bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Oral Health Education for Migrants and Refugees by Community Health Workers: What do Participants Retain?
Authors: Ponce-Gonzalez Ileana , Cheadle Allen , Parchman Michael
Published: August 2020

Objectives. An important question for oral health education is whether knowledge gained during a workshop is retained and applied in daily practice. This study assessed the knowledge retention and changes in oral health practices several months after a lay-led education workshop for migrant farmworkers. Methods. Follow-up interviews were conducted with a random sample of participants 2-12 months post participation. Three Community Health Workers conducted the interviews using a structured Interview guide that included open-ended questions asking about both knowledge and behavior change.Results. A total of 33 interviews were conducted with participants. The results showed a fairly high degree of retention, in such areas as general oral health knowledge, and brushing/flossing frequency and technique.Conclusions. An interactive, lay-led oral health education program can be an effective way to increase oral health knowledge and change daily oral health practice in migrant populations.
Study on the Application of GE-E10 Ultrasound Equipment to Estimate Fetus Weight and Compare Its Accuracy With Birth Weight
Authors: Zhang Maochun , Chen Jiao , Zhang Hongwei , Guo Yuanyuan , Zhou Honggui
Published: August 2020

Background: To explore the application of GE-E10 four-dimensional color ultrasound equipment for estimation of fetus weight and compare its accuracy with birth weight. Methods: A total of 160 singleton and full-term pregnant women who delivered successfully in our department of obstetrics and gynecology from March 2017 to October 2019 were randomly selected as the study objects. The fetus weight was estimated by using clinically used two-parameter formula and GE-E10 four-dimensional color ultrasound multi-parameter. The accuracy of the two methods in estimating fetal weight was compared and analyzed. Results: The 160 puerpera enrolled: average age (23.64±6.12) years, average gestational weeks (38.56±2.34), average gravidity (2.35±1.02) times. The accuracy of GE-E10 multi-parameter ultrasound in estimating fetal weight and birth weight was 92.50% (148/160), which was significantly higher than that estimated by two-parameter formula: 72.50% (116/160), (P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve of fetus weight estimated by GE-E10 multi-parameter ultrasound was 0.842 (0.024-0.768), which is higher than that estimated by two-parameter formula was 0.717 (0.103-0.832), (P<0.05). Conclusion: The accuracy of GE-E10 four-dimensional color ultrasound equipment in estimation of fetus weight is high and effective, which can be used for estimating fetal macrosomia effectively and providing guidance and reference for delivery of puerpera.
Clinical Impact of Digital and Conventional PET Control Databases for Semi-Quantitative Analysis of Brain 18F-FDG Digital PET Scans
Authors: Mairal Elise , Doyen Matthieu , Rivasseau-Jonveaux Thérèse , Malaplate Catherine , Guedj Eric , Verger Antoine
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Digital PET cameras markedly improve sensitivity and spatial resolution of brain 18F-FDG PET images compared to conventional cameras. Our study aimed to assess whether specific control databases are required to improve the diagnostic performance of these recent advances.Methods: We analysed twenty-seven Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients and twenty-two healthy subjects. These two groups underwent a brain 18F-FDG PET on a digital camera (Vereos, Philips®) with a Semi-Quantitative Analysis (SQA), i.e. comparisons to two age and sex matched controls acquired with a digital PET (Vereos, Philips®) and a conventional PET (Biograph 6, Siemens®) camera, at group and individual levels. Moreover, individual visual interpretation of SPM T-maps was provided for the positive diagnosis of AD by 3 experienced raters.Results: At group level, SQA using digital controls detected more marked hypometabolic areas in AD (+34 mm3 at p<0.001 uncorrected for the voxel, corrected for the cluster) than SQA using conventional controls. At the individual level, accuracy of SQA using digital controls was higher than SQA using conventional controls (82 vs. 63%, p<0.01, at p<0.005 uncorrected for the voxel, corrected for the cluster), with lower specificity (73 vs. 95%) but much higher sensitivity (89 vs. 37%). These results were confirmed by visual analysis (accuracies of 78% and 65% for digital and conventional controls respectively).Conclusion: There is an urgent need to establish specific digital PET control databases for SQA of brain 18F-FDG PET images as such databases improve the accuracy of AD diagnosis.
Construction of Immune-Related Prognostic Signatures in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Xu Ruyi , Li Yi , Liu Yang , Qu Jianwei , Cao Wen , Zhang Enfan , He Jingsong , Cai Zhen
Published: August 2020

Background: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is characterized as a type of hematological malignancy with poor survival. Accumulated evidence showed that dysregulated immune activities contribute to the pathogenesis of AML and accelerate the development of chemotherapy resistance. Thus, we aimed to construct prognostic signatures based on patients’ immune features to sort out the high-risk group and to identify survival-related checkpoint molecules as potential therapeutic targets.Methods: In the current study, we developed two prognostic signatures based on immune genes and infiltrated fraction of immune cells, respectively, using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model, and Cox regression analysis on 415 samples obtained from TCGA and GEO databases. Results: We found the optimum strategy for predicting patients’ survival is combined using these two prognostic immune-related signatures. Through our established signatures, we classified patients into Favorable Risk group and Poor Risk group, who showed significantly different OS and DFS. We further demonstrated the checkpoint molecules’ profile in different risk groups. Conclusions: we constructed a powerful prognostic tool here to help classify high-risk patients in early-stage, who may benefit from additional immune therapies by targeting identified checkpoint molecules.
Survey of Perceptions and Educational Needs of Primary Care Providers Regarding Management of Patients with Class II and III Obesity in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Zevin Boris , Martin Mary Imelda , Dalgarno Nancy , Chan Linda , Sivapalan Nardhana , Houlden Robyn , Birtwhistle Richard , Smith Karen , Barber David
Published: August 2020

Background: Primary care providers (PCPs) are typically the primary contact for patients with obesity seeking medical and surgical weight loss interventions; however, previous studies suggest that fewer than 7% of eligible adult patients are referred to publically funded medical and surgical weight loss interventions (MSWLI).Methods: We performed an anonymous survey study between October 2017 and June 2018 to explore the knowledge, experiences, perceptions, and educational needs of PCPs in Southeastern Ontario in managing patients with class II and III obesity. Results: Surveys were distributed to 591 PCPs (n=538 family physicians; n=53 nurse practitioners) identified as practicing in the Southeastern Ontario and 103 (17.4%) participated. PCPs serving a rural population estimated that 14.2±10.9% of patients would qualify for MSWLI compared to 9.9±8.5% of patients of PCPs serving an urban population (p=.049). Overall, 57.5% of respondents did not feel competent prescribing MSWLI to patients with class II/III obesity, while 69.8% stated they had ‘good’ knowledge of the referral criteria for MSWLI. 22.2% of respondents were hesitant to refer patients for bariatric surgery (BS) due to concerns about postoperative surgical complications and risks associated with surgery. Only 25% of respondents were comfortable providing long-term follow up after BS, and only 39.1% had participated in continuing education on management of patients with class II/III obesity in the past five years. Conclusion: The majority of PCPs believe there is a need for additional education about MSWLI for patients with class II/III obesity. Future studies are needed to develop and compare the effectiveness of additional education and professional development around risks of contemporary BS, indications to consider referral for MSWLI, management and long-term follow-up of patients after BS.
Development and Validation of the Sorting Non-trauMatIc adoLescent knEe Pain (SMILE) Tool – a Development and Validation Study
Authors: Guldhammer Clara , Holden Sinead , Sørensen Marina Elmelund , Olesen Jens Lykkegaard , Jensen Martin Bach , Rathleff Michael Skovdal
Published: August 2020

Background: Despite the commonality of adolescent knee pain, there are no tools to support medical doctors to correctly diagnose knee pain. Aim: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a support tool for diagnosing the most common types of non-traumatic adolescent knee pain.Design and setting: Development and validation study in participants recruited from the general community. Method: A systematic search on Medline identified the literature on clinical tests and diagnoses of adolescent knee pain. The search was supplemented by textbooks and transformed into a diagnostic flowchart based on onset, symptoms, and pain localisation. This tool was revised based on feedback from general practitioners and experts in sports medicine. The tool was evaluated on two separate days with blinded assessors. Overall, 27 participants (aged 10-17 years) with non-traumatic knee pain were included. All participants were diagnosed by medical doctors or medical students, without and with the use of the tool. Diagnoses were compared to a golden standard (expert clinician). An interview to inform optimisations of the tool was performed with the assessors. Percentage agreement with the golden standard, and Kappa statistic for interrater reliability were calculated.Results: The final tool improved diagnostic agreement with the golden standard from 22.7% (95% CI 10.3-35.1) to 77.3% (95% CI 64.9-89.7). Inter-rater reliability increased from poor agreement k=-0.04 (95% CI, -0.12-0.04) moderate agreement k=0.56 (95% CI, 0.40-0.72).Conclusion: This simple diagnostic tool is quick to use and may assist doctors in diagnosing non-traumatic knee pain in adolescents.Trial registration: Not applicable.
Diversity and Plant Growth-Promoting Potential of (un)culturable Bacteria in the Hedera Helix Phylloplane
Authors: Stevens Vincent , Thijs Sofie , Vangronsveld Jaco
Published: August 2020

BackgroundAn abundant and diverse community of microorganisms naturally exists on the phylloplane, the surface of leaves. It is one of the most prevalent microbial habitats on earth and bacteria are by far the most abundant members, living in a community that is highly dynamic. To increase our knowledge about the diversity and function of microbial communities living in the phylloplane, culture-dependent and -independent approaches help us a great deal.ResultsHere we isolated bacteria from the phylloplane of Hedera helix (common ivy), a widespread evergreen, using five different growth media. We further included a comparison with the uncultured phylloplane, which we show to contain the highest intra-sample diversity. Inter-sample bacterial diversity shifts from growth media most rich in nutrients to those which are more selective. The four major phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes comprised the vast majority of phyla in the uncultured H. helix phylloplane, which furthermore were fully represented within growth medium samples. The plant growth promotion (PGP) profile we obtained by testing 200 isolates can help to select candidates with advantageous traits within various microbe-assisted approaches. Our isolation effort also resulted in a significant collection of bacterial strains underrepresented in public databases, mostly from the phylum Actinobacteria. ConclusionsThis study contributes as a case study of bacterial culturability and its relation with functional characteristics such as PGP potential which also is an important step towards understanding the ecological and functional role of microbial members living in the H. helix phylloplane.
Identification and Screening of Host Proteins Interacting with ORFV-ORF047 Protein
Authors: Chen Guohua , He Xiaobing , jia Huaijie , Fang Yongxiang , Wang Xiaoxia , Lou Zhongzi , Li Weike , Jing zhizhong
Published: August 2020

Bankground：Orf virus (ORFV) is a member of the genus parapoxvirus and family poxviridae. The virus has a worldwide distribution and infects sheep, goats, humans, and wild animals. However, due to the complex structure of the poxvirus, the underlying mechanism of the entry and infection by ORFV remains largely unknown. ORFV ORF047 encodes a protein named L1R. Poxviral L1R serves as the receptor-binding protein and blocks virus binding and entry independently of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The study aimed to identify the host interaction partners of ORFV ORF047.Methods: Yeast two-hybrid cDNA library of sheep testicular cells was applied to screen the host targets with ORF047 as the bait. ORF047 was cloned into a pBT3-N vector and expressed in the NMY51 yeast strain. Then, the expression of bait proteins was validated by Western blot analysis.Results: Sheep SERP1and PABPC4 were identified as host target proteins of ORFV ORF047, and a Co-IP assay further verified their interaction. Conclusions: New host cell proteins SERP1and PABPC4 were found to interact with ORFV ORF047 and might involve in the viral mRNA translation and replication.
Evidence for Implementation of Interventions to Promote Mental Health in the Workplace: A Systematic Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Paterson Charlotte , Leduc Caleb , Maxwell Margaret , Aust Birgit , Amann Benedikt L. , Cerga-Pashoja Arlinda , Coppens Evelien , Couwenbergh Chrisje , O’Connor Cliodhna , Arensman Ella , Greiner Birgit A.
Published: August 2020

Background: Mental health problems are common in the working population and represent a growing concern internationally, with potential impacts on workers, organisations, workplace health and compensation authorities, labour markets and social policies. Workplace interventions that create mental health-supportive workplaces, promote mental health awareness, destigmatise mental illness and support those with mental disorders are likely to improve health and economical outcomes for employees and organisations. Identifying factors associated with successful implementation of these interventions can improve their quality and evaluation and facilitate the uptake and expansion. Therefore, we aim to review research reporting on the implementation of mental health promotion interventions delivered in workplace settings, in order to increase understanding of factors influencing successful delivery. Methods and analysis: A scoping review will be conducted incorporating a stepwise methodology to identify relevant literature reviews, primary research and grey literature. This review is registered with Review Registry (reviewregistry897). One reviewer will conduct the search to identify English language studies in the following electronic databases from 2008 through to July 1, 2020: Scopus, PROSPERO, Health Technology Assessments, PubMed, Campbell Collaboration, Joanna Briggs Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Reference searching, Google Scholar, Grey Matters, IOSH and expert contacts will be used to identify grey literature. Two reviewers will screen title and abstracts, aiming for 95% agreement, and then independently screen full texts for inclusion. Two reviewers will assess methodological quality of included studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and extract and synthesize data in line with the RE-AIM framework, Nielson and Randall’s model of organisational-level interventions and Moore’s sustainability criteria, if the data allows. We will recruit and consult with international experts in the field to ensure engagement, reach and relevance of the main findings. Discussion: This will be the first systematic scoping review to identify and synthesise evidence of barriers and facilitators to implementing mental health promotion interventions in workplace settings. Our results will inform future evaluation studies and randomised controlled trials and highlight gaps in the evidence base. Registration: reviewregistry897
The Effect of Acupuncture for ATP Activity in Brain Diseases: Protocol of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Animal Experiments
Authors: Yang Luping , Xiao Xili , Jiang Yijing , Zheng Yaling , Shi Lihong , Zhang Huiling , Zhong Dongling , Li Yuxi , Li Juan , Guan Li , Jin Rongjiang
Published: August 2020

Background: Brain is an energy-consuming organ, which is highly depended on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) supplying energy to maintain the functions of memory, thinking, cognition etc. Some animal experiment findings have indicated that ATP depletion was correlated with multiple brain diseases [brain injury, Parkinson disease (PD), stroke, brain tumor, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), etc.]. Acupuncture has been identified that it has a therapeutic effect for brain diseases. However, the mechanism of acupuncture for brain diseases remains to be determined. Lack of high-quality evidence of underlying mechanism could result in a limitation of acupuncture in clinical practice. Therefore, we aim to conduct a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis of animal experiments to identify the effect of acupuncture for ATP activity in brain diseases and hope to provide a robust evidence for acupuncture in brain disease. Methods: Six databases [PubMed, Embase, web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) and Wan Fang database] will be systematically searched from the inception dates to July, 2020. Two researchers will independently screen titles and abstracts for eligibility. Eligible articles will be restricted to animal studies correlated with acupuncture treatment for brain diseases. The primary outcomes are ATP activity, ATP content, Na+-k+-ATPase activity, and Ca2+ activity. Secondary outcomes are as following: the context of glucose (Glu) and mitochondrial respiratory enzyme activity including complex I, complex II, complex III, complex V and cytochrome c (Cyt c) enzyme activity etc. Data extraction and evaluation of risk of bias will be operated by two researchers independently. The SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool will be utilized to examine the risk of bias. Review Manager 5.3 and Stata.12 software will be used for data synthesis.Discussion: Numerous animal experiments have been conducted and investigated the underlying mechanism of acupuncture in brain diseases. We will retrieve the current animal experiments associated with the mechanism of acupuncture and perform a SR to provide a robust evidence for acupuncture improving ATP activity in brain diseases.Systematic review registration: The registration number is CRD 42020184971.
Noise2Atom: Unsupervised Denoising for Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Images
Authors: Wang Feng , Henninen Trond R , Keller Debora , Erni Rolf
Published: August 2020

We propose an effective deep learning model to denoise scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) image series, named Noise2Atom, to map images from a source domain S to a target domain C, where S is for our noisy experimental dataset, and C is for the desired clear atomic images. Noise2Atom uses two external networks to apply additional constraints from the domain knowledge. This model requires no signal prior, no noise model estimation, and no paired training images. The only assumption is that the inputs are acquired with identical experimental configurations. To evaluate the restoration performance of our model, as it is impossible to obtain ground truth for our experimental dataset, we propose consecutive structural similarity (CSS) for image quality assessment, based on the fact that the structures remain much the same as the previous frame(s) within small scan intervals. We demonstrate the superiority of our model by providing evaluation in terms of CSS and visual quality on different experimental datasets.
Perceptions and Behavioral Adoptions of the Preventive Strategies from Person-to-Person Transmission of COVID-19 among the Public in China: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Zhu Xian , Gan Yong , Wu Bo , Gou Qinyong , Zheng Daikun , Liu Chenglu , Xu Chang , Tao Zhou , Xu Hong , Long Qian
Published: August 2020

Background: The strategies adopted to prevent spreading of COVID-19 are quarantine, social distancing and isolation of infected cases. This study investigates perceptions and behavioral adoptions of COVID-19 prevention strategies among the Chinese public and identified factors predicting individual health behavior.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey between 22 February and 5 March, 2020. We approached to urban residents aged over 18 years through snowball sampling method using the Chinese social media. The Health Belief Model was adopted to guide the analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine impacts of modifying factors (including demographic and socio-economic characteristics) and individual beliefs on individual health behavior.Results: of 5675 valid questionnaires, 95.8% of the respondents well understood the preventive measures from COVID-19 transmission, while 79.9% of the respondents adopted the behavior advised. 45.7% of the respondents perceived severity of the disease, 75.6% of the respondents perceived benefits of social constraints measures and 62.7% reported anxiety during the epidemic. After adjusting for modifying factors and individual beliefs, those who were female, had better income and good knowledge on preventive measures, perceived benefits on social constraint measures and did not feel anxiety were more likely to adopt behaviors advised.Conclusions: The Chinese public highly accepted and adopted behaviors advised to slow down the COVID-19 epidemic. People with low income or feeling anxiety were less likely to adopt the behavior advised. The policy support should target on the social vulnerable groups. The psychological support should be disseminated through different means, and the consultation should be provided to those who are in need.
Deregulated Immune Pathway Associated with Palbociclib Resistance in Preclinical Breast Cancer Models: Integrative Genomics and Transcriptomics
Authors: PANDEY KAMAL , Lee Eunbyeol , Park Nahee , Hur Jin , Cho Young Bin , Kim Seung Ki , Lee Seung Ah , Kim Isaac , An Hee-Jung , Hwang Sohyun , Wha Yong Wha
Published: August 2020

Background: Recently, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors have been widely used to treat advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Despite promising clinical outcomes, almost all patients eventually acquire resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Hence, understanding the mechanisms of acquired resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors is crucial for developing alternative treatment strategies. Therefore, the present study screened genes associated with palbociclib resistance through genomics and transcriptomics in preclinical breast cancer models. Methods: Palbociclib-resistant cells, MCF7-PR and T47D-PR, were generated by exposing MCF7 and T47D cells to palbociclib. After confirming acquired resistance through in vitro assays, whole-exome sequencing (WES) and mRNA microarray were performed to compare the genomic and transcriptomic landscape between palbociclib-sensitive and resistant cells. Real time-PCR was performed to confirm differentially expressed genes.Results: Microarray analysis comparing MCF7 and MCF7-PR cells revealed 651 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (fold change >2 or <0.5), while WES comparing T47D and T47D-PR cells revealed 107 mutated genes. Furthermore, pathway analysis of both DEGs and mutated genes revealed immune pathway deregulation commonly observed in MCF7-PR and T47D-PR cells. Notably, DEG annotation revealed activation of type I interferon pathway, activation of immune checkpoint inhibitory pathway, and suppression of immune checkpoint stimulatory pathway in palbociclib-resistant cells. Moreover, mutations in NCOR1, MUC4 and MUC16 genes found in palbociclib-resistant cells were annotated to be related to the immune pathway. Conclusions: Palbociclib resistance was found to be associated with deregulated immune pathway in preclinical breast cancer models. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether immune pathways may be a therapeutic target to overcome CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance.
Killing process on the nutrient content, product stability and in vitro digestibility of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meals
Authors: Zhen Yongkang , Kovitvadhi Attawit , Chundang Pipatpong , Zhang Yu , Wang Mengzhi , Vongsangnak Wanwipa , Pruksakorn Chantima
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUNDBlack soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) is considered as a potential sustainable insect alternative source of protein for animal feed; however, the quality of BSF meal is greatly influenced by the killing method. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to compare the quality of BSF obtained by different killing methods.RESULTSBSF at the 18-day-old prepupae stage were separated into six different killing methods (n = 3): 1. blending, 2. freezing, 3. CO2 treatment, 4. vacuum, 5. Blanching and 6. humane method. After killing, were obtained by hot air oven drying and grinding. The chemical composition and in vitro digestibility calculated from sediment was not affected by the killing method, except that blending provided the worst BSF quality for all measured parameters (P < 0.05). The highest quality of BSF was obtained from the heat treatment procedures (blanching and the humane method), as they produced lower acidity after killing, total viable counts, browning reaction (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), darkness, moisture, fat acidity, protein and lipid oxidation during storage compared with other killing procedures (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the highest of free amino acids in the supernatant after in vitro digestibility of BSF samples was observed with the humane killing method (P < 0.05), whereas other parameters were similar to those obtained with blanching.CONCLIUSIONBlanching and humane method produce BSF with the nutritional quality, safety and stability. humane method did not produce clearly different outcomes to blanching; therefore, the selection of one of these techniques over the other should depend on the regulations in each country.
Repeatability of Two Artificial Intelligence Approaches for Tumor Segmentation in PET
Authors: Pfaehler Elisabeth , Mesotten Liesbet , Kramer Gem , Thomeer Michiel , Vanhove Karolien , de Jong Johan , Adriaensens Peter , Hoekstra Otto S. , Boellaard Ronald
Published: August 2020

Background: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is routinely used for cancer staging and treatment follow up. Metabolic active tumor volume (MATV) as well as total MATV (TMATV - including primary tumor, lymph nodes and metastasis) and/or total lesion glycolysis (TLG) derived from PET images have been identified as prognostic factor or for the evaluation of treatment efficacy in cancer patients. To this end a segmentation approach with high precision and repeatability is important. However, the implementation of a repeatable and accurate segmentation algorithm remains an ongoing challenge. Methods: In this study, we compare two artificial intelligence (AI) based segmentation methods with conventional segmentation approaches in terms of repeatability. One segmentation approach is based on a textural feature (TF) segmentation approach designed for accurate and repeatable segmentation of primary tumors and metastasis. Moreover, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is trained. The algorithms are trained, validated and tested using a lung cancer PET dataset. The segmentation accuracy of both segmentation approaches is compared using the jaccard coefficient (JC). Additionally, the approaches are applied on a fully independent test-retest dataset. The repeatability of the methods is compared with the repeatability of two majority vote (MV2, MV3) approaches, 41%SUVMAX, and a SUV>4 segmentation (SUV4). Repeatability is assessed with test-retest coefficients (TRT%) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A TRT% of 0 indicates perfect repeatability and an ICC>0.9 was regarded as representing excellent repeatability.Results: The accuracy of the segmentations with the reference segmentation was good (JC median TF: 0.7, CNN: 0.73) Both segmentation approaches outperformed together with the MV2 approach the other conventional segmentation methods in terms of test-retest coefficient (TRT% mean: TF: 13.0%, CNN: 13.9%, MV2: 14.1%, MV3: 28.1%, 41%SUVMAX: 28.1%, SUV4: 18.1% ) and ICC (TF: 0.98, MV2: 0.97, CNN: 0.99, MV3: 0.73, SUV4: 0.81, and 41%SUVMAX: 0.68).Conclusion: The AI based segmentation approaches used in this study provided better repeatability than conventional segmentation approaches. Moreover, both algorithms lead to accurate segmentations for both primary tumors as well as metastasis and are therefore good candidates for PET tumor segmentation.
Pregnancy-Related Ecological Shifts of Salivary Microbiota and its Association with Salivary Sex Hormones
Authors: Niu Chenguang , Dong Ting , Jiang Wenxin , Gao Li , Yuan Keyong , Hu Xuchen , Lin Wenzhen , Zhou Xuedong , Xu Changen , Huang Zhengwei
Published: August 2020

Background: The interactions between hosts, oral microbiomes and microenvironments have been the subject of much research in recent years. Yet, whether the alterations in the host impact the oral microbiome is not understood well. The fluctuation of sex hormone levels during pregnancy is a dramatic change in the host, and is closely related to pregnancy-associated gingivitis. In this study, salivary estradiol and progesterone level were measured at three trimesters of pregnancy and after delivery (t1: ≤ 14weeks；t2: 20–25 weeks；t3: 33–37 weeks; t4: 42 days after delivery) from 11 pregnant and 7 non-pregnant volunteers, and their salivary microbiome were collected and profiled by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Results: The diversity of the salivary microbiome increased significantly in t3, compared to the t1 (P<0.05), and a close parallel to the shift is found in the elevation of salivary sex hormones. Addionally, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Peptoniphilus sp.oral taxon 386, Prevotella baroniae, Simonsiella muelleri and Lactobacillus reuteri were correlated to the fluctuation of sex hormone levels. Conclusions: The diversity of the salivary microbiome in pregnant women was elevated with the gestation weeks, which was found parallel to the changes in estradiol and progesterone levels in saliva. Rather than highly abundant bacteria, the low abundant bacteria were more vulnerable to the host impact.
Patterns of Flea Infestation in Rodents and Insectivores From Intensified Agro-ecosystems, Nw Spain
Authors: Herrero-Cófreces Silvia , Flechoso Manuel Fabio , Rodríguez-Pastor Ruth , Luque-Larena Juan José , Mougeot Francois
Published: August 2020

Background: Fleas frequently infest small mammals and play important vectoring roles in the epidemiology of (re)emerging zoonotic disease. Rodent outbreaks in intensified agroecosystems of NW Spain have been recently linked to periodic zoonotic disease spillover to local human populations. Obtaining qualitative and quantitative information about the composition and structure of the whole flea and small mammal host coexisting communities is paramount to understand disease transmission cycles and to dilucidate the disease-vectoring role of flea species. Methods: Here we report on a large spatial (6 locations) and temporal (6 years with 3 samplings/year) survey conducted in intensively farmed landscapes in NW Spain, aiming to: (i) characterise the flea community parasitizing the small mammal host guild (Microtus arvalis, Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus spretus, Crocidura russula) in terms of flea-host specificity, abundance, prevalence, intensity and aggregation; (ii) evaluate patterns of co-infection by different flea species in hosts; and (iii) study the variation of flea abundance according to season and host sex. Results: Three flea species dominated the system (99.4%): Ctenophthalmus apertus, Leptopsylla taschenbergi and Nosopsyllus fasciatus. Results showed a high aggregation pattern of fleas in all hosts. C. apertus and N. fasciatus were shared by all host species in the guild, but L. taschenbergi mainly parasitized mice (M. spretus, A. sylvaticus). We found significant male-bias infestation patterns in mice, and significant seasonal variations in flea abundances for all rodent hosts (M. arvalis, M. spretus, A, sylvaticus). Simultaneous infections by 2 or 3 flea species were found in 36.8% of all hosts, and N. fasciatus was the most common flea co-infecting hosts. Conclusions: Our study shows that flea infestation patterns differ among hosts and seasons, influencing their potential vectoring role of diseases. Further investigation should be carried out on abundant and polyphagous fleas (e.g. N. fasciatus), since they may have higher competence to circulate zoonoses in natural systems.
Impact Involving the Community in Entomological Surveillance of the Triatoma Infestans Vectorial Control
Authors: Abrahan Luciana , Cavallo Maria José , Amelotti Ivana
Published: August 2020

BackgroundVectorial transmission is the principal way of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, the parasite that cause Chagas disease. In Argentina, Triatoma infestans is the principal vector, for this reason, vector control is the main strategy for the prevention of this illness. Provincial Program of Chagas La Rioja (PPCHLR) carries out entomological evaluation of domiciliary units (UD) and spraying those where T. infestans are found. The lack of government funds generated low visit frequency of PPCHLR, especially in areas with a low infestation that they were not prioritized. For this reason, seeking possible alternatives to complement control activities are necessary. Involving householders in entomologic evaluation would be a control alternative. The major objective was to determine the cost of entomological evaluation with and without community participation.Methods For entomological evaluation with community participation, 434 DU corresponding to nine localities of Castro Barros Department (CBD) were selected in November 2017. T. infestans infestation of DUs selected was determined involving the community in triatomines detection. Each householder was trained in the insect collection that were kept in labelled plastic bags and recovered after two weeks to analyse T. cruzi presence in laboratory. For entomological evaluation without community participation, PPCHLR data collected in February 2017 over 359 DU of CBD were used. Entomological evaluation costs with and without community participation over DU visited number, over DU evaluated number, and over DU sprayed were calculated and compared between methodologies. In addition, DU evaluated number out DU visited number was compared. The infestation in the area was 13.8%, with relative risk differences by zones. ResultsThe results showed that the triatomines did not show evidence of T. cruzi infection. Costs in relation to DU visited, to those evaluated and to those sprayed, were lowered with community participation (p< 0.05). In addition, a greater number of DU evaluated in relation to those visited as well as greater surface were covered with community participation. ConclusionThe participation of the community in the infestation survey is more efficient, allowing the spraying to be focused on infested houses and thus reducing costs and intervention times by PPCHLR.
Detection of Diarrheagenic Pathogens in Improved Water Using PCR-Based Specific Techniques in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol
Authors: Gemeda Shibabaw Tadesse , Soboksa Negasa Eshete , Desta Adey Feleke , Gari Sirak Robele
Published: August 2020

Background: Effective application of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based methods in detecting pathogenic microorganisms in improved water samples were limited in low- and middle-income countries. This limitation initiated this systematic review to assess the effective characterization method that could be applied in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, the aim of this review and analysis is to pullout the available evidences in characterization of pathogenic microorganisms in improved drinking water that could be effectively applied in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: We will search for published literatures using Google Scholar, PubMed or Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases to explore the various PCR based methods recommended for the detection and enumeration of pathogens to examine quality of drinking water provided for communities. All studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries that use any types of PCR methods in water samples without publication date restriction were included in the review. The primary outcome of this study is assessing the magnitude of diarrheagenic pathogens detected in improved water supplies by PCR application in low- and middle-income countries. Critical appraisal will be conducted on all papers selected for inclusion in the review. The studies selected will be assessed by the reviewers for retrieval prior to inclusion in the review. Discussion: This review will systematically discover and integrate the evidence available on the detection of diarrheagenic pathogens through the application of PCR based methods for water quality determination. This facilitates water quality monitoring activities. In this review, information about the applied PCR method, detected diarrheagenic pathogens, water sample size, effectiveness in terms of time and cost, will be gathered and summarized. The findings from this review and analysis will provide compiled data on the magnitude of the detected diarrheagenic pathogenic microbes by type and amount in improved water supply through the application of PCR techniques in low- and middle-income countries. It is envisaged that the study will promote the application of PCR methods for drinking water quality monitoring in these low- and middle-income countries.
4P Model for Dynamic Prediction of Covid-19 with statistical and machine learning approach: Social Dynamics, Government Roles and Pathogen Behavior on Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Hasan Khandaker Tabin , Rahman Mohammed Mostafizur , Ahmmed Md. Mortuza , Chowdhury Anjir Ahmed , Islam Mohammad Khairul
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Around the world, scientists are racing hard to understand how Covid-19 epidemic is spreading and growing, thus trying to find ways to prevent it before medications come to pass. Many different models have been proposed so far correlating different factors. Some of them are too localized to indicate a general trend of the pandemic while some others have established transient correlations only.Methods: Hence, in this study, a 4P model has been proposed based on four probabilities (4P) which has been found to be true for all affected countries taking Bangladesh as a case. Efficiency scores have been estimated from survey analysis not only for governing authorities on managing the situation (P(G)) but also for the compliance of the citizens ((P(P)). Since the immune responses of all the people are not uniform to a specific pathogen, the probability of a person getting infected ((P(I)) after being exposed has also been estimated. And the vital one is the probability of Test Positivity ((P(T)) which is a strong indicator of how effectively the infected people are diagnosed and isolated from the rest of the group that affects the rate of growth.Results and Conclusion: All the four parameters have been fitted in a non-linear exponential model that partly updates itself periodically with everyday facts. Along with the model, all the four probabilistic parameters are engaged to train a recurrent neural network using Long-Short Term Memory neural network and the followed trial confirmed a ruling functionality of the 4Ps.
Assessment of the direct quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 by droplet digital PCR
Authors: Deiana Michela , Mori Antonio , Piubelli Chiara , Scarso Salvatore , Favarato Mose , Pomari Elena
Published: August 2020

Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a sensitive and reproducible technology widely used for quantitation of several different viruses. The aim of this study was to compare the 2019-nCoV CDC ddPCR Triplex Probe Assay (BioRad) performance on the direct quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 on nasopharyngeal swab respect to the procedure applied to the extracted RNA. Moreover, the two widely used swab types were compared (UTM 3mL and ESwab 1mL, COPAN). A total of 50 nasopharyngeal swabs (n=25 UTM 3mL and n=25 ESwab 1mL) from SARS-CoV-2 patients collected during the pandemic from IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital (Veneto Region, North-East Italy) were used for our purpose. After heat inactivation, an aliquot of swab medium was used in order to perform the direct quantitation. Then, we compared the direct method with the quantitation performed on the RNA purified from nasopharyngeal swab by automated extraction. We observed that the direct approach achieved generally equal RNA copies compared to the RNA extracted. The results with the direct quantitation were more accurate on ESwab with a sensitivity of 93.33% [95% CI, 68.05 to 99.83] and specificity of 100.00% for both N1 and N2. On the other hand, on UTM we observed a higher rate of discordant results for N1 and N2. The human internal amplification control (RPP30) showed 100% of both sensitivity and specificity independent of swabs and approaches.In conclusion, we described a simple and fast approach for the quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab. Our approach resulted in an efficient quantitation, without automated RNA extraction and purification. However, special care needs to be taken on the potential bias due to the conservation of samples as we used thawed material and to the heating treatment. Further studies on a larger cohort of samples are warranted to evaluate the clinical value of this direct approach.
Microbiological and Biochemical Analysis of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Patients Admitted in RIMS, Ranchi
Authors: Boipai Manju , Birua Krishna Chander , Sahu N. P. , Pandey L. B. , Beck Rameswari , Dinkar Shashi
Published: August 2020

Background: Since methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains are resistant to multiple antibiotics, there is a possibility of extensive outbreaks which may be difficult to control. Early detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus is important from patients and hospitals point of view. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains were obtained from admitted patients of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi. The sources of isolate included pus from infected surgical wounds, infected burn wounds, conjunctival swab, aural swab, throat swab, vaginal swab, and urine for microbiological and biochemical analysis of methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Results: All the 264 cases of staphylococcal species isolated from different clinical specimens were subjected to coagulase test. It was observed that out of 264 strains of staphylococci isolated from different sites, 165 strains (62.5%) were coagulase positive and 99 strains (37.5%) were coagulase negative by tube method. Out of the 165 strains of coagulase-positive staphylococci, maximum isolation was obtained from pus 74 followed by throat swab 55, aural swab 21, vaginal 4, conjunctival swab 9, and urine 2. All the 165 cases of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus isolated from different clinical specimens were studied for hemolysis, mannitol fermentation, pigment production, and phosphatase production. Out of these 165 strains, 162 (98%) strains produced β-hemolysis on blood agar medium. Pigment production was noted in 160 (97%) of cases. Majority of strains produced characteristic golden yellow pigment on nutrient agar plate. A total of 155 (94%) strains of staphylococci fermented mannitol with the production of acid only. Phosphatase production was observed in 157 (95%) strains of pathogenic staphylococci. Conclusion: Considering the above-mentioned pathogenicity test, it was observed that coagulase test was the single most reliable test, though coagulase-negative staphylococci are sometimes pathogenic too.
Intestinal sepsis model of small animals
Authors: Reddy Ramesh , Rao Suman
Published: August 2020

Objective: The goal of this paper was to develop a model of intestinal sepsis in the investigational animal.

Material and methods. Sprague-Dawley male rats of 4 weeks (N = 42) were used. Initially, a pilot study (N = 12) was performed and distributed in groups with .8 cc inoculum of Escherichia coli ATCC intraperitoneally administered at concentrations of 9, 7, 6. Subsequently, concentrations of 9 CFU are used in two groups of rats with reductions of 11 cc.  Finally, a randomized trial of 28 rats was initiated in three treatment groups after intraperitoneal infection. Biological models of blood and peritoneal fluid were observed, and histopathological study of intraperitoneal tissues was done.

Results. Demise of 95% of the rats infected with E. coli UFC concentration was observed. The blood culture and peritoneal fluid culture was positive for the same strain in all of them. The formation of blisters on the liver surface and polymorphonuclear infiltration in organs were detected.

Conclusion. The fatal dose of E. coli should be diluted for intraperitoneal injection.
Saliva as the Stress Biomarker after Fasting Exposure on Adult Girls and Boys
Authors: Devi Arpana , Sharma Kriti , Giri Arup
Published: August 2020

This experiment was conducted to determine the fasting effects on anthropometric parameters and salivary antioxidant properties in girls and boys. Saliva samples were collected from eighteen healthy girls (control-09 & fasting-09 girls) and twelve healthy boys (control-06 & fasting-06 boys). Saliva was collected four times from all the subjects at a time interval of two hours. For anthropometric parameters, body weight, body temperature, pulse rate (PR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was measured during each saliva collection time. Antioxidant parameters of all the saliva samples were evaluated. Most of the anthropometric parameters like temperature, PR, SBP, and DBP of the fasting group was significantly (p<0.5) decreases than the control group of both boy's and girl's in the different time interval. Antioxidant properties were significantly (p<0.5) higher in the fasting group of girls, but the insignificantly different level was found in the boy's group. This study was indicating that fasting affected the anthropometric parameters (PR, SBP, and DBP), mainly in the girls. Salivary antioxidant properties were mostly lower in the girls' fasting group. Therefore, saliva may be a useful stress biomarker during fasting conditions.