bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot, feasibility and acceptability study to investigate the utility of a home-based exercise intervention during and after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for oesophago-gastric cancer—the ChemoFit study protocol
Authors: Chmelo Jakub , Phillips Alexander William , Greystoke Alastair , Charman Sarah Jane , Avery Leah , Hallsworth Kate , Welford Jenny , Sinclair Rhona Catherine France
Published: February 2020

BackgroundTreatment of locally advanced oesophago-gastric adenocarcinoma usually entails neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and surgery. Surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Cardiopulmonary reserve of patients having major surgery is related to postoperative outcomes. Complications are associated with poorer quality of life and may affect prognosis. Preventing complications may be beneficial to both of these and have cost implications. Prehabilitation may improve recovery from surgery by increasing a patients’ fitness before surgery. Designing a potentially cost and resource effective regimen which improves cardiopulmonary reserve may have a beneficial impact on patient outcomes after surgery.MethodsThe ChemoFit study is a non-randomised, single-arm and single-centre pilot study designed to investigate the feasibility of a home-based prehabilitation exercise intervention for patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment prior to oesophago-gastric surgery. Forty patients will be recruited at a single high-volume centre. The simple, home-based exercise intervention involves patients increasing their daily step-count during and after NAC and in the weeks leading up to surgical resection of the cancer. Additionally, quality of life assessments (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25), oncological treatment delivery and participant perceptions of the study assessed by focus groups and questionnaires will be performed. The primary outcomes are to assess feasibility of the exercise intervention. The secondary outcomes will evaluate changes in cardiopulmonary reserve, sarcopenia and fat composition.DiscussionIt is anticipated that during an important teachable moment, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, our patients will be open to the possibility of improving their fitness during chemotherapy and before major cancer surgery. It is possible that the negative impact of NAC on cardiopulmonary fitness could be prevented by implementing a home-based prehabilitation programme during and after NAC, prior to surgery for oesophago-gastric adenocarcinoma.Trial registrationThis study has been approved by the Health Research Authority (REC 18/WA/0427). Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NUTH) will act as the study sponsor and the work is funded by a grant awarded by The Jon Moulton Charitable Foundation, supported by a research post funded by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04194463. Registered 11th December 2019 – retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04194463.
Evaluating a multidimensional strategy to improve the professional self-care of occupational therapists working with people with life limiting illness.
Authors: Apostol Courtney , Cranwell Kathryn , Hitch Danielle
Published: February 2020

Background: The term ‘’life limiting conditions’ refers to premature death following decline from chronic conditions, which is a common circumstance in which occupational therapists work with people at the end of life. The challenges for clinicians of working with these patients have long been recognised, and may have a significant impact on their professional self-care. This study aimed to evaluate a multidimensional workplace strategy to improve the professional self-care of occupational therapists working with people living with a life limiting condition. Methods: A pre and post mixed methods survey approach were utilised, with baseline data collection prior to the implementation of a multidimensional workplace strategy. The strategy included professional resilience education, targeted supervision prompts, changes to departmental culture and the promotion of self-care services across multiple organisational levels. Follow up data collection was undertaken after the strategy had been in place for two years. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: 103 occupational therapists responded (n=55 pre, n=48 post) across multiple service settings. Complex emotional responses and lived experiences were identified by participants working with patients with life limiting conditions, which were not influenced by the workplace strategy. Working with these patients was acknowledged to challenge the traditional focus of occupational therapy on rehabilitation and recovery. Participants were confident about their ability to access self-care support, and supervision emerged as a key medium. While the strategy increased the proportion of occupational therapists undertaking targeted training, around half identified ongoing unmet need around professional self-care with this patient group. Demographic factors (e.g. practice setting, years of experience) also had a significant impact on the experience and needs of participants. Conclusions: The multidimensional workplace strategy resulted in some improvements in professional self-care for occupational therapists, particularly around their use of supervision and awareness of available support resources. However, it did not impact upon their lived experience of working with people with life limiting conditions, and there remain significant gaps in our knowledge of support strategies for self-care of occupational therapist working with this patient group.
Sagittal alignment changes and postoperative complications after adult spinal deformity surgery in patients with Parkinson’s disease: A multi-institutional retrospective study
Authors: Kawabata Atsuyuki , Yoshii Toshitaka , Sakai Kenichiro , Hirai Takashi , Yuasa Masato , Inose Hiroyuki , Matsukura Yu , Tomori Masaki , Torigoe Ichiro , Kusano Kazuo , Otani Kazuyuki , Arai Yoshiyasu , Shindo Shigeo , Okawa Atsushi
Published: February 2020

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been reported to increase the risk of postoperative complications in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). However, those reports are limited, and few have made direct comparisons with patients who do not have PD.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all surgically treated patients with ASD and at least 2 years of follow-up. Among them, 27 had PD (PD(+) group). Clinical data were collected on early and late postoperative complications and revision surgery. Radiographic parameters were evaluated before and immediately after surgery and at final follow-up, including sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, and pelvic tilt. From the same database, we also retrieved 206 controls without PD (PD(−) group) matched for age, sex, and body mass index.Results: For early complications, the PD(+) group showed a higher rate of delirium than the PD(−) group. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism rates tended to be higher in the PD(+) group. For late complications, the rate of pseudarthrosis was significantly higher in the PD(+) group. Rates of rod failure and revision surgery due to mechanical complications also tended to be higher, but not significantly, in the PD(+) group (p = 0.17, p = 0.13, respectively). SVA at final follow-up and loss of correction in SVA were significantly higher in the PD(+) group.Conclusion: Extra attention should be paid to perioperative complications, especially delirium and thrombosis, in PD patients undergoing surgery for ASD. Furthermore, loss of correction and rate of revision surgery due to mechanical complications were higher in these patients.
Preliminary evaluation of the candidate international reference for Epstein–Barr virus capsid antigen immunoglobulin A in China
Authors: Chen Hao , Zhong Qiaohua , Wu Xiaobin , Ding Yanling , Chen Qi , Xue Ning , chen Shulin , Xu Yi-Wei
Published: February 2020

Background: Epstein–Barr capsid antigen (VCA) immunoglobulin A (IgA) detection is widely used for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but reference standard for VCA-IgA has not yet been determined. For uniform and quantitative detection of VCA- IgA, reference standard is in urgent need. Methods: A mixed reference serum from three patients with NPC diluted with healthy subjects serum was made as a possible first international standard for VCA-IgA. Four ELISA kits and two chemiluminescent immunoassays(CLIA) kits were used to detected VCA-IgA in twenty NPC patients using the reference as a calibration curve. The performance of six kits were evaluated, and the quantitative results were compared. Results: Our results shown the reference has good linearity in different kits. Without reference, the difference of total CV (from 3.98% to 43.11%) and Within-run CV(from 2.47% to 19.66%) was large in 6 kits. The positive and negative coincidence rate between 6 kits and IFA for NPC diagnosis was 75% overall agreement, but there was a difference among the six kits ranged from 55%-90%. Concentration of 20 NPC samples divided into three sample categories was shown significant difference in a few subgroup of 6 methods. But a good correlation (R2=986) was observed between Antu and Beier ELISA kits. Conclusions: The reference serum may be used as a reference standard and better compared results from different methods/laboratories. However, due to the diversity of VCA antigens, the quantitative results of some kits are still inconsistent.
Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associated metabolic risk factors in a middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lu Mei-Chun , Chen I-Ju , Yeh Wei-Chung , Chuang Hai-Hua , Tsao Yu-Chung , Li Wen-Cheng , Tzeng I-Shiang , Tung Tao-Hsin , Chen Jau-Yuan
Published: February 2020

Background: This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated metabolic risk factors in a middle-aged and elderly population in Guishan District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled residents aged 50-90 years living in one community. All subjects received a standardized personal interview, including a structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and blood samples collected for laboratory testing. CKD was defined as the presence of kidney damage (urine albumin-creatinine ratio ≥30mg/g) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73m 2 . Multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk factors associated with CKD. Results : A total of 400 subjects were enrolled. The overall prevalence of CKD was 20.3% (95% CI: 16.36–24.24%). The age-specific prevalence of CKD in subjects aged 50-64 years, 65-74 years, and 75 years and over was 17.7%, 18.8%, and 33.9%, respectively, (p value for Cochran-Armitage trend test = 0.022). Multiple logistic regression model revealed that elevated blood pressure (OR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.30–5.01), hyperglycemia (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.59–4.88), hyperuricemia (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12–1.65) and metabolic syndrome (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.40–4.40) were statistically and significantly associated with CKD. Conclusions: The prevalence of CKD in our study population is high. Hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome are significantly associated with CKD in a middle-aged and elderly population in Taiwan.
Renin Angiotensin System Blockage by Losartan Neutralize Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Inflammatory and Oxidative Injuries
Authors: AlSaad Abdulaziz , Alasmari Fawaz , Abuohashish Hatem , Mohany Mohamed , Ahmed Mohammed , Al-Rejaie Salim
Published: February 2020

Background: Hypercholesterolemia induces several metabolic diseases via oxidative and pro-inflammatory pathways. Renin angiotensin system (RAS) contributes to the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemia-associated metabolic changes. Therefore, this study aims to explore the protective role of losartan (LT) against oxidative and inflammatory damages in different physiological systems including heart, liver and kidney tissues in hypercholesterolemic rats. Methods: After induction of hypercholesterolemia by high cholesterol diet for 6 weeks, LT was administered for 4 weeks. In serum samples, the levels of lipoproteins, aminotransferases, creatine kinases, urea, apoptosis and inflammatory markers were measured. In cardiac, hepatic and renal tissues, lipid peroxidation product and glutathione as well as antioxidant enzymatic activities were assayed. Finally, histopathological assessment evaluated the structural damage in in cardiac, hepatic and renal tissues. Results: Serum markers of cardiac, hepatic and renal toxicities including creatine kinases, aminotransferases and urea were attenuated by LT in hypercholesterolemic animals. Moreover, LT markedly corrected the elevated levels of lipoproteins, apoptosis and inflammatory biomarkers. Hypercholesterolemia-induced lipid peroxidation, low glutathione levels and diminished activities of antioxidant enzymes were prominently improved in LT treated animals. Histopathological alterations by hypercholesterolemia in heart, liver and kidney tissues were ameliorated by LT. Conclusion: This study confirmed the pathological enrolment of renin-angiotensin system in hypercholesterolemia-associated metabolic alterations. LT had a significant cardiac, hepatic and renal protective role against these impairments through down-regulation of oxidative damage, inflammation and necrosis.
The effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation and Electrical isotonic contraction on anthropometric measurements, body composition, angiogenesis factors, sirtunin-1, and PGC1-α in obese people undergoing a weight loss diet
Authors: Mohammadshahi Majid , Zakizadeh Elahe , Angali Kambiz Ahmadi , Ravanbakhsh Majid , Helli Bijan
Published: February 2020

Background: The anti-obesity effects of Alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) and isotonic contraction has been reported. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of α-LA supplementation and Faradic (an electrical stimulating system) on anthropometric parameters, body composition, VEGF, Sirtunin-1, nitric oxide (NO), and PGC1-α in obese people undergoing a weight loss regime.Methods: This randomized clinical trial was carried out on 100 obese adults. The subjects were randomly assigned to four groups of 25 subjects including Faradic, α-LA, -α-LA+Faradic, and control. A Bio Impedance Analyzer (BIA) was used to estimate anthropometric measurements including weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and fat free mass. The serum levels of Sirtunin-1, PGC1-α, VEGF, and NO levels were measured. All measurements were done at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention.Results: A significant weight reduction was observed in all four groups compared to baseline (p=<0.01). The placebo group had significantly higher weight, BMI, weight circumstance (WC), and body fat (BF) compared with the other groups. The α-LA+Faradic group had significantly lower weight, BMI, BF, WC than control, faradic, and α-LA groups and higher, Sitruin,, and PGC than the control group (all P <0.05).Conclusions: The findings indicated that the α-LA and Faradic interventions may have a synergistic effect on weight, BMI, BF, WC, and SLM, possibly through changes in serum level of VEGF, NO, and PGC. Further researches are warranted to clarify the mutual effects of –α-LA and Faradic on obesity and molecular biomarkers.Name of the registry: Iranian Registry of Clinical TrialsTrial registration number: IRCT20131117015424N2Date of registration: https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20131117015424N2URL of trial registry record: 04/04/2018
Long Term Effectiveness of Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme Strategies: A System Dynamics Simulation Analysis
Authors: Chong Ka Chun , Fung Hong , Yam Carrie , Chau Patsy , Chow Tsz Yu , Zee Benny , Wong Eliza , Wang Maggie , Yeoh Eng Kiong
Published: February 2020

Background: The elderly healthcare voucher (EHCV) scheme is expected to increase the number of elders choosing private primary healthcare services and, on the other hand, to reduce reliance on the public sector in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, the scheme was not satisfactorily as reported in the literature to date. In this study, we examined the changes in the ratio of visits between public and private doctors in primary care (as a metric of reliance on the public sector) for different strategic scenarios in the scheme.Methods: Based on the comments from the expertise discussion, a system dynamics model was formulated to simulate the impact of different enhanced strategy in the scheme: Increasing voucher amounts, lowering the age eligibility, and designating vouchers for chronic conditions follow-up. Data and statistics for model calibration were collected from different sources.Results: The simulation results showed that the current EHCV scheme was unable to reduce the utilization of public healthcare services as well as the ratio of visits between public and private when the local population aging was taken into account. When comparing the 3 different tested scenarios, even if the increase of annual voucher amount could be kept with a current pace or the age eligibility could be lowered to 60 years old, the impacts on the shifts from public to private utilization were not apparent in which the public-to-private ratio could only drop slightly from 0.74 to 0.64 in the first several years. Nevertheless, introducing a chronic disease-oriented voucher could result in an apparent drop of public-to-private ratio to 0.50 in the early implementation phase but the effect could not be maintained for a period of time. Conclusions: Our findings assist officials to further improve the design of EHCV scheme, within the bigger context of promoting primary care among the elderly. We suggested an additional chronic disease-oriented voucher could be an alternative strategy but the enhancement on the voucher amount should be considered if a long term planning was required. For not substantially rising the government expenditure for refining the scheme, health promotion works for encouraging co-payment from elderly for is recommended.
Is deployement of diagnostic test alone enough? Comprehensive package of interventions to strengthen TB laboratory network: three years of experience in Burkina Faso
Authors: Alagna Riccardo , Combary Adjima , Tagliani Elisa , Sawadogo Léon Tinnoga , Saouadogo Tandaogo , Diandé Souba , Ouedraogo Francis , Cirillo Daniela Maria
Published: February 2020

Backgrounds Laboratory plays a critical role in tuberculosis (TB) control by providing testing for diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and surveillance at each level of the health care system. Weak accessibility to TB diagnosis services still represents a big concern in many limited resources’ countries. Here we review the experience of Burkina Faso in implementing a comprehensive intervention packages to strengthen TB laboratory capacity and diagnostic accessibility. Methods Interventions lasted from October 2016 to December 2018 and focused on two main areas: i) development of strategic documents and policies; ii) implementation of TB diagnostic technology. National TB laboratory data were collected over 2016–2018, stratified according to five programmatic TB laboratory indicators: i) Percentage of notified new and relapse TB cases with bacteriological confirmation; ii) Percentage of notified new and relapse TB cases tested with a WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic test (WRD); iii) Percentage of notified, bacteriologically confirmed TB cases with DST results for rifampin; iv) Percentage of notified MDR-TB cases; v) Smear/Xpert ratio. We evaluated the following indicators between 2016-2017 and 2016-2018 Results From 2016 to 2018 the number of bacteriologically confirmed cases increased of 4%. The number of new and relapse TB cases notified tested with a WRD increase of 27% compared to 2016 and the number of bacteriologically confirmed cases with an available DST result for rifampicin increased from 27% of 2016 to 66% in 2018. The number of MDR-TB cases notified over the number of estimated MDR-TB cases in 2018 increase of 35% compared to 2016. In 2018, the ratio between the number of smear microscopy and Xpert MTB/RIF test decreased from 53 in 2016 to 21 to 2018. Conclusion We demonstrated that implementation of comprehensive package of laboratory strengthening interventions had a positive effect on the evaluated indicators and external assistance has played a fundamental role in speeding up the TB laboratory system improvement process
Exploring the prevalence and distribution patterns of antibiotic resistance genes in bovine gut microbiota using a metagenomic approach
Authors: Zhu Zhen , Cao Mingze , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Liwei , Ma Tenghe , Liu Guanhui , Zhou Xuzheng , Li Bing , Chen Xu , Shi Yuxiang , Zhang Jiyu
Published: February 2020

Background: Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have become recognized contaminants and pose a high public health risk. The animal gut microbiota is a reservoir of ARGs, but the knowledge of the origin and dissemination of ARGs remains unclear.Methods: 30 of the fecal samples were obtained from bovine and were immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. Total metagenomic DNA was extracted by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method and sequenced by Illumina HiSeq X Ten platform. After quality control and assembled, the sequence were annotated by NR, CARD and ISfinder. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0.Results: A total of 42 ARG types were detected by annotating the metagenomic sequencing data from the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD). We found that the diversity and abundance of ARGs in individual yaks were significantly lower than those in dairy and beef cattle. The results of heat map and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) clustering suggest that ARGs from dairy and beef cattle are more similar, while those from yaks cluster separately. Conclusion: The long-term use of antibiotics may contribute to this difference, suggesting that antibiotic consumption is the main cause of ARG prevalence. Furthermore, abundant insertions and integrations were also found in this study, signifying a strong potential for horizontal transfer of ARGs among microbes, especially pathogens.
Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Tong Nianting , Wang Liangyu , Wang Nan , Zhou Zhanyu
Published: February 2020

Background Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (BDUMP) is a rare paraneoplastic intraocular disease that causes progressive visual loss in patients driven by an IgG factor associated with an underlying malignancy. Characteristic ocular findings include exudative retinal detachment, rapid cataract formation and uveal melanocytic tumors. Case presentation Here, we presented a patient, whose clinical manifestation was diffusely thickened choroid, shallow anterior chamber, cataract formation and exudative retinal detachment. Histopathologic examination for the biopsies from the choroid during the surgery showed the the tissue might be originated from melanocytes and with the benign biologic behavior. Therefore, the diagnosis for this patient was BDUMP, although there was no obvious history of malignancy until we prepared for this article. Conclusions This was a rare BDUMP clarified by ophthalmic manifestations and histopathologic examination, without clear history of systematic malignancy.
Effectiveness of a Peer-Based Intervention on Socially Isolated Older Chinese Immigrants in Canada: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lai Daniel W.L. , Li Jia , Ou Xiaoting , Li Celia Y.P.
Published: February 2020

Background: Social isolation is a key concern for immigrant older adults. We examined the effectiveness of a peer-based intervention in reducing loneliness, social isolation, and improving psychosocial well-being with a sample of aging Chinese immigrants. Methods: Sixty community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants aged 65 and older were randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group (n=30 each). Intervention group participants received an eight-week peer support intervention. Twenty-four volunteers aged 48 to 76 engaged in two-on-one peer support through home visits and telephone calls to provide emotional support, problem-solving support, and community resource sharing. An randomized control trial design was used to capture the changes of both the intervention group and the control group participants in a range of psychosocial outcomes including loneliness, social support, barriers to social participation, depressive symptoms, anxiety, life satisfaction, happiness, and purpose in life. Results: The intervention group participants showed a decrease in loneliness and increase in resilience when compared to control group participants. They reported fewer depressive symptoms, fewer barriers to social participation, increased life satisfaction, and happiness while no such improvements were observed in the control group. Conclusions: There is a need to further examine the use of peer-based interventions for both program effectiveness and delivery efficiency. In the era of population aging and increasing immigration, diverse aging adults can be trained to fill volunteer support roles via peer-based intervention approaches. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN14572069, Registered 23 December 2019 – Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14572069 Funding: There are no external funding for this study.
SHAMAN: a user-friendly website for metataxonomic analysis from raw reads to statistical analysis
Authors: Volant Stevenn , Lechat Pierre , Woringer Perrine , Motreff Laurence , Malabat Christophe , Kennedy Sean , Ghozlane Amine
Published: February 2020

BackgroundComparing the composition of microbial communities among groups of interest (e.g., patients vs healthy individuals) is a central aspect in microbiome research. It typically involves sequencing, data processing, statistical analysis and graphical representation of the detected signatures. Such an analysis is normally obtained by using a set of different applications that require specific expertise for installation, data processing and in some case, programming skills. ResultsHere, we present SHAMAN, an interactive web application we developed in order to facilitate the use of (i) a bioinformatic workflow for metataxonomic analysis, (ii) a reliable statistical modelling and (iii) to provide among the largest panels of interactive visualizations as compared to the other options that are currently available. SHAMAN is specifically designed for non-expert users who may benefit from using an integrated version of the different analytic steps underlying a proper metagenomic analysis. The application is freely accessible at http://shaman.pasteur.fr/, and may also work as a standalone application with a Docker container (aghozlane/shaman), conda and R. The source code is written in R and is available at https://github.com/aghozlane/shaman. Using two datasets (a mock community sequencing and published 16S rRNA metagenomic data), we illustrate the strengths of SHAMAN in quickly performing a complete metataxonomic analysis. ConclusionsWe aim with SHAMAN to provide the scientific community with a platform that simplifies reproducible quantitative analysis of metagenomic data.
Age-associated changes in aging lungs: A study with auto-segmentation and radiomics based on CT images
Authors: Cui Sijia , Shu Zhenyu , Shao Yuan , Pang Peipei , Gong XiangYang
Published: February 2020

Background: The senile lung undergoes physiologic changes that are well known but have not been investigated with computed tomographic (CT) texture analysis. The thin-section pulmonary computed tomographic (CT) microstructure features change in asymptomatic elderly individuals were not explored.Methods: We retrospectively selected 259 subjects under-going chest computed tomography (CT) between April 2018 and June 2019, as group A(consist of group1 and group2), without a history of smoking within the past 5 years, respiratory symptoms or any known chronic pulmonary disease. There were 118 patients in group 1(age ≥ 60 years-elderly) and 141 patients in group 2 (age≤50 years-young). Furthermore, 273 patients with pulmonary function tests(PFTs) were included as group B, which divided into two cohorts, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n=83) and non-COPD (healthy smoker [HS], n=90; healthy non-smoker [HNS], n=100) cohort. The radiomic features were extracted and selected from group A, trialed in group B, using the LASSO algorithm.Results: A total of 233 features were significant in group A. Among these features, 17 features exhibited distinct differences between COPD and non-COPD patients, 18 features exhibit distinct differences between HSs and HNSs. Meanwhile, five features were shared in group B. A negative correlation was determined between carbon monoxide diffusing capacity(DLCO) and the two features: ShortRunLowGreyLevelEmphasis_AllDirection_offset9_SD (ρ = -0.70) and LowGreyLevelRunEmphasis_AllDirection_offset2_SD (ρ = -0.63). Similarly, a positive correlation was found between FEV1/FVC and HighGreyLevelRunEmphasis_AllDirection_offset8_SD (ρ = 0.74).Conclusion: Radiomic features, which associated with the ages and significant in COPD patients and smokers, maybe reveal the microstructure changes of the aging lungs.
Minimal Important Difference in Patient Reported Outcome Measures in Persons with Severe Mental Illness, a Post-hoc Pre-Post Analysis
Authors: Beentjes Titus , Teerenstra Steven , Vermeulen Hester , Sanden Maria W.G. Nijhuis-van der , Gaal Betsie G.I. van , Goossens Peter J.J.
Published: February 2020

Background: Complementary interventions for persons with severe mental illness (SMI) provide broad strategies for recovery and illness self-management. It is not known which outcome measure can be considered to be relevant for persons with SMI. This knowledge can motivate a professional to offer and stimulate a person to participate in that intervention. This paper aimed to identify the outcome measures that determine the most relevant and meaningful change and capture the benefits of a complementary intervention. Methods: By using anchor-based and distribution-based methods, we estimated the minimal important difference (MID) to determine which outcome measure persons improved in beyond the MID to reflect a relevant change in pre-post effect of a complementary intervention, in casu the Illness Management and Recovery programme (IMR).Results: The anchor MID was based on the results of the measure Rand General Health Perception (Rand-GHP). On all MIDs, the Mental Health Recovery Measure (MHRM) had the highest score on the effect compared to its MIDs, and also on all MIDs the MHRM had the highest percentages of participants that scored above the MID. Conclusion: The Rand-GHP is considered to be an excellent measure for investigating the MID as a result of an intervention. The results of our study can be used in shared decision-making processes to determine which intervention is suitable for a person with SMI. A person who desires a recovery outcome, as measured by the MHRM, can be recommended to do the IMR programme.
Long noncoding RNA XIST suppresses tumorigenesis and enhances radiosensitivity in neuroblastoma cells through regulating miR-653-5p/HK2 axis
Authors: Mou Liping , Wang Lili , Zhang Shaoming , Wang Qinghua
Published: February 2020

Background Abnormal expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) was often involved in tumorigenesis and radiosensitivity of various cancers. The aim of this study was to explore the biological function and regulatory mechanism of lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) in tumorigenesis and radiosensitivity of neuroblastoma. Methods The expression of XIST, microRNA-329-3p (miR-653-5p) and hexokinase 2 (HK2) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Methylthiazolyldiphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay were utilized to detect cell viability, colony formation and cell invasion abilities. Glucose consumption or lactate production was measured by glucose assay kit or lactate assay kit, respectively. The mice xenograft model was established to investigate the role of XIST in vivo. The interaction between miR-653-5p and XIST or HK2 was predicted by starBase v2.0 and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Western blot was used to measure the protein expression of HK2. Results XIST and HK2 were highly expressed while miR-653-5p was lowly expressed in neuroblastoma tissues and cells. XIST knockdown inhibited tumorigenesis by repressing cell proliferation and invasion, and increased the radiosensitivity via inhibiting colony formation rates and glycolysis. XIST knockdown also suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, miR-653-5p could bind to XIST and its downregulation reversed the effects of XIST knockdown on tumorigenesis and radiosensitivity. Additionally, HK2 was a direct target of miR-653-5p and its overexpression attenuated the effects of miR-653-5p restoration on suppression of tumorigenesis and promotion of radiosensitivity. Besides, XIST functioned as a molecular sponge of miR-653-5p to regulate HK2 expression. Conclusion XIST interference inhibited tumorigenesis and increased radiosensitivity via regulating miR-653-5p/HK2 axis, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for neuroblastoma.
Applying an intersectionality lens to the Theoretical Domains Framework: a tool for thinking about how intersecting social identities and structures of power influence behaviour
Authors: Etherington Nicole , Rodrigues Isabel Braganca , Giangregorio Lora , Graham Ian D. , Hoens Alison M , Kasperavicius Danielle , Kelly Christine , Moore Julia E. , Ponzano Matteo , Presseau Justin , Sibley Kathryn M. , Straus Sharon
Published: February 2020

Background A key component of the implementation process is identifying potential barriers and facilitators that need to be addressed. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) is one of the most commonly used frameworks for this purpose. When applying the TDF, it is critical to understand the context in which behaviours occur. Intersectionality, which accounts for the interface between social identity factors and structures of power, offers a novel approach to understanding how context shapes individual decision-making and behaviour. We aimed to develop a tool to be used alongside applications of the TDF to incorporate an intersectionality lens when identifying implementation barriers and enablers. Methods An interdisciplinary Framework Committee (n=17) prioritized the TDF as one of three models, theories, and frameworks (MTFs) to enhance with an intersectional lens through a modified Delphi approach. The modified Delphi involved two rounds of online voting followed by a final majority vote. In collaboration with the wider Framework Committee, a subgroup considered all 14 TDF domains and iteratively developed recommendations for incorporating intersectionality considerations within the and its domains TDF. An iterative approach aimed at building consensus was used to finalize recommendations. Results Consensus on how to apply an intersectionality lens to the TDF was achieved after 12 rounds of revision. Two overarching considerations for using the intersectionality-enhanced TDF were developed by the group as well as two to four prompts for each TDF domain to guide interview topic guides. Conclusions Through an expert-consensus approach, we developed a tool for applying an intersectionality lens alongside the TDF. By considering the role of intersecting social factors when selecting, tailoring, and implementing KT interventions, they may become more effective.
Validation of the Japanese Version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-J)
Authors: Mizuki Rie , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: February 2020

Background In Japan, the number of child maltreatment reports has surged to almost ten folds during the last decade. Assessment tools which are concise and easy-to-use are called for, in order to facilitate the process of child maltreatment substantiation as well as to advance research on Japanese people. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF) is accepted internationally as an instrument to assess and quantify experiences of childhood maltreatment and its impact. However, the Japanese version of CTQ-SF has not been validated. The present study examined validity of the Japanese version of the CTQ (CTQ-J). Methods The CTQ-J was administered to Japanese adolescents institutionalized due to child maltreatment and other family issues (institutionalized group, n=31) and adolescents who had no experience of institutionalization (community group, n=46) from the greater Tokyo area. Analysis of Variance was conducted to compare CTQ-J scores among the institutionalized group with documented maltreatment, the institutionalized group without documented maltreatment, and the community group, for the total score and five subscale scores. Then the discrimination of scores assessed by the CTQ-J were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and compared with documented childhood maltreatment experiences from institutionalized adolescents. Results Internal consistency was ‘good’ to ‘acceptable’ for the CTQ-J in the categories of emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional neglect (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.74). In each maltreatment type, the institutionalized group with documented maltreatment experiences showed significantly higher CTQ-J scores than the community group. The area under the curve (AUC) showed higher discrimination for the total score of the CTQ-J (0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.90-0.99), and each type of child maltreatment (all AUC: 0.98-0.86). Conclusion This study has demonstrated that the CTQ-J may be used as a reliable tool for childhood maltreatment experience assessment among Japanese adolescents. It is suggested that the CTQ-J has validity by predicting child maltreatment experiences documented in the child welfare records.
HANS HENRICH BOOMS AND ARCHIVAL APPRAISAL
Authors: BEZDRABKO VALENTYNA V.
Published: February 2020

The article is devoted to one of the most important and most complex tasks of
archival studies – the theory of archival appraisal. Despite its representative scientific literature, its individual aspects remain poorly developed. One of the largest european archivists of the 20th century Hans Booms, has entered the history of developments in the archival appraisal.
The main content of his theory is the need to consider complex approaches to determining the significance of documents, in particular the value framework of society, personality. He became the first who changed the official paradigm of archives to the public, recognized the usefulness of hermeneutics to find out the motives for creating documents without touching upon the relativity of objective and subjective reflection of reality in them. Hans Booms expanded the concept of “documentary heritage”. Its meaning goes beyond the traditional perception of a document that serves to provide managerial actions and implement relevant decisions, and covers all “texts” irrespective of their form of existence – written, printed, photographic, mechanical or automated. This greatly influenced the notion of “public heritage” and determined the well-known concept of collective memory.
H. Booms deny the usual vision of the archive as a place of cumulating of documents that ensure the effectiveness of management in “active life”. Theoretical understanding of the archive was reflected in the definition of the unit of storage, which, in the conditions of the emergence of the newest information carriers, expands significantly. This is no longer just administrative documents, but also other objects that archivists may have nothing to do with the appearance and operation of which. Therefore, as Booms argued, archivists can be responsible for the practical scope of working with operational documents when it comes to administrative documentation.
An important merit of G. Booms is that he holistically represented the natural inclination of the archivist – to create a documentary heritage.
Keywords: Hans Booms, Archival Education, Archivist, Archive, Archival Appraisal, MacroAppraisal.
Probabilistic analysis of the controls on groundwater depth using Copula Functions
Authors: Bai Yifei , Wang Yi , Chen Yaning , Zhang Leyuan
Published: February 2020

Groundwater is an essential water resource in the Yarkant River Basin Irrigation District, which is the largest oasis in Xinjiang, China. This study used a novel approach to analyze the relationship between groundwater depth and three driving factors by developing Copula Functions from monthly time series data collected from 16 monitoring wells. More specifically, marginal distribution and joint distribution functions were established, and the conditional probabilities for three data ranges were calculated using both two- and three-dimensional Copula Functions. The developed statistical models showed that groundwater exploitation, runoff, and surface water irrigation significantly affected groundwater depth. The most significant effect on water table declines was associated with groundwater exploitation and lagged 1-month behind the groundwater withdrawals. The amount of runoff and irrigation were both inversely related to water table depth due to groundwater recharge. Frank Copula Functions were found to produce the best fit to the joint distribution of the variables and were used herein, allowing for the establishment of a detailed probability distribution of the change in groundwater depth under the combined effect of multiple controlling factors. The results provided key insights into how irrigation and groundwater withdrawals can be adjusted to effectively manage groundwater resources.
Anomalies and trends of high river flow under temperate climatic conditions in north-eastern Romania
Authors: Minea Ionuț , Chelariu Oana Elena
Published: February 2020

Regional water resource management plans include various scenarios related to the anomalies and trends of hydro-climatic parameters. Two methods are used for the identification of the anomalies and trends associated with high flow (annual and seasonal) of the rivers in Eastern Romania, namely the quantile perturbation method (QPM) and the partial trend method (PMT). These methods were selected due to the fact that they are suitable for data sets which do not rely on restrictive statistical assumption as common parametric and nonparametric trend tests do. For six of the nine stations analyzed, the decreasing trend in high extremes for annual high flow based on the PTM is the same as the annual trend obtained with the QPM. Using the PI index (associated with PTM) for the estimation of trend intensity, values between −2.280 and −9.015 m3/s were calculated for the decreasing trend of the annual high flow and between +1,633 m3/s (in autumn) and −9.940 m3/s (in summer) for the seasonal high flow. The results obtained on the anomalies and trends of high river flow may represent a starting point in the analysis of the evolution of water resources and their effective management.
Enhanced sorption capacity of the metal-dye system from water effluents by using polish activated industrial waste
Authors: Sočo Eleonora , Kalembkiewicz Jan
Published: February 2020

The activated coal fly ash (FA) treated with NaOH and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMABr) was used as adsorbent for removal of cadmium(II) ions and rhodamine B (RB) form an aqueous solution. Characterization of FA and FA-HDTMABr were done by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The sorption equilibrium in the system were analysed by isotherm models, such as Freundlich, Langmuir, generalized Langmiur-Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson, Jovanović, extended Jovanović, Tóth, Fumkin-Fowler-Guggenheim, Fowler-Guggenheim-Jovanović-Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Halsey, Brunauer Emmett and Teller. The evaluation of fitting of the isotherms studied experimentally points was carried out by means of the reduced chi-square test and the coefficient of determination. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of the FA-HDTMABr was found to be 744 mg·g−1 and 666 mg·g−1 for Cd(II) and RB, respectively. The PFO, PSO, Elovich mass transfer, liquid film diffusion and intra-particle diffusion models were analysed. Sorption kinetics data were well fitted by PSO model. The Elovich and intra-particle model also revealed that there are two separate stages in the sorption process, namely, the external diffusion and the inter-particle diffusion.
SPECIFIC FEATURES OF SINGLE-INDUSTRY TOWNS’ DEVELOPMENT IN THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST
Authors: Shabel`nikova S. I.
Published: February 2020

The main specific feature of single-industry towns is the dependence of their socio-economic development on the financial situation of the city-forming enterprise (group of enterprises). This enterprise is responsible not only for the filling of the budget, but also for the social situation in the single-industry town. So unemployment in single-industry towns has negative consequences not only for these settlements (reduction of the tax base and the quality of life of the citizens, subsidizes’ depending budgets, the growth of crimes, etc.), but also poses a threat to social and political stability throughout the country. The article considers the current problems of single-industry towns’ the development in the Russian Federation, as well as the specific features of single-industry towns in the Far East; reflects the assessment of the measures undertaken and inserts the proposals, concerning the necessary of support to single-industry towns in general and in the Far East, in particular.
INDICATORS OF BANKING ACTIVITY — A LEADING INDICATORS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE CENTRAL FEDERAL DISTRICT)
Authors: Domaschenko D. V. , Schegolev A. S.
Published: February 2020

Officially published statistics on socio-economic development of the regions implies significant disadvantages such as considerable time delay and insufficient validity. Analysis of banking indicators greatly contributes to easing the problems. Indicators on payment dynamics, changes in payment and settlement infrastructure, the structure of the bank resources, and lending to various loaners successfully complement and verify findings based on the traditional economic data on the real sector of the economy and the financial condition of citizens. In the Central Federal District, data on the banking sector activity confirms the official economic growth rates. During research no relations were found between the average per capita income and the amount of bank savings of individuals. We revealed the dominance of mortgage lending in the debt structure of individuals. Share of mortgage lending is larger in the most depressive regions. We figured out the inverse relationship between the growth of debt load and overdue debt in Central Federal region. The large companies contribute to the development of the most successful regions the way more than small and medium-sized business. Digitalization is a sequence of economic growth.