capsule endoscopy (PCCE-2) enables to observe the whole GI tract, but its diagnostic yield for CD lesions in the whole GI tract remains unknown. AIMTo elucidate the diagnostic yield of PCCE-2 in patients with CD.METHODSPatients with CD who underwent PCCE-2 and double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) using oral and anal approaches were evaluated for CD lesions in the whole GI tract. We divided the small bowel into three segments (jejunum, ileum, and terminal ileum), and the large bowel into four segments (right colon, transverse colon, left colon, rectum). Detection of ulcer scars, erosion, ulcers, bamboo joint-like appearance, and notch-like appearance was assessed in each segment. The diagnostic yield of PCCE-2 was analyzed based on the DBE results as the gold standard.RESULTSOf the total 124 segments, the sensitivities of PCCE-2 for ulcer scars, erosion, and ulcers were 83.3%, 93.8%, and 88.5%, respectively, and the specificities were 76.0%, 78.3%, and 81.6%, respectively. For the 60 small bowel segments, the sensitivities were 84.2%, 95.5%, and 90.0%, respectively, and the specificities were 63.4%, 86.8%, and 87.5%, respectively. For the 64 large bowel segments, the sensitivities were 80.0%, 90.0%, and 83.3%, respectively, and the specificities were 84.7%, 72.2%, and 77.6%, respectively.CONCLUSIONPCCE-2 provides a high diagnostic yield for lesions in the whole GI tract of patients with CD. Thus, we recommend its use as a pan-enteric tool in clinical settings.
Microendoscopy-assisted Extraforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Treating Single-level Spondylodesis
Authors: Shibayama Motohide , Li GuangHua , Zhu LiGuo , Ito Zenya , Ito Fujio
Published: December 2020

Background: Lumbar interbody fusion is a standard technique for treating degenerative lumbar disorders involving instability. Due to its invasiveness, a minimally invasive technique, extraforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (ELIF), was introduced. On surgically approaching posterolaterally, the posterior muscles and spinal canal are barely invaded. Despite its theoretical advantage, ELIF is technically demanding and has not been popularised. Therefore, we developed a microendoscopy-assisted ELIF (mELIF) technique which was designed to be safe and less invasive. Here, we aimed to report on the surgical technique and clinical results.Methods: Using a posterolateral approach similar to that of lateral disc herniation surgery, a tubular retractor, 16 or 18 mm in diameter, was placed at the lateral aspect of the facet joint. The facet joint was partially excised, and the disc space was cleaned. A cage and local bone graft were inserted into the disc space. All disc-related procedures were performed under microendoscopy. The spinal canal was not invaded. Bilateral percutaneous screw-rod constructs were inserted and fixed. Results: Fifty-five patients underwent the procedure. The Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale scores greatly improved. Over 90% of the patients obtained excellent or good results based on Macnab’s criteria. There were neither major adverse clinical effects nor the need for additional surgery.Conclusions: mELIF is minimally invasive because the spinal canal and posterior muscles are barely invaded. It produces good clinical results with fewer complications. This technique can be applied in most single-level spondylodesis cases, including those involving L5/S1 disorders.
Identification of Cell Wall-Associated Kinases as Important Regulators Involved in Gossypium Hirsutum Resistance to Verticillium Dahliae
Authors: Yang Jun , Xie Meixia , Wang Xingfen , Wang Guoning , Zhang Yan , Li Zhikun , Ma Zhiying
Published: December 2020

BackgroundVerticillium wilt, caused by the soil borne fungus Verticillium dahliae, is a major threat to cotton production and quality. An increasing number of findings indicate that WAK genes participate in plant−pathogen interactions, but their roles in cotton resistance to V. dahliae remains largely unclear.ResultsHere, we carried out a genome-wide analysis of WAK gene family in Gossypium hirsutum that resulted in the identification of 81 putative GhWAKs, which were all predicated to be localized on plasma membrane. In which, GhWAK77, as a representative, its location was further confirmed using transient expression of fluorescent fusion proteins in tobacco epidermal cells. All GhWAKs could be classified into seven groups according to their various protein domains, indicating that they might sense different outside signals to trigger special intracellular signaling pathways that response to various environmental stresses. A lot of cis-regulatory elements were predicted in the upstream region of GhWAKs and classified into four main groups including hormones, biotic, abiotic and light. 31 GhWAKs, playing a potential role in the interaction between cotton and V. dahliae, were screened out by RNA-seq and qPCR. To further study the function of GhWAKs in cotton resistance to V. dahliae, VIGS was used to silence GhWAKs. At 20 dpi, VIGSed plants exhibited more chlorosis and wilting than the control plants. The disease indices of VIGSed plants were also significantly higher than those of the control. Furthermore, silencing of GhWAKs significantly affected the expression of JA- and SA-related marker genes, increased the spread of V. dahliae in the cotton stems, dramatically compromised V. dahliae-induced accumulation of lignin, H2O2 and NO, but enhanced POD activity.ConclusionOur study presents a comprehensive analysis on cotton WAK gene family for the first time. Expression analysis and VIGS provided direct evidences that GhWAKs participate in the resistance of cotton to V. dahliae.
Post Mastectomy Radiotherapy among Patients with T1-T2 1-3 node Positive Disease: Does it Make a Difference?
Authors: Vohra Lubna Mushtaque , Soomro Rufina , Jabeen Dua , Ali Nasir , Khan Nargis
Published: December 2020

Background: Pakistan has the highest incidence of breast cancer among Asian Countries but there is insufficient representation of local data addressing breast cancer treatment and outcome. We sought to determine the role of post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in T1- T2 breast cancer with 1-3 positive axillary lymph nodes. Methods: Data was reviewed retrospectively of total 755 patients out of which 291 received PMRT and 464 did not from two large breast cancer centres.Results: With a median follow up of 78 months, 4 (4.5%) patients developed loco regional recurrence (LRR) in the PMRT group while a substantial number 74 (24.4%) recurred in the non PMRT group (p=0.000). Loco regional free survival rate (LRFS) and overall survival rate (OS) was significantly better for PMRT patients than non-PMRT patients (P = <0.000). Multivariate analysis identified young age, lymphovascular invasion, extra capsular extension, triple negative and ER/PR negative were independent prognostic factors affecting loco regional free survival (LRFS).Conclusion: Disease recurrence is a substantial issue in 1-3 node group despite early stage, PMRT has an instrumental effect in improving LRFS and OS.
WITHDRAWN: Psychological Distress in Urbanizing China: How Does Local Government Effectiveness Matter?
Authors: Chen Juan , Gong Lin , Xie Shenghua
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis study investigates how the effectiveness of local government affects residents’ levels of psychological distress in areas of China undergoing urbanization. We measure the effectiveness of local governments according to their success in promoting access to the social security system through distribution of social security cards among citizens. We hypothesize that higher local government effectiveness will reduce residents’ psychological distress by alleviating worries about medical expenses and elder care.MethodsDrawing on data from the 2018 Urbanization and Quality of Life Survey (N=3,229) conducted in 40 localities undergoing rural-urban transition, we estimate three-level mixed-effects regression models to test the research hypotheses, allowing random effects at the township/county and neighbourhood levels while controlling for a series of individual attributes.ResultsLocal government effectiveness is negatively associated with residents’ psychological distress: effective local governments alleviate worries about medical expenses and elder care, and thereby reduce psychological distress.ConclusionTo reduce residents’ worries and psychological distress during the process of rural–urban transition, it is essential to improve local government effectiveness, particularly in promoting residents’ access to the social security system.
Mathematical Models for Intraoperative Prediction of Metastasis to Lymph Nodes in the Hilar-intrapulmonary or the Mediastinal Region in Patients With Clinical Stage I Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhou Yue , Du Junjie , Ma Changhui , Zhao Fei , Li Hai , Ping Guoqiang , Wang Wei , Luo Jinhua , Chen Liang , Zhang Kai , Zhang Shijiang
Published: December 2020

Background: It remains challenging to determine the regions of metastasis to lymph nodes during operation for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to establish intraoperative mathematical models with nomograms for predicting the hilar-intrapulmonary node metastasis (HNM) and the mediastinal node metastasis (MNM) in patients with clinical stage I NSCLC.Methods: The clinicopathological variables of 585 patients in a derivation cohort who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy with complete lymph node dissection were retrospectively analysed for their association with the HNM or the MNM. After analysing the variables, we developed multivariable logistic models with nomograms to estimate the risk of lymph node metastasis in different regions. The predictive efficacy was then validated in a validation cohort of 418 patients.Results: It was confirmed that CEA (> 5.75 ng/ml), CYFRA211 (> 2.85 ng/ml), the maximum diameter of tumour (> 2.75 cm), tumour differentiation (grade III), bronchial mucosa and cartilage invasion, and vascular invasion were predictors of HNM, and CEA (>8.25 ng/ml), CYFRA211 (> 2.95 ng/ml), the maximum diameter of tumour (> 2.75 cm), tumour differentiation (grade III), bronchial mucosa and cartilage invasion, vascular invasion, and visceral pleural invasion were predictors of MNM. The validation of the prediction models based on the above results demonstrated good discriminatory power.Conclusions: Our predictive models are helpful in the decision‑making process of specific therapeutic strategies for the regional lymph node metastasis in patients with clinical stage I NSCLC.
Analytic Hierarchy Process Model for the Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever
Authors: Uzoka Faith-Michael , Nwokoro Chukwudi , Obot Okure , Ekpenyong Moses , Udo Aniema I.A.
Published: December 2020

Typhoid fever is a global health problem, which seems neglected, but is responsible for significant levels of morbidity in many regions of the world, with about 12 million cases annually, and about 600,000 fatalities. Diagnosis of typhoid poses a great deal of challenge because its clinical presentation is confused with those of many other febrile infections such as malaria, yellow fever, etc. In addition, most developing countries do not have adequate bacteriology laboratories for further investigations. Decision support systems have been known to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the diagnosis process, in addition to improving access; however, most existing decision support models for diagnosis of diseases have largely focused on ‘non-tropical’ conditions. An effective decision support model for diagnosis of tropical diseases can only be developed though the engineering of experiential knowledge of physicians who are experts in the management of such conditions. In this study, we mined experiential knowledge of twenty-five tropical disease specialist physicians to develop a decision support system based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The resulting model was tested based on 2044 patient data. Our model successfully determined the occurrence (or otherwise) of typhoid fever in 78.91% of the cases, demonstrating the utility of AHP in the diagnosis of typhoid fever.
Incidence and Survival of Head & Neck Cancers in Estonia, 1996–2016
Authors: Kase Sandra , Baburin Aleksei , Kuddu Maire , Innos Kaire
Published: December 2020

Background and MaterialChanging patterns of alcohol and tobacco consumption and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection have affected the epidemiology of head & neck cancers. The aim of the study was to examine 20-year trends in the incidence and survival of head & neck cancers in Estonia by site, sex, morphology and stage.MethodsData on all adult cases of invasive head & neck cancers diagnosed in Estonia in 1996–2016 were obtained from the population-based cancer registry. TNM stage was available for 2010–2016. Incidence trends were modelled with joinpoint regression and five-year relative survival ratios (RSR) were calculated.ResultsA total of 6769 cases were included, 64% among men. We observed significant decline in the incidence of lip and laryngeal cancer and significant increase in the incidence of hypopharyngeal and oropharyngeal cancers. Over 60% of mouth & pharyngeal cancers were diagnosed at stage IV.Age-standardized five-year RSR for mouth & pharyngeal cancer increased significantly over the study period, from 21% in 1996–2002 to 33% in 2010–2016. The largest survival increases were seen for cancers of oral cavity (44% in 2010–2016), tongue (41%) and larynx (63%), while modest changes were seen for oropharynx (24%) and hypopharynx (17%). The latest five-year RSR was 90% for thyroid cancers (99% for papillary carcinoma). Large female survival advantage was seen for most sites.ConclusionsThe observed trends suggest an emerging role of HPV infection in combination with traditional risk factors in the development of head & neck cancers in Estonia. Efforts targeting health behavior, HPV vaccination and earlier diagnosis are crucial for reducing mortality from these cancers.
Comparison of the Mass Tissue Strength of Strawberry Fruit between Vertical and Horizontal axes
Authors: Ansar Ansar , Murad Murad , Sukmawaty Sukmawaty , Ilmaknun Lulu
Published: December 2020

BackgroundStrawberry fruit has a thin skin layer, so it is very susceptible to tissue mass damage during post-harvest handling. This article compares the strength of the strawberry mass tissue between the vertical and horizontal axes using a compression test at different speeds and compressibility levels. ResultsThe results showed that the mass tissue damage of strawberries was greater when compressed from the horizontal axis than from the vertical axis. The loading from the vertical axis obtained a combined mechanical response between the fruit structure and mass tissue cells, while from the horizontal axis the mechanical response was obtained only from the fruit structure. During compression, the fruit undergoes 3 phases of deformation, namely elastic, plastic, and permanent mass tissue damage. In the elastic deformation phase, the fruit mass tissue has not been damaged. Along with the duration of the compression, mass tissue damage has started to occur. ConclusionThe outer mass tissue of a strawberry is more susceptible to damage than the deep mass tissue. Therefore, the post-harvest handling process from agricultural land to the hands of consumers requires gentle handling to maintain fruit quality. The percentage of mass tissue damage of strawberries can be minimized if arranged vertically in the package. The percentage of fruit mass tissue damage obtained from this study can be used to predict changes in fruit volume non-destructively.
Prevalence and Foot Intrinsic Associated Factors of Ankle Sprains among a Random Sample of Tunisian Athletes: Across-Sectional Study
Authors: Taghouti Emna , Gallas Meriam , Maatoug Hana , Khachnaoui Faycel
Published: December 2020

Objective To determine the prevalence of ankle sprains and its associated factors in athletes. Methods This was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted among a random sample of 107 athletes. The subjects were recruited from 6 different associations in Sousse, Tunisia. Demographic, medical and foot characteristics were collected using a medical file completed by a validated, self administered questionnaire to verify ankle instability. All components of this study were approved by a research ethic committee, and all participants gave informed consent at every stage. Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS 20 Software. The level of significance was set at p <0.05. ResultsThe prevalence of ankle sprain was 71%. The associated factors were; the weight (p=0.033), the type of sport (p=0.038), the profile of the athlete (p=0.006), the unipodal static balance (p= 0.006), the limitation of the joint mobility (p=10-6), the ligament laxity (p<0.05), the muscular force especially the eversor muscle (the long fibular) (p<0.05) and the inversor muscle (the posterior tibial) (p<0.05) and the ankle instability (p<0.05). Conclusion Ankle sprains remain a frequent trauma in Tunisia. This injury must be taken into consideration and treated with a multidisciplinary approach (physicians, podiatrists, physiotherapists and physical trainers...) in order to lower its occurrence.
Linking Neuroinflammation and Extracellular Free Water in HIV Infection: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Uddin Md Nasir , Faiyaz Abrar , Wang Lu , Zhuang Yuchuan , Murray Kyle D , Descoteaux Maxime , Tivarus Madalina E. , Weber Miriam T. , Zhong Jianhui , Qiu Xing , Schifitto Giovanni
Published: December 2020

Background

Initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) reduces inflammation in HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals. Recent studies demonstrated that diffusion MRI based extracellular free water (FW) modeling can be sensitive to neuroinflammation. However, no studies to date have investigated the FW in HIV infection, its temporal evolution, nor its association with brain-derived blood markers.
Methods

Ninety-six age-matched participants underwent brain MRI and clinical and neuropsychological assessments at baseline. HIV- participants underwent follow-up evaluation annually for two years while HIV + participants were seen 12 weeks after initiating cART and annually thereafter. Whole brain grey and white matter FW measures were compared between groups and correlated with clinical characteristics and cognitive scores. In addition, several pre-specified subcortical grey and white matter regions-of-interest (ROIs) were explored.
Results

At baseline, FW was significantly elevated in grey and white matter in cART-naïve HIV + participants compared to HIV- participants. Similarly, at baseline, HIV + participants had increased neurofilament light chain (NfL) values that correlated with FW and CD4 count, and decreased cognitive performance compared to HIV- participants. FW decreased in grey and white matter in HIV + participants after 12 weeks of cART treatment. 12-week cART treatment was also associated with a decrease in NfL and improvement in cognitive performance. Linear mixed effects regression models also revealed that FW was significantly reduced in most ROIs after 12 weeks of cART treatment. No significant FW differences were noted between the HIV + and HIV- participants at 1 and 2-year follow-up.
Conclusions

FW elevation in cART-naïve HIV + participants is likely due to neuroinflammation. The correlation between FW and NfL and the improvement in both FW and NfL after 12 weeks of cART treatment further reinforces this conclusion. The longer follow-up at 1 and 2 years suggests that cART helped control neuroinflammation as inferred by FW. Therefore, FW could be used as a biomarker to monitor HIV-associated neuroinflammation.
The Psychological Processes of Classic Psychedelics in the Treatment of Depression: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Johansen Lauren , Liknaitzky Paul , Nedeljkovic Maja , Mastin-Purcell Lisa , Murray Greg
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThere is currently renewed interest in the use of psychedelic therapy in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including depression. The proposed systematic review will aim to identify, evaluate and summarise the psychological processes of change underlying psychedelic therapy for depression in the current literature and consider the implications these processes may have on the psychotherapy component of treatment. MethodsScopus, PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science databases will be searched using relevant terms. Studies will be included if they discuss the use of a classic psychedelic to treat depression symptomology in an adult population and report or propose psychological processes responsible for depression symptom change. Two authors will independently screen articles, complete quality assessment tools and conduct data extraction. Empirical and non-empirical research will be extracted and synthesised separately. A narrative synthesis approach will be used to report psychological processes identified in the literature. DiscussionThis systematic review will be the first to collate available evidence on the psychological processes associated with psychedelic therapy for depression. The preliminary nature of this research field is expected to result in the review having several limitations, namely heterogeneity between studies and a lack of empirical research. We intend for this review to present the current state of the literature, identify gaps and generate candidate variables that warrant further investigation. Systematic Review Registration﻿PROSPERO CRD42020197202
Prostate Cancer Awareness Among Women: A Mixed-methods Systematic Review
Authors: Wiafe Ebenezer , Mensah Kofi Boamah , Mensah Adwoa Bemah Boamah , Bangalee Varsha , Oosthuizen Frasia
Published: December 2020

Background: With the burden of prostate cancer, it has become imperative to exploit cost-effective ways to tackle this menace. Women have demonstrated their ability to recognize early cancer signs and it is therefore relevant to include women in strategies to improve the early detection of prostate cancer. This systematic review seeks to gather evidence from studies that investigated women’s knowledge about; (1) the signs and symptoms, (2) causes and risk factors, and (3) the screening modalities of prostate cancer. Findings from the review will better position women in the fight against the late detection of prostate cancer.Methods: The convergent segregated approach to the conduct of mixed-methods systematic reviews was employed. Five databases namely; MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Web of Science, and EMBASE (Ovid) were searched from January 1999 to December 2019 for studies conducted with a focus on the knowledge of women on the signs and symptoms; the causes and risk factors; and the screening modalities of prostate cancer.Results: Of 2201 titles and abstracts screened, 22 full-text papers were retrieved and reviewed, and 7 were included: 3 quantitative, 1 qualitative, and 3 mixed-methods studies. Both quantitative and qualitative findings indicate that women have moderate knowledge of the signs and symptoms; and the causes and risk factors of prostate cancer. However, women recorded poor knowledge about prostate cancer screening modalities or tools.Conclusions: Moderate knowledge of women on the signs and symptoms, and the causes and risk factors of prostate cancer were associated with education. These findings provide vital information for the prevention and control of prostate cancer and encourage policy-makers to incorporate health promotion and awareness campaigns in health policies to improve knowledge and awareness of prostate cancer globally.Systematic Review registration number: Open Science Framework (OSF) registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BR456
The Conflict with non-HRM Department: Reason, Mediation, Result
Authors: Chen Zhisheng
Published: December 2020

Background: When the human resources department implements human resources policies and systems, there will be various obstacles from other departments. Because human and non-human departments are different in departmental goals and division of tasks, conflicts in human resource management are likely to occur, which affects the realization of organizational goals.Methods: This article constructs a conflict model between the two parties and studies the origin of the conflict between the HRM and non-HRM sectors, including personnel, policies, and systems. It also proposes ways to resolve conflicts, such as communication, role exchange, business process consensus, focus on organizational goals, and political skills.Results: The research started by investigating the origin of conflicts between human resources and non-human resources departments within the organization and analyzed the sources and important effects of conflicts. In response to the source of these problems, corresponding arbitration measures have been proposed. After the conflict between the two parties is resolved, it is beneficial to achieve a win-win result for employees, departments, and organizations.Conclusions: Lack of inter-departmental understanding and negative conflicts will only cause the human resources department to fail to achieve the expected goals. The purpose of these measures is to improve the relationship between departments and reduce unnecessary conflicts. Once this type of conflict is resolved reasonably and properly, it will also have a positive impact on the performance of different levels.
Narrow Substrate Requirements Alongside Rapid Substrate Turnover for Wood-Inhabiting Fungi: A Case Study of Pleurotus Calyptratus (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) in Ukraine
Authors: Prylutskyi Oleh , Yatsiuk Iryna , Savchenko Anton , Kit Maryna , Solodiankin Oleksii , Schigel Dmitry
Published: December 2020

BackgroundPleurotus calyptratus is a wood-inhabiting oyster mushroom which produces fruiting bodies on logs, stumps and branches of both dead and living Populus tremula and P. alba. Easily recognisable in the field fruit bodies and strict and steady fruiting period make this species an attractive model object for investigations of ecology of wood-inhabiting fungi. This fungus is rather common in Ukraine, but considered rare in many other European countries.To explore species biology in relation to its rarity issues, we analyzed substrate requirements and habitat supply for P. calyptratus in two sites in Eastern Ukraine, as well as monitored patterns of fruit body production in three large aspen stands over 6 years. In addition, patterns of mycelial presence of P. calyptratus mycelia were studied in living aspen trees using custom species-specific primers.ResultsStudy demonstrates potential suitability of a wide range of life / decomposition stages of aspen or white poplar tree trunks for P. calyptratus. This window of suitability, however, is rather short: dying of freshly dead trees, rarely exceeding two years) regardless of tree age, volume, position or other parameters. Moreover, mycelium presence of P. calyptratus was detected in the living tissues of host trees. These findings supported hypotheses of early substrate colonization and latent mycelial development of P. calyptratus before the substrate reached a stage suitable for fructification.ConclusionsConfirmed by a combination of fruit body survey and detection of mycelial DNA, P. calyptratus demonstrates an ecological strategy which combines both strict substrate requirements and rapid substrate turnover. We suppose that such a strategy may be widely distributed among wood-inhabiting agarics.