bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Bayesian Penalized Likelihood Reconstruction Algorithm on Quantitative Accuracy of Positron Emission Tomography Volumetric Measurements
Authors: Chen Liang , Chen Dongfang , Huang Tao , Lou Cen
Published: October 2020

Objectives The metabolic tumor volume (MTV) of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is an important index to evaluate the prognosis and the responses of treatments. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of Bayesian Penalized Likelihood (BPL) reconstruction algorithm and segmentation methods on the accuracy of MTV via a phantom study.Methods Using the National Electrical Manufactures Association/International Electrotechnical Commission (NEMA/IEC) image quality phantom, six hot spheres and background were filled with 21.56 KBq/ml and 5.39 KBq/ml Na 18 F (a sphere to background ratio of 4: 1). Acquired images were reconstructed using BPL (β = 400) and non-BPL (Ordered subsets expectation maximization + time of flight + point spread function, OSEM+TOF+PSF) algorithms, respectively. MTVs of six spheres were delineated using maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max ) percentage threshold method and iterative adaptive method, respectively. The actual measured volumes of spheres were used as the standard for comparative analysis.Results The MTVs measurement errors in BPL were 4.96%, -3.00%, 6.18%, 5.20%, -10.00% and 18.33%, which was significantly lower than that in non-BPL ( Z = - 2.562, p = 0.009), and the measurement errors in non-BPL were 16.70%, 10.77%, 26.00%, 30.00%, 61.82% and 113.33%. The optimal percentage SUV max threshold of spheres in BPL algorithm was raged in 40% - 45%, which was not affected by the ball size. And there was no significant difference of MTVs measurement accuracy between the 42%SUV max and iterative adaptive threshold (Z = -0.48, p = 0.699). However, using the non-BPL algorithm, the measurement errors of 42%SUV max and iterative adaptive delineation methods were 16.70%, 10.77%, 26.00%, 30.00%, 61.82%, 113.33%, and -7.70%, -9.00%, -8.73%, -5.20%, -12.91%, 38.33% respectively. The MTVs measurement accuracy of iterative adaptive was significantly better than that of the 42%SUV max threshold (Z = -2.24, p = 0.026). The iterative adaptive and 42%SUV max threshold methods had excellent interobserver reliability (ICCs=1.00 for all of six spheres) for MTVs measurement.Conclusion BPL reconstruction algorithm can improve the accuracy of MTVs measurements, especially for small lesions. In the case of using non-BPL methods, the iterative adaptive delineation method should be adopted to improve the accuracy of MTVs measurements.
Preventing Smoking Relapse After a Clinical Smoking Cessation Program - A Mixed Methods Case Study Evaluation of a Facebook-Based Peer-Support Platform
Authors: Isse Naohi , Tachibana Yuki , Kinoshita Makiko , Fetters Michael D
Published: October 2020

Background: Smoking-relapse prevention after completion of a smoking cessation program is highly germane to reducing smoking rates. The purpose of this study was to 1) evaluate the one-year outcomes of a social media-based and peer-supported smoking cessation program on Facebook and 2) examine communication patterns that could support smoking cessation and identify risk of relapse.Methods: We utilized a mixed-methods case study evaluation approach featuring a single-case holistic design. We recruited volunteers who signed up after successful completion of a 12-week clinical smoking cessation program in a general medicine department in Japan. The participants accessed a closed Facebook page, and we analyzed their posts including text and emoticons. We utilized joint display analysis which involved iterative structuring and restructuring construct-specific tables with both types of data to find the most effective approach for integrating the quantitative results with the qualitative results of content analysis. Results: One successful participant and two relapse participants were analyzed to explore the specific patterns of postings. Decisive comments about quitting smoking were common among participants, but encouraging messages for peers were more common from the successful participant. Comments for social support and reassurance were warning signs of relapse. Conflicted comments also may be a warning sign of relapse risk. Conclusions: These findings based on a mixed methods case study of a social media platform supporting smoking cessation could be utilized to guide messaging in other online social networking services communities after a smoking-cessation program to help reduce smoking relapse.Trial registration: The trial is registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry. Registration number: UMIN000031172. Registered 28 February 2018, https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm
5-Aminolevulinic Acid-induced Salt Tolerance in Strawberry: Possible Role of Nitric Oxide on Interception of Salty Ions in Roots
Authors: He Shasha , An Yuyan , Yang Hao , Cao Rongqiang , Tang Quan , Wang Liangju
Published: October 2020

Background: 5-Aminolevunic acid (ALA), as a natural non-protein amino acid and the first essential precursor of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in all living bodies, has been suggested to improve salt tolerance of plants. In the previous work, we reported that ALA induces H2O2 accumulation in roots of strawberry, which is involved in up-regulating Na+ transporter gene expressions to intercept Na+ in roots with less upward transport. However, the signal route is not clear.Results: In this study, we propose that nitric oxide (NO) is involved in ALA signaling cascade. Therefore, we applied sodium nitrosylpentacy (SNP, NO donor), Na2WO4 (NO biosynthetic inhibitor), and 2, 4-carboxyphenyl-4, 4, 5, 5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO, NO scavenger) to the culture solution when strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. ‘Benihoppe’) was stressed by 100 mmol L-1 NaCl with or without exogenous ALA. The results reveal that salinity greatly impaired plant growth while 10 mg L-1 ALA or 10 µM SNP ameliorated the inhibition. When 5 µM Na2WO4 or cPTIO was co-treated, the ALA-improved salt tolerance was almost completely eliminated. This suggests that ALA-improved salt tolerance is dependent on NO presence. We found that salinity caused NO, H2O2, Na+ and Cl- increases in the whole plants, while ALA induced additional increases in roots but significant depressions in leaves. These tissue-specific responses to ALA are important for plant salt tolerance. Conclusion: We propose that the regulation of ALA in roots is critical, which is mediated through NO and then H2O2 signal to up-express genes related with Na+ and Cl- transport, selectively retaining Na+ and Cl- in roots with less upward transport. The hypothesis can reasonably explain how ALA-treated plants cope with toxic ions under salinity.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Cell Metastasis is Controlled by the Opposing Actions of 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone (5alphap) and 3alpha-dihydroprogesterone (3alphahp) on Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases
Authors: Wiebe John Peter , Jarvis Jordan , Kwok Arthur
Published: October 2020

BackgroundTriple receptor-negative breast cancers (TNBC) comprise up to 20% of all breast cancers and are the most aggressive mammary cancer subtype, marked by early-onset metastasis, high tumor recurrence rate, and low overall survival. Because TNBC cells lack expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and excess human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), there have been no hormone-based explanations and therapeutics for TNBC. Our previous studies had shown that the endogenously produced hormones, 5αdihydroprogesterone (5αP) and 3α-dihydroprogesterone (3αHP), respectively, stimulate and inhibit TNBC cell proliferation and primary tumor development. Here we examined the role of 5αP and 3αHP in controlling metastasis of TNBC (MDA-MB-231)human breast cells. The objectives were to determine the effects of 5αP and 3αHP on TNBC cell (a) adhesion, migration and invasion and (b) expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).MethodsMDA-MB-231 human breast cells were incubated in medium without (control) or with 5αP or 3αHP. Effects on adhesion were examined by previously validated detachment assays. Effects on migration and invasion were measured by transwell assays employing modified Boyden chambers. Effects on expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results5αP stimulated, whereas 3αHP suppressed, TNBC cell detachment, migration and invasion. 5αP stimulated expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and inhibited expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, whereas 3αHP inhibited expression of MMPs and stimulated expression of TIMPS.ConclusionsHere we show for the first time that 5αP stimulates and 3αHP suppresses the key elements of metastasis (adhesion, migration, invasion) in TNBC cells, and that these opposing actions correlate with the opposing effects of these two hormones on MMP and TIMP expression. The results indicate that the relative concentrations of the cancer-promoter hormone (5αP) and the cancer-suppressor hormone (3αHP) in the breast microenvironment control TNBC cell metastasis, and suggest that blocking 5αP synthesis and increasing 3αHP concentrations in the breast microenvironment could provide the first hormone-based therapeutic regimen to arrest TNBC progression and metastasis.
Long-term Survival Outcomes of Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma of the Breast: A Population-based Study
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Lin Yufeng , Su Yingying , Yang Qingmo
Published: October 2020

Background: Whether or not invasive micropapillary carcinoma(IMPC) histology is an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer remains controversial. Moreover, the relationship between different molecular subtypes and survival outcomes of IMPC and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is still unknown.Methods: Using the SEER database to identify breast cancer patients, we retrospectively analyzed 959 IMPC and 174591 IDC cases diagnosed between 2010-2016 with non-metastatic diseases that underwent surgery. Specifically, we compared long-term outcomes of breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS).Results: Relative to IDC patients, IMPC patients were younger at diagnosis and had more moderate and poorly differentiated tumors (93.2% vs. 78.5%), more T3 and T4 tumors (11.0% vs. 6.9%), a higher percentage of nodal involvement (48.9% vs. 30.9%) and AJCC stage III patients (11.9% vs. 6.9%), and presented a higher proportion of HR positivity (91.2% vs. 82.3%) and HER2 positivity (22.3% vs. 16.9%). IMPC had a better BCSS (P=0.039) but showed no significant difference in OS (P=0.095) compared with IDC. In multivariate Cox analysis, IMPC histologic type was an independent favorable prognostic factor for both BCSS (HR=0.509, P=0.002, 95%CI: 0.335-0.775) and OS (HR=0.637, P=0.003, 95%CI: 0.475-0.854). After the case-control matched analysis using the propensity score matching method, IMPC still had a better BCSS (P=0.001); however, we observed no significant difference in OS (P =0.385). While different molecular subtypes have different impacts on survival outcomes, no significant differences were observed in BCSS and OS between IMPC and IDC in relation to Luminal B, HER2-enriched, and Triple-negative subtypes. However, in relation to the Luminal A subtype, IMPC had better BCSS (HR= 0.399, P=0.001, 95%CI: 0.226−0.703) and OS (HR=0.508, P=0.001, 95%CI: 0.345−0.746). In the case-control cohort, IMPC still had a better BCSS (HR= 0.423, P=0.005, 95%CI: 0.233−0.770), but no significantly difference was observed in OS (HR=0.767, P=0.22, 95%CI: 0.502−1.172) in Luminal A subtype.Conclusion: Relative to IDC, IMPC presents better long-term survival outcomes, and the survival benefits are confined to the Luminal A subtype.
Prognostic nomogram for penile cancer, an analysis based on SEER database
Authors: Chen Yon-Bo , Gao Liang , Tang Liang-You , Guo Jiang , Tian Yu-Chang , You PingHong
Published: October 2020

BackgroundWe aimed to establish a prognostic nomogram for Penile Cancer (PC) patients based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database.MethodsData of 1694 patients between 2010 and 2015 were downloaded and extracted from the SEER database. Then, they were randomly divided into the development group (70%) and the verification group (30%). Following, the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was respectively used to explore the possible risk factors of PC. Factors which significantly related to the overall survival (OS) were used to establish the nomogram. Further, the concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration curve were used to assess the nomogram, respectively. An internal validation was carried out to test the accuracy and effectiveness of nomogram. Finally, the Kaplan-Meier calculation was used to predict the further survival status of these patients.ResultsMultivariate Cox proportional hazards regression demonstrated that the independent prognostic risk factors associated with PC were age, stage T, N and M, and grade, with a moderate c-index of 0.732 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.706-0.757] in development group and 0.743 (95% CI, 0.703-0.782) in verification group. Meanwhile, the areas under the ROC (AUC) of 3-year and 5-year survival were 0.739 and 0.727, respectively. The survival calibration curves of 3-year and 5-year brought out a high consistency. ConclusionOur study obtained a satisfactory nomogram to reveal the survival of PC patients, which could be helpful for clinicians to assess the situation of PC patients and to implement the further treatment.
The Effectiveness of Parent Training Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tabatabaei Seyed Hasan , Shahrokhi Hassan , Gholipour Kamal , Izadi Shabnam , Rezapour Ramin , Azami-Aghdash Saber
Published: October 2020

Background: The role of parents in taking care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is critical. This systematic review study aimed to investigate the effect of parents-based training interventions on taking care of children with ASD.Method: All relevant studies were searched through some electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of knowledge, and also via hand searching in relevant journals, checking the reference list of articles, expert contact, and grey literature from 1 January 2000 to 30 February 2020. Result: Eventually, 53 articles were considered. In total, 1758 parents of children with ASD participated in these studies that 49 studies were conducted in high-income countries, 19 studies in the home, 25 studies in the training centers.14 studies carried out only in training way, 39 studies in training along with practices and assignments, 30 individual interventions, 21 interventions in the group. Most studies had a range of 10 to 30 sessions in a 60 to 120-minute period. Also, the effectiveness of interventions was studied in both parents and children groups. Conclusion: According to the included studies, parents-based training interventions have significant impacts on parents and their children's behavior.
MicroRNA-221-3p promotes proliferation and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer via targeting Axin2 to regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Zheng Jiangnan , Dong Lingyun , Hu Xiaoyun , Xiao Ying , Wu Qiaozhen , Wang Yang , Zhu Yehan
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveThe mortality rate of lung cancer ranks first in malignant tumors. Among them, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 85% of all lung cancer patients. In this study, we explore part of the mechanism of development and progression of NSCLC.Methods/ ResultsFirstly, there was an increase in microRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p) expression and a decrease in Axin2 expression in NSCLC tissues using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Further studies showed that miR-221-3p inhibited the expression of Axin2, which negatively regulated the Wnt signaling pathway. With the method of inhibiting and overexpressing the expression of miR-221-3p and/or Axin2 respectively in NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1975, we found that inhibiting the expression of miR-221-3p leaded to a decrease in cell proliferation, migration and invasion, just like the results of overexpressing Axin2. Relatively speaking, overexpression of miR-221-3P in NSCLC cell lines showed the increase of proliferation as well as the decrease of apoptosis. Thus, we knew that miR-221-3p promoted the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells in vitro. What’s more, according to western blot and EdU assay, we demonstrated that overexpression of miR-221-3p inhibited the expression of Axin2 and subsequently activate classical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. At last, a series of methods were used to identify that miR-221-3p inhibited Axin2 expression, increased cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and decreased cell apoptosis.ConclusionOur results suggest that miR-221-3p inhibits the expression of Axin2 and indirectly activates the typical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thus promoting tumor proliferation and invasion in NSCLC.
Dynamic Impact of Development and Energy Consumption Pattern on Environmental Quality: A Case Study of Selected Populous Asian Countries
Authors: Afzal Hafiz Mohammad , Rehman Hafeez Ur , Asim Hafiz , Akhtar Muhammad Javed
Published: October 2020

The present study aims to examine the long-run and short-run effects of economic development, energy consumption pattern, trade openness and urbanization on environmental quality in ten Asian most populous economies. The analysis examines panel data from 1988 to 2018 by employing an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The results indicate that the struggles to raise development are increasing the CO 2 emissions in these emerging populous countries. Moreover, the utilization of non-renewable energy sources (gas, coal, oil) is associated with high carbon emissions affecting environmental quality adversely and worsening the atmosphere at the zonal level too. Furthermore, the empirical findings highlight that urbanization and trade openness partake to the reduction of CO 2 emission and hence are considered environmental friendly. Finally, the government should formulate the strategies which help to reduce the use of non-renewable energy sources and promote the consumption of efficient gas energy source to raise development and better environmental quality in populous countries of Asia and hence the strategies will be helpful for the comfort and happiness of this part of the emerging region.
Identification of a Novel Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Gene Signature Regulated by KEAP1-NRF2 Pathway in Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Elshaer Mohamed , Hammad Ahmed , Wang Xiu Jun , Tang Xiuwen
Published: October 2020

BackgroundKEAP1-NRF2 pathway alterations were identified in many cancers including, esophageal cancer (ESCA). Identifying biomarkers that are associated with mutations in this pathway will aid in defining this cancer subset; and hence in supporting precision and personalized medicine. MethodsIn this study, 182 tumor samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-ESCA RNA-Seq V2 level 3 data were segregated into two groups KEAP1-NRF2-mutated (22) and wild-type (160).The two groups were subjected to differential gene expression analysis, and we performed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to determine all significantly affected biological pathways. Then, the enriched gene set was integrated with the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to identify a gene signature regulated by the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway in ESCA. Furthermore, we validated the gene signature using mRNA expression data of ESCA cell lines provided by the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). The identified signature was tested in 3 independent ESCA datasets to assess its prognostic value.ResultsWe identified 11 epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes regulated by the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway in ESCA patients. Five of the 11 genes showed significant over-expression in KEAP1-NRF2-mutated ESCA cell lines. In addition, the over-expression of these five genes was significantly associated with poor survival in 3 independent ESCA datasets, including the TCGA-ESCA dataset.ConclusionAltogether, we identified a novel EMT 5-gene signature regulated by the KEAP1-NRF2 axis and this signature is strongly associated with metastasis and drug resistance in ESCA. These 5-genes are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ESCA patients in whom the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway is altered.
Effect of Cross-Linked Enzyme Aggregates Strategy on Characterization of sn-1,3 Extracellular Lipase from Aspergillus Niger GZUF36
Authors: Zhu Ruonan , Chen Cuicui , Xing Shuqi , Cai Yangyang , Li Cuiqin , Zeng Xuefeng , He Laping
Published: October 2020

Background: A novel Aspergillus. niger strain GZUF36 with two high sn-1,3 position selectivity of lipases, including an intracellular lipase and an extracellular one was selected from oil-rich soil in our previous work. The sn-1,3 extracellular lipase from Aspergillus niger GZUF36 (EXANL1) has important potential applications. However, the structure and properties of this lipase need further study for its better application, the immobilization of enzyme is an effective method to study its structural properties and obtain the best catalytic properties. Cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) have been widely used in carrier-free immobilization technologies because of their low cost and fast preparation. To this end, it is necessary to investigate the effect of CLEAs strategy on the characteristics, secondary structure, and positional selectivity of EXANL1 before and after immobilization.Results: The CLEAs of purified EXANL1 (CLEA-EXANL1) was achieved optimum activity recovery (100.3±1.1%) with 80% tert-butanol as the precipitant, a glutaraldehyde (GA) concentration of 30 mM, a GA treatment time of 1.5 h, and a centrifugal speed of 6000 g. CLEA-EXANL1 exhibited a broader optimum pH range (4–6) compared with free EXANL1 (6.5). CLEA-EXANL1 presented optimum activity at 40 °C, which was 5 °C higher than that of free EXANL1. CLEAs strategy decreased the maximum reaction rate and increased the Michaelis–Menten constant of EXANL1 when olive oil emulsion was used as a substrate. Moreover, after 30 days, free EXANL1 lost more than 80.0% of its activity, whereas CLEA-EXANL1 retained more than 90.0% of its activity. CLEAs strategy improved the tolerance of EXANL1 in polar organic solvents. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that the CLEAs technique increased the content of the β-sheets and β-turns of EXANL1 and reduced α-helixes and irregular crimp contents. CLEAs strategy did not change the sn-1,3 selectivity of EXANL1.Conclusion: The effect of CLEAs technology on catalytic properties, structure, selectivity and other characteristics of the EXANL1 was comprehensively explored, which laid a foundation for its subsequent rational transformation and industrial application.
Simple Indicators of Energy Malnutrition in Patients With Chronic Liver Diseases
Authors: Takada Hitomi , Amemiya Fumitake , Yasumura Tomoki , Yoda Hiroki , Okuwaki Tetsuya , Tanaka Keisuke , Kadokura Makoto , Enomoto Nobuyuki
Published: October 2020

Objective: Protein–energy malnutrition (PEM) is an important prognostic factor in patients with cirrhosis. Energy malnutrition (EM) is defined by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines for cirrhosis as a non-protein respiratory quotient <0.85, a % arm circumference (%AC) <95%, or a free fatty acid (FFA) value >660 μEq/L. The parameters associated with EM are difficult to measure in all patients. In this study, we evaluated simple indicators of EM.Methods: This retrospective study included 295 patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) in whom serum FFA values or %AC were measured at the Department of Gastroenterology at the Municipal Hospital of Kofu. We examined the characteristics of the patients with EM. Results: EM was observed in 36% of patients with CLDs without a late-evening snack (LES). The frequency of EM was high in patients with Child–Pugh grade B or C, γ-GTP level ≥100 U/ml, AST level ≥27 IU/l, and ALT level ≥27 IU/l in males, and Child–Pugh grade B or C, γ-GTP ≥84 U/ml, AST ≥24 IU/l, and ALT ≥28IU/l in females. Among the three indicators of Child–Pugh grade B or C, increased γ-GTP levels, and increased transaminase values, EM was observed in 16%, 35%, 59%, and 57% of patients who were positive for 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the indicators. The frequency of EM in patients with Child-Pugh grade A was high for increased γ-GTP, AST, and ALT levels. Among the two indicators of increased γ-GTP, and transaminase levels, 16%, 32%, and 67% of patients were positive for 0, 1, or 2 of the indicators.Conclusion: Child-Pugh grade, transaminase values, and γ-GTP levels were useful indicators of EM in patients with CLDs. We should evaluate positively the presence of EM in cases with poor liver function, high transaminase concentrations, or high γ-GTP levels.
Application of ASTLOF Scoring System in the Treatment of Acute Symptomatic Thoracolumbar Compression Fractures
Authors: Li Qing-Da , Yang Jun-Song , Jiang Chao , Ma Yi-Fan , Tian Xin , Yang Ming-Yi , Huang Wang-Li , Tuo Yuan , Hao Ding-Jun
Published: October 2020

Background: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is a common injury in the elderly, often caused by low-energy injuries. Improper treatment will not only affect the stability and balance of the spine, but in severe cases will lead to neurological damage and increase the risk of death. This retrospective study aims to explore the principles of treatment of patients with the assessment system of thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture (ASTLOF) in acute symptomatic thoracolumbar compression fractures when the ASTLOF score = 4 points.Methods: The clinical data of patients with acute symptomatic thoracolumbar compression fractures admitted from February 2018 to February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Each patient was evaluated according to the ASTLOF scoring system, and patients with ASTLOF score = 4 were selected, a total of 108 patients. According to different treatment methods, they were divided into 32 cases in the non-surgical treatment (NST) group and 76 cases in the surgical treatment (ST)group. The visual analog score (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), the recovery of injured vertebral body height, and the incidence of adjacent segment fractures were used for comprehensive evaluation.Results: During the follow-up, the VAS score and ODI score showed that the early pain relief and functional improvement of the surgical treatment group were better than those of the conservative treatment group (P<0.05); the Cobb angle of the surgical treatment group was 3 months and 6 months after the operation, and the vertebral body was injured. The degree of improvement of margin height was better than that of the conservative treatment group (all P<0.05); in the surgical treatment group, 6 cases of adjacent vertebral fractures occurred after surgery, accounting for 7.89%, and 2 cases of the conservative treatment group had adjacent vertebral fractures, accounting for 6.25% There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusions: When the ASTLOF scoring system is used in the treatment of acute symptomatic thoracolumbar compression fractures, patients with ASTLOF score =4 should be treated with surgery in time, which can relieve pain early and quickly, perform functional exercises as soon as possible, and reduce complications related to long-term bed rest. Whether it increases the risk of adjacent vertebral fractures requires long-term follow-up studies in a large number of cases.
Further Evaluation of the Mother-to-Child Transmission Potential of SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yu Xuechen , Chen Huijun , Luo Fan , Guo Juanjuan , Qiao Yuan , Zhang Wei , Li Jiafu , Zhao Dongchi , Xu Dan , Gong Qing , Yang Lingyun , Yang Pu , Cao Yuming , Wen Xue , Hou Wei , Yang Huixia , Zhang Yuanzhen
Published: October 2020

Background. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in perinatal period, and systematically assess the mother-to-child transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 23 pregnant patients in late pregnancy. Clinical specimens, including maternal and neonatal throat swabs, vaginal secretions, placenta tissues, and breast milk, were collected for the nucleic acid test of the virus. Pregnancy outcomes and neonatal results were also analyzed.Results. Overall, 10 patients (43.5%) had no symptoms and were found by routine chest CT. Complications appeared after COVID-19 onset included PROM (17.4%) and fetal distress (4.3%). Typical signs of viral pneumonia were recorded in chest CT of all patients. No patients developed severe pneumonia or died of COVID-19. All of 25 neonates were born alive. No severe asphyxia or neonatal death was observed. Although three neonates were tested transiently suspected positive for SARS-CoV-2 after being transferred to neonatology department, no newborns developed COVID-19. Out of various clinical specimens tested, only a rectal swab sample from one pregnant patient was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while all the other specimens including first sample of newborn throat swabs were negative. Pathological examination found no obvious chorioamnionitis or clear virus inclusion body in placenta, and ACE2 (angiotension-converting enzyme 2) was expressed at a moderate level.Conclusions. As in the general population of COVID-19, asymptomatic patients were present in pregnant women. There is no confirmatory evidence for mother-to-child transmission in COVID-19 patients with late pregnancy.
Post-Transplant Diarrhea is Associated with Increased Rejection in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Choudhry Aruj , Selby Alexandera , Chamarthy Padma , Friedman Emily , Goraya Navneet , Leopold Andrew , Smith Michael , Schey Ron , Mamary Albert James , Parkman Henry , Shenoy Kartik , Ehrlich Adam , Malik Zubair
Published: October 2020

Background: Diarrhea causes significant morbidity among solid organ transplant recipients. It is well described in liver and kidney transplant recipients, yet data among lung transplant (LTx) recipients is lacking. The primary aim of this study was to characterize diarrhea in LTx recipients. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for all patients undergoing LTx at our tertiary care hospital between 01/2011 and 02/2019. Patient demographics, type of LTx, and transplant indication were noted. Electronic medical records (EMR) were reviewed for the development of diarrhea (defined by clinical assessment and after obtaining diagnostic studies). Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI) was determined by PCR testing. LTx rejection was determined by board-certified Pulmonologists as documented in the EMR. Results: A total of 564 patients (66.3% male, mean age 64.4 ± 8.8 years) underwent LTx during the 8-year study period, with 289 patients (51.2%) experiencing post-LTx diarrhea. The most commonly identified etiologies of diarrhea were medication-induced (33.6%) and CDI (15.6%). Among patients with medication-induced diarrhea, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was the most common offending agent (33.3%). Diarrhea and age were significantly associated with increased LTx rejection rates in multivariate analysis (Diarrhea OR=2.26, 95% CI=1.48-3.45; Age OR=0.98, 95% CI=0.95-1.0).Conclusions: Diarrhea is common in LTx recipients, with medication-induced diarrhea being the most common etiology. Diarrhea and younger age were associated with an increased risk of LTx rejection. Recognizing the causes of diarrhea in LTx recipients is important for early diagnosis and treatment, leading to greater quality of life and improved graft function.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Multi-Traits in Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)
Authors: Binagwa Papias Hongera , Bonsi Conrad , He Guohao , Traore Sy M , Chen Xiangyu , Bonsi Eunice , Subedi Binita , Jaynes Jesse
Published: October 2020

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies caused by lack of Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn) and Vitamin A have negative effects on human health worldwide. Even though common bean meets Fe and Zn deficiencies based on recommended dietary allowances, the cooking time remains an important challenge. Understanding the genome organization, the loci and genes localization controlling multiple traits is crucial for developing enhanced micronutrient content and improved common bean with short cooking time. Results: In this study, GWAS method was used to determine SNPs associated with four traits studied, including water uptake, cooking time, Fe and Zn concentration level, using ~5,000 SNPs for a panel of 206 genotypes. By the analysis of population structure, 206 common bean genotypes were formed in three groups, the Mesoamerican gene pool, the Andean gene pool, and the admixture gene pool using the Bayesian method. With the significance levels between p = 2.94 x 10-08 to p = 8.33 x 10-03 and phenotypic variation of 8.26% to 18.19%, total of 10 SNPs was found to be significantly associated with traits on chromosomes Pv03, Pv04 and Pv10. Among of these SNPs, four SNPs were associated with water uptake, another four SNPs with the cooking time, one SNP with Zn concentration and one of less significant SNP associated with Fe concentration. Within the range or nearby the peak of significant SNP, putative loci encoding pectin degradation, cell structure and cellular exchange/transport were identified, suggesting these loci may play important roles in modulating expression of traits.Conclusion: The resultant data in this study contributed on deciphering the molecular mechanisms associated with water uptake, cooking time and micronutrient contents in common bean. The investigation of association between phenotypic and genotypic data has showed that GWAS approach is a powerful tool to dissect genetic architecture of complex traits and cooperate molecular breeding for advanced genotypes with enhanced micronutrients and short cooking time.
Short- and Long-Term Exposure to Higher Temperatures is Linked to Cognitive Impairment in Taiwanese Older Adults
Authors: Su Wei-Peng , Lo Yuan-Ting C. , Mei Shu-Hsuan , Chang Yu-Hung , Huang Han-Bin
Published: October 2020

Background: Evidence on the associations between short-term and long-term air temperature exposure and cognitive function in older adults, particularly those in Asia, is limited. Therefore, we explored the relationships of short-term and long-term air temperature exposure with cognitive function in Taiwanese older adults through a repeated measures survey.Methods: We used data from between 1996 and 2007 from the ongoing Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (N = 1956), a multiple-wave nationwide survey. Participants’ cognitive function assessment was based on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. We calculated the temperature moving average (TMA) for temperature exposure windows between 1993 and 2007 using data from air quality monitoring stations, depending on the administrative zone of each participant’s residence. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of short-term and long-term temperature changes on cognitive function.Results: Short-term and long-term temperature exposure was significantly and positively associated with moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment, with the greatest increase in odds ratios (ORs) found for 3-year TMAs (OR = 1.247; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.107, 1.404). The higher the quintiles of temperature exposure were, the higher were the ORs. The strongest association found was in long-term TMA exposure (OR = 3.674; 95% CI: 2.103, 6.417) after covariates were controlled for.Conclusions: The risk of mild cognitive impairment increased with ambient temperature in community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan.
Cancer-Specific Survival Analysis in Patients with Gastric Cancer: Based on Competing Risk Model
Authors: Zhu Gaopei , Zhu Yuhang , Li Juan , Meng Weijing , Wang Xiaoxuan , Feng Jianing , Shi Fuyan , Tao Enxue , Wang Suzhen
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCompeting risk events are prone to cause bias in the estimation of all-cause mortality. In order to eliminate the impact of competing events on survival analysis, we constructed a competing risk model. Besides, we attempted to build nomograms to predict gastric cancer-specific mortality (GCSM) and other-cause mortality (OCM).MethodsThe competing risk model was constructed to evaluate all-cause mortality, GCSM and OCM, by using the gastric cancer data from 2004 to 2013 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) dataset. Nomograms were used to predict the risk of individual dying from gastric cancer and other causes based on competing risk model.ResultsA total of 15299 cases were screened out. The 1-year, 5-year, and 8-year survival probabilities were 48.9 %, 22.1 %, and 16.4 % for all-cause mortality, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that sex, race, marital status, age at diagnosis, malignant, tumor diameter and TNM staging were all significant prognostic factors of gastric cancer. The GCSM and OCM models showed the risk of death treated by radiotherapy decreased from 0.689 to 0.494 after considering competing risk events. Furthermore, the nomograms showed good accuracy for GCSM prediction of the 1-,5-,8-year, the AUC values of the nomograms were 0.801 [95% CI, 0.793–0.808], 0.820 [95% CI, 0.810–0.829] and 0.823 [95% CI, 0.808–0.844]. The AUC values of the nomograms for predicting 1-, 5-, and 8-year OCM were 0.784 [95% CI, 0.778–0.792], 0.755 [95% CI, 0.748–0.765] and 0.747 [95% CI, 0.739–0.759].ConclusionsOverall, the prognosis of patients with Gastric cancer is poor. The competing risk model could accurately evaluate the probability of dying from gastric cancer and other causes. Nomograms showed relatively good performance and could be considered as convenient individualized predictive tools for predicting GCSM and OCM.
Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses' Perceived Barriers Towards VAP Prevention in Southeast Iran: An Observational Study
Authors: Akafzadeh Tayebe , Arab Mansoor , Dehghan Mahlagha , Malakoutikhah Alireza , Forouzi Mansooreh Azizzadeh
Published: October 2020

Background: Health Care-Associated Infections are the most common complications in hospitalized patients. Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia is a subset of Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia. This study aimed to investigate the intensive care unit registered nurses' perceived barriers towards VAP prevention in southeast Iran.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study investigating ICU registered nurses in hospitals affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. The study population consisted of nurses in ICUs and EDs in three hospitals. The sample size was estimated as 242 nurses. The data was collected through a demographic characteristics questionnaire and a researcher-made ventilator-associated pneumonia barriers prevention questionnaire.Results: Nurses’ mean age was 32.9 ± 5.87. 80.2% of the participants were female. The job experience mean score was 9.51 ± 5.14 years. 45% of nurses had received VAP prevention training. The mean score of nurses' perceived barriers towards VAP prevention was 2.82 ± 0.46. The highest mean score of perceived barriers were related to items of "Lack of staff", "Lack of a team-based approach to care and interventions ", and "Lack of support from Management”.Conclusions: According to the present study, most of the barriers mentioned were related to organizational factors such as lack of teamwork. One of the major problems of most Kerman hospitals seems to be the shortage of staff. Further studies are needed in Kerman and other cities of Iran to obtain more accurate results.
Research on The Utilization Efficiency of New Energy Technologies in China
Authors: Liao Ming-yan , Wang Yan-lan , He Yan-zi
Published: October 2020

Energy is an important driving force of human social progress and national economic development and makes crucial the concept of energy utilization efficiency. This paper uses panel data of the DEA model to measure China's thirty provinces from 2010 to 2019 against the energy efficiency index, a new technology to describe the energy efficiency of new technology in Chinese provinces. The empirical study found that the efficiency of China's new energy technology contains obvious regional characteristics, and that the provinces’ domain energy new technology using comprehensive efficiency and technical efficiency is highly uneven. Compared with the average level, the comprehensive efficiency and technical efficiency of the new energy technologies in the eastern and western regions of China from 2010 to 2019 showed a significant downward trend.
Utilization of Pleth Index in Hysteroscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yao Lifeng , Huang Changshun , Zheng Jungang , Li Yong
Published: October 2020

Background: When performing hysteroscopic surgery under general anesthesia in non-intubated patients, anesthesiologists and gynecologists face challenges including patient movement and respiratory depression due to variability in the depth of patient anesthesia. Intraoperative modulation of the depth of anesthesia is dictated by clinical practice. In recent years, the noninvasive surgical pleth index (SPI) has been purported to objectively reflect the depth of anesthesia. In the present study, we investigated the performance of SPI monitoring in hysteroscopic surgery.Methods: Eighty patients scheduled for hysteroscopic surgery under general anesthesia with a laryngeal mask airway (i.e., spontaneous ventilation without a muscle relaxant) were randomly divided into two groups (both n = 40): (1) bispectral index (BIS)- and SPI-monitoring group (BS Group); and (2) BIS-monitoring group (B group). Intraoperative analgesia was provided via target-controlled infusion (TCI) of remifentanil, which was modulated according to the SPI value (target interval, 20–50) in the BS Group or via the anesthesiologist's assessment in the B Group. In both groups, anesthesia was administered to maintain the BIS values between 40–60. Additionally, the incidences and degree of movement, consumption of anesthetic drugs, recovery times, complications, and satisfactory levels were compared between the two groups.Results: The incidence and degree of bodily movement in the BS Group were significantly lower than those in the B Group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the remifentanil induction dose and recovery time in the BS group were significantly lower than those in the B group (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to adverse events including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Finally, gynecologists had higher satisfactory levels in the BS Group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: SPI- and BIS-guided general anesthesia is clinically feasible in hysteroscopic surgery and leads to both inhibition of intraoperative movement and faster recovery.
Physiological and Blood Response in Dairy Goat Kids Disbudding by Subcutaneous Injection of Eugenol and Cautery
Authors: Abbasi Mohammad Farajli , Molaei Mohammad Mahdi , Sharifi Hamid , oloumi mohammad mehdi
Published: October 2020

BackgroundEugenol (EG) is an effective factor in disbudding by clove essential oil. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the hematological and clinical effects of disbudding using EG in goat kids. The aim of this study was to compered the stress level, blood biochemical parameters, and some vital organ enzymes in goat kids following disbudding by eugenol and cautery. The 25 Raieni (Cashmere) goat kids (5-day-old) were randomly assigned to five equal groups (n=5).ResultsThe cortisol serum level immediately after disbudding in group 2 was 7.94±0.7 µg/dL, vs. group 4, 6.34±0.55 (mean ± SE), immediately after disbudding respiratory rate in group 3 was 77±16.97 vs. group 1, 108±28.28, also pulse rate in group 3 was 239.4±28.26 vs. group 1, 284±38.36; and rectal temperature showed no significant difference (P<0.05).ConclusionAccording to the results disbudding by EG induced less stress and pain compared to disbudding by cautery in goat kids (P<0.05). Analysis of specific blood serum enzymes represented no side effect on vital organs in EG injection. Our data suggest that EG should be a suitable alternative to old and outdated or painful routine methods. Also, it is more economical than other methods.Name of the registry Iran National Committee for Ethics in Biomedical ResearchTrial Registration Number IR.UK.REC.1398.001Date of registration 01/02/2018URL of trial registry record https://ethics.research.ac.ir/ProposalViewEn.php?id=58428
Analyzing Inherent Biases in SARS-CoV-2 PCR and Serological Epidemiologic Metrics
Authors: Makhoul Monia , Abou-Hijleh Farah , Seedat Shaheen , Mumtaz Ghina R , Chemaitelly Hiam , Ayoub Houssein , Abu-Raddad Laith J.
Published: October 2020

Background: Prospective observational data show that infected persons with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remain polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for a prolonged duration, and that detectable antibodies develop slowly with time. We aimed to analyze how these effects can bias key epidemiological metrics used to track and monitor SARS-CoV-2 epidemics.Methods: An age-structured mathematical model was constructed to simulate progression of SARS-CoV-2 epidemics in populations. PCR testing to diagnose infection and cross-sectional surveys to measure seroprevalence were also simulated. Analyses were conducted on simulated outcomes assuming a natural epidemic time course and an epidemic in presence of interventions. Results: The prolonged PCR positivity biased the epidemiological measures. There was a lag of 10 days between the true epidemic peak and the actually-observed peak. Prior to epidemic peak, PCR positivity rate was 2-fold higher than that based only on current active infection, and half of those tested positive by PCR were in the prolonged PCR positivity stage after infection clearance. Post epidemic peak, PCR positivity rate poorly predicted true trend in active infection. Meanwhile, the prolonged PCR positivity did not appreciably bias estimation of the basic reproduction number R0. The time delay in development of detectable antibodies biased measured seroprevalence. The actually-observed seroprevalence substantially underestimated true prevalence of ever infection, with the underestimation being most pronounced around epidemic peak.Conclusions: Caution is warranted in interpreting PCR and serological testing data, and any drawn inferences need to factor the effects of the investigated biases for an accurate assessment of epidemic dynamics.
Clinical Pathway Management Based on Bibliometric Analysis in China
Authors: Jin Ni , Zheng Ya , Zhu Li , Xu Minhui , Guo Jiayi , Chu Wenya , Zhou Hui , Zhou Jun
Published: October 2020

Background: To identify the current situation and further research direction of clinical pathway management in China. Methods: The published time, research institutions, key words of the literatures obtained from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and Wanfang databases were analyzed by using Citespace software. Results: The clinical pathway research in China has been carried out for 20 years, with delivering about447.3 articles per year. The number of articles reached its peak in 2012, and then decreased year by year. The research field focuses on nursing clinical pathway, health education and clinical pathway teaching, and the research institutions are scattered and lack of inter-agency cooperation. Conclusions: At present, the clinical pathway research in China is insufficient incorporation with medical quality control and performance evaluation, the adjustment of medical service expenses, the reform of payment mode, and the information construction of medical institutions. Practice Implications: How to combine clinical pathway effectively with medical quality control, with DRGs performance evaluation, with medical insurance payment reform, with information construction and with hierarchical diagnosis and treatment is worthy further exploration.