bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 and Environmental Samples: A Methodological Approach to Have Consistent and Comparable Results
Authors: Robotto Angelo , Quaglino Paola , Lembo David , Morello Marcello , Brizio Enrico , Bardi Luisella , Civra Andrea
Published: October 2020

Since the beginning of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, large attention has been focused on the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 diffusion and environment. As a matter of fact, clear evidence of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via respiratory aerosol would be of primary importance; at the same time, checking the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater can be extremely useful to control the diffusion of the disease. Up to now, many studies report SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in indoor/outdoor air samples or water/wastewater samples that can differ by order of magnitude. Unfortunately, complete information about the scientific approach of many studies is still missing, relating to: samplers and sampling materials performances, recovery tests, measurement uncertainty, robustness, detection and quantification limits, infectivity of captured virus, virus degradation during sampling, influence of sample pre-treatments (included freezing) on results, effects of inhibitors, sample alterations due to manipulation, validation of methods and processes, quality assurance according to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.Based on the first experiences focused on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples such as air quality filters, air-liquid impingers and wastewater samples, the present study describes a coherent preliminary approach to SARS-CoV-2 environmental sampling in order to overcome the evident lack of standardization. Three aspects are highlighted here: the first solution to assure quality and consistency to environmental sampling relies on the development of recovery tests using standard materials and investigating sampling materials, sampling techniques, sampling durations, sample conservation and pre-treatments; secondly, in order to overcome the shortcomings of every single sampling technique, coupling different samplers in parallel sampling could be an efficient strategy to collect more information and make data more reliable, in particular for air samples; finally, with regards to airborne virus sampling, the results could be confirmed by simplified emission and dilution models.
Tau: At the Interface Between Neurodegeneration and Cancer?
Authors: Papin Stéphanie , Paganetti Paolo
Published: October 2020

For its microtubule-binding properties, the expression level of the neurodegeneration-associated protein Tau is pondered as a potential modifier of cancer resistance to chemotherapy since decades. Indeed, Tau binds microtubules at the same site as taxanes, a class of chemotherapeutic drugs designed to stabilize the microtubule network in order to stall cell division and to induce tumor cell death. Whilst independent studies report the association between low Tau expression and superior taxane response, the data were refused by a meta-analysis, suggesting interference of other parameters. Unpredictably, Tau expression level was identified as a prognostic cancer marker, whereby its positive or negative predictive value for survival depended on the cancer type. With recent experimental evidence linking Tau to P53 signaling, DNA stability and protection and to the implication of Tau in cancer is strengthened. The identification of a role of Tau at the interface between two major aging-related disorder families, neurodegeneration and cancer, offers clues for the epidemiological observation inversely correlating these disorders. Elucidating how Tau is mechanistically implicated in cellular pathways common to these devastating illnesses may extend the Tau-targeting therapeutic opportunities to cancer.
PENILAIAN PENERAPAN KONSEP LIVABLE SETTLEMENT DI PERMUKIMAN KOTA SURAKARTA
Authors: Gonta William Chrysostom , Astuti Winny , Hardiana Ana
Published: October 2020

Permukiman adalah bagian dari lingkungan hunian yang terdiri atas lebih dari satu satuan perumahan yang mempunyai prasarana, sarana, utilitas umum, serta mempunyai penunjang kegiatan fungsi lain di kawasan perkotaan atau perdesaan. Konsep livable settlement merupakan suatu konsep tentang permukiman yang disesuaikan dengan aspek-aspek permukiman layak huni. Berdasarkan persepsi masyarakat, Kota Surakarta merupakan salah satu dari beberapa kota layak huni di Indonesia berdasarkan Most Liveable City Index (MLCI) Tahun 2017. Fakta di lapangan menunjukkan bahwa masih banyak permasalahan di dalam permukiman khususnya kawasan perkotaan Kota Surakarta. Tujuan dari penelitian untuk menganalisis tingkat kesesuaian dari permukiman Kota Surakarta berdasarkan aspek-aspek livable settlement. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode teknik analisis skoring dan analisis deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa permukiman Kota Surakarta mendekati sesuai dengan konsep livable settlement dengan skor sebesar 68,75%. Komponen permukiman yang sudah sesuai dengan indikator layak huni di antaranya: kondisi bangunan, jalan lingkungan, air bersih, persampahan, pengelolaan air limbah, pengamanan bahaya kebakaran, kepadatan bangunan yang tidak tinggi, biaya hidup yang terjangkau, ketersediaan transportasi umum, aksesibilitas, dan tarif transportasi umum. Untuk komponen permukiman yang belum sesuai dengan indikator layak huni di antaranya: luas bangunan, ketersediaan ruang terbuka hijau publik, fungsionalitas ruang terbuka hijau publik, drainase lingkungan, dan jalur pedestrian yang belum aman.
LOCAL PERCEPTIONS OF TOURISM’S EFFECTS IN RUSSIA’S ALTAI REPUBLIC
Authors:   University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, Remmers Ruth , Diener Alexander ,   Department of Geography and Atmospheric Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
Published: October 2020

In 2015, 1.8 million tourists visited Russia’s Altai Republic. This profoundly affected the residential population numbering 210,000. However,tourism’s effects do not holistically offer benefit to local culture, the local economy or the environment. To understand perceived impacts of tourism within the Altai Republic,surveys and interviews were conducted among local stakeholders during the summer of 2015. Results suggest that residents and tourists largely agree on tourism’s improving the standard of living, and that tourism helps preserve local culture. That said, residents demonstrated greater propensity than tourists to pick up litter, while women tended to notice environmental damage more than men. The study provides valuable insights into the understudied Altai Republic and contributes to global understanding of interactions between tourism stakeholders.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF SECOND HOME TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE MOUNTAINOUS REGION
Authors:   York University, Canada, FAZILEH Dadvar-Khani
Published: October 2020

This study discusses particularly the perception of three stockholders regarding the physical effects of second home tourism in rural Iran. The study seeks to examine the perceptions of second home tourism within local communities; on the base of a sustainable development approach. The research has been done on the base of descriptive and exploratory methods. Sample of 120 individuals (residents and tourists) were selected by using a stratified random method. Besides, all local administrators that were 6 people participated in interviews and they completed the questionnaires. The validity data of questionnaire was 0.8 which is reliable. For analyzing the data we used descriptive methods by SPSS software. The findings show that second home tourism, particularly in mountainous areas, can lead to unsustainability by leaving negative effects on the physical environment of villages, so applying the land use zoning strategy and design the guidelines for sustainable development can be useful to achieve rural sustainable development.
Characterizing Returning Polymers in Hydraulic-Fracturing Flowback and Produced Water: Implications for Colloid Formation (includes associated erratum)
Authors: von Gunten Konstantin , Snihur Katherine N. , McKay Ryan T. , Serpe Michael , Kenney Janice P. L. , Alessi Daniel S.
Published: October 2020

Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) friction reducer was investigated in produced water from hydraulically fractured wells in the Duvernay and Montney Formations of western Canada. Produced water from systems that used nonencapsulated breaker had little residual solids (<0.3 g/L) and high degrees of hydrolysis, as shown by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Where an encapsulated breaker was used, more colloidal solids (1.1–2.2 g/L) were found with lower degrees of hydrolysis. In this system, the molecular weight (MW) of polymers was investigated, which decreased to <2% of the original weight within 1 hour of flowback. This was accompanied by slow hydrolysis and an increase in methine over methylene groups. Increased polymer-fragment concentrations were found to be correlated with a higher abundance of metal-carrying colloidal phases. This can lead to problems such as higher heavy-metal mobility in the case of produced-water spills and can cause membrane fouling during produced-water recycling and reuse.

NOTE: An erratum has been issued for this paper and added to the PDF. A copy is also available under the Supplementary Data section.
Isolation and Characterization of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) from Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)
Authors: Liu Songrui , Li Yunli , Yue Chanjuan , Zhang Dongsheng , Su Xiaoyan , Yan Xia , Yang Kuixing , Chen Xin , Zhuo Guifu , Cai Tong , Liu Jiangfeng , Peng Xi , Hou Rong
Published: October 2020

Background Disease prevention and control is a significant part in the ex-situ conservation of the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens), being bacterial infection is one of the most important health threats to the captive population. To date, studies about the infection caused by Escherichia coli in the red panda are scarce. This study was conducted to determine the cause of death of a captive red panda through clinical symptoms, complete blood count, biochemical analysis, pathological diagnosis and bacterial whole genome sequencing. Case presentation The following report describes a case of a 1.5 year old captive red panda (Ailurus fulgens) that was found lethargic and anorectic. She was moved to the quarantine area for daily treatment with 50mg of Cefpodoxime Proxetil. During the three-day treatment, she did not eat or defecate, and then died. Clinical hematology revealed the values of neutrophils, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly higher. Histological analysis demonstrated major pathological damage in the kidneys, liver and lungs, characterized by hyperemia, parenchymal cell degeneration and necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration which were predominantly neutrophilic. A bacterial strain confirmed as Escherichia coli was isolated post mortem. Whole genome sequencing of the E. coli showed the complete genome size was 4.99 Mbp. PapA, PapC, OmpA, OmpU and other virulence factors which specific to Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) were found in the isolate. Among the virulence factors, P pili, type I pili and related factors of the iron uptake system were associated with nephrotoxicity. Conclusion The red panda died of bacterial infection caused by an uropathogenic strain of Escherichia coli. The pathogenic mechanisms of the strain are closely related to the expression of specific virulence genes.
Violence –related injuries in a rapidly developing Middle Eastern country: A Retrospective Study from a Level 1Trauma Center
Authors: Mollazehi Monira , El-Menyar Ayman , Mekkodathil Ahammed , Consunji Rafael , Al-Thani Hassan
Published: October 2020

Background: Violence is a global public health problem leading to injuries, long-term physical, sexual or mental health problems and even mortality. The burden of violence-related injuries on hospital systems remains understudied in the Arabian Gulf region. The present study aimed to describe the epidemiology of hospitalized violence-related injuries in Qatar. Methods: A retrospective analysis of trauma registry data from a level 1 trauma center was conducted to retrieve data related to all patients admitted to the hospital for violence-related injuries between June 2010 and June 2017. Analyzed data was used to compare the hospitalized interpersonal and self-inflicted violence groups.Results: The hospitalization rate of violence-related injuries was 4.6 per 100,000 population per year; it was significantly higher in males (5.5/100,000 males/year vs. 1.8/100,000 females/year) and in younger populations, specifically in the 25-34 years age-group (41%). South Asians constituted 55% of the affected study population. Interpersonal violence (76.7%) was the most common mechanism of injury. Significant differences between interpersonal and self-inflicted violence were evident, especially for the type of trauma (i.e. blunt or penetrating), injured body regions, alcohol use, injury severity, need for intubation and psychiatric referral (p<0.05). Overall, in-hospital mortality was 6.4%; with a significantly higher rate in females (16% vs.5%, p=0.001). Outcomes, including length of hospital stay and mortality, were comparable in the two study groups. Multivariate analysis showed that male gender and alcohol use were predictors for interpersonal violence whereas a high Injury Severity Score and a low Glasgow Coma Scale were predictors of hospital mortality.Conclusions: The rate of hospitalization for violence-related injuries in Qatar is low; however, its burden on the trauma system is of concern. Although it comprised only 9.6% of the study population, females are more likely to get hospitalized following self-inflicted injuries when compared to interpersonal violence. The disproportionate burden of violence among South Asian and young populations warrants an evidence-based public health approach to best address the risk factors and set appropriate prevention programs.
Quantifying individual variability in exposure risk to mosquito bites in the Cascades region, Burkina Faso
Authors: Guglielmo Federica , Sanou Antoine , Churcher Thomas S , Ferguson Heather M , Ranson Hilary , Sherrard-Smith Ellie
Published: October 2020

Background. The Cascades Region, Burkina Faso, has a high malaria burden despite reported high insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN) use. Human and vector activities outside the hours when indoor interventions offer direct protection from infectious bites potentially increase exposure risk to bites from malaria-transmitting Anopheles mosquitoes. We investigated the degree of variation in human behaviour both between individuals and through time (season) to quantify how it impacts exposure to malaria vectors. Methods. Patterns in human overnight activity (18:00-06:00) to quantify time spent using an ITN across 7 successive nights in two rural communities, Niakore (N = 24 participants) and Toma (71 participants), were observed in the dry and rainy seasons, between 2017-2018. Hourly human landing Anopheles mosquito catches were conducted in Niakore specifically, and Cascades Region generally, between 2016-2017. Data were statistically combined to estimate seasonal variation in time spent outdoors and Anopheles bites received per person per night (bpppn). Results. Substantial variability in exposure to outdoor Anopheles bites was detected within and between communities across seasons. In October, when Anopheles densities are highest, an individual’s risk of Anopheles bites ranged from 2.2 to 52.2 bpppn within the same week with variable risk dependent on hours spent indoors. Comparably higher outdoor human activity was observed in April and July but, due to lower Anopheles densities estimated, bpppn were 0.2 – 4.7 and 0.5 – 32.0 respectively. Males and people aged over 21 years were predicted to receive more bites in both sentinel villages. Conclusion. This work presents one of the first clear descriptions of the degree of heterogeneity in time spent outdoors between people and across the year. Appreciation of sociodemographic, cultural and entomological activities will help refine approaches to vector control.
Anti-inflammatory Mechanism of Rhein in Treating Asthma Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Feng Junfang , Chen Ou , Wang Yibiao
Published: October 2020

Background: Network pharmacological methods were used to predict the anti-inflammatory targets and related pathways of rhein in the treatment of asthma, and to elucidate its mechanism of action. In addition, we validated the anti-inflammatory effects of rhein in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells.Methods: The corresponding targets of rhein were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform 2.3 (TCMSP), and molecular docking was also performed. A network of predicted rhein targets was established and analysed with Cytoscape 3.7.1. The anti-inflammatory targets in the Therapeutic Target Database 2020 (TTD) were searched to build a protein-protein interaction network (PPI), which was merged with the ingredient-target network to screen anti-inflammatory targets associated with rhein. A network of anti-inflammatory rhein targets during the in vivo treatment of asthma was constructed to screen the anti-inflammatory targets related to asthma. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was performed with the Enrichr database and Cytoscape 3.7.1. The expression levels of proteins in the mitogen-activated protein kinase / nuclear factor kappa-B (MAPK/NF-κB) signalling pathway were assessed by western blot analysis.Results: Altogether, Eighty-three targets were obtained. Epidermal active growth factor receptor (EGFR), E-selecting (E-SELE), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14) might be important anti-inflammatory targets of rhein during asthma treatment. We selected the MAPK signalling pathway to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of rhein.Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory mechanism of the treatment of asthma with rhein may be related to MAPK14, EGFR, E-SELE and MIF as well as their signalling pathways. To prevent the exacerbation of asthma, instead of targeting a single pathway or a single target, all these targets and their signalling pathways should be controlled holistically. Rhein may reduce inflammation by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB pathway.
Coverage and effectiveness of hypertension screening in different altitudes of Tibet autonomous region
Authors: Song Ci , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi , Wangdui Suolang , Mima Danzeng , Zhuoma Cuoji , Ji De , Luobu Ouzhu , Sripl Hutcha
Published: October 2020

Background: Tibet is an autonomous region in China located around an average altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level. Since 2012 the local government of Tibet has been providing free physical examinations, including screening for hypertension. However, the coverage and effectiveness of this free program have not been uncovered. This study aims to assess the coverage and effectiveness of hypertension screening and management program in 3 altitude levels of Tibet, and also the determinants of the success of the screening program.Methods: A stratified cluster survey was conducted among 1,636 residents aged 18 years or over in three different altitude areas in Tibet. We adjusted for age and sex based on national census data and used weighted logistic regression models to find factors associated with hypertension screening. Results: The coverage of the hypertension screening program evaluated by participation rate in the previous screening was 94.9%, while 24.7% (95% CI: 22.1%-27.3%) of them were diagnosed with hypertension. Females and alcohol drinkers were more likely to be screened. Among those diagnosed with hypertension, 28.7% had it under control. High altitude areas had a high proportion of controlled hypertension. The overall rate of controlled hypertension in high, moderate and low altitude areas was 35.1% (95% CI: 24.8%-45.3%), 32.7% (95% CI: 22.2%-43.2%) and 23.7% (95% CI: 14.7%-32.6%), respectively. Younger aged persons were more likely to have better control of their hypertension.Conclusions: The coverage of hypertension screening in Tibet was high, especially in the low altitude areas. However, the effectiveness of hypertension control was low, indicating a need to implement the treatment adherence routines into the current screening interventions.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Incentives to Improve HIV Prevention Outcomes for Young Females in Eswatini: Sitakhela Likusasa Impact Evaluation Protocol and Baseline Results
Authors: Gorgens Marelize , Longosz Andrew , Ketende Sosthenes , Nkambule Muziwethu , Dlamini Tengetile , Mabuza Mbuso , Sikwibele Kelvin , Tsododo Vimbai , Dlamini Mthokozisi , Dennis-Langa Futhie , Heard Wendy , Low Andrea , Harimurti Pandu , Wilson David , Mabuza Khanya , de Walque Damien
Published: October 2020

Background: Eswatini continues to have the highest prevalence of HIV in the world, and one of the highest HIV incidences among adult populations (aged 15-49). This analysis reports on both key elements of study design/protocol and baseline results from an impact evaluation of an intervention incentivizing (i) initiation, enrolment, attendance or completion of some form of education, and (ii) lower risk sexual behaviour. Methods: The impact evaluation employs a two by two factorial design in which participants are enrolled in either the incentive for education arm (‘education treatment arm’ providing a conditional cash incentive) or the control arm (‘education control arm’). In each of these arms, 50% of participants were randomized to also be eligible for selection – three times a year – to participate in a conditional raffle conditional on testing negative for curable STIs (syphilis and Trichomonas vaginalis). Results: Baseline recruitment and screening occurred in 2016 when a total of 6,055 individuals were screened of which 4,863 participated in the baseline survey, and 4,819 individuals were randomized into one of the study arms. The baseline prevalence of HIV, Trichomonas vaginalis, and syphilis among adolescent girls and young women 8.20% (397/4,840), 3.31% (150/4,533) and 0.17% (8/4,830) respectively. Conclusions: An educational cash incentive and raffle incentive impact evaluation that addresses adolescent girls and young women who are in-education and out-of-education has the potential to reduce HIV risk in adolescent girls and young women in Eswatini.Name of the registry: Pan African Clinical Trials RegistryTrial registration number: PACTR201811609257043Date of registration: May 11, 2018 ‘Retrospectively registered’URL of trial registry record: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=4685
Comparative investigation of different telemetric methods for measuring intracranial pressure: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Rot Sergej , Dweek Mamon , Gutowski Pawel , Goelz Leonie , Meier Ullrich , Lemcke Johannes
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) plays an important role in long-term monitoring and neuro-intensive treatment of patients with a cerebral shunt. Currently, only two complete telemetric implants with different technical features are available worldwide. This prospective pilot study aims to examine patients who had both probes implanted at overlapping times for clinical reasons and represents the first in vivo comparison of both measurement methods.Materials and methods: Patients with a primary subarachnoid hemorrhage or a spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with ventricular hemorrhage who had received a telemetric ICP probe (Raumedic® NEUROVENT®-P-tel) were included in the study. Conventional external ventricular drainages (EVD) and ventriculoperitoneal shunts with a telemetric ICP probe (Miethke Sensor Reservoir) were implanted in patients with hydrocephalus who required CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) drainage. Absolute ICP values from all systems were obtained. Due to the overlapping implantation time, parallel ICP measurements were performed via two devices simultaneously. ICP measurements via the sensor reservoir were repeated after three and nine months. Differences between the absolute ICP values measured via the NEUROVENT®-P-tel probe, the Miethke sensor reservoir®, and the EVD were analyzed.Results: Seventeen patients were included in the present study between 2016 and 2018. 63% of all patients were male. In 11 patients the ICP measurements were followed up with both devices for 3 months. ICP measurements of the sensor reservoir showed corresponding trends in 9 cases compared to ICP measurement via the telemetry probe or EVD. Difference in absolute ICP values ranged between 14.5 mmHg and 0.0 mmHg. The average difference of the absolute ICP values in 8 cases was ≤ 3.5 mmHg.Conclusion: ICP measurements with both systems continuously showed synchronous absolute ICP values, however absolute values of ICP measurement with the different systems did not match.
Improvement of Parent’s Awareness, Knowledge, Perception, and Acceptability of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination After a Structured-educational Intervention
Authors: Sitaresmi Mei Neni , Rozanti Nisrina Maulida , Besty Lamria , Wahab Abdul
Published: October 2020

Background: Regardless of the disease burden of human papillomavirus(HPV), the vaccine has not been included in the Indonesia National Immunization Program. Since 2017 there was a demonstration program of the HPV vaccination in Yogyakarta Province. This vaccine was given free to female primary school students in the 5th and 6th grades (11-13 years old). This study aimed to assess whether a structured-educational intervention focus on HPV increases the parental awareness, knowledge, and perceptions toward HPV and the vaccine acceptability.Methods: We conducted a pre-post structured-educational intervention study from July to August 2017 before the implementation of the HPV vaccination demonstration program, in Kulon Progo District, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. Parents of female primary school students grades 5th and 6th were selected using a school-based proportional random sampling. A pediatric resident provided a structured-educational intervention, which consists of the burden and risk of HPV disease, as well as the benefit and safety of the vaccine. Parents were required to complete validated self-administered questionnaires before and after the structured-educational intervention. Results: A total of 506 parents participated. Before receiving the structured-educational intervention, parents' awareness of HPV infection and the vaccines were low. Only 49.2% of parents had heard HPV infection, and 48.8% had heard about the vaccine. After the structured-educational intervention, there were significant improvements in parent’s awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of HPV infection, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination (all p<0.001). HPV vaccine's acceptability increased from 74.3% to 87.4% (p<0.001). There was a significant correlation between increasing HPV vaccine acceptability with the improvement of awareness, knowledge, and perception toward HPV infection, cervical cancer and HPV vaccination (r=0.32 to 0.53, p<0.001). After the structured-educational intervention, better knowledge and positive perceptions of HPV vaccination were predictive of HPV vaccine's acceptability with OR 1.90 (95%CI:1.40-2.57) and OR 1.31(95%CI:1.05-1.63), respectively.Conclusions: A structured-educational intervention may improve parental awareness, knowledge, and perceptions toward HPV and the acceptability of the vaccine. Further study, a randomized control trial with longer follow-up are needed to evaluate the long-term and actual effectiveness of improving parents’ knowledge, perceptions and HPV vaccine acceptability.
Targeting high risk forest goers for malaria elimination: A novel approach for investigating forest malaria to inform program intervention in Vietnam
Authors: Canavati Sara E. , Kelly Gerard C. , Quintero Cesia E. , Vo Thuan Huu , Tran Long Khanh , Ngo Thang Duc , Tran Duong Thanh , Edgel Kimberly A. , Martin Nicholas J.
Published: October 2020

BackgroundIndividuals that work and sleep in remote forest and farm locations in the Greater Mekong Subregion continue to remain at high risk of both acquiring and transmitting malaria. These difficult-to-access population groups largely fall outside the reach of traditional village-centered interventions, presenting operational challenges for malaria programs. In Vietnam, over 60% of malaria cases are thought to be individuals who sleep in forests or on farms. New malaria elimination strategies are needed in countries where mobile and migrant workers frequently sleep outside of their homes. The aim of this study was to apply targeted surveillance-response based investigative approaches to gather location-specific data on confirmed malaria cases, with an objective to identify associated malaria prevention, treatment and risk behaviors of individuals sleeping in remote forest and farms sites in Vietnam. MethodsA cross-sectional study using novel targeted reactive investigative approaches at remote area sleeping sites was conducted in three mountainous communes in Phu Yen province in 2016. Index cases were defined as individuals routinely sleeping in forests or farms who had tested positive for malaria. Index cases and non-infected neighbors from forest and farm huts within 500m of the established sleeping locations of index cases were interviewed at their remote-area sleeping sites. ResultsA total of 307 participants, 110 index cases and 197 neighbors, were enrolled. Among 93 participants who slept in the forest, index cases were more likely to make >5 trips to the forest per year (prevalence odds ratio (POR) 7.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.66–20.63), sleep in huts without walls (POR 44.00, 95% CI 13.05–148.33), sleep without mosquito nets (POR 2.95, 95% CI 1.26–6.92), and work after dark (POR 5.48, 95% CI 1.84–16.35). Of the 204 farm-based respondents, a significantly higher proportion of index cases were involved in non-farming activities (logging) (POR 2.74, 95% CI 1.27–5.91). ConclusionInvestigative approaches employed in this study allowed for the effective recruitment and characterization of high-priority individuals frequently sleeping in remote forest and farm locations, providing relevant population and site-specific data that decision makers can use to design and implement targeted interventions to support malaria elimination.
Preoperative risk grade predicts the long-term prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Zhao Jianping , Chen Yao , Wang Jingjing , Wang Jian , Wang Ying , Chai Songshan , Zhang Yuxin , Chen Xiaoping , zhang wanguang
Published: October 2020

Background: Cumulating evidence indicates that the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) plays a crucial role in the prognosis of various cancers. We aimed to generate a preoperative risk grade (PRG) by integrating SIR markers to preoperatively predict the long-term prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).Methods: 468 consecutive ICC patients who underwent hepatectomy between 2010 to 2017 were enrolled. The PRG and a nomogram were generated and their predictive accuracy was evaluated. Results: The PRG consisted of two non-tumor-specific SIR markers platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and albumin (ALB), which were both the independent predictors of overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis showed that the PRG was significantly associated with OS (PRG =1: Hazard ratio (HR) = 3.800, p < 0.001; PRG = 2: HR = 7.585, p < 0.001). The PRG (concordance index (C-index) 0.685; 95% CI: 0.655 to 0.716) had a better predictive ability than the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition (C-index 0.645; 95% CI: 0.612 to 0.679), the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan (LCSGJ) (C-index 0.644; 95% CI: 0.611 to 0.678) and the Okabayashi (C-index 0.633; 95% CI: 0.600 to 0.666) (p < 0.05). Besides, the C-index of the nomogram only consisting of the tumor-specific factors (serum carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, tumor number) could be improved to 0.737 (95% CI: 0.062-0.768) from 0.625 (95% CI: 0.585-0.665) when the PRG was incorporated (p < 0.001).Conclusions: The PRG integrating two non-tumor-specific SIR markers PLR and ALB was a novel method to preoperative predicting the prognosis of ICC.
Novel use of pop-up satellite archival telemetry in sawsharks: insights into the movement of the common sawshark Pristiophorus cirratus (Pristiophoridae)
Authors: Burke Patrick J , Mourier Johann , Gaston Troy F , Williamson Jane E
Published: October 2020

BackgroundUnderstanding movement patterns of a species is vital for optimising conservation and management strategies. This information is often difficult to obtain in the marine realm for species that regularly occur at depth. The common sawshark (Pristiophorus cirratus) is a small, benthic associated elasmobranch species that occurs from shallow to deep-sea environments. No information is known regarding its movement ecology. Despite this, P. cirrata are still regularly landed as nontargeted catch in the south eastern Australian fisheries. Three individuals were tagged with pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) off the coast of Tasmania, Australia, to test the viability of satellite tagging on these small elasmobranchs and to provide novel insights into their movement.ResultsTags were successfully retained for up to three weeks, but movement differed on an individual basis. All three individuals displayed a post-release response to tagging and limited vertical movement was observed for up to 5 – 7 days post-tagging. Temperature loggers on the tags suggest the animals were not stationary but moved horizontally during this time, presumably in a flight response. After this response, continuous wavelet transformations identified diel vertical movements in one individual at cyclical intervals of 12- and 24-hour periods, however, two others did not display as clear a pattern. Temperature was not significantly correlated with movement in the study period. The deepest depths recorded during the deployments for all individuals was approximately 120 meters and the shallowest was 5 meters.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that sawsharks can be successfully tagged by pop-up satellite archival tags. The data presented here show that sawsharks regularly move both horizontally and vertically in the water column, which was an unexpected result for this small benthic species. Additional research aimed at resolving the trophic ecology will help identify the drivers of these movements and help to better define the ecological, behavioural and physiological roles of these sharks in their ecosystems. These data describe a substantial ability to move in the common sawshark that was previously unknown and provides the first account of movement ecology on the family of sawsharks: Pristiophoridae.
Knowledge, attitudes, anxiety, and preventive behaviours towards COVID-19 among health care providers in Yemen: an online cross-sectional survey
Authors: Alrubaiee Gamil Ghaleb , Al-Qalah Talal Ali Hussein , Al-Aawar Mohammed Sadeg A.
Published: October 2020

Background: The growing incidence of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to cause fear, anxiety, and panic amongst the community, especially for healthcare providers (HCPs), as the most vulnerable group at risk of contracting this new SARS-CoV-2 infection. To protect and enhance the ability of HCPs to perform their role in responding to COVID-19, healthcare authorities must help to alleviate the level of stress and anxiety amongst HCPs and the community. This will improve the knowledge, attitude and practice towards COVID-19, especially for HCPs. In addition, authorities need to comply in treating this virus by implementing control measures and other precautions. This study explores the knowledge, attitude, anxiety, and preventive behaviours among Yemeni HCPs towards COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive, web-based-cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,231 Yemeni HCPs. The COVID-19 related questionnaire was designed using Google forms where the responses were coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software package (IBM SPSS), version 22.0. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test were also employed in this study. A p-value of < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was considered as statistically significant. The data collection phase commenced on 22nd April 2020, at 6 pm and finished on 26th April 2020 at 11 am. Results: The results indicated that from the 1,231 HCPs participating in this study, 61.6% were male, and 67% were aged between 20 and 30 years with a mean age of 29.29 ±6.75. Most (86%) held a bachelor’s degree or above having at least 10 years of work experience or less (88.1%). However, while 57.1% of the respondents obtained their information via social networks and news media, a further 60.0% had never attended lectures/discussions about COVID-19. The results further revealed that the majority of respondents had adequate knowledge, optimistic attitude, moderate level of anxiety, and high-performance in preventive behaviours, 69.8%, 85.10%, 51.0 and 87.70%, respectively, towards COVID-19. Conclusion: Although the Yemeni HCPs exhibited an adequate level of knowledge, optimism, attitude, moderate level of anxiety, and high-performance in preventive behaviours toward COVID-19, the results highlighted gaps, particularly in their knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19.
Identifying competing interest disclosures in systematic reviews of surgical interventions and devices: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Yu Jiajie , Su Guanyue , Hirst Allison , Yang Zengyue , Zhang You , Li Youping
Published: October 2020

Background: A competing interest is an important source of bias in research and disclosure is frequently employed as a strategy to manage it. Considering the importance of systematic reviews (SRs) and the varying prevalence of competing interests in different research fields, we conducted a survey to identify the range of competing interests in SRs assessing surgical interventions or devices and explored the association between the competing interest disclosures and authors’ conclusions.Methods: We retrieved SRs of surgical interventions and devices published in 2017 via PubMed. Information regarding general characteristics, funding sources, and competing interest disclosures were extracted. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the studies’ characteristics and compared them between Cochrane SRs (CSRs)and non-Cochrane SRs using the Chi-square test. Results were expressed as odds ratio and their 95% confidence interval.Results: 155 SRs published in 2017 were included in the study. More than half of the SRs (58.7%) reported their funding sources and 94.2% reported authors’ competing interest disclosures. Among 146 SRs that stated competing interest disclosures, only 35 (22.6%) SRs declared at least one author had a competing interest. More than 40 terms were used to describe competing interests. Cochrane SRs (CSRs) were more likely to provide a detailed description of competing interests compared to those in non-CSRs (48.0% versus 25.4%, P=0.023). No association between positive conclusions and competing interest disclosures was found (P=0.484, OR=0.43, 95%CI: 0.08, 2.16). In the subgroup analyses, SRs stating no competing interest disclosure were more likely to report positive conclusions than those stating at least one type of competing interest, but the difference is not significantly different (P=0.406, OR=1.38, 95%CI: 0.64, 2.98)Conclusion: In surgical SRs, there is a high percentage of competing interest disclosures but without detailed information. The identification and statement of competing interests with a detailed description, particularly the non-financial ones, needs improvement. Some efficient and effective methods/tools for identifying, quantifying, and minimizing potential competing interests in systematic reviews remains valuable.
Risk perception related to COVID-19 among the Iranian general population: An application of the extended parallel process model
Authors: Jahangiry Leila , Bakhtari Fatemeh , Sohrabi Zahara , Reihani Parvin , Samei Sirous , Ponnet Koen , Montazeri Ali
Published: October 2020

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a major global public health challenge. This study aimed to investigate on how people perceive the COVID-19 outbreak using the components of the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) and to find out how this might contribute to possible behavioral responses to the prevention and control of the disease.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran during March and April 2020. Participants were recruited via online applications using a number of platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram asking people to take part in the study. To collect data an electronic self-designed questionnaire based on the EPPM was used in order to measure the risk perception (efficacy, defensive responses, perceived treat) related to the COVID-19. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), were used to explore the data.Results: A total of 3,727 individuals with a mean age (SD) of 37.0 (11.1) years participated in the study. The results revealed significant differences in efficacy, defensive responses and perceived treat among different population groups particularly among those aged 60 and over. Women had significantly higher scores than men on some aspects such as self-efficacy, reactance, and avoidance but men had higher perceived susceptibility scores compared to women. Overall 56.4% of participants were engaged in danger control (preventive behavior) while the remaining 43.6% were engaged in fear control (non-preventive behavior) process.Conclusion: More than half of all participants motivated by danger control. This indicated that more than half of participants had high perceived efficacy (i.e., self-efficacy and response efficacy). Self-efficacy scores were significantly higher among participants who were older, female, single, lived in rural areas, and had good economic status. The results suggest that socioeconomic and demographic factors are the main determinants of the COVID-19 risk perception. Indeed, targeted interventions are essential for controlling the pandemic.
Retrospective cohort study on radial head arthroplasty comparing long-term outcomes between valgus type injury and fracture dislocation
Authors: Chen Alvin Chao-Yu , Weng Chun-Jui , Chiu Chih-Hao , Chang Shih-Sheng , Cheng Chun-Ying , Chan Yi-Sheng
Published: October 2020

Background: Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) has been commonly adopted for irreparable radial head fractures while little information is addressed on valgus type injury. The purpose of this study is to report long-term outcomes and radiographic analysis in RHA for valgus type injury with comparison to fracture dislocation injury.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients receiving unilateral RHA with loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis for irreparable radial head fractures between 2004 and 2012. Totally, 33 patients with a mean follow up of nine years (range, 7 to 15 years) were enrolled and divided into two groups including 14 valgus injuries and 19 fracture-dislocations. Demographics of the patients, injury details, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and correlation analysis were investigated and compared between two groups.Results: In patient demographics, significant difference was noted in sex distribution (p = 0.001), lateral collateral ligament involvement (p = 0.000) and time from injury to RHA (p = 0.031) between two groups. No patient underwent subsequent removal or revision of prosthesis. Good to excellent results according to Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was achieved in 13 and 14 patients in group A and B respectively. Final motion range and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was significantly better in valgus injury group. Radiographic analysis demonstrated fewer patients in valgus injury group presented periprosthetic osteolysis with weak to moderate negative correlation between radiolucency score and MEPS.Conclusions: With an average of nine years follow-up, RHA using loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis achieves encouraging outcomes for both valgus injury and fracture dislocation. In valgus type injury, better motion range, lower disability score and lower incidence of periprosthetic osteolysis is noted while correlation analysis of radiolucency score suggests extended, long-term investigation.
Dynamic genome-wide association analysis and identification of candidate genes involved in anaerobic germination tolerance in rice
Authors: Su Ling , Yang Jing , Li Dandan , Peng Ziai , Xia Aoyun , Yang Meng , Luo Lixing , Huang Cuihong , Wang Jiafeng , Wang Hui , Chen Zhiqiang , Guo Tao
Published: October 2020

Background: In Asian rice production, an increasing number of countries now choose the direct seeding mode because of rising costs, labour shortages and water shortages. The ability of rice seeds to undergo anaerobic germination (AG) plays an important role in the success of direct seeding.Results: In this study, we used 2,123,725 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers based on resequencing to conduct a dynamic genome-wide association study (GWAS) of coleoptile length (CL) and coleoptile diameter (CD) in 209 natural rice populations. A total of 26 SNP loci were detected in these two phenotypes, of which 5 overlapped with previously reported loci (S1_ 39674301, S6_ 20797781, S7_ 18722403, S8_ 9946213, S11_ 19165397), and two sites were detected repeatedly at different time points (S3_ 24689629 and S5_ 27918754). We suggest that these 7 loci (−log10 (P) value > 7.3271) are the key sites that affect AG tolerance. To screen the candidate genes more effectively, we sequenced the transcriptome of the flooding-tolerant variety R151 in six key stages, including anaerobic (AN) and the oxygen conversion point (AN-A), and obtained high-quality differential expression profiles. Four reliable candidate genes were identified: Os01g0911700 (OsVP1), Os05g0560900 (OsGA2ox8), Os05g0562200 (OsDi19-1) and Os06g0548200. Then qRT-PCR and LC-MS/ MS targeting metabolite detection technology were used to further verify that the up-regulated expression of these four candidate genes was closely related to AG.Conclusion: The four novel candidate genes were associated with gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) regulation and cell wall metabolism under oxygen-deficiency conditions and promoted coleoptile elongation while avoiding adverse effects, allowing the coleoptile to obtain oxygen, escape the low-oxygen environment and germinate rapidly. The results of this study improve our understanding of the genetic basis of AG in rice seeds, which is conducive to the selection of flooding-tolerant varieties suitable for direct seeding.