bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Firearms in a cohort of Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Leuenberger Laura , Lehman Erik , McCall-Hosenfeld Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Background: Almost one-half of U.S. women will experience intimate partner violence (IPV), defined as physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner. IPV is associated with an increased risk of homicide, with firearms as the most commonly used weapon. We designed this study to better understand the correlation of interpersonal trauma exposures and demographic factors on firearm perceptions among a cohort of IPV-exposed women. Methods: 267 women in central Pennsylvania with exposure to IPV were surveyed about perceptions of gun access, safety, and gun presence in the home. Trauma variables included IPV type, IPV recency, unwanted sexual exposure, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Multivariable analyses examined three questions examining firearm perceptions controlling for trauma exposures and demographics. Results: Ease of firearm acquisition: Women who were older (mean 44.92 years +/- SD 12.05), compared to women who were younger (40.91 +/- SD 11.81 years) were more likely to describe it as easy or very easy to acquire a gun (aOR 1.05, 95%CI 1.004, 1.10). Perceived safety in the proximity of a gun: Women with the highest ACE score were less likely to feel safe with a gun nearby (aOR 0.31, 95%CI 0.14,0.67). Odds of guns in the home: Women who were divorced or separated (aOR 0.22, 95%CI 0.09,0.54), women were widowed or single (aOR0.23, 95%CI 0.08,0.67), and women who were partnered (aOR 0.45 95%CI 0.20, 0.97) had lower odds of having a gun in the home, compared to married women. There was no significant effect of the trauma variables on the odds of having a gun at home. Conclusions: Women with more severe childhood trauma felt less safe around firearms, but trauma exposures did not predict the perception of gun prevalence in the local community or gun ownership. Instead, the demographic factor of marriage predicted presence of a gun in the home.
Results from the First Kuwait National Bariatric Surgery Report
Authors: Al-Sabah Salman , Haddad Eliana Al , Jumaa Taleb , Abbad Jassim Al , Salam Fareed , Abbas Mustafa , Kandari Mubarak Al , Ozairi Aws Al
Published: November 2020

Background Currently, more than 30% of the population in the gulf demonstrate a body mass index(BMI) exceeding 30. This burden of obesity has proven to take a toll on the population; therefore, we created the first Kuwait National Bariatric Surgery Database to report on bariatric surgeries performed in Kuwait.Methods Data was collected from the six public hospitals in Kuwait. This data was then submitted to a merged National Registry. Data web portal were used to upload, merge, and analyze the data.Results The average age for participants was 32.6 years. The average preoperative BMI was 45.9kg/m2 for males and 43.3kg/m2 for females. 16.4% of males and 12.3% of females presented with type 2 diabetes, while the most prevalent obesity related disease was a poor functional status in both males and females (90.8% and 90.5%, respectively). Most procedures performed in Kuwait are sleeve gastrectomy. The most encountered in-hospital complication after primary bariatric surgery was bleeding (1.5%), with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) having the highest recorded rate of post-operative complications (3.6% bleeding). The overall rate of operative complications was 2.6%, which was most prevalent post-RYGB (10.3%) and lowest post-sleeve gastrectomy (2.5%).Conclusion The importance of tracking and documenting the journey and change in the rates of obesity and effectiveness of bariatric procedures in individual countries with significantly high obesity rates is imperative to be able to create a plan of action to tackle this worldwide epidemic. This report will be able to provide the population with an accurate accounting that demonstrates further the safety of bariatric/metabolic surgery.
Measles Outbreak in Complex Emergency: Estimating Vaccine Effectiveness and Evaluation of the Vaccination Campaign in Borno State, Nigeria, 2019
Authors: Baptiste Anne Eudes Jean , Wagai John , Luce Richard Ray , Masresha Balcha Girma , Klinkenberg Don , Veldhuijzen Irene , Oteri Joseph , Dieng Boubacar , Ogbodo Caroline , Mele Sule , Audu Musa Idowu , Braka Fiona , Hahné Susan , Sanders Lieke E.A.M. , Hak Eelko
Published: November 2020

Background: From January to May 2019, large measles outbreaks affected Nigeria. Borno state was the most affected, recording 15,237 suspected cases with the state capital of Maiduguri having 1,125 cases investigated and line-listed by March 2019. In Borno state, 22 of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs or Districts), including 37 internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps were affected. In response to the situation, an outbreak response immunization (ORI) campaign was conducted in the 13 most affected LGAs. In addition to conventional vaccination teams, special teams were deployed in security compromised areas, areas with migrants, and for nomadic and IDPs. Here we describe the outbreak and the ORI campaign. We also assess the measles-containing vaccine (MCV) coverage and vaccine effectiveness (VE) in order to quantify the population-level impactMethods: We reviewed the ORI activities, and conducted an analysis of the surveillance and the outbreak investigation reports. We assessed VE of MCV by applying the screening-method. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to assess the effect of final classification of cases on the VE of MCV. The MCV coverage was assessed by a post-campaign coverage survey (PCCS) after completion of the ORI through a quantitative survey in the 12 LGAs that were accessible. . Results: Of the total 15,237 reported measles cases, 2,002 cases were line-listed and investigated, and 737 were confirmed for measles by week 9 of 2019. Of the investigated cases 67.3% (n = 1,348) were between 9 and 59 months of age. Among the 737 confirmed cases, only 9% (n = 64) stated being vaccinated with at least 1 dose of MCV. The overall VE for MCV was 98.4 (95%CI: 97.8 – 98.8). No significant differences were observed in the VE estimates of lab-confirmed and epi-linked cases when compared to the original estimates. The aggregated weighted vaccination coverage was 85.7% (95% CI: 79.6 – 90.1).Conclusion: The experience in Borno demonstrates that adequate VE can be obtained in conflict-affected areas. In complex emergency affected by measles outbreaks, health authorities may consider integration with other health strategies and the engagement of security personnel as part of the ORI activities.
Machine Learning and Statistical Approaches for Classification of Risk of Coronary Artery Disease using Plasma Cytokines.
Authors: Saharan Seema Singh , Nagar Pankaj , Creasy Kate Townsend , Stock Eveline O. , Feng James , Malloy Mary J. , Kane John P.
Published: November 2020

BackgroundAs per the 2017 WHO fact sheet, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the primary cause of death in the world, and accounts for 31% of total fatalities. The unprecedented 17.6 million deaths caused by CAD in 2016 underscores the urgent need to facilitate proactive and accelerated pre-emptive diagnosis. The innovative and emerging Machine Learning (ML) techniques can be leveraged to facilitate early detection of CAD which is a crucial factor in saving lives. The standard techniques like angiography, that provide reliable evidence are invasive and typically very expensive and risky. In contrast, ML model generated diagnosis is non-invasive, fast, accurate and affordable. Therefore, it can be used as a supplement or precursor to the conventional methods. This research demonstrates the implementation of K Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) and Random Forest ML algorithms to achieve a targeted “At Risk” CAD classification using an emerging set of 35 cytokine biomarkers that are strongly indicative predictive variables that can be potential targets for therapy. To ensure better generalizability, mechanisms such as data balancing, k-fold cross validation for hyperparameter tuning, feature selection via feature importance identification were integrated within the models.ResultsA total of 5 classifiers were developed, with two built using 35 cytokine predictive features and three built using a subset of cytokines, selected by variable importance techniques namely Random Forest, ReliefF and Boruta. The best Area under Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) based accuracy of .99 was achieved by the Random Forest classifier with 35 cytokine biomarkers. The second-best AUROC accuracy was achieved by the k-NN model using cytokines selected by the Random Forest variable importance selection mechanism.ConclusionsPresently, as large-scale efforts are gaining momentum to enable early, fast, reliable, affordable, and accessible detection of individuals at risk for CAD, the application of powerful ML algorithms can be leveraged as a supplement to the conventional treatments such as angiography. The early detection can be further improved by incorporating 65 novel and sensitive cytokines biomarkers. Investigation of the emerging role of cytokines in CAD can materially enhance the detection of risk and the discovery of mechanisms of disease that can lead to new therapeutic modalities.
Evaluation of patients' satisfaction on booking appointment system in dental school of Isfahan during 2018
Authors: Nilchian Firouzeh , ataie zahra , Jamshidian Hamid
Published: November 2020

Background: With the development of technology in recent years, booking appointment software systems have gained special and significant popularity among physicians and patients. As Medical university of Isfahan is one of the leading universities of the country the results of this study could be very important for the use of other health systems in different states of country. This research aimed to assess the patients’ satisfaction of the booking appointment system services of Isfahan dentistry faculty, considering its different types of booking systems and patient satisfaction. Methods: The study was descriptive and cross-sectional. The questionnaire was prepared using Zhang study in 2014 and the standard Forward-Backward translation method. In order to investigate the validity, the opinions of the professors of Isfahan Dental School were taken and the professional opinions of the individuals were applied. The questionnaire was distributed among patients referring to the dental school who had undergone the initial examination. After completing the data, SPSS software version 20 and descriptive and analytical statistical tests were used to analyze the data (a = 0.05).Results: In this study, independent t-test, Kruscal-Wallis test and Pearson correlation test were used to investigate the data. The Kruscal-Wallis test showed that overall satisfaction was significantly higher in patients who booked appointment online than in other patients (P = 0.003). The independent t-test showed that the mean scores of patient satisfaction with staff behavior (P = 0.03) and satisfaction with the waiting time (P = 0.01) were significantly different between native, non-native and passenger patients.Conclusion: Most of the people surveyed were generally relatively satisfied with the booking appointment services. Most of them surveyed came in person to queue. Most people cited cheap services as the main reason for their visits. Most people cited telephone busy signal as the reason for not using the telephone booking system.
Does Post-operative Radiotherapy Improve the Treatment Outcomes of Intracranial Hemangiopericytoma? A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xiao Jianbiao , Ding Yi , Xu Lanwei , Wang Wei , Chen Fen , Wu Xuehui , Zhou Yangshu , Zhou Qiyuan , Zhang Fengjiao , Li Junpeng , Liang Li , Jen Yee-Min
Published: November 2020

Background: The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of post-operative radiotherapy on the results in patients with intracranial hemangiopericytoma (HPC). Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 66 intracranial HPC patients treated between 1999 and 2019 including 29 with surgery followed by radiotherapy (11 with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and 18 with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)) and 37 with surgery alone. Chi-squared test was used to compare the clinical characteristic between the groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine prognostic factors of survival. Twenty-nine of the 37 surgery alone patients were matched to the 29 patients with postoperative radiotherapy by using Propensity score method. Results: The crude local control rates were 58.6% in the surgery plus post-operative radiotherapy group (PORT) and 67.6% in the surgery alone group (p = 0.453). In the subgroup analysis of the PORT patients, local controls were 72.7% in the IMRT group and 50% in the SRS group (p = 0.228). The median OS in the PORT and surgery groups were 122 months and 98 months, respectively (p = 0.169). The median RFS was 96 months in the PORT group and 72 months in the surgery alone group (p = 0.714). Regarding radiotherapy technique, the median OS and RFS of the SRS group were not significantly different from those in the IMRT group (p = 0.256, 0.960). The median RFS were 112 and 72 months for pathology grade II and III patients, respectively (p = 0.001). Propensity score matching did not change the observed results. Conclusion: PORT did not improve the local control rates nor the survivals. The local control rates after IMRT and SRS were similar even though the IMRT technique had a much higher biological dose compared with the SRS technique. PORT may not be indicated for intracranial HPC patients with a complete resection margin.
Global Research Trends at the Intersection of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Traditional, Integrative, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ng Jeremy Y.
Published: November 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and responsible for a global pandemic. Despite there being no known vaccines or medicines that prevent or cure COVID-19, many traditional, integrative, complementary and alternative medicines (TICAMs) have been touted as the solution, as well as researched as a potential remedy globally. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of global research trends at the intersection of TICAM and COVID-19. Methods: SCOPUS, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED and PSYCHINFO databases were searched on June 5, 2020, with results being exported on the same day. All publication types were included, however, articles were only deemed eligible if they made mention of one or more TICAMs for the potential prevention, treatment, and/or management of COVID-19. The following eligible article characteristics were extracted: title; author names, affiliations, and countries; DOI; publication language; publication type; publication year; journal (and whether it is TICAM-focused); impact factor, and TICAMs mentioned. Results: A total of 178 eligible articles were published by 856 unique authors at 541 affiliations across 43 countries. The most common countries associated with author affiliation included China, United States, Italy and India. The vast majority of articles were published in English, followed by Chinese. Eligible articles were published across 100 journals, of which 24 were TICAM-focussed; only 69 journals had a 2018 impact factor, which ranged from 0.672-59.102. A total of 180 TICAMs were mentioned across eligible articles, with the most common ones including: Traditional Chinese Medicine (n=64), vitamin D (n=44), melatonin (n=10), general herbal medicine (n=9), and vitamin C (n=8). Conclusions: This study provides researchers and clinicians with a greater knowledge of the characteristics of articles that been published globally at the intersection of COVID-19 and TICAM to date. At a time where safe and effective vaccines and medicines for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 have yet to be discovered, this study may aid to guide the identification and exploration of understudied TICAM therapies that may hold potential in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Developing EU environmental standards for the food, drink and milk industries: key environmental issues and data collection
Authors: Santonja German Giner , Karlis Panagiotis
Published: November 2020

Background: The European Commission organised the review of the Best Available Techniques Reference Document for the Food, Drink and Milk Industries according to the provisions of the Industrial Emissions Directive (Directive 2010/75/EU). Under this policy, an exchange of information between Member States, industrial organisations, non-governmental organisations promoting the protection of the environment and the European Commission took place. Results: A crucial part of developing these EU environmental standards was the systematic determination of the key environmental issues of the food, drink and milk sector. Key environmental issues were defined for emissions to air and water, and for energy and water consumption. The key environmental issues were systematically determined using four criteria proposed by the European Commission. Moreover, a data collection procedure was designed and real-plant emissions and consumption data were obtained for the first time from a representative variety of food, drink and milk installations across the European Union. Conclusions: The development of the EU environmental standards for the food, drink and milk sector are based on a systematic determination of the key environmental issues and on a representative data collection for this sector. This paper also highlights the main normative, organisational and procedural factors addressed during the environmental policy integration carried out to develop these standards.
The inhibitory effect of curcumin via fascin suppression through JAK/STAT3 pathway on metastasis and recurrence of ovary cancer cells.
Authors: Kim Mi Ju
Published: November 2020

Background: fascin is an actin-binding protein and highly expressed in ovarian cancer cells. It is associated with metastasis of cancer and may be a useful prognostic factor. Anticancer activity of curcumin is related to its effect on several signaling mechanisms. Although there have been many reports regarding the anticancer properties of curcumin, its inhibitory effects on migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, particularly in the context of fascin expression, have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin on fascin expression in ovarian cancer cells and to propose a possible mechanism for the anticancer activity of curcumin through reduced fascin expression. Methods: SKOV3, human epithelial ovary cancer cell line, was cultured with curcumin at various dose and duration. The fascin was quantified using cell viability test and Western blot. To determine the effect of curcumin on the upstream pathway of fascin expression, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was analyzed by sandwich-ELISA. Attachment assay, migration assay and invasion assay were analyzed to approve the change of cellular invasiveness of ovary cancer after curcumin. To determine the morphological changes of ovarian cancer cells by curcumin, immunofluorescence was performed. Results: MTS assays showed that cell viability was different at various concentration of curcumin, and as concentration increased, cell viability tended to decrease. Curcumin appears to suppress fascin expression, even with a minimal concentration and short exposure time. Also, curcumin may suppress fascin expression in ovarian cancer cells through STAT3 downregulation. The attachment assay, migration assay and invasion assay of the ovarian cancer cells exhibited a statistically significant decrease. Immunofluorescence revealed a change of cell shape from a typical form of uninfluenced cells to a more polygonal appearance, with a significant reduction in filopodia formation. Conclusions: Curcumin reduces fascin expression through JAK/STAT3 pathway inhibition, which interferes with the cellular interactions essential for the metastasis and recurrence of ovarian cancer cells. Higher curcumin concentrations and longer exposure times concomitantly decreased fascin expression.
Safely reducing haemodialysis frequency during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lodge Michelle da Silva , Abeygunaratne Thilini , Alderson Helen , Ali Ibrahim , Brown Nina , Chrysochou Constantina , Donne Rosie , Erekosima Ibi , Evans Philip , Flanagan Emma , Gray Simon , Green Darren , Hegarty Janet , Hyde Audrey , Kalra Philip A , Lamerton Elizabeth , Lewis David , Middleton Rachel , New David , Nipah Robert , O’Donoghue Donal , O’Riordan Edmond , Poulikakos Dimitrios , Rainone Francesco , Raman Maharajan , Ritchie James , Sinha Smeeta , Wood Grahame , Tollitt James
Published: November 2020

Background: Patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) are at higher risk of developing worse outcomes if they contract COVID-19. In our renal service we reduced HD frequency from thrice to twice-weekly in selected patients with the primary aim of reducing COVID 19 exposure and transmission between HD patients. Methods: Dialysis unit nephrologists identified 166 suitable patients (38.4% of our HD population) to temporarily convert to twice-weekly haemodialysis immediately prior to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in our area. Changes in pre-dialysis weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and biochemistry were recorded weekly throughout the 4-week project. Hyperkalaemic patients (serum potassium > 6.0mmol/L) were treated with a potassium binder, sodium bicarbonate and received responsive dietary advice. Results: There were 12 deaths (5 due to COVID-19) in the HD population, 6 of which were in the twice weekly HD group; no deaths were associated with change of dialysis protocol. A further 19 patients were either hospitalised and/or developed COVID-19 and thus transferred back to thrice weekly dialysis as per protocol. Of 141 eligible patients 113 (80.1%) were still receiving twice-weekly HD by the end of the 4-week project. Indications for transfer back to thrice weekly were; fluid overload (19), persistent hyperkalaemia (4), patient request (4) and compliance (1). There were statistically significant increases in SBP and pre-dialysis potassium during the project. Conclusions: Short term conversion of a large but selected HD population to twice-weekly dialysis sessions was possible and safe. This approach could help mitigate COVID-19 transmission amongst dialysis patients in centres with similar organisational pressures.
The McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire-Revised (MQOL-R). Psychometric properties and validation of a Brazilian version on palliative care patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Serrano Paul Vicuña , Serrano Gerardo Beltran , Torres Iraci Lucena da Silva , Graudner Roberta Rossi , Caumo Wolne , Caumo W
Published: November 2020

Background: To assess the psychometric properties, including internal consistency, construct validity, criterion validity, criterion-group validity, and responsiveness, the Reviewed McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL-R), into Brazilian Portuguese-(BrP). Also, to analyze the relationship of the BrP-MQOL-R with the scores on the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and on the Numerical Pain Scale (NPS 0-10).Methods: The BrP-MQOL-R was administered to a sample of 146 adults (men = 78). A team of experts translated the MQOL-R according to international guidelines. Convergent validity and Conﬁrmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed. Results: The BrP-MQOL-R Cronbach´s alfa was 0.85. CFA supported the original four-factor structure, with the following revised model fit-indices: PCLOSE = 0.131, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) rho2= 0.918, incremental fit index (IFI) delta 2 = 0.936. The convergence validity is supported by a significant correlation between BrP-MQOL-R total scores and their subscales with KPS and with the single item related to the quality of life. And by a converse correlation with the pain scores in the NPS (0-10). Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis showed subjects with KPS equal to or lower than 30% could be discriminated from those with scores on KPS higher than 30% by an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.71, sensitivity = 97%, and specificity = 92%). Conclusion: The BrP-MQOL-R proves to be a reliable instrument for assessing the quality of life (QOL) in palliative care (PC), with primary evidence of validity. BrP-MQOL-R presented adequate discriminate properties to identify distinct conditions that impact the QOL in PC.
Interpersonal relationships and drug use over time among homeless people: a qualitative study.
Authors: de Espíndola Marília Ignácio , Bedendo André , Silva Eroy Aparecida da , Noto Ana Regina
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Homelessness is one of the most severe forms of social exclusion and is an important public health issue. It is characterized by processes of weakening of interpersonal bonds. The objective of this study was, therefore, to elucidate how interpersonal relationships change over the life cycle of homeless drug and alcohol users.METHOD: We used a qualitative methodology. The participants were adults who had a history of homelessness and use of alcohol and other drugs. The interviews were semi structured and used a timeline instrument. All interview were audio recorded, transcribed, and submitted to thematic analysis.RESULTS: Twenty individuals participated in the study. Reports on social exclusion over time stood out in respect of four main themes and their respective subthemes: Theme 1 – Childhood: instability upbringing, abuse, violence, and an absent or not very present father figure; Theme 2 – Adolescence: school dropout and failure; acceptance of gender and sexual orientation; birth of first child, living with a partner or getting married: Theme 3 – Adulthood: estrangement or conflicting relationship with family; health problems; drug trafficking and prostitution; Theme 4 – Cross-cutting factors: death of relatives and substance use.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that interpersonal relationships are permeated by successive breakups, conflicts and other events that start in childhood and can have a cumulative effect in later stages of life, and cross the subsequent phases. Substance abuse and dependence are mentioned as cross-cutting factors that intensify social exclusion in all stages of life.
Clinical significance of D-dimer level in refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Huang Xia , Li Dan , Liu Feng , Zhao Deyu , Zhu Yifan , Tang Heng
Published: November 2020

Background: The levels of serum D-dimer (D-D) in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) were assessed to explore the clinical significance of D-D levels in refractory MPP (RMPP).Method: A total of 430 patients with MPP were enrolled between January 2015 and December 2015 and divided into a general MPP (GMPP) group (n=306) and a RMPP group (n=124). Clinical data, D-D level, white blood cell (WBC) count, proportion of neutrophils (N%), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of RMPP.Results: (1) Hospitalization time, preadmission fever duration, total fever duration, WBC, N %, CRP, LDH, ESR, ALT, AST, and D-D were significantly higher in the RMPP group than those in the GMPP group, (all P<0.05). (2) Correlation analysis showed that D-D was positively correlated with WBC, CRP, ESR, and LDH, and could be used to jointly evaluate the severity of the disease. (3) Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified preadmission fever duration, CRP, LDH and DD as independent risk factors for RMPP (all P<0. 05). D-D had the highest predictive power for RMPP (P<0.01).. The D-D level also had a good ability to predict pleural effusion and liver injury (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Serum D-D levels were significantly increased in patients with RMPP, indicating that excessive inflammatory response and vascular endothelial injury with prolonged duration existed in this patient population. Increased levels of serum D-D may be used as an early predictor of RMPP and the occurrence of complications. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis of RMPP, early intervention and excessive inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of mycoplasma.
Extraction socket grafting using Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 -Clinical implications and histological observations.
Authors: Durge Khushboo Jeevan , Baliga Vidya Sudhindra , Srid Shilpa Banglore , Dhadse Prasad Vijayrao , Ragit Gayatri Chandrakant
Published: November 2020

Objectives –The main indication for preserving osseous structures following tooth extraction has been the rehabilitation of edentulous ridges to facilitate the placement of dental implants. Recombinant Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2(rhBMP-2) is exploited for bone augmentation due to its osteoinductive capacity. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of bone induction for implant placement by rhBMP-2 delivered on beta-tricalcium phosphate graft (β-TCP) and PRF following tooth extraction.Results- At three months following socket grafting, minimal changes in the crestal bone width compared to baseline values were seen. A bone loss of 0.6 ± 0.13 mm and 0.5 ± 0.13 mm at the mesiodistal and buccolingual aspects, respectively, was seen. While drilling before the implant placement, the bone's clinical hardness evaluated through tactile was analogous to drilling into spruce or white pine wood. Complete radiographic bone fill was seen in 3 months, and there was no need for any additional augmentation during implant placement. Besides, histology revealed no residual bone particulate graft. Therefore, the data from this study demonstrated that the novel combination of rhBMP-2 +β-TCP mixed with PRF has an effect on de novo bone formation and can be recommended for socket grafting before implant placement.
Predicting the Incidence of Brucellosis in Western Iran using Markov switching model
Authors: Mohammadian-Khoshnoud Maryam , Sadeghifar Majid , Cheraghi Zahra , Hosseinkhani Zahra
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveBrucellosis is a zoonosis almost chronic disease. Brucellosis bacteria can remain in the environment for a long time. Thus, climate irregularities could pave the way for the survival of the bacterium Brucellosis. Brucellosis is more common in men 25 to 29 years of age, in the western provinces, and in the spring months. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of climatic factors as well as predicting the incidence of Brucellosis in Qazvin province using the Markov switching model (MSM). This study is a secondary study of data collected from 2010 to 2019 in Qazvin province. The data include Brucellosis cases and climatic parameters. Two state MSM with time lags of 0, 1 and 2 was fitted to the data. The Bayesian information criterion (BIC) was used to evaluate the models.ResultsAccording to the BIC, the two-state MSM with a one-month lag is a suitable model. The month, the average-wind-speed, the minimum-temperature have a positive effect on the number of brucellosis, the age and rainfall have a negative effect. The results show that the probability of an outbreak for the third month of 2019 is 0.30%.
The effect of hearing protection devices on speech intelligibility of Persian employees
Authors: Karami Mina , Aliabadi Mohsen , Golmohammadi Rostam , Nahrani Morteza Hamidi
Published: November 2020

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hearing protection devices (HPDs) on speech intelligibility in Persian work environments. Three current earmuffs and three earplugs and one of the prototypes of molded earplug were tested on 15 male subjects which were randomly selected. The noise reduction of HPDs was measured based on the Real Ear Attenuation at Threshold (REAT) method. Speech intelligibility during using HPDs was determined based on the speech discrimination score (SDS) at two signal to noise (S/N) ratios (0 and +5). Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.Results: The actual to nominal noise reduction rating values were from 47% to 84% for HPDs. At two S/N ratios, no significant differences were observed in speech intelligibility using HPDs (p >0.05). At S/N ratio=0, the speech intelligibility descriptively has been only improved by using common earmuffs up to 9.07 %. There was a significant difference up to 21.27% in speech intelligibility for proposed molded earplugs at S/N ratio=0 (p <0.05). Increasing the HPDs' noise attenuation values led to an increase in speech interference (p <0.05). The HPDs with the minimum required noise attenuation while maintaining acceptable speech intelligibility should be worn by employees exposed to medium noise levels.
In silico analysis of epitope-based CadF vaccine design against Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Naseri Mona Moballegh , Shams Saeed , Naseri Mohammad Moballegh , Bakhshi Bita
Published: November 2020

Objective: Vaccination is an important strategy for the eradication of infectious diseases. CadF protein of Campylobacter jejuni is one of the important factors in the pathogenesis of this bacterium. The purpose of this work was to perform a bioinformatics study to identify an epitope-based CadF vaccine, as a subunit vaccine. Full protein sequences of CadF were extracted from the NCBI and UniProt databases and subjected to in silico evaluations, including sequence analysis, allergenicity, antigenicity, epitope conservancy, and molecular docking assessments done by different servers. Results: The results showed that CadF was a highly conserved protein belonging to the outer member proteins superfamily. Among the evaluated epitopes, LSDSLALRL was identified as an antigenic and non-allergenic peptide with a suitable structure for vaccine development. It was also able to stimulate both T and B cells. This 9-mer peptide was located in 136-144 segment of CadF protein and interacted with both HLA-A 0101 and HLA-DRB1 0101 alleles. Overall, the obtained theoretical results showed that CadF protein could be used for designing and evaluating a new effective vaccine against C. jejuni.
Lifestyle Exercise Attenuates Immunosenescence; Flow Cytometry Analysis
Authors: Tylutka Anna , Morawin Barbara , Gramacki Artur , Zembron-Lacny Agnieszka
Published: November 2020

Background: Interaction of physical activity and the immune response is very complex and depends on the intensity, duration and frequency of undertaken physical activity, the exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and the age-related changes in the immune system. The daily physical activity, which particularly influences immunity, declines dramatically with age. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explain whether physical activity sustained throughout life can attenuate or reverse immunosenescenceMethods: Ninety-nine older adults (60-90 years) from the University of the Third Age were recruited for the study. According to the 6-min walk test (6WMT), the Åstrand-Ryhming bike test (VO2max) and Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire, the individuals were classified as physically active (n=34) and inactive (n=20) groups. The analysis of T lymphocytes between active vs. inactive was performed using eight-parameter CyFlow. Results: Analysis of the baseline peripheral naïve and memory T cells showed a significant relationship of lifestyle exercise with immunity risk profile (IRP) expressed by the CD4/CD8 ratio. Above 50% of physically active subjects demonstrated IRP ≥1 or ≤2.5 contrary to the inactive group who had IRP <1. The elderly with the result of 6WMT >1.3 m/s and VO2max >35 mL/kg/min had a significantly higher of CD4+ naïve T lymphocyte count and also a higher ratio of CD4+naïve/CD4+ memory. Interestingly, in active older adults with IgG CMV+ (n=30) the percentage of CD4+naïve T lymphocytes was higher than in the inactive group with IgG CMV+ (n=20).Conclusion: Based on the cytometry flow analysis, we concluded that lifestyle exercise could lead to rejuvenation of the immune system by increasing the naïve T cells count or by reducing the tendency of the inverse CD4/CD8 ratio.
Transformer-based deep neural network language models for Alzheimer’s disease detection from targeted speech
Authors: Roshanzamir Alireza , Aghajan Hamid , Baghshah Mahdieh Soleymani
Published: November 2020

Background: We developed transformer-based deep learning models based on natural language processing for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease from the picture description test.Methods: The lack of large datasets poses the most important limitation for using complex models that do not require feature engineering. Transformer-based pre-trained deep language models have recently made a large leap in NLP research and application. These models are pre-trained on available large datasets to understand natural language texts appropriately, and are shown to subsequently perform well on classification tasks with small training sets. The overall classification model is a simple classifier on top of the pre-trained deep language model.Results: The models are evaluated on picture description test transcripts of the Pitt corpus, which contains data of 170 AD patients with 257 interviews and 99 healthy controls with 243 interviews. The large bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERTLarge) embedding with logistic regression classifier achieves classification accuracy of 88.08%, which improves thestate-of-the-art by 2.48%.Conclusions: Using pre-trained language models can improve AD prediction. This not only solves the problem of lack of sufficiently large datasets, but also reduces the need for expert-defined features.
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with non-opticospinal manifestations as initial symptoms: A long-term observational study
Authors: Li Rui , Lu Danli , Li Hao , Wang Yuge , Shu Yaqing , Chang Yanyu , Sun Xiaobo , Lu Zhengqi , Qiu Wei , Yang Zhi
Published: November 2020

Background: Early stage neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) with non-opticospinal manifestations as initial symptoms are easily misdiagnosed; however, data on the full symptom profile are limited. Moreover, the clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of these patients remain unknown. We sought to analyze the clinical characteristics, imaging features, and long-term outcomes of NMOSD with non-opticospinal manifestations as initial symptoms.Methods: We retrospectively included relevant patients from our center. Clinical, demographic, magnetic resonance imaging, treatment, and outcome data were compared according to the non-opticospinal vs. opticospinal initial symptoms. Results: We identified 43 (9.13%) patients with non-opticospinal initial symptoms among 471 patients with NMOSD. Of these, 88.37% developed optic neuritis/myelitis during an average follow-up period of 6.33 years. All the non-opticospinal symptoms were brain/brainstem symptoms. Most of the symptoms and associated brain lesions were reversible. These patients had a younger onset age (P < 0.001), lower serum aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody titers (P = 0.030), and a lower Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score at onset (P < 0.001) and follow-up (P = 0.041) than did NMOSD patients with opticospinal initial symptoms. In addition, EDSS scores reached 3.0 (indicating moderate disability) later than in patients with opticospinal initial symptoms (P = 0.028).Conclusions: Patients with NMOSD with non-opticospinal initial symptoms have a younger onset age, lower serum AQP4 antibody titers, and better clinical outcomes.
Precision-Cut Bovine Udder Slices (PCBUS) as an in-vitro-model of an early phase of infection of bovine mastitis
Authors: Filor Viviane , Petry Monique , Meißner Jessica , Kietzmann Manfred
Published: November 2020

Background: The aim of this study was the establishment of precision-cut bovine udder slices (PCBUS) as an in-vitro -model to investigate pathophysiological processes in the early phase of mastitis in order to have the possibility to investigate new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of such udder inflammation in later studies. Furthermore, this model should contribute to substitute in-vivo -experiments. Bovine mastitis is one of the most common and costly infectious diseases in the dairy industry, which is largely associated with the use of antimicrobial agents. Given this problem of antimicrobial resistance, it is essential to step up research into bacterial infectious diseases. Thus, the transfer of the in-vitro -model of precision-cut tissue slices to the bovine udder enables broad research into new therapeutic approaches in this area and can also be used to address issues in basic research or the characterization of complex pathophysiological processes. Results: A stimulation with LPS, PGN or the combination of both substances (LPS:PGN) demonstrated the ability of the PCBUS to react with a significant secretion of IL-1ß, TNF-α and PGE 2 . Conclusion: The slices represent an instrument for investigating pharmacological interactions with udder tissue, which can be useful for studies on pharmacological questions and the understanding of complex pathophysiological processes of infection and inflammation.
Parasitism of Aedes albopictus by Ascogregarina taiwanensis lowers its competitive ability against Aedes triseriatus.
Authors: Stump Emma , Childs Lauren M , Walker Melody
Published: November 2020

Background: Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases that significantly impact the human population such as dengue, malaria and La Crosse virus. When multiple mosquito species are present, the competition between species may alter population dynamics as well as disease spread. Two mosquito species, Aedes albopictus and Aedes triseriatus, both inhabit areas where La Crosse virus is found. Infection of Aedes albopictus by the parasite Ascogregarina taiwanensis and Aedes triseriatus by the parasite Ascogregarina barretti can decrease a mosquito’s fitness, respectively. In particular, the decrease in fitness of Aedes albopictus occurs through the impact of Ascogregarina taiwanensis on female fecundity, larval development rate, and larval mortality and may impact its initial competitive advantage over Aedes triseriatus during invasion.Methods: We examine the effects of parasitism of gregarine parasites on Aedes albopictus and triseriatus population dynamics and competition with a focus on when Aedes albopictus is new to an area. We build a compartmental model including competition between Aedes albopictus and triseriatus while under parasitism of the gregarine parasites. Using parameters based on literature, we simulate the dynamics and analyze the equilibrium population proportion of the two species. We consider the presence of both parasites and potential dilution effects.Results: We show that increased levels of parasitism in Aedes albopictus will decrease the initial competitive advantage of the species over Aedes triseriatus and increase the survivorship of Aedes triseriatus. We find Aedes albopictus is better able to invade when there is more extreme parasitism of Aedes triseriatus. Furthermore, although the transient dynamics differ, dilution of the parasite density through uptake by both species does not alter the equilibrium population sizes of either species.Conclusions: Mosquito population dynamics are affected by many factors, such as abiotic factors (e.g. temperature and humidity) and competition between mosquito species. This is especially true when multiple mosquito species are vying to live in the same area. Knowledge of how population dynamics are affected by gregarine parasites among competing species can inform future mosquito control efforts and help prevent the spread of vector-borne disease.
Comparison of deep learning with regression analysis in creating predictive models for SARS-CoV-2 outcomes
Authors: Abdulaal Ahmed , Patel Aatish , Charani Esmita , Denny Sarah , Alqahtani Saleh A , Davies Gary W , Mughal Nabeela , Moore Luke SP
Published: November 2020

Background Accurately predicting patient outcomes in Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could aid patient management and allocation of healthcare resources. There are a variety of methods which can be used to develop prognostic models, ranging from logistic regression and survival analysis to more complex machine learning algorithms and deep learning. Despite several models having been created for SARS-CoV-2, most of these have been found to be highly susceptible to bias. We aimed to develop and compare two separate predictive models for death during admission with SARS-CoV-2.MethodBetween March 1 - April 24, 2020, 398 patients were identified with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in a London teaching hospital. Data from electronic health records were extracted and used to create two predictive models using: 1) a Cox regression model and 2) an artificial neural network (ANN). Model performance profiles were assessed by validation, discrimination, and calibration.Results Both the Cox regression and ANN models achieved high accuracy (83.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 73.8 - 91.1 and 90.0%, 95% CI: 81.2 - 95.6, respectively). The area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) for the ANN (92.6%, 95% CI: 91.1 - 94.1) was significantly greater than that of the Cox regression model (86.9%, 95% CI: 85.7 - 88.2), p=0.0136. Both models achieved acceptable calibration with Brier scores of 0.13 and 0.11 for the Cox model and ANN, respectively. ConclusionWe demonstrate an ANN which is non-inferior to a Cox regression model but with potential for further development such that it can learn as new data becomes available. Deep learning techniques are particularly suited to complex datasets with non-linear solutions, which make them appropriate for use in conditions with a paucity of prior knowledge. Accurate prognostic models for SARS-CoV-2 can provide benefits at the patient, departmental and organisational level.
Survey study of research integrity officer perceptions of research practices associated with instances of research misconduct
Authors: Kalichman Michael
Published: November 2020

Background: Research on research integrity has tended to focus on frequency of research misconduct and factors that might induce someone to commit research misconduct. A definitive answer to the first question has been elusive, but it remains clear that any research misconduct is too much. Answers to the second question are so diverse, it might be productive to ask a different question: What about how research is done allows research misconduct to occur? Methods: With that question in mind, research integrity officers (RIOs) of the 62 members of the American Association of Universities were invited to complete a brief survey about their most recent instance of a finding of research misconduct. Respondents were asked whether one or more good practices of research (e.g., openness and transparency, keeping good research records) were present in their case of research misconduct. Results: Twenty-four (24) of the respondents (39% response rate) indicated they had dealt with at least one finding of research misconduct and answered the survey questions. Over half of these RIOs reported that their case of research misconduct had occurred in an environment in which at least nine of the ten listed good practices of research were deficient. Conclusions: These results are not evidence for a causal effect of poor practices, but it is arguable that committing research misconduct would be more difficult if not impossible in research environments adhering to good practices of research.