bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An individualized immune prognostic signature in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Liangdong , Jiang Gening , Gonzalez-Rivas Diego , Zhang Peng
Published: May 2020

Background

Tumor immune infiltration is closely associated with clinical outcome in lung cancer. We aimed to develop an immune signature to improve the prognostic predictions of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

We applied “Cell type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts” method to quantify the fraction of 22 leukocyte cells from six public microarray datasets. Four datasets from GPL570 were treated as the training cohort and two datasets from GPL96 and GPL10379 as the validation cohorts. An immune risk score (IRS) based on leukocyte cell fraction was established by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator cox regression model.

Results

IRS consisting of 6 types of leukocytes was constructed in the training dataset. In the training cohort (520 patients), the IRS stratified patients into high-IRS group (215 patients) and low-IRS group (305 patients) with significant differences in overall survival (OS) (HR: 2.77, 95% CI 2.08–3.06). Multivariate analysis including age, gender, stage, IRS and tumor purity revealed the IRS to be an independent prognostic factor in all datasets (training: HR: 10.71, 95% CI 5.72–20.07; validation-1: HR 2.68, 95% CI 1.15–6.27; validation-2: HR 3.71, 95% CI 1.33–10.33); all p < 0.05). IRS was significantly positively correlated to the expression levels of PD1, PDL1, CTLA and LAG3 (all p < 0.001). When integrated with clinical characteristics including stage and age, the composite immune and clinical signature presented with improved prognostic accuracy than IRS (mean C-index 0.66 vs. 0.60).

Conclusions

The proposed immune-clinical signature could predict OS in patients with LUAD effectively.
Efficacy of direct current generated by multiple-electrode arrays on F3II mammary carcinoma: experiment and mathematical modeling
Authors: Goris Narciso Antonio Villar , Rodríguez Jorge Luis García , González Maraelys Morales , Borges Beatriz Olivares , Morales Dasha Fuentes , Calzado Enaide Maine , Castañeda Antonio Rafael Selva , Torres Leonardo Mesa , Montijano Juan Ignacio , González Victoriano Gustavo Sierra , Pérez Daniel Jay , Posada Oscar Ortiz , Martínez Janet Avellanet , Delgado Arlem García , Martínez Karina García , Mon Mayrel Labrada , Monzón Kalet León , Ciria Héctor Manuel Camué , Cabrales Luis Enrique Bergues
Published: May 2020

Background

The modified Gompertz equation has been proposed to fit experimental data for direct current treated tumors when multiple-straight needle electrodes are individually inserted into the base perpendicular to the tumor long axis. The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of direct current generated by multiple-electrode arrays on F3II mammary carcinoma that grow in the male and female BALB/c/Cenp mice, when multiple-straight needle electrodes and multiple-pairs of electrodes are inserted in the tumor.

Methods

A longitudinal and retrospective preclinical study was carried out. Male and female BALB/c/Cenp mice, the modified Gompertz equation, intensities (2, 6 and 10 mA) and exposure times (10 and 20 min) of direct current, and three geometries of multiple-electrodes (one formed by collinear electrodes and two by pair-electrodes) were used. Tumor volume and mice weight were measured. In addition, the mean tumor doubling time, tumor regression percentage, tumor growth delay, direct current overall effectiveness and mice survival were calculated.

Results

The greatest growth retardation, mean doubling time, regression percentage and growth delay of the primary F3II mammary carcinoma in male and female mice were observed when the geometry of multiple-pairs of electrodes was arranged in the tumor at 45, 135, 225 and 325o and the longest exposure time. In addition, highest direct current overall effectiveness (above 66%) was observed for this EChT scheme.

Conclusions

It is concluded that electrochemical therapy may be potentially addressed to highly aggressive and metastic primary F3II murine mammary carcinoma and the modified Gompertz equation may be used to fit data of this direct current treated carcinoma. Additionally, electrochemical therapy effectiveness depends on the exposure time, geometry of multiple-electrodes and ratio between the direct current intensity applied and the polarization current induced in the tumor.
Childbirth outcomes and ethnic disparities in Suriname: a nationwide registry-based study in a middle-income country
Authors: Verschueren Kim J. C. , Prüst Zita D. , Paidin Raëz R. , Kodan Lachmi R. , Bloemenkamp Kitty W. M. , Rijken Marcus J. , Browne Joyce L.
Published: May 2020

Background

Our study aims to evaluate the current perinatal registry, analyze national childbirth outcomes and study ethnic disparities in middle-income country Suriname, South America.

Methods

A nationwide birth registry study was conducted in Suriname. Data were collected for 2016 and 2017 from the childbirth books of all five hospital maternity wards, covering 86% of all births in the country. Multinomial regression analyses were used to assess ethnic disparities in outcomes of maternal deaths, stillbirths, teenage pregnancy, cesarean delivery, low birth weight and preterm birth with Hindustani women as reference group.

Results

18.290 women gave birth to 18.118 (98%) live born children in the five hospitals. Hospital-based maternal mortality ratio was 112 per 100.000 live births. Hospital-based late stillbirth rate was 16 per 1000 births. Stillbirth rate was highest among Maroon (African-descendent) women (25 per 1000 births, aOR 2.0 (95%CI 1.3–2.8) and lowest among Javanese women (6 stillbirths per 1000 births, aOR 0.5, 95%CI 0.2–1.2). Preterm birth and low birthweight occurred in 14 and 15% of all births. Teenage pregnancy accounted for 14% of all births and was higher in Maroon women (18%) compared to Hindustani women (10%, aOR 2.1, 95%CI 1.8–2.4). The national cesarean section rate was 24% and was lower in Maroon (17%) than in Hindustani (32%) women (aOR 0.5 (95%CI 0.5–0.6)). Cesarean section rates varied between the hospitals from 17 to 36%.

Conclusion

This is the first nationwide comprehensive overview of maternal and perinatal health in a middle income country. Disaggregated perinatal health data in Suriname shows substantial inequities in outcomes by ethnicity which need to be targetted by health professionals, researchers and policy makers.
RNA-seq and network analysis reveal unique glial gene expression signatures during prion infection
Authors: Carroll James A. , Race Brent , Williams Katie , Striebel James , Chesebro Bruce
Published: May 2020

Background

Prion diseases and prion-like disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, are characterized by gliosis and accumulation of misfolded aggregated host proteins. Ablating microglia in prion-infected brain by treatment with the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibitor, PLX5622, increased accumulation of misfolded prion protein and decreased survival time.

Methods

To better understand the role of glia during neurodegeneration, we used RNA-seq technology, network analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis to compare gene expression in brains of prion-infected versus mock-inoculated mice. Comparisons were also made between PLX5622-treated prion-infected mice and untreated prion-infected mice to assess mechanisms involved in disease acceleration in the absence of microglia.

Results

RNA-seq and network analysis suggested that microglia responded to prion infection through activation of integrin CD11c/18 and did not adopt the expression signature associated with other neurodegenerative disease models. Instead, microglia acquired an alternative molecular signature late in the disease process. Furthermore, astrocytes expressed a signature pattern of genes which appeared to be specific for prion diseases. Comparisons were also made with prion-infected mice treated with PLX5622 to assess the impact of microglia ablation on astrocyte gene expression during prion infection. In the presence of microglia, a unique mix of transcripts associated with A1- and A2-reactive astrocytes was increased in brains of prion-infected mice. After ablation of microglia, this reactive astrocyte expression pattern was enhanced. Thus, after prion infection, microglia appeared to decrease the overall A1/A2-astrocyte responses which might contribute to increased survival after infection.

Conclusions

RNA-seq analysis indicated dysregulation of over 300 biological processes within the CNS during prion disease. Distinctive microglia- and astrocyte-associated expression signatures were identified during prion infection. Furthermore, astrogliosis and the unique astrocyte-associated expression signature were independent of microglial influences. Astrogliosis and the unique astrocyte-associated gene expression pattern were increased when microglia were ablated. Our findings emphasize the potential existence of alternative pathways for activating the A1/A2 paradigm in astrocytes during neurodegenerative disease.
Correction to: Long non-coding RNA PXN-AS1 suppresses pancreatic cancer progression by acting as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-3064 to upregulate PIP4K2B expression
Authors: Yan Jiayan , Jia Yunxi , Chen Han , Chen Wei , Zhou Xiaoying
Published: May 2020

In the original publication of this manuscript [1], there are errors in Fig. 3. The authors declare that the identified errors do not change the results or conclusions of this paper.
SH3BGRL confers innate drug resistance in breast cancer by stabilizing HER2 activation on cell membrane
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Mingming , Wei Yanli , Haider Farhan , Lin Yitong , Guan Wen , Liu Yanbin , Zhang Shaoyang , Yuan Ronghua , Yang Xia , Yang Shulan , Wang Haihe
Published: May 2020

Background

HER2-positive breast cancer is usually associated to the more aggressive progression and the worse prognosis, but the mechanism underlying the innate resistance to HER2-targeted therapy remains elusive. The scaffold protein SH3-domain-binding glutamic acid-rich protein-like protein (SH3BGRL) is indicated as a tumor suppressor in some cancers, but it is highly expressed in breast cancers. Here we characterized the tumorigenic function of SH3BGRL in HER2-expressing breast cancer cells and the subsequent effect in HER2-targeted therapies.

Methods

The interaction of SH3BGRL to HER2 were characterized with various truncated SH3BGRL mutants by immunoprecipitation and molecule docking simulation. The physiological roles of SH3BGRL interacting with HER2 in tumor progression and therapy implication were characterized by gain and loss of function approaches in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemistry was used for detections of SH3BGRL and p-HER2 (Y1196) expressions in xenografted tumors and human breast cancer tissues. Clinical relevance of SH3BGRL expression with HER2 was validated with both breast patient sample and the public data analyses.

Results

Our results demonstrated that SH3BGRL directly binds with HER2 on cell membrane via its motifs α1, α2 helixes and β3 sheet, which postpones HER2 internalization upon EGF stimulation. Consequently, the association between SH3BGRL and HER2 contributed to the prolonged HER2 phosphorylation at specific tyrosine sites, especially at Y1196, and their downstream signaling activation. The relevance between SH3BGRL expression and p-HER2 (Y1196) phosphorylation was validated in both xenografted tumors and the breast cancer patient tissues. Mechanistically, SH3BGRL promoted breast tumor cell proliferation and survival, while reduced the cell sensitivity to anti-tumor drugs, especially to the HER2-targeted drugs. In contrast, Silencing SH3BGRL or inhibiting its downstream signals efficiently induced apoptosis of breast tumor cells with HER2 and SH3BGRL doubly positive expression. Database analysis also highlighted that SH3BGRL is a poor prognostic marker, especially for HER2-positive breast cancers.

Conclusions

Our results disclose SH3BGRL as a novel posttranslational modulator of HER2 hyperactivation, which can lead to the intrinsic resistance to HER2-targeted therapy. SH3BGRL would be a pivotal therapy target and a diagnostic marker to HER2-positve patients. Thus, targeting SH3BGRL or the downstream signaling could relieve the innate resistance to some HER2-tageted therapies for both HER2 and SH3BGRL-postive breast cancers.
SNCG promotes the progression and metastasis of high-grade serous ovarian cancer via targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Xiao-han , Li Cong , Wu Xiao-xing , Chen Yan-lin , Li Wen-wen , Li Xian , Gong Fan , Tang Qin , Jiang Dan
Published: May 2020

Background

The poor prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer is mainly due to cancer progression. γ-Synuclein (SNCG) has reported as a critical player in cancer metastasis. However, its biological roles and mechanism are yet incompletely understood in ovarian cancer, especially in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC).

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 312 patients with ovarian cancer at a single center between 2006 and 2016. Ovarian cancer tissues were stained by immunohistochemistry to analyze the relationship between SNCG expression and clinicopathologic factors. The clinical outcomes versus SNCG expression level were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier method and multiple Cox regression analysis. Next, systematical functional experiments were given to examine the proliferation and metastatic abilities of SNCG both in vitro and in vivo using loss- and gain- of function approaches. Furthermore, the mechanisms of SNCG overexpression were examined by human phospho-kinase array kit and western blot analysis.

Results

Clinically, the expression of SNCG was significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer compared with the borderline and benign tumor, normal ovary, and fallopian tube. Notably, the high level of SNCG correlated with high-risk clinicopathologic features and showed poor survival for patients with HGSOC, indicating an independent prognostic factor for these patients. Functionally, we observed that overexpression of SNCG promoted cell proliferation, tumor formation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we identified that SNCG promoted cancer cell metastasis through activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Our results reveal SNCG up-regulation contributes to the poor clinical outcome of patients with HGSOC and highlight the metastasis-promoting function of SNCG via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HGSOC.
Phenotypic heterogeneity by site of infection in surgical sepsis: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Stortz Julie A. , Cox Michael C. , Hawkins Russell B. , Ghita Gabriela L. , Brumback Babette A. , Mohr Alicia M. , Moldawer Lyle L. , Efron Philip A. , Brakenridge Scott C. , Moore Frederick A.
Published: May 2020

Background

The role of site of infection in sepsis has been poorly characterized. Additionally, sepsis epidemiology has evolved. Early mortality has decreased, but many survivors now progress into chronic critical illness (CCI). This study sought to determine if there were significant differences in the host response and current epidemiology of surgical sepsis categorized by site of infection.

Study design

This is a longitudinal study of surgical sepsis patients characterized by baseline predisposition, insult characteristics, serial biomarkers, hospital outcomes, and long-term outcomes. Patients were categorized into five anatomic sites of infection.

Results

The 316 study patients were predominantly Caucasian; half were male, with a mean age of 62 years, high comorbidity burden, and low 30-day mortality (10%). The primary sites were abdominal (44%), pulmonary (19%), skin/soft tissue (S/ST, 17%), genitourinary (GU, 12%), and vascular (7%). Most abdominal infections were present on admission and required source control. Comparatively, they had more prolonged proinflammation, immunosuppression, and persistent organ dysfunction. Their long-term outcome was poor with 37% CCI (defined as > 14 in ICU with organ dysfunction), 49% poor discharge dispositions, and 30% 1-year mortality. Most pulmonary infections were hospital-acquired pneumonia. They had similar protracted proinflammation and organ dysfunction, but immunosuppression normalized. Long-term outcomes are similarly poor (54% CCI, 47% poor disposition, 32% 1-year mortality). S/ST and GU infections occurred in younger patients with fewer comorbidities, less perturbed immune responses, and faster resolution of organ dysfunction. Comparatively, S/ST had better long-term outcomes (23% CCI, 39% poor disposition, 13% 1-year mortality) and GU had the best (10% CCI, 20% poor disposition, 10% 1-year mortality). Vascular sepsis patients were older males, with more comorbidities. Proinflammation was blunted with baseline immunosuppression and organ dysfunction that persisted. They had the worst long-term outcomes (38% CCI, 67% poor disposition, 57% 1-year mortality).

Conclusion

There are notable differences in baseline predisposition, host responses, and clinical outcomes by site of infection in surgical sepsis. While previous studies have focused on differences in hospital mortality, this study provides unique insights into the host response and long-term outcomes associated with different sites of infection.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improve bone erosion in collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting osteoclasia-related factors and differentiating into chondrocytes
Authors: Gao Jinfang , Zhang Gailian , Xu Ke , Ma Dan , Ren Limin , Fan Jingjing , Hou Jianwen , Han Jian , Zhang Liyun
Published: May 2020

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by joint inflammation and damage to the cartilage and bone in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can improve articular symptoms and reduce bone erosion in CIA rats; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying MSC-induced improvement of bone destruction in CIA.

Methods

Wistar rats were divided into a normal group, CIA control group, MTX intervention group, and BMSC intervention group, each comprising 8 rats. Serum RANKL, OPG, and CXCL10 levels of all groups were determined via flow cytometry after 42 days of interventions. RANKL, OPG, TRAF6, CXCL10, and CXCR3 were detected on the synovial membrane via immunohistochemistry, and their relative mRNA levels were determined via RT-PCR analysis. BMSCs were labeled with GFP and administered to CIA rats via the tail vein. At different time points, the distribution of implanted GFP-MSCs in synovial tissues was observed using a fluorescence microscope, and the potential of GFP-MSCs to differentiate into chondrocytes was assessed via immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

BMSC transplantation improved joint inflammation and inhibited bone destruction in CIA rats. BMSCs inhibited the expression of serum CXCL10 and CXCL10 and CXCR3 expression at the synovial membrane. Moreover, protein and mRNA expression analyses revealed that BMSCs potentially regulated RANKL/OPG expression levels in the serum and synovial tissue. Upon implantation into CIA rats, GFP-MSCs were traced in the joints. GFP-positive cells were observed in the cartilage tissue from day 11 and until 42 days after transplantation. Anti-type II collagen/GFP double-positive cells were observed in the articular cartilage (especially damaged cartilage) upon immunofluorescence staining of anti-type II collagen.

Conclusions

BMSCs improve bone destruction in CIA by inhibiting the CXCL10/CXCR3 chemotactic axis, regulating the RANKL/OPG ratio, and directly differentiating into chondrocytes.
Distinct transcriptome signatures of Helicobacter suis and Helicobacter heilmannii strains upon adherence to human gastric epithelial cells
Authors: Berlamont Helena , De Witte Chloë , Bauwens Eva , Min Jou Hannah , Ducatelle Richard , De Meester Ellen , Gansemans Yannick , Deforce Dieter , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Haesebrouck Freddy , Smet Annemieke
Published: May 2020

The porcineHelicobacter suisand canine-felineH. heilmanniiare gastricHelicobacterspecies with zoonotic potential. However, little is known about the pathogenesis of human infections with theseHelicobacterspecies. To gain more insight into the interactions of both zoonoticHelicobacterspecies with human gastric epithelial cells, we investigated bacterial genes that are differentially expressed in aH. suisandH. heilmanniistrain after adhesion to the human gastric epithelial cell line MKN7. In vitroHelicobacter-MKN7 binding assays were performed to obtain bacterial RNA for sequencing analysis.H. suisandH. heilmanniibacteria attached to the gastric epithelial cells (i.e. cases) as well as unbound bacteria (i.e. controls) were isolated, after which prokaryotic RNA was purified and sequenced. Differentially expressed genes were identified using the DESeq2 package and SARTools pipeline in R. A list of 134 (83 up-regulated and 51 down-regulated) and 143 (60 up-regulated and 83 down-regulated) differentially expressed genes (padj ≤ 0.01; fold change ≥ 2) were identified for the adherentH. suisandH. heilmanniistrains, respectively. According to BLASTp analyses, only 2 genes were commonly up-regulated and 4 genes commonly down-regulated in both pathogens. Differentially expressed genes of theH. suisandH. heilmanniistrains belonged to multiple functional classes, indicating that adhesion of both strains to human gastric epithelial cells evokes pleiotropic adaptive responses. Our results suggest that distinct pathways are involved in human gastric colonization ofH. suisandH. heilmannii. Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical significance of these findings.
Achieve data privacy and clustering accuracy simultaneously through quantized data recovery
Authors: Wang Ren , Wang Meng , Xiong Jinjun
Published: May 2020

This paper develops a data collection and processing framework that achieves individual users’ data privacy and the operator’s information accuracy simultaneously. Data privacy is enhanced by adding noise and applying quantization to the data before transmission, and the privacy of an individual user is measured by information-theoretic analysis. This paper develops a data recovery and clustering method for the operator to extract features from the privacy-preserving, partially corrupted, and partially observed measurements of a large number of users. To prevent cyber intruders from accessing the data of many users, it also develops a decentralized algorithm such that multiple data owners can collaboratively recover and cluster the data without sharing the raw measurements directly. The recovery accuracy is characterized analytically and showed to be close to the fundamental limit of any recovery method. The proposed algorithm is proved to converge to a critical point from any initial point. The method is evaluated on recorded Irish smart meter data and UMass smart microgrid data.
On strongly starlike and strongly convex functions with bounded radius and bounded boundary rotation
Authors: Hussain Sabir , Ahmad Khalil
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we introduce and investigate new classes of normalized analytic functions in an open unit disk with bounded radius and bounded boundary rotation by using the subordination. We discuss inclusion results, co-efficient bounds, growth and distortion theorems of the classes. Moreover, we compute the radii of strong starlikeness, convexity and starlikeness of the classes. It is interesting to mention that most of our findings are best possible as compared to the existing results in the literature.
Global exponential asymptotic stability of RNNs with mixed asynchronous time-varying delays
Authors: Jia Songfang , Chen Yanheng
Published: May 2020

The present article addresses the exponential stability of recurrent neural networks (RNNs) with distributive and discrete asynchronous time-varying delays. Some novel algebraic conditions are obtained to ensure that for the model there exists a unique balance point, and it is global exponential asymptotically stable. Meanwhile, it also reveals the difference about the equilibrium point between systems with and without distributed asynchronous delay. One numerical example and its Matlab software simulations are given to illustrate the correctness of the present results.
The extents of metabolic syndrome among Antiretroviral Therapy exposed and ART naïve adult HIV patients in the Gedeo-zone, Southern-Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Bune Girma Tenkolu , Yalew Alemayehu Worku , Kumie Abera
Published: May 2020

Background

HIV infection and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has been associated with metabolic syndrome (MS). The prevalence of MS varies substantially between populations and is not yet well-known in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Ethiopia. The current study aims to estimate and evaluate the magnitude of MS among ART exposed and ART naïve HIV-infected patients.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional design was employed among the randomly chosen PLHIVs from two hospitals and two health centers, found in the Gedeo zone, southern-Ethiopia. Data collection was run beginning from December 29th, 2017 up to January 22nd − 2019, using the WHO steep tool; eventually, the completed data entered into Epidata (V-3.1) and exported to SPSS (V− 22) for analysis. The revised international diabetes federation criterion was used to define MS and its components. The mean, standard deviations and proportions were used as a descriptive summary. Categorical data and the proportion of MS in the two groups were compared using binary logistic regression, and results were reported statistically significant withp-value is less than 5%.

Results

A total of 633 (n = 422 on ART andn = 211 ART-naive) PLHIVS was involved, with an overall response rate of 96.2%. The cumulative proportion of MS was 42.5%(95% CI: 39.2–45.7), with 43.4%(95% CI: 39.1–47.4) among ART exposed and 40.8% (95% CI: 35.5–46.0) among ART naïve patients (P > 0.005). However, the difference was not statistically significant and signified that ART has no association with an increased proportion of MS.

Conclusion

Overall this study demonstrated the presence of an elevated degree of overall MS among PLHIVs. Besides, although the difference was not statistically significant, a relatively higher proportion of MS was realized in the ART exposed than ART naïve groups. Implicated that at the time of the entire test and treatment approaches employed in this target group, routine screening of MS incorporated through HIV care and management system will be a vibrant action.
Epidemiology of neonatal infections in hospitals of Nepal: evidence from a large- scale study
Authors: Budhathoki Shyam Sundar , Sunny Avinash K. , Paudel Pragya Gautam , Thapa Jeevan , Basnet Lila Bahadur , Karki Sandeepa , Gurung Rejina , Paudel Prajwal , KC Ashish
Published: May 2020

Background

Every year, neonatal infections account for approximately 750,000 neonatal deaths globally. It is the third major cause of neonatal death, globally and in Nepal. There is a paucity of data on clinical aetiology and outcomes of neonatal infection in Nepal. This paper aims to assess the incidence and risk factors of neonatal infection in babies born in public hospitals of Nepal.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study conducted for a period of 14 months, nested within a large-scale cluster randomized control trial which evaluated the Helping Babies Breathe Quality Improvement package in 12 public hospitals in Nepal. All the mothers who consented to participate within the study and delivered in these hospitals were included in the analysis. All neonates admitted into the sick newborn care unit weighing > 1500 g or/and 32 weeks or more gestation with clinical signs of infection or positive septic screening were taken as cases and those that did not have an infection were the comparison group. Bivariate and multi-variate analysis of socio-demographic, maternal, obstetric and neonatal characteristics of case and comparison group were conducted to assess risk factors associated with neonatal infection.

Results

The overall incidence of neonatal infection was 7.3 per 1000 live births. Babies who were born to first time mothers were at 64% higher risk of having infection (aOR-1.64, 95% CI, 1.30–2.06, p-value< 0.001). Babies born to mothers who had no antenatal check-up had more than three-fold risk of infection (aOR-3.45, 95% CI, 1.82–6.56, p-value< 0.001). Babies born through caesarean section had more than two-fold risk (aOR-2.06, 95% CI, 1.48–2.87, p-value< 0.001) and babies with birth asphyxia had more than three-fold risk for infection (aOR-3.51, 95% CI, 1.71–7.20, p-value = 0.001).

Conclusion

Antepartum factors, such as antenatal care attendance, and intrapartum factors such as mode of delivery and birth asphyxia, were risk factors for neonatal infections. These findings highlight the importance of ANC visits and the need for proper care during resuscitation in babies with birth asphyxia.
Smartphone apps for managing alcohol consumption: a literature review
Authors: Colbert Stephanie , Thornton Louise , Richmond Robyn
Published: May 2020

Background

Smartphone applications (apps) designed to assist users to reduce hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption show potential as an inexpensive alternative to traditional brief intervention in primary care. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature on alcohol reduction apps and the availability of evidenced-based apps on top commercial app stores.

Methods

We reviewed literature through to December 2019 using the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Google Scholar and keyword search terms smartphone/mobile/phone AND application/app AND alcohol. Articles were included if the primary intervention was a smartphone app and the study measured participant changes in frequency or volume of alcohol consumption.

Results

21 relevant articles were identified that evaluated 19 unique smartphone apps. Of the 19 unique apps, seven were designed for use among youth and 12 in adult populations. The available evidence for the efficacy of alcohol reduction apps among youth is inconclusive, with results from these evaluations not showing a clear benefit in reducing alcohol consumption compared to control groups. The results of apps designed for adult populations appears more promising, but results are still mixed. Of the 19 alcohol reduction apps that have been evaluated only eight of these are currently publicly available in commercial app stores. Of these eight apps, only four were demonstrated in the literature to assist with reducing alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

The evidence for alcohol reduction apps is promising but inconclusive. Few apps that have been evaluated in the scientific literature are currently available for download in commercial app stores.
Correction to: Implementation and impact of pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Donà D. , Barbieri E. , Daverio M. , Lundin R. , Giaquinto C. , Zaoutis T. , Sharland M.
Published: May 2020

The original article [1] contains an error in Fig. 1 whereby the number of selected articles of the first box is incorrect.
Determinants of delayed diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in Cambodia: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Teo Alvin Kuo Jing , Ork Chetra , Eng Sothearith , Sok Ngovlyly , Tuot Sovannary , Hsu Li Yang , Yi Siyan
Published: May 2020

Background

Cambodia is among the 30 countries in the world with the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB), and it is estimated that 40% of people with TB remain undiagnosed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the determinants of delayed diagnosis and treatment of TB in Cambodia.

Methods

This mixed-method explanatory sequential study was conducted between February and September 2019 in 12 operational districts in Cambodia. It comprised of a retrospective cohort study of 721 people with TB, followed by a series of in-depth interviews. We assessed factors associated with time to TB diagnosis and treatment initiation using Cox proportional hazards model. Subsequently, we conducted in-depth interviews with 31 people with TB purposively selected based on the time taken to reach TB diagnosis, sex, and residence. Transcripts were coded, and thematic analyses were performed.

Results

The median time from the onset of symptoms to TB diagnosis was 49 days (Interquartile range [IQR]: 21–112). We found that longer time to diagnosis was significantly associated with living in rural area (Adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] = 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.48); TB symptoms—cough (aHR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.18–1.94), hemoptysis (aHR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.07–1.63), and night sweats (aHR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.05–1.46); seeking private health care/self-medication (aHR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04–1.45); and higher self-stigma (aHR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.03). Participants who received education level above the primary level were inversely associated with longer time to diagnosis (aHR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.62–0.97). The median time from TB diagnosis to the initiation of treatment was two days (IQR: 1–3). The use of smear microscopy for TB diagnosis (aHR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.16–1.95) was associated with longer time to treatment initiation. Seeking private health care and self-medication before TB diagnosis, lack of perceived risk, threat, susceptibility, and stigma derived qualitatively further explained the quantitative findings.

Conclusions

TB diagnostic delay was substantial. Increasing public awareness about TB and consciousness regarding stigma, engaging the private healthcare providers, and tailoring approaches targeting the rural areas could further improve early detection of TB and narrowing the gap of missing cases in Cambodia.
Magmatic–hydrothermal system of Aso Volcano, Japan, inferred from electrical resistivity structures
Authors: Matsushima Nobuo , Utsugi Mitsuru , Takakura Shinichi , Yamasaki Tadashi , Hata Maki , Hashimoto Takeshi , Uyeshima Makoto
Published: May 2020

We investigated the magmatic–hydrothermal system of Aso Volcano, Japan, using broadband magnetotelluric (MT) data. To establish the nature of the shallow crust, a previous resistivity model based on data from 100 measurement sites in and around Aso volcano was revised using data from 9 additional sites near Naka-dake crater, which is located in the central part of the volcano. The components of MT impedance and the tipper vector were used to obtain the resistivity structure by three-dimensional inversion. The resistivity structure shows a subvertical low-resistivity (< 1 Ωm) column-shaped body beneath Naka-dake crater that extends from − 600 m to 10 km below sea level (BSL) and dips steeply to the north-northeast. The position of the upper part of the column is displaced eastward compared with the previous model and does not overlap the position of the presumed magma reservoir inferred previously from seismic and geodetic observations underneath the western side of Naka-dake crater at a depth of 5 km. We interpret this low-resistivity column to be a magmatic–hydrothermal system composed of brine and magma that were transported to Naka-dake crater from the main deep-seated magma reservoir. A horizontal low-resistivity (< 10 Ωm) layer occurs beneath post-caldera cones at the depths of 0–2 km BSL, and this layer extends laterally from the upper part of the low-resistivity column. We interpret this low-resistivity layer as representing a shallow hydrothermal system that has developed around the central column-shaped magmatic–hydrothermal system.
Evaluation of a method to retrieve temperature and wind velocity profiles of the Venusian nightside mesosphere from mid-infrared CO2 absorption line observed by heterodyne spectroscopy
Authors: Takami Kosuke , Nakagawa Hiromu , Sagawa Hideo , Krause Pia , Murata Isao , Kasaba Yasumasa , Kuroda Takeshi , Aoki Shohei , Kouyama Toru , Kostiuk Theodor , Livengood Timothy A. , Gilli Gabriella
Published: May 2020

We evaluated a method for retrieving vertical temperature and Doppler wind velocity profiles of the Venusian nightside mesosphere from the CO2 absorption line resolved by mid-infrared heterodyne spectroscopy. The achievable sensitive altitude and retrieval accuracy were derived with multiple model spectra generated from various temperature and wind velocity profiles with several noise levels. The temperature profiles were retrieved at altitudes of 70–100 km with a vertical resolution of 5 km and a retrieval accuracy of ± 15 K. The wind velocity was also retrieved at an altitude of approximately 85 km with a vertical resolution of 10 km and a retrieval accuracy of ± 25–50 m/s. In addition, we studied an event and applied our method to spectra obtained by the HIPWAC instrument attached to the NASA/IRTF 3-m telescope on May 19–22, 2012. Retrieved wind velocities in a latitude of 33° S at 3:00 LT were interpreted as subsolar-to-antisolar (SS-AS) flows at altitudes of 84 ± 6 km and 94 ± 7 km, and they were stronger than expected. This result suggested that the transition between the retrograde superrotational zonal (RSZ) wind and SS-AS flow may occur at altitudes below 90 km which previously was predicted to be the transition region. This work provides a basis for our analysis of further observations obtained by a mid-infrared heterodyne spectrometer MILAHI attached to the Tohoku University 60-cm telescope at Haleakalā, Hawaii.
Simulation study of a coincidence detection system for non-invasive determination of arterial blood time-activity curve measurements
Authors: Toufique Yassine , Bouhali Othmane , Negre Pauline , O’ Doherty Jim
Published: May 2020

Background

Arterial sampling in PET studies for the purposes of kinetic modeling remains an invasive, time-intensive, and expensive procedure. Alternatives to derive the blood time-activity curve (BTAC) non-invasively are either reliant on large vessels in the field of view or are laborious to implement and analyze as well as being prone to many processing errors. An alternative method is proposed in this work by the simulation of a non-invasive coincidence detection unit.

Results

We utilized GATE simulations of a human forearm phantom with a blood flow model, as well as a model for dynamic radioactive bolus activity concentration based on clinical measurements. A fixed configuration of 14 and, also separately, 8 detectors were employed around the phantom, and simulations were performed to investigate signal detection parameters. Bismuth germanate (BGO) crystals proved to show the highest count rate capability and sensitivity to a simulated BTAC with a maximum coincidence rate of 575 cps. Repeatable location of the blood vessels in the forearm allowed a half-ring design with only 8 detectors. Using this configuration, maximum coincident rates of 250 cps and 42 cps were achieved with simulation of activity concentration determined from 15O and 18F arterial blood sampling. NECR simulated in a water phantom at 3 different vertical positions inside the 8-detector system (Y = − 1 cm, Y = − 2 cm, and Y = −3 cm) was 8360 cps, 13,041 cps, and 20,476 cps at an activity of 3.5 MBq. Addition of extra axial detection rings to the half-ring configuration provided increases in system sensitivity by a factor of approximately 10.

Conclusions

Initial simulations demonstrated that the configuration of a single half-ring 8 detector of monolithic BGO crystals could describe the simulated BTAC in a clinically relevant forearm phantom with good signal properties, and an increased number of axial detection rings can provide increased sensitivity of the system. The system would find use in the derivation of the BTAC for use in the application of kinetic models without physical arterial sampling or reliance on image-based techniques.
An extremely rare case with right superior pulmonary vein translocation
Authors: Kamimura Go , Ueda Kazuhiro , Maeda Koki , Aoki Masaya , Nagata Toshiyuki , Yokomakura Naoya , Sato Masami
Published: May 2020

Background

There have been a number of reports on pulmonary venous anomalies. However, most of the reports focused on the anatomical branching pattern of the peripheral pulmonary veins.

Case presentation

We report a 75-year-old female whose right superior pulmonary vein V1 existed dorsal to the right main pulmonary artery and V2+3 existed dorsal to V4+5. Thus, we could not find V1 and V2+3 in the hilum just after a thoracotomy to perform right upper lobectomy for lung cancer. Thus, the right main pulmonary artery and the superior trunk (A1+3) were exposed without cutting the superior pulmonary vein.

Conclusion

There has been no report so far regarding this type of pulmonary vein translocation. Preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography images were helpful to identify this variant.
Drosophila melanogaster chemical ecology revisited: 2-D distribution maps of sex pheromones on whole virgin and mated flies by mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Kaftan Filip , Kulkarni Purva , Knaden Markus , Böcker Sebastian , Hansson Bill S. , Svatoš Aleš
Published: May 2020

Background

Sexual behavior in Drosophila melanogaster flies is greatly influenced by chemical cues. In this study, a spatial distribution of female and male sex pheromones was investigated on the surface of virgin and mated six-day-old fruit flies. Surface analysis was performed using the technique of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization – time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and confirmed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of hexane extracts prepared from dissected flies.

Results

MALDI-TOF MSI experiments focused on female pheromones (7Z,11Z)-heptacosa-7,11-diene (7,11-HD) and (7Z,11Z)-nonacosa-7,11-diene (7,11-ND) were enhanced by using lithium 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate (LiDHB) matrix to improve the ionization and quality of MS spectra. Oxygenated compounds represented by male anti-attractants 11-cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA) and 3-O-acetyl-1,3-dihydroxy-octacosa-11,19-diene (CH503) were successfully ionized without MALDI matrix in the form of potassium adducts in laser desorption ionization (LDI-TOF MSI) mode. A similar pattern of distribution for 7,11-HD and 7,11-ND was observed on the surface of both the left and the right female wing, with the strongest signals at the base of the wing. 7,11-HD and 7,11-ND were additionally detected on female legs but not on the body. The distribution of both male pheromones, cVA and CH503, was localized in virgin male flies solely on the abdominal tip and anogenital region. In addition, results from MSI experiments with mated flies showed the distribution of cVA and CH503 also on the female abdomen and thorax, demonstrating that anti-attractants were transferred from males to females during copulation. Results from LDI/MALDI-TOF MSI were supported by GC-MS analysis of hexane extracts prepared from different parts of virgin male or female Drosophila flies. Similar amounts of 7,11-HD and 7,11-ND were present on the legs, body and wings (127 ± 5 ng and 170 ± 8 ng, respectively). cVA was detected only on the male body. All acquired MSI datasets were affected by mass shift (predominantly between ±0.2 Da to ±0.4 Da), which was reduced using a mass recalibration approach.

Conclusions

The LDI/MALDI-TOF MSI technique makes it possible to study the distribution of female and male sexual pheromones on D. melanogaster flies. Moreover, the technique enables the transfer of male sex pheromones to females during copulation to be visualized. However, imaging experiments of 3-D biological samples performed on a single TOF-MS instrument equipped with a MALDI ion source and UV nitrogen laser evinced a photo-electric charging/discharging, a phenomenon that often leads to unpredictable mass shifts and poor mass accuracy.
Early detection of learning difficulties using the BADyG-E2r Battery during primary education
Authors: Navarro Soria Ignasi , García Fernández José Manuel , Inglés Saura Cándido J. , Real Fernández Marta
Published: May 2020

The aim of the present study was to assess the predictive capacity of several of the most relevant cognitive skills in the academic field that were evaluated using Differential and General Skills Battery(BADyG-E2r). Particular attention was focused on the variables that need to be overcome regarding the curricular objectives related to pass/fail grading as evaluated by the teachers in the instrumental disciplines of Mathematics and Language. The psychometric battery was applied to the 3rd year students in primary education (a total of 512 students) at 4 public schools that were randomly selected in the province of Alicante (Spain). A follow-up of their academic evolution was under taken until the end of primary education. The obtained results show that high scores in Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, and Verbal Syllogisms positively and significantly predict academic success at the end of primary education in the subjects of Language and Mathematics.
Inverse Laplace transform and multiexponential fitting analysis of T2 relaxometry data: a phantom study with aqueous and fat containing samples
Authors: Ioannidis Georgios S. , Nikiforaki Katerina , Kalaitzakis Georgios , Karantanas Apostolos , Marias Kostas , Maris Thomas G.
Published: May 2020

Background

The inverse Laplace transform (ILT) is the most widely used method for T2 relaxometry data analysis. This study examines the qualitative agreement of ILT and a proposed multiexponential (Mexp method) regarding the number of T2 components. We performed a feasibility study for the voxelwise characterisation of heterogeneous tissue with T2 relaxometry.

Methods

Eleven samples of aqueous, fatty and mixed composition were analysed using ILT and Mexp. The phantom was imaged using a 1.5-T system with a single slice T2 relaxometry 25-echo Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill sequence in order to obtain the T2 decay curve with 25 equidistant echo times. The adjusted R2 goodness of fit criterion was used to determine the number of T2 components using the Mexp method on a voxel-based analysis. Comparison of mean and standard deviation of T2 values for both methods was performed by fitting a Gaussian function to the ILT resulting vector.

Results

Phantom results showed pure monoexponential decay for acetone and water and pure biexponential behaviour for corn oil, egg yolk, and 35% fat milk cream, while mixtures of egg whites and yolks as well as milk creams with 12–20% fatty composition exhibit mixed monoexponential and biexponential behaviour at different fractions. The number of T2 components by the Mexp method was compared to the ILT-derived spectrum as ground truth.

Conclusions

Mexp analysis with the adjusted R2 criterion can be used for the detection of the T2 distribution of aqueous, fatty and mixed samples with the added advantage of voxelwise mapping.
The utility of dual energy computed tomography in the management of axial gout: case reports and literature review
Authors: Wang Jeremy X. , Ng Beverly , Bak Haesung , Spencer David , Manolios Nicholas , Wong Peter K. K.
Published: May 2020

Background

Severe spinal pain is an unusual presentation of gout. Due to its rarity and the difficulty of obtaining joint fluid or tissue for crystal analysis, dual energy computed tomography (DECT) may be a useful imaging modality in the management of axial gout.

Case presentation

Two patients independently presented to a major teaching hospital with severe spinal pain subsequently shown to be due to gout. The first patient presented with back pain and fevers and was initially thought to have lumbar facet joint septic arthritis. The second case presented with severe back pain. In both cases, DECT suggested monosodium urate deposition in spinal tissues as the cause of their presentation.

Conclusions

Axial gout should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe spinal pain. A DECT study may be a useful diagnostic tool in the management of spinal gout.