bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: A Review of the Current Literature and Built Environment (BE) Considerations to Reduce Transmission
Authors: Dietz Leslie , Horve Patrick F. , Coil David , Fretz Mark , Van Den Wymelenberg Kevin
Published: March 2020

With the increasing spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that results in coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), corporate entities, federal, state, county and city governments, universities, school districts, health care facilities, assisted living organizations, daycares, homeowners, and other building owners and occupants have an opportunity to reduce the potential for transmission through built environment (BE) mediated pathways. Over the last decade, substantial research into the presence, abundance, diversity, function, and transmission of microbes in the BE has taken place and revealed common pathogen exchange pathways and In this paper, we synthesize this microbiology of the BE research and the known information about SARS-CoV-2 to provide actionable and achievable guidance to BE decision makers, building operators, and all indoor occupants attempting to minimize infectious disease transmission through environmentally mediated pathways. We believe this information will be useful to corporate and public administrators and individuals responsible for building operations and environmental services in their decision-making process about whether to implement social- distancing measures and for what
Validation of a Short Questionnaire to Assess Perceptions of Health Care Professionals with Asynchronous Telemedicine Services: The Catalan Version of the Optimum Telemedicine Acceptance Questionnaire
Authors: Vidal-Alaball Josep , Flores Mateo Gemma , Garcia Domingo Josep Lluís , Marín Gomez Xavier , Sauch Valmaña Glòria , Ruiz-Comellas Anna , López Seguí Francesc , García Cuyàs Francesc
Published: March 2020

Background: Telemedicine is both effective and can provide efficient care at lower costs. It also enjoys a high acceptance rate among users. The Technology Acceptance Model proposed is based on the two main concepts of ease of use and perceived usefulness and comprises three dimensions: the individual context, the technological context and the implementation or organizational context. There is not a short and validated questionnaire to check the acceptance of telemedicine services amongst health care professionals using a technology acceptance model. Objective To translate and validate a telemedicine acceptance questionnaire based in the technology acceptance model. Methods The study included the following phases: adaptation and translation of the questionnaire into Catalan and psychometric validation which include construct (exploratory factor analysis), consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and stability (test-retest). Factor analysis was used to describe variability amongst observed variables. Results After removing incomplete responses 144 responses where considered for analysis. The internal consistency measured with the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was good with an alpha coefficient of 0.84 (95%, CI: 0.79-0.84). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.852-0.964). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test of sampling was adequate (KMO = 0.818) and the Bartlett test of sphericity was significant (Chi-square 424.188; gl=28; P < .001), indicating that the items were appropriate for a factor analysis. Conclusions The questionnaire validated with this study has robust statistical features that make it a good predictive model of professional’s satisfaction with telemedicine programs.
Entrepreneurial Attitudes and Skills Internalization of Chinese Students’
Authors: Jumardi Budiman
Published: March 2020

This study attempts to know about the process of internalization attitudes and skill of entrepreneurship to their students chinese. Object this study were chosen based on stereotype and its phenomena developing in the community west Kalimantan that of the Chinese must be traders. Methods used are qualitative to technique data collection using interviews and observation. Respondents this research is the student will Emmanuel Pontianak of Chinese ethnic and came from families entrepreneurs. Data analysis techniques used that is the reduction, data presentation of data and the withdrawal of conclusion. The result showed that the process internalization attitudes and entrepreneurship skills students derived from the informal education of the community, community school, and their peers. The business management internalization attitudes and skills to their students covering thriftiness, productive and orientation independent, able to make decisions and, bear the consequences not easily discouraged, and finish the first new demanding the right
Challenges and barriers of Humanitarian Aid Management in 2017 Kermanshah Earthquake: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Safarpour Hamid , Fooladlou Saeideh , Safi-Keykaleh Meysam , Mousavipour Somayyeh , Pirani Davoud , Sahebi Ali , Ghodsi Hassan , Ashtiani Iman Farahi , Dehghani Arezoo
Published: March 2020

Background

Examining various problems after disasters is important for the affected people. Managing humanitarian aid and donations among the affected people is considered as one of the most important problems after disasters. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the challenges and barriers of humanitarian aid management in 2017 Kermanshah Earthquake.

Methods

In the present study conducted from November 2017 to January 2018, conventional qualitative content analysis method was used. The population included 21 people including 6 humanitarian aid manager, 6 volunteers, 4 aid workers, and 5 affected people. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and purposeful sampling, which continued until saturating the data. The strategies recommended by Guba were used for evaluating the trustworthiness of the data. The data was analyzed according to method suggested by Graneheim and Lundman.

Results

Based on the results, two themes, nine categories, and 19 sub-categories were identified considering the challenges and barriers of humanitarian aid and donors’ management during the 2017 Kermanshah Earthquake. The categories included education, command and coordination, communication and information, rules, security, traffic and overcrowding, assessment, providing system, and cultural setting. Also, two themes including managerial and structural barriers were extracted.

Conclusion

Adopting an effective management and appropriate policies with respect to humanitarian aid and modifying structural and managerial barriers can improve the performance and management of humanitarian aid.
Changes in perceived knowledge about childbirth among pregnant women participating in the Senses of Birth Intervention in Brazil: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Fernandes Luísa M M , Lansky Sônia , Oliveira Bernardo J , Friche Amélia A L , Bozlak Christine T. , Shaw Benjamin A.
Published: March 2020

Background: Senses of Birth (SoB) is a health education intervention in Brazil that addresses reproductive rights, the benefits and risks of normal birth and cesarean, and use of evidence-based practices (EBP) during labor and childbirth, aiming to reduce unnecessary cesareans in the country. This study evaluates the impact of the SoB intervention on pregnant women’s perceived knowledge about normal birth, cesarean, and use of EBP in childbirth. Method: 1,287 pregnant women answered a structured questionnaire, immediately after their visit to the exhibition, between March 2015 and March 2016, in four cities. To identify the impact of the intervention on women’s perceived knowledge and possible association with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, statistical analyses were performed including paired T-tests, ANOVA, and logistic and linear regressions. Results: The mean score (MS) of perceived knowledge after the intervention was higher than the mean score before experiencing the SoB for all three knowledge domains: Normal Birth (MS Before= 3.71 x MS After= 4.49), Cesarean (MS Before= 3.54 x MS After= 4.26) and EBPs (MS Before= 3.14 x MS After= 4.14). The results suggest that SoB intervention was more effective for low income women (B = 0.206; p < 0.001 for EBP), women without private health insurance (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.49- 4.09 for normal birth), women with private prenatal care (OR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.59- 3.66 for normal birth), women experiencing their first pregnancy (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.31-2.82 for EBP; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for normal birth; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for cesarean), and women in their first or second trimester at the time of the intervention (OR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13-2.39 for EBP; OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11-1.97 for normal birth; OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.40-2.41 for cesarean). Conclusion: The study showed opportunities to increase knowledge among Brazilian pregnant women for the three knowledge domains, and a need to focus the discussion on how to achieve a positive experience of birth using EBP. The intervention gains relevance considering the lack of evidence of the efficacy of non-clinical interventions to reduce unnecessary cesareans in middle and low-income countries targeting women.
Improved ascertainment of modes of HIV transmission in Ukraine indicates importance of drug injecting and homosexual risk
Authors: Dumchev Kostyantyn , Kornilova Marina , Kulchynska Roksolana , Azarskova Marianna , Vitek Charles
Published: March 2020

Background

It is important to understand how HIV infection is transmitted in the population in order to guide prevention activities and properly allocate limited resources. In Ukraine and other countries where injecting drug use and homosexuality are stigmatized, the information about mode of transmission in case registration systems is often biased.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey in a random sample of patients registered at HIV clinics in seven regions of Ukraine in 2013-2015. The survey assessed behavioral risk factors and serological markers of viral hepatitis B and C. We analyzed the discrepancies between the registered mode of transmission and the survey data, and evaluated trends over three years.

Results

Of 2,285 participants, 1,032 (45.2%) were females. The proportion of new HIV cases likely caused by injecting drug use based on the survey data was 59.7% compared to 33.2% in official reporting, and proportion of cases likely acquired through homosexual transmission was 3.8% compared to 2.8%. We found a significant decrease from 63.2% to 57.5% in the proportion of injecting drug use-related cases and a steep increase from 2.5 to 5.2% in homosexual transmission over three years.

Conclusions

The study confirmed the significant degree of misclassification of HIV mode of transmission among registered cases. The role of injecting drug use in HIV transmission is gradually decreasing, but remains high. The proportion of cases related to homosexual transmission is relatively modest, but is rapidly increasing, especially in younger men. Improvements in ascertaining the risk factor information are essential to monitor the epidemic and to guide programmatic response.
Validation of RESP and PRESERVE score for ARDS patients with pumpless Extracorporeal Lung Assist (pECLA)
Authors: Petran Jan , Muelly Thorsten , Dembinski Rolf , Steuer Niklas , Arens Jutta , Marx Gernot , Kopp Ruedger
Published: March 2020

Background RESP score and PRESERVE score have been validated for veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in severe ARDS to assume individual mortality risk. ARDS patients with low-flow Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal, especially pumpless Extracorporeal Lung Assist, have also a high mortality rate, but there are no validated specific or general outcome scores. This retrospective study tested whether these established specific risk scores can be validated for pumpless Extracorporeal Lung Assist in ARDS patients in comparison to a general organ dysfunction score, the SOFA score. Methods In a retrospective single center cohort study we calculated and evaluated RESP, PRESERVE, and SOFA score for 73 ARDS patients with pumpless Extracorporeal Lung Assist treated between 2002 and 2016 using the XENIOS iLA Membrane Ventilator. 6 patients had a mild, 40 a moderate and 27 a severe ARDS according to the Berlin criteria. Demographic data and hospital mortality as well as ventilator settings, hemodynamic parameters, and blood gas measurement before and during extracorporeal therapy were recorded. Results Pumpless Extracorporeal Lung Assist of mechanical ventilated ARDS patients resulted in an optimized lung protective ventilation, significant reduction of PaCO2, and compensation of acidosis. Scoring showed a mean score of alive versus deceased patients of 3 ± 1 versus -1 ± 1 for RESP (p < 0.01), 3 ± 0 versus 6 ± 0 for PRESERVE (p < 0.05) and 8 ± 1 versus 10 ± 1 for SOFA (p < 0.05). Using receiver operating characteristic curves, area under the curve (AUC) was 0.78 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.67 – 0.89, p < 0.01) for RESP score, 0.80 (95 % CI 0.70 – 0.90, p < 0.0001) for PRESERVE score and 0.66 (95 % CI 0.53 – 0.79, p < 0.05) for SOFA score. Conclusions RESP and PRESERVE scores were superior to SOFA, as non-specific critical care score. Although scores were developed for veno-venous ECMO, we could validate RESP and PRESERVE score for pumpless Extracorporeal Lung Assist. In conclusion, RESP and PRESERVE score are suitable to estimate mortality risk of ARDS patients with an arterio-venous pumpless Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal.
High-throughput three-dimensional visualization of root system architecture of rice using X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Teramoto Shota , Takayasu Satoko , Kitomi Yuka , Arai-Sanoh Yumiko , Tanabata Takanari , Uga Yusaku
Published: March 2020

Background: X-ray computed tomography (CT) allows us to visualize root system architecture (RSA) beneath the soil, non-destructively and in a three-dimensional (3-D) form. However, CT scanning, reconstruction processes, and root isolation from X-ray CT volumes, take considerable time. For genetic analyses, such as quantitative trait locus mapping, which require a large population size, a high-throughput RSA visualization method is required. Results: We have developed a high-throughput process flow for the 3-D visualization of rice (Oryza sativa) RSA (consisting of radicle and crown roots), using X-ray CT. The process flow includes use of a uniform particle size, calcined clay to reduce the possibility of visualizing non-root segments, use of a higher tube voltage and current in the X-ray CT scanning to increase root-to-soil contrast, and use of a 3-D median filter and edge detection algorithm to isolate root segments. Using high-performance computing technology, this analysis flow requires only 10 min (33 s, if a rough image is acceptable) for CT scanning and reconstruction, and 2 min for image processing, to visualize rice RSA. This reduced time allowed us to conduct the genetic analysis associated with 3-D RSA phenotyping. In 2-week-old seedlings, 85% and 100% of radicle and crown roots were detected, when 16 cm and 20 cm diameter pots were used, respectively. The X-ray dose per scan was estimated at < 0.09 Gy, which did not impede rice growth. Using the developed process flow, we were able to follow daily RSA development, i.e., 4-D RSA development, of an upland rice variety, over three weeks. Conclusions: We developed a high-throughput process flow for 3-D rice RSA visualization by X-ray CT. The X-ray dose assay on plant growth has shown that this methodology could be applicable for 4-D RSA phenotyping. We named the RSA visualization method ‘RSAvis3D’ and are confident that it represents a potentially efficient application for 3-D RSA phenotyping of various plant species.
Untreated dental caries prevalence and impact on the quality of life among 11 to 14-year-old Egyptian schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Eid Samar , Khattab Nagwa , Elheeny Ahmad
Published: March 2020

Background This study aimed to assess caries prevalence and experience among 11 to 14 years, school children, analyze demographic, socioeconomic, personal and professional dental care in relation to untreated carious lesions, and evaluates the effect of decayed teeth on early adolescents’ oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods A cross-sectional analytical investigation was conducted on 1020 preparatory schoolchildren selected on the basis of a multistage sampling technique. Caries status of the participants detected via recording their caries experience and untreated cavities using DMFT and DT indices. OHRQoL was determined using a validated Arabic CPQ 11-14 short-form questionnaire. Statistical methods for descriptive analysis, chi-square test, Independent-Samples t test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis through a hierarchical approach was used to detect the influence of independent variables on DT scores. To declare the association between independent variables and QoL, a step-by-step, multivariate regression analysis was conducted. Results The average scores of DMFT and DT in this study were 2.97±1.29 and 1.66±1.24. Poisson regression analysis demonstrated that early adolescents whom their mothers with a lower level of education and of low socioeconomic status were 1.41 and 1.27 times respectively had higher DT scores when compared with their peers. Untreated cavities affected mainly by mother education, school type, family income, and regular dental appointments. Children with DMFT≤3) or DT=0 recorded a statistically significant lower CPQ 11-14 average score (p˂0.01) and (p˂0.0001) respectively. Conclusions Untreated carious cavities and caries experience were associated with lower socioeconomic, maternal education andl ess frequent tooth brushing. Untreated carious cavities have a significant negative impact on schoolchildren’s QoL. .
Systematic review of statistical methods for safety data in malaria chemoprevention in pregnancy trials
Authors: Patson Noel , Mukaka Mavuto , Otwombe Kennedy N , Kazembe Lawrence , Mathanga Don P , Mwapasa Victor , Kabaghe Alinune N , Eijkemans Marinus JC , Laufer Miriam K , Chirwa Tobias
Published: March 2020

Background Drug safety assessments in clinical trials present unique analytical challenges. Some of these include adjusting for individual follow-up time, repeated measurements of multiple outcomes and missing data among others. Furthermore, pre-specifying appropriate analysis becomes difficult as some safety endpoints are unexpected. Although existing guidelines such as CONSORT encourage thorough reporting of adverse events (AEs) in clinical trials, they provide limited details for safety data analysis. The limited guidelines may influence suboptimal analysis by failing to account for some analysis challenges above. A typical example where such challenges exist are trials of anti-malarial drugs for malaria prevention during pregnancy. Lack of proper standardized evaluation of the safety of antimalarial drugs has limited the ability to draw conclusions about safety. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to establish the current practice in statistical analysis for preventive antimalarial drug safety in pregnancy. Methods The search included five databased (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Malaria in Pregnancy Library and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) to identify original English articles reporting Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on anti-malarial drugs for malaria prevention in pregnancy published from January 2010 to July 2019. Results Eighteen trials were included in this review that collected multiple longitudinal safety outcomes including AEs. Statistical analysis and reporting of the safety outcomes in all the trials used descriptive statistics; proportions/counts (n=18, 100%) and mean/median (n=2, 11.1%). Results presentation included tabular (n=16, 88.9%) and text description (n=2, 11.1%). Univariate inferential methods were reported in most trials (n=16, 88.9%); including Chi-square/Fisher`s exact test (n=12, 66.7%), t-test (n=2, 11.1%) and Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon test (n=1, 5.6%). Multivariable methods, including Poisson and negative binomial were reported in few trials (n=4, 22.2%). Assessment of a potential link between missing efficacy data and safety outcomes was not reported in any of the trials that reported efficacy missing data (n=7, 38.9%). Conclusion The review demonstrated that statistical analysis of safety data in anti-malarial drugs for malarial chemoprevention in pregnancy RCTs is inadequate. The analyses insufficiently account for multiple safety outcomes potential dependence, follow-up time and informative missing data which can compromise anti-malarial drug safety evidence development, based on the available data.
Primary validation of Charm II tests for the detection of antimicrobial residues in a range of aquaculture fish
Authors: Mukota Aziz Kimera , Gondam Melanie Flore Kamini , Tsafack Julie Judith Takadong , Sasanya James , Reybroeck Wim , Ntale Muhammad , Nyanzi Steven Allan , Tebandeke Emmanuel
Published: March 2020

The study carried out a primary validation of Charm II tests for the detection of antimicrobial residues in aquaculture fish. The Validation was performed according to European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and the parameters determined included: detection capability, repeatability, reproducibility, specificity and robustness for the detection of antimicrobial residues in fish. Fish materials from different species including cat fish, trout, salmon, sea bass, tilapia, lingue and pangasius, were spiked with varying concentrations of selected antibiotics including sulfonamides, beta-lactams, macrolides, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides to determine the detection capabilities and other validation parameters of the Charm II tests. Results of the validation showed that the detection capabilities for the tetracyclines ranged from 25 µg/kg to 100 µg/kg, while the sulfonamides and aminoglycosides were detected at 25 µg/kg for all species under study. The detection capabilities for the beta-lactams ranged from 25 µg/kg to 300 µg/kg; and was 100 µg/kg for the tested macrolides. Results of the study showed that there was no significant difference between counts for samples read immediately after addition of the scintillation fluid and those read fourteen hours after addition of the scintillation fluid, provided that there was good vortexing before analysis. There was also no significant difference between counts for the same samples analyzed in different runs under repeatability and reproducibility conditions at the same spiking concentrations for the different fish species analyzed. The relative standard deviation for both repeatability and reproducibility ranged from 1.2 to 15.1%.The Charm II tests were found to be 100% group specific, as none of antimicrobials kits, gave false positive results when testing non-target antimicrobial drugs. Results of this study prove the specificity and precision of the Charm II assay in the detection of various antimicrobial residuals in fish. The results also demonstrate the suitability of the Charm II technique as a rapid screening tool for detection of antimicrobial residues in a variety of fish species at Maximum Residue Limits established in the EU guidelines, and its applicability for the rapid evaluation of the quality of aquaculture fish for safety and trade purposes.
Antiviral effect of copper chloride on feline calicivirus and Synergy with Ribavirin in vitro
Authors: Li Dengliang , Cui Zhanding , Li Guohua , Zhang Liangting , Zhang Ying , Zhao Han , Zhang Shuang , Guo Yanbing , Zhao Yanli , Men Fanxing , Zhao Shihui , Shao Jiang , Du Dongju , Huang Hailong , Wang Kai , Hu Guixue , Li Tiansong , Zhao Yongkun
Published: March 2020

Background: Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common pathogen causing widely prevalent upper respiratory disease for kitten and felines in recent years. Due to the substantial genetic variability of the viral genes, existing vaccines cannot provide complete protection. Therefore, researches on FCV antiviral drugs have received much attention. Results: In this study, we found that copper chloride had dose-dependent antiviral effects against FCV in F81 cells. We also found that the combination of copper chloride and ribavirin had a synergistic effect against FCV in the F81 cells. In contrast, the combination of and horse anti-FCV immunoglobulin F(ab’) 2 showed an antagonistic effect, likely because the copper chloride has an effect on the F(ab’) 2 immunoglobulin; however, further research is needed to clarify this supposition. Conclusions: In summary, we found that copper chloride had low cytotoxicity and significant antiviral effects against FCV in F81 cells, providing a new drug candidate for the prevention and treatment of FCV infection.
Using Real-Time Online Preprocessed Mouse Tracking for Lower Storage and Transmission Costs
Authors: Purnama Fajar , Usagawa Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2020

Pageview is the most popular webpage analytic metric in all sectors including blogs, business, e-commerce, education, entertainment, research, social media, and technology. To perform deeper analysis, additional methods are required such as mouse tracking, which can help researchers understand online user behavior on a single webpage. However, the geometrical data generated by mouse tracking are extremely large, and qualify as big data. A single swipe on a webpage from left to right can generate a megabyte (MB) of data. Fortunately, the geometrical data of each x and y point of the mouse trail are not always needed. Sometimes, analysts only need the heat map of a certain area or perhaps just a summary of the number of activities that occurred on a webpage. Therefore, recording all geometrical data is sometimes unnecessary. This work introduces preprocessing during real-time and online mouse tracking sessions. The preprocessing that is introduced converts the geometrical data from each x and y point to a region-of-interest concentration, in other words only heat map areas that the analyzer is interested in. Ultimately, the approach used here is able to greatly reduce the storage and transmission cost of real-time online mouse tracking.
Psychometric properties of the Czech Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale: Reliability and content validity analysis
Authors: Vlckova Karolina , Hoschlova Eva , Chroustova Eva , Loucka Martin
Published: March 2020

Background: Outcome measurement is an essential part of the evaluation of palliative care and the measurements need to be reliable, valid and adapted to the culture in which they are used. The Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale (IPOS) is a widely used tool for assessing personal-level outcomes in palliative care. The aim of this study was to provide Czech version of IPOS and asses its psychometric properties.
Methods: Patients receiving palliative care in hospice or hospitals completed the IPOS. The reliability of Czech IPOS was tested with Cronbach alpha (for internal consistency), the intraclass correlation coefficient for total IPOS score and weighted Kappa (for test-retest reliability of individual items). Factor analysis was used for elucidating the construct (Exploratory Factor Analysis). Convergent validity was tested with correlation analysis (Spearman correlation) in a part of the sample, who completed also the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS).
Results: The sample consisted of 140 patients (mean age 72; 90 women; 81 % oncological disease). The Cronbach alpha was 0.789; intraclass correlation was 0.88. The correlations of IPOS with ESAS was R= 0.4 and PPS R= -0.2. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 2-factor solution on our data. The first factor covers emotional and information needs and the second factor covers physical symptoms.
Conclusion: Czech IPOS has very good reliability regarding both internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Together with an item analysis results, we can conclude that the Czech adaptation of the tool was successful. The convergent validity needs to be assessed on the larger sample and the proposed 2-factor internal structure of the questionnaire has to be confirmed by using CFA.
Optimal Partner Wavelength Combination Method Applied to NIR Spectroscopic Analysis of Human Serum Globulin
Authors: Han Yun , Zhong Yun , Zhou Huihui , Kuang Xuesong
Published: March 2020

Human serum globulin (GLB), which contains various antibodies in healthy human serum, is of great significance for clinical trials and disease diagnosis. In this study, the GLB in human serum was rapidly analyzed by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy without chemical reagents. Optimal partner wavelength combination (OPWC) method was employed for selecting discrete information wavelength. For the OPWC, the redundant wavelengths were removed by repeated projection iteration based on binary linear regression, and the result converged to stable number of wavelengths. By the way, the convergence of algorithm was proved theoretically. Moving window partial least squares (MW-PLS), a well-performed wavelength selection method, was also performed for comparison. The optimal models were obtained by the two methods, and the corresponding root-mean-square error of cross validation and correlation coefficient of prediction (SECV, RP,CV) were 0.813 g·L-1 and 0.978 with OPWC combined with PLS (OPWC-PLS), and 0.804 g L-1 and 0.979 with MW-PLS, respectively. The two methods achieved almost the same good results. However, the OPWC only contained 28 wavelengths, so it had obvious lower model complexity. Thus it can be seen that the OPWC-PLS has great prediction performance for GLB and its algorithm is convergent and rapid. The results provide important technical support for the rapid detection of serum.
Diagnostic performance of individual characteristics and anthropometric measurements in detecting elevated serum alanine aminotransferase among children and adolescents
Authors: Ou Yu-Lan , Lai Yue-Rong , Jiang Chao-Nan , Zhang Jing , Ding Zan
Published: March 2020

Background: Screening for elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) can help identifying individuals at the risks of chronic and metabolic diseases, but blood collection is invasive and cannot be widely used for investigations. Considered as simple and inexpensive screening indices, individual characteristics and anthropometric measurements can be measured in a large crowd and may be important surrogate markers for ALAT levels. This study aimed to examine the diagnostic performance of individual characteristics and anthropometric parameters as predictive factors for discerning an elevated ALAT activity among Shenzhen children and adolescents.

Methods: A school-based screening study was performed from 9 high schools in Shenzhen during February 2017 and June 2018. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to examine the diagnostic performance of each variable for detecting elevated ALAT.

Results: Altogether 7271 students aged 9−17 years were involved. The proportion of elevated ALAT greatly increased with increasing classification of BMI-z. By the sex-specific cut-offs for elevated ALAT (30 U/L boys; 19 U/L girls), BMI showed the highest area under the curve of 0.789 (95% CI 0.765－0.812) and followed by weight (0.779 [0.755－0.802]), BMI-z (0.747 [0.722－0.772]), height (0.622 [0.597－0.647]), and age (0.608 [0.584－0.632]), while height-z was not capable. With the cut-off of 67.8 kg for weight and 22.6 kg/m2 for BMI, the accuracy to identify elevated ALAT was 87.1% for weight and 82.9% for BMI.

Conclusions: The presence of elevated ALAT was more common in overweight or obese children and adolescents. BMI and weight had the superiority of detecting elevated ALAT, followed by BMI-z, height, and age.
Correlation between UGT1A1 gene polymorphism and irinotecan chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer：a study from Guangxi Zhuang
Authors: Chen Shaojun , Hua Li , Feng Chenjun , Mo Qia , Wei Mengzhuan , Shen Yongqi , Lin Zhan , Li Guisheng , Xu Junyi , Guo Chengxian , huang haixin
Published: March 2020

Background: There are obviously ethnic differences between the UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms.Due to the difference of genetic background and environment,the treatment with colorectal cancer patients of Guangxi Zhuang should not completely follow the Euramerican or Chinese han patients.The study aimed to explore the correlation of UGT1A1 gene polymorphism of Guangxi Zhuang metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with irinotecan -based chemotherapy, in order to develop an individualized irinotecan regimen for mCRC patients of Guangxi Zhuang.
Methods: From June 2013 and June 2015, a total of 406 patients of Guangxi who were histologically diagnosed as metastatic colorectal cancer with 86 patients that conformed to inclusion and exclusion criteria were competitively enrolled.The distribution of UGT1A1 gene polymorphism was analyzed-retrospectively in all patients. Pyrosequencing method was used to detect the UGT1A1 *28 and*6 gene polymorphism in the 86 Guangxi Zhuang mCRC patients. After first-line chemotherapy with FOLFIRI regimen, the relationship between gene polymorphism of UGT1A1 and adverse reactions, and efficacy of Irinotecan were analyzed with χ2 test and Kaplan-Meier method.
Results: UGT1A1 *28 wild-type (TA6/6), heterozygous mutant (TA6/7) and homozygous mutant (TA7/7) accounted for 69.8%, 30.2% and 0%, respectively. UGT1A1 *6 wild type (G / G), heterozygous mutation type (G / A) and homozygous mutant (A / A) accounted for 76.7%，20.9% and 2.3%，respectively. UGT1A1 *28 TA6 / 7 type could increase the risk of grade 3~4 diarrhea (p=0.027), which did not increase the risk of grade 3~4 neutropenia (p=0.092). UGT1A1 *6 G / A and A / A type could increase the risk of grade 3~4 diarrhea and neutropenia (p=0.001; p=0.017). After chemotherapy with FOLFIRI, there was no significant difference in response rate (RR) (p=0.729; p=0.745) or in median progression-free survival (mPFS) between the wild-type, mutant treatment of UGT1A1 *28 and UGT1A1 *6 (7.0m vs 7.4m, p=0.427; 6.9m vs 7.0m p=0.408).
Conclusions: The distribution of UGT1A1 *28 and UGT1A1 *6 gene polymorphism in Guangxi Zhuang patients were differed from the existing reported of European people and Chinese Han population. The UGT1A1 gene polymorphism with irinotecan chemotherapy-associated diarrhea and neutropenia were closely related. There was no significant association between UGT1A1 gene polymorphism and therapeutic efficacy of irinotecan.
Occurrence, risk factors and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in dogs and cats in Guangzhou, southern China: high genotype diversity and zoonotic concern
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Lin Xuhui , Sun Yongxiang , Qi Nanshan , Lv Minna , Xiao Wenwan , Chen YuanCai , Xiang Ruiping , Sun Mingfei , Zhang Longxian
Published: March 2020

Background: Enterocytozoon bieneusi , a common opportunistic fungal pathogen, has a wide range of hosts. Limited epidemiological data on E. bieneusi intestinal infections in companion animals (dogs and cats) in China exists. In this study, fecal samples (651 from dogs and 389 from cats) in Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province, China, were collected, and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region from the DNA extracted from them was PCR-amplified and sequenced. Results: Based on the sequencing data, E. bieneusi was identified in the fecal samples collected from 149 (22.9%) and 79 (20.3%) dogs and cats. Of the factors investigated, poor living conditions appeared be the major risk factor for contracting the pathogen. Eleven E. bieneusi genotypes, six known (PtEb IX, GD1, D,CD9 , EbpC, I) and five novel (designated here as GD2– GD6), were found in dogs. Eight genotypes, six known (PtEb IX, GD1, D, CD9, EbpC, Type IV) and two novel (GD2 and GC1), were identified in cats. Genotype PtEb IX was most common in both dogs and cats, followed by genotype GD1. Conclusions: Although PtEb IX was the most common E. bieneusi genotype in dogs, this is the first report of this genotype dominating in cats. The same genotype distribution of the pathogen between the two different companion animals species in the same geographic area indicates that inter-species transmission is probable. The widespread existence of zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes (D, EbpC, Type IV) in companion animals indicates that they are potential sources of environmental contamination and infections in humans.
Factors Influencing Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in patients with Coronary Microvascular Disease and Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Mayala Henry Anselmo , Mafuru Magesa , Mkangala Abdalah , Mayala Mark , Pallangyo Pedro , Minja Dickson , Janabi Mohamed , Zhao-hui Wang
Published: March 2020

Objective: The aim of our research was to evaluate the relationship involving Left ventricular ejection fraction, low density lipoprotein, B-type natriuretic peptide, Troponin I and coronary flow reserve, and to determine the predictors of Left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with coronary microvascular disease and Obstructive coronary artery disease, and in patients with coronary microvascular disease.
Results: The mean age was 58.5±12.5 years. In patients with obstructive coronary disease and coronary microvascular disease we found low density lipoprotein-c had significant inverse relationship with left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular ejection fraction also had significant negative relationship with B-type natriuretic peptide, and Troponin-I. While a significant direct relationship turned out to be observed linking left ventricular ejection fraction with coronary flow reserve. Left ventricular ejection fraction had significant negative relationship with low density lipoprotein, and B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with Obstructive coronary artery disease only. Age, blood pressure, lipid levels, Red cell distribution width, Glycated hemoglobin, symptoms, New York heart association classification, Alcohol drinking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, troponin levels and B-type natriuretic peptide were the predictors for left ventricular ejection fraction in coronary microvascular disease patients.
Indonesian adolescents’ perspectives on smoking habits as a reference for a prevention program: a qualitative study
Authors: fithria fithria , Adlim Muhammad , Jannah Syarifah Rauzatul , Tahlil Teuku
Published: March 2020

Background

Religious factors have been used in tobacco control campaigns but due to different perceptions among Muslim scholars that might have an effect on followers, the strategies of control programs are still interesting. Therefore, this qualitative research aimed to explore the perspectives of Muslim adolescents on smoking habits as a reference for developing effective prevention programs.

Methods

Three focus group discussions involving 24 junior high school students (mean age=13.75 years) were the main source of data for this phenomenological qualitative study. The discussion guide was developed by the researchers based on the reviewed literature and validated by experts. The research findings were analyzed using an inductive content method with systematic steps based on the stages of qualitative data analysis.

Results

Adolescent perspectives on smoking were grouped into two themes: (a) perception, which encompassed three sub-themes: smoking as a social habit, contradictive feelings, and the Islamic perspective; (b) smoking-related factors involving peer pressure, the parents’ smoking status, curiosity, and masculinity.

Conclusion

The results indicated that adolescents consider smoking as a social habit but with contradictive feelings. From an Islamic perspective, smoking is not forbidden by the religion’s beliefs. The smoking habit was also stimulated by peer pressure, imitating parents who smoke, curiosity, and feeling masculine. We suggest that health professionals who are interested in developing smoking prevention programs should consider the adolescent perspective on smoking so that the prevention program will be more effective and appropriate for adolescents.
French Stigma Scale: French translation and validation of a stigma scale to measure diabetes-related stigma
Authors: Ouedraogo Johanne , Pana Magnoudewa , Dipankui Mylène Tantchou , Dogba Maman Joyce
Published: March 2020

Context: In recent years internalized stigma, or self-stigma, has been the focus of a number of studies in people living with chronic diseases and mental illness, as it can negatively impact access to care and quality of life. However, few studies have looked at self-stigma experienced by people living with diabetes, specifically among immigrants, a population with a higher risk of stigmatization. Furthermore, the majority of the tools used to measure this type of stigma are only available in English. In order to assess the level of self-stigma among francophone populations living with diabetes, it is imperative to possess a specific French-language tool allowing the measurement of self-stigma in this population. Objective: The aim of this study was to translate and validate a French version of the Self-Stigma Scale-Short (SSS-S), a tool for assessing internalized stigma, in the Canadian immigrant population living with diabetes. Methods: The reliability and validity of the French stigma scale were tested in a sample of 30 immigrant patients living with type 2 diabetes recruited using the volunteer method. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to assess the factors formulated in the original scale, the SSS-S. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale, Cronbach's alpha was used to estimate internal consistency and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess reliability. Results: The total mean score of the scale obtained for the study sample was 16.57 (± 5.10), showing a low level of stigma. Analysis of the scores indicated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.86) and excellent reliability (ICC = 0.94) for the full scale. The results of the exploratory factor analysis confirmed the original three-dimensional structure of the SSS-S, despite an unsatisfactory confirmatory factor analysis. (Pr > chi-squared of the base model < 0.05, RMSEA > 0.06, for both models). Conclusion: The French stigma scale is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to assess internalized stigma in patients living with diabetes.
Co-expression network analysis of the genes associated with pistillody-stamen development in wheat
Authors: Liao Mingli , Chen Zhenyong , Yang Zaijun , Chen Weiying , Wei Shuhong , Peng Zhengsong
Published: March 2020

Background: Crop male sterility has great values in both theoretical research and breeding application. Wheat pistillody-stamen is an important male sterility phenomenon, and HTS-1 is an important pistillody-stamen material. However the molecular mechanism of HTS-1 stamens transformed into pistils or pistil-like structures remains a mystery. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) are widely used to explore hub genes and gene interaction networks from high throughput data in various plants. Results: In the present study, for exploring gene networks associated with wheat pistillody-stamen development, WGCNA was employed to analyze 11 RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data of wheat tissues, including stamens of CSTP, pistils and pistillody-stamen of HTS-1. 19 out of 25 merged modules were highly associated with specific wheat tissues, and the MEdarkseagreen1 module was highly related to wheat pistillody-stamen (correlation with weight r =0.7, correlation p-value p =0.02). Then 180 genes about wheat flower development were identified from the MEdarkseagreen1 module by GO term analysis. Among 180 genes, the hub gene number associated with anther, filament, style, and ovary development were 12, 3, 3, and 10, respectively. We compared the published pistillody related proteins with proteins of HTS-1 by BLAST. A total of 58 pistillody-stamen development associated proteins were validated by BLAST. MADS-box and YABBY transcription factor about pistillody-stamen development were also analyzed in wheat flower. There were 47 of MADS-box and 17 of YABBY transcription factors were identified. BLAST program was used to align the published pistillody associated MADS-box and YABBY transcription factors with transcription factors identified in wheat flower. Totally, 36 of 47 MADS-box and 14 of 17 YABBY transcription factors were considered to regulate the development of pistillody-stamen, which had never been reported yet. Conclusion: These results have systematically identified the key candidate genes about the development of HTS-1 substructures flower. The tissue-specific correlation network analyses provide important insights into the molecular interactions underlying psitillody-stamen development.
How many digits after decimal point are needed to use SUVmax as an identifier of tumors on FDG PET-CT?
Authors: Hirata Kenji , Manabe Osamu , Magota Keiichi , Furuya Sho , Shiga Tohru , Kudo Kohsuke
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) is often described in daily clinical reports of FDG PET-CT. We investigated whether it would be possible to localize the voxel automatically based on the SUVmax.MethodsThe institutional review board approved this retrospective study. We investigated a total of 112 lesions from 30 FDG PET-CT images acquired with 3 different scanners. The number of voxels showing the given SUVmax was counted, where SUVmax was provided with various degrees of precision, such as 3, 3.1, 3.14, 3.142. The effects of local maximum restriction, where only local maximum voxels were chosen, were evaluated.ResultsSUVmax ranged from 1.3 to 49.1 (median = 5.6, IQR = 5.2). Generally, when larger and more precise SUVmax values were given, fewer voxels were included in the range. The local maximum restriction was very effective. When SUVmax was determined to 4 decimal places (e.g., 3.1416) and the local maximum restriction was applied, 33.3% (lesions with SUVmax<2), 79.5% (2≤SUVmax<5), and 97.8% of lesions (5≤SUVmax) were successfully identified (i.e., only a single voxel satisfied the criteria).ConclusionsIn FDG PET-CT, SUVmax can be used to localize the lesion if a large and precise SUVmax is provided.
Appropriateness Use Criteria of Trans-Thoracic 2D-Echocardiography Among Adult Patients in the Philippine General Hospital
Authors: Villanueva Danielle Louis , Patricio Marion , Magno Jose Donato , Punzalan Felix Eduardo
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND There is an increasing utilization rate and clinical importance of performing echocardiography especially in a tertiary referral center such as the UP-PGH. An appropriate use criteria (AUC) in echocardiography is essential to improve clinical outcomes while preserving hospital and patient resources. METHODS We reviewed the echocardiographic requests of patients referred for transthoracic 2d-echocardiography. Echocardiography indication were documented mainly using the echocardiography order/request form. The echocardiography indications were adjudicated by at least two investigators. If there was more than one indication that fit into the AUC 2011, the most appropriate one was retained. RESULTS A total of 1006 echocardiographic requests were included in this study. The patients were predominantly males (68.2%) and with a mean age of 56.27 ± 16.89. majority of the referrals came from the medicine wards (37.3%). The top three cardiac diagnosis are: Heart Failure (25.9%), Acute Coronary Syndrome (20.7%) and Hypertension (15.5%). Of the top 15 most common indications, 11 were appropriate while 2 were maybe appropriate, and 2 were rarely appropriate. The three most common specific indication is the evaluation for heart failure (21.4%), the search for a cardiac etiology for a particular symptom (14.3%) and the initial evaluation of a suspected hypertensive heart disease (9.9%). The most common rarely appropriate indication is the routine perioperative evaluation of ventricular function (5.5%). Majority of the echocardiography requests have appropriate indications (87.9%). CONCLUSION This is the first application of the AUC to the transthoracic 2d-echo here in the Philippines. The transthoracic 2D-echocardiography done in the Philippine General Hospital have mostly appropriate indications.