bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broad-range and Effective Detection of Human Noroviruses by Colloidal Gold Immunochromatographic Assay Based on the Shell Domain of the Major Capsid Protei
Authors: Xu Meng , Lu Feifeng , Wu Qingping , Zhang Jumei , Tian Peng , Xue Liang , Lyu Chenang , Xu Ting , Wang Dapeng
Published: August 2020

Background: Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are a major cause of nonbacterial gastroenteritis in all ages worldwide. As the replication of HuNoVs in vitro is immature, the detection of HuNoVs is depended on molecular assays such as RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. However, these molecular-based techniques require special equipment, unique reagents, experienced operators to perform, and extended time to get results. In addition, the genotypes of HuNoVs are broad. Therefore, a method for rapidly, broad-range, and effective approach for HuNoVs would be more applicable for screening infected people when outbreaks occur.Results: In this study, a colloidal-gold-based immunochromatographic assay (ICA) was developed for highly effective detection of HuNoVs in clinical samples. Monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against the shell (S) domain in the major capsid protein of HuNoV were used in the ICA. The limitations of detection for HuNoVs in clinical samples were 1.2×106 genomic copies per gram (gc/g) and 4.4×105 gc/g for genogroup I and II (GI and GII) HuNoVs, respectively. A total of 122 samples were tested for HuNoVs by ICA and compared against that by RT-qPCR. The relative sensitivity, specificity and agreement of the ICA was 84.2 % (95% CI: 83.6-84.8 %), 100.0 % (95 % CI: 98.5-100.0 %) and 87.7 % (95% CI: 85.6-89.8 %), respectively. No cross-reaction with other common enteric viruses or bacteria was observed. The ICA could detect a broad range of genotypes, including GI.1, GI.3, GI.4, GI.6, GI.14, GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.6, GII.13, and GII.17 HuNoVs.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that ICA targeting the S domain protein is a promising candidate for effectively improve identifying different genotypes of HuNoVs in clinical samples with high sensitivity and specificity.
Purification and Characterization of a Novel Bacteriocin Pediocin Z-1 Produced by Pediococcus Pentosaceus Z-1 Screened From Jinhua Ham
Authors: Yu Xiaohong , Yang Zhicai , Li Keyue , Liu Rui , Pei Huijie , Xiong Guoyuan , Yu Hai , Wu Mangang , Ge Qingfeng
Published: August 2020

Background: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can produce bacteriostatic substances, among which bacteriocins attracted wide attention in food preservation for decades. Up to date, nisin (class I bacteriocins) has been considered to be the only bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis strains for commercial use. Moreover, there are many other reports concerning the isolated bacteriocins for potential application in food industry while some exhibited a narrow bactericidal spectrum, thermal stability and low acid-base stability. Jinhua ham is a representative of traditional dry-cured meat product in China. The microbial community structure and diversity was speculated to be responsible for flavor and quality formation of Jinhua ham, protecting from the spoilage microorganisms contamination. However, no studies was performed to investigate the bacteriocin from LAB in Jinhua ham. Thus, the objective of this study was to screen out high-efficiency, safe and non-toxic bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Jinhua Ham and subsequently perform the purification, identification and characterization of its bacteriocin. Results: The bacteriocin-producing LAB was screened from Jinhua ham and then designated as Pediococcus pentosaceus Z-1 by colony morphology and 16S rDNA sequencing. The bacteriocin was then crudely extracted from the bacterial cell-free supernatant by pH adsorption, and further purified by cellulose DEAE-52 ion exchange and Sephadex G-50 chromatography columns. The tricine-SDS-PAGE electrophoresis showed a highly purified protein band with 8227.35 Da with 60 amino acids identified by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. The bacteriocin was named as pediocin Z-1 and its antibacterial activity exhibited an acid-base stability between pH 2-10 and a thermal stability at a range of 50-110°C. The pediocin Z-1 was sensitive to proteases and showed an inhibitory effect against Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella potsdam and Escherichia coli. Conclusions: Our data suggest that pediocin Z-1 has a comparable effect of antibacterial activity with nisin and it is promising that pediocin Z-1 has great potential for application prospect in the food industry.
Hypothyroidism and Risks of Cerebrovascular Complications Among Patients with Head and Neck Cancer After Radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Chi-Hung , Chang Joseph Tung-Chieh , Lee Tsong-Hai , Chang Pi-Yueh , Chang Chien-Hung , Wu Hsiu-Chuan , Chang Ting-Yu , Huang Kuo-Lun , Lin Chien-Yu , Fan Kang-Hsing , Chang Yeu-Jhy
Published: August 2020

Background: Hypothyroidism (HT) and carotid artery stenosis (CAS) are complications of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). The impact of post-RT HT on CAS progression remains unclear.Methods: Between 2013 and 2014, HNC patients who had ever received RT and were under regular follow-up in our hospital were initially screened. Patients were categorized into euthyroid (EU) and HT groups. Details of RT and HNC were recorded. Total plaque scores and degrees of CAS were measured during annual extracranial duplex follow-up. Patients were monitored for CAS progression to >50% stenosis or ischemic stroke (IS). Cumulative time to CAS progression and IS between the 2 groups were compared. Data were further analyzed based on the use or nonuse of thyroxine of the HT group.Results: 333 HNC patients with RT history were screened. Finally, 216 patients were recruited (94 and 122 patients in the EU and HT groups). Patients of the HT group received higher mean RT doses (HT vs. EU; 7021.55 ± 401.67 vs. 6869.69 ± 425.32 centi-grays, p = 0.02). Multivariate Cox models showed comparable CAS progression (p = 0.24) and IS occurrence (p = 0.51) between the 2 groups. Moreover, no significant difference was observed in time to CAS progression (p = 0.49) or IS (p = 0.31) among patients with EU and HT using and not using thyroxine supplement.Conclusion: Our results did not demonstrate significant effects of HT and thyroxine supplementation on CAS progression and IS incidence in patients with HNC after RT.
Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Surgical Outcome of Synthetic Fiber Conjunctival Granuloma
Authors: Chen Zhang , Wang Tianyang , Pan Qintuo , Zhang Zhaoliang , Zhang Zongduan
Published: August 2020

Background
Until recently, synthetic fiber conjunctival granuloma (SFCG) is rarely reported and has been poorly understood. Our study was to explore the clinical features, histopathologic characteristics, surgical outcomes, and prognosis of SFCG after surgical excision.
Methods
Retrospective review of clinical findings, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies identified 18 cases of SFCG. Specimens were routinely processed and stained with H&E. Immunohistochemical stains for GMS, PAS, CD68 and CK were also performed.
Results
Eighteen patients with an average age of 9.3 ± 6.6 years had a tender white to red mass on the conjunctiva. All the lesions were completely removed, and none of the patients relapsed. Histologically, all of the specimens revealed inflammatory granulation tissues with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration and the presence of synthetic fibers. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for CD68, CK, GMS and PAS.
Conclusions
Synthetic fiber conjunctival granuloma is an uncommon lesion with foreign body sensation caused by inoculation of synthetic exogenous materials. SFCGs are mostly unilateral and occur in the inferior conjunctival fornix. These lesions are characterized by a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration and the presence of synthetic fibers. Surgical excision followed by topical corticosteroids has been clinically proven to be effective.
Prevalence of Subclavian Artery Stenosis in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Hashad Assem AbdelAziz , Elagha Abdalla
Published: August 2020

Background : Atherosclerosis is the most common and serious vascular disease that affects both the brain and the heart .(1) Subclavian stenosis/occlusion is a marker for atherosclerotic disease (eg, carotid, coronary & lower extremity arteries) and future adverse cardiovascular events. (2) In this study, we identified the prevalence of subclavian artery stenosis in patients presented with coronary artery disease (CAD) through changes in the Doppler tracing of vertebral arteries that appear to represent a clue of subclavian artery stenosis.Methods: On the basis of extracranial Doppler ultrasound & supplementary intracranial Doppler ultrasound, we assessed the pattern of Doppler waveform in both carotid & vertebrobasilar systems among 100 consecutive patients who were hospitalized for CAD in the cardiovascular department.Results: Among 100 consecutive CAD patients studied, we identified stenosis and occlusion of subclavian artery in 5 patients (5%). In those patients, subclavian arterial disease was indirectly discovered by changes in Doppler waveforms of vertebral artery. Conclusions: Prevalence of subclavian artery stenosis in patients with CAD is 5%. Changes in the pulse contour of antegrade vertebral artery Doppler waveforms seem to represent a good screening method for subclavian steal phenomena.
Can Pre-Trained Convolutional Neural Networks be used as Feature Extractors for Video-based Neonatal Sleep and Wake Classification?
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Long Xi , Yin Bin , chen Chen , Akbarzadeh Saeed , Abbasi Saadullah Farooq , Irfan Muhammad , Lu Chunmei , Wang Xinhua , Wang Laishuan , Chen Wei
Published: August 2020

Objective
In this paper, we propose to evaluate the use of a pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNN’s) as a features extractor followed by the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to find the best discriminant features to perform classification using support vector machine (SVM) algorithm for neonatal sleep and wake states using Fluke® facial video frames. Using pre-trained CNN’s as feature extractor would hugely reduce the effort of collecting new neonatal data for training a neural network which could be computationally very expensive. The features are extracted after fully connected layers (FCL’s), where we compare several pre-trained CNN’s, e.g., VGG16, VGG19, InceptionV3, GoogLeNet, ResNet, and AlexNet.
Results
From around 2-h Fluke® video recording of seven neonate, we achieved a modest classification performance with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 65.3%, 69.8%, 61.0%, respectively with AlexNet using Fluke® (RGB) video frames. This indicates that using a pre-trained model as a feature extractor could not fully suffice for highly reliable sleep and wake classification in neonates. Therefore, in future a dedicated neural network trained on neonatal data or a transfer learning approach is required.
Assessing microRNA-375 Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Patients and T2DM Patients Having First-Degree Relatives With T2DM 
Authors: Xu Wu , Yashan Li , Baohua Man , Dexuan Li
Published: August 2020

Background:The pancreatic islet specific microRNA-375 (miR-375) is reported to be upregulated in diabetes patients suppressing the glucose-induced insulin secretion. In this clinical study we aimed to assess the significance of miR-375 among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and their first-degree relatives with normal glucose tolerance (FD-NGT) and those with T2DM (FD-T2DM).Methods:We included 56 Han Chinese individuals who received medical health check-ups from January 2018 to September 2018 in the Outpatient Department of Endocrinology, The Third Hospital of Yunnan Province, China. They were categorized as normal glucose tolerance (NGT), T2DM, FD-NGT and FD-T2DM. OGTT, C-Peptide and Insulin tests were performed to confirm the diagnosis. The miR-375 levels were determined by Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR).Results:The OGTT test showed a significant difference in T2DM and FD-T2DM groups compared with NGT and FD-NGT (p＜0.05). Similar results were observed during C-Peptide and insulin tests. Interestingly, the 2-hour insulin test showed FD-NGT group having a significantly higher mean ± standard error of (64.240±12.775) compared to NGT (28.836±10.875). Assessment of miR-375 expression levels in 4 groups showed a significant up-regulation in T2DM and FD-T2DM compared with NGT and FD-NGT group. A slight increase in miRNA expression was observed in FD-NGT compared with NGT group but was not statistically significant.Conclusion: A significantly higher miR-375 expression was observed in T2DM and FD-T2DM groups compared with NGT and FD-NGT and thus, miR-375 may serve as a stable biomarker for the early prediction of T2DM among high-risk individuals.
Six-long Non-coding RNA Signature to Predict the Prognosis of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Yang , Hu Chengping
Published: August 2020

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play essential roles in tumorigenesis and cancers prognosis, and they can be a potential cancer prognostic markers. However, in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD), how lncRNA signatures predict the survival of patients is poorly understood. Our study aims to explore lncRNA signatures and prognostic function in LUAD.Methods: The expression and prognosis data of lncRNAs in LUAD patients was collected from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. All analyses were performed using the R package (version 3.6.2). Metascape, STRING and Cytoscape were used for enrichment analysis and function prediction of the lncRNA co-expressed protein-coding genes.Results: We have collected lncRNA expression data in 466 LUAD tumors, and a six-lncRNA signature(RP11-79H23.3, RP11-309M7.1, CTD-2357A8.3, RP11-108P20.4, U47924.29, LHFPL3-AS2) has been shown to be significantly related to LUAD patients’ overall survival. According to the lncRNA signatures, the high-risk and low-risk groups were divided in LUAD patients with different survival rates. Further multivariable cox regression analysis showed that the prognostic value of this signature was independent of clinical factors. The potential functional roles and hub co-expressed protein-coding genes in the six prognostic lncRNAs are shown in the functional enrichment analysis.Conclusions: These results showed that these six lncRNAs could be independent predicted prognostic biomarkers in LUAD patients.
Quantifying the adhesive strength between the SARS-CoV-2 S-proteins and human receptor and its effect in therapeutics
Authors: Torre Mauricio Ponga de la
Published: August 2020

The binding affinity and adhesive strength between the spike (S) glycoproteins of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor is computed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The calculations indicate that the binding affinity is e RS = 12.6 ± 1 kCal∙mol-1 with a maximum adhesive force of ~102 pN. Our analysis suggests that only 27 (13 in S-protein, 14 in ACE2) residues are active during the initial fusion process between the S-protein and ACE2 receptor. With these insights, we investigated the effect of possible therapeutics in the size and wrapping time of virus particles by reducing the binding energy. Our analysis indicates that this energy has to be reduced significantly, around 50% or more, to block SARS-CoV-2 particles with radius in the order of R≤60 nm. Our study provides concise target residues and target binding energy reduction between S-proteins and receptors for the development of new therapeutics treatments for COVID-19 guided by computational design.
Analysis on Health-related Quality of Life of 180 Chinese Patients with Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Authors: Zhang Lina , Gao Chen , Wang Yuan , Zhou Wei , Xiao Kang , Chen Cao , Shi Qi , Dong Xiao-Ping
Published: August 2020

Aims Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) heavily affects the patient’s motor, cognitive, and psychological functions with 100% fatality rate. Yet, there are few studies focusing on the impact of sCJD on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the patients with validated instrument. We examined physical and mental conditions of those sCJD patients in China for the first time. Methods With EQ-5D-3L instrument, a telephone-based cross-sectional study was conducted in order to obtain health statuses of 180 probable Chinese sCJD cases diagnosed in the National Center for CJD surveillance from January 2017 to July 2018. Besides, a visual analogue score (VAS) was performed to evaluate the health status of the sCJD patients from the family members and relatives who nursing the patients. Results Nearly all of 180 sCJD patients showed the apparent problems in the demission of mobility, usual activities and self-care. More than 1/3 of patients (38.33%) recalled the moderate and severe problems in the demission of pain/uncomfortable. 47.78% of them had the problems in the demission of anxiety/depression. The health utility of sCJD patients was low, with the median of 0.206. Meanwhile, the EQ-VAS score of those sCJD patients was also extremely low, with the median of 0. Conclusion Compared with the published data of several other diseases, the quality of life of Chinese sCJD patients was extremely poor as demonstrated by the results of the generic EQ-5D-3L. More social attentions need to be paid to reduce the healthy and economic burdens for sCJD patients and their families.
Visualizing Local Electrical Properties of Composite Electrodes in Sulfide All-Solid-State Batteries by Scanning Probe Microscopy
Authors: Otoyama Misae , Yamaoka Takehiro , Ito Hiroyuki , Inagi Yuki , Sakuda Atsushi , Tatsumisago Masahiro , Hayashi Akitoshi
Published: August 2020

Studies on local conduction paths in composite electrodes are essential to the realization of high-performance sulfide all-solid-state lithium batteries. Here, we directly evaluate the electrical properties of individual LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC) electrode active material particles in composite positive electrodes by scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM) were combined. The results indicated that all NMC particles exhibit a charged state with increasing potential, but low electronic conduction paths exist at point contacts of some NMC particles. Furthermore, the I-V characteristics measured by conductive-atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) suggest that these specific NMC particles show low charge-discharge reactivity. The results of the SPM techniques indicate that poor conduction locally limits the charge-discharge reactivity of electrode active materials, leading to the degradation of battery performance. Such SPM combination accelerates the morphological optimization of composite electrodes by facilitating the investigation of the intrinsic electrical properties of the electrodes.
The Interaction between Population Age Structure and Policy Interventions on the Spread of COVID-19
Authors: Liu Zhu , Yin Hao , Kammen Daniel
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented public health crisis and economic shock to the global economy. After months of worldwide pause, countries and cities are facing growing pressure to lift restrictions on economic activity. The optimal reopening strategy may vary significantly between cities depending on their demographics and social mixing. In this study, we explore the interaction between population age structure and various containment interventions in four cities with different age distributions that have been or are currently local epicenters of the epidemic. Our model quantifies that earlier interventions avoided an additional 13%, 58%, 70% and 86% of the infections in Los Angeles, New York, Daegu and Nairobi, respectively, compared to what has been observed in the four cities. Critically, we find that not only can social-distancing policies exhibit strong age-differential effects, but that even age-targeted interventions can have significant spillovers. Specifically, 50% reduction in the contact rates of population under 20 and older than 60 avoids 5%, 11%, 11% and 28% of infection among the elderly than the policy targeting the older adults alone in New York, Daegu, Los Angeles and Nairobi, respectively. In particular, to protect the elderly, it is essential to increase social distancing among the younger population, especially those under 20 years old. An older population structure results in a higher fatality risk while might decrease the infection risk. This is particularly critical as colleges and universities, in both cities and small towns, plan for on-campus activities with students drawn from a globalized pool. An older population structure results in a higher fatality risk while might slightly decrease the infection risk. A higher basic reproduction number exacerbates the influence of an old population structure on the fatality risk of the elderly. The significant differences in susceptibility and severity by demographic characteristics calls for targeted interventions to suppress the spread of COVID-19.
Predictors and One-year Outcomes of Patients with Delayed Graft Function after Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Chen Rao , Wang Haifeng , Hou Jianfei , Dai Helong , Peng Longkai
Published: August 2020

Objective:Delayed graft function (DGF) is closely associated with the use of marginal donated kidneys due to deficits during transplantation and in recipients. We aimed to predict the incidence of DGF and evaluate its effect on graft survival.Methods:This retrospective study on kidney transplantation was conducted from January 1, 2018, to May 31, 2019, in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. We classified recipients into training and validation cohorts and used data from the training cohort to analyze the predictors of DGF. A nomogram was then constructed to predict the likelihood of DGF based on these predictors.Results:The incidence rate of DGF is 24.73%. Binary logistic regression analysis showed correlations between the incidence of DGF and cold ischemic time (CIT), warm ischemic time (WIT), donor body mass index (BMI), duration of pretransplant dialysis, diabetic donor, primary cause of donor death, and terminal serum creatinine concentration. The internal accuracy of the nomogram was 85.78%. One-year graft survival rates were 100% and 94.74%, respectively, for the groups with and without DGF (P<0.05).Conclusion:The nomogram established in this study showed good accuracy in predicting DGF after deceased donor kidney transplantation; additionally, DGF decreased one-year graft survival.
Lowest wealth quintiles predispose under-five children to stunting in Ethiopia: Updates of systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kassaw Mesfin Wudu , Afework Aschalew , Digssie Alemayehu , Fentahun Netsanet , Açık Murat , Awoke Taddesse
Published: August 2020

Background: Malnutrition remains as a major public health problem in the world, particularly in developing countries such as Ethiopia. The prevalence of stunting in Ethiopia has been decreased considerably from 58% in 2000 to 44% in 2011 and 38% in 2016. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the prevalence of stunting and its associations with wealth index among under-five children in Ethiopia. Methodology: The databases screened were PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, HINARI and grey literatures. The studies’ qualities were assessed by two reviewers independently, and any controversy was handled by other reviewers using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. In the statistical analysis, the funnel plot, Egger’s test, and Begg’s test were used to assess publication bias. The I2 statistic, forest plot, and Cochran’s Q test were used to deal with heterogeneity. Results: The pooled prevalence of stunting was 41.5% among under-five children, despite its considerable heterogeneity (I2=97.6%, p<0.001). However, the included studies had no publication bias in calculating the pooled prevalence (Egger’s test p=0.26; Begg’s test p=0.87). Children from households with a medium or low/poor wealth index had higher odds of stunting (AOR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.65 or AOR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.46, 2.54, respectively) compared to children from households with a high/rich wealth index. Conclusions: The pooled prevalence of stunting is great. In the subgroup analysis, the Amhara region, followed by the Oromia region and then the Tigray region had the highest prevalence of stunting
Genetic Polymorphism Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA from Chinese Guangdong Liannan Yao ethnic group
Authors: Sun Shiyu , Chen Jinpeng , Zhang Mingqi , Huang Huang , Lin Xihong , Du Weian , Sun Huilin
Published: August 2020

Background Genetic polymorphism and haplotype distribution characteristics analysis of mitochondrial DNA in Chinese Guangdong Liannan Yao group was conducted in this study, to provide genetic basis for tracing the origin and historical migration of Liannan Yao people.Results 46 mutation sites were found, and among which single nucleotide transition was the most commonly observed variant (86.17%). Multiple (sub)haplogroups were detected in Liannan Yao ethnic group, among which haplogroup D was the most common haplogroup (29.80%), and the least were C and Y(0.48% respectively). Conclusions The Liannan Yao population had the commonalities of the ethnic groups in southern China, but it was significantly different from other Chinese ethnic populations. The present results revealed that Liannan Yao ethnic group was genetically closer related to Fujian She ethnic population, Yunnan Yao population, and Hunnan Miao population. The data enriched the Chinese mtDNA database and provided a reference for forensic identification and screening for potential pathogenic mutations.
Laboratory and field evaluation of MAÏA®, an ointment containing N, N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) against mosquitoes in Burkina Faso
Authors: Traore Alphonse , Niyondiko Gérard , Sanou Antoine , Langevin Franck , Sagnon N'falé , Gansané Adama , Guelbeogo Moussa Wamdaogo
Published: August 2020

BackgroundMalaria vector control relies upon the use of insecticide treated nets and the Indoor Residual Spraying. However, as the emergency of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors grows, the effectiveness of these measures could be limited. Thus, alternative tools are needed. In this context, repellents can play an important role against exophagic and exophilic mosquitoes. This study evaluated the efficacy of MAÏA® , a novel repellent ointment, in laboratory and field conditions in Burkina Faso.For the Laboratory and field assessment, twenty volunteers were enrolled and trained for nocturnal collection of mosquitoes using Human Landing Catches (HLC).MethodsIn the laboratory tests, 2 mg / cm2 of treatments (either the MAIA® or the 20% DEET) were used to assess median Complete Protection (CPT) against two species that includes Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti following the WHO guidelines. For both species two strains consisting of susceptible and local strains were used. The susceptible strains were Kisumu and Bora Bora respectively for Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti. For the field test, the median CPT of the MAIA was compared to that of a negative (70% Ethanol) and positive (20% DEET) after carrying out human landing catches in rural Burkina Faso in both indoor and outdoor settings. ResultsLaboratory tests showed median Kaplan–Meier Complete Protection Times (CPT) of 6 hours 30 minutes for Anopheles gambiae (Kisumu), of 5 hours 30 minutes for Anopheles gambiae (Goden, local strain) and of 4 hours for Aedes aegypti for both the local and sensitive strain. Thus, these laboratory results suggest MAÏA® is a good repellent against the three mosquito species. Field tests showed that median CPT of 20% DEET and MAÏA® were similar (8 hours) and longer than that of the negative control (2 hours).During these field test, in the field a total of 3,979 mosquitoes were caught. In this population, Anopheline represented 98.5% and the culicine (Aedes) making up the remaining 1.5%. Among anopheline mosquitoes, 95% belonged to Anopheles gambiae complex, followed by Anopheles funestus, and Anopheles pharoensis. The median CPT of 20% DEET and MAÏA® were similar (8 hours) and longer than that of the negative control (2 hours).ConclusionResults from the present studies showed that MAÏA® offers high protection against Anophelines biting indoor and outdoor and could play an important role in malaria control in Africa.
The Fate of Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Antioxidant Properties in Dried and Roasted ‘Super Hot’ Chili Fruit
Authors: Yap Esther Shiau Ping , Uthairatanakij Apiradee , Laohakunjit Natta , Jitareerat Pongphen , Vongsawasdi Punchira , Aiamla-or Sukanya
Published: August 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Adherence Measurements among HIV-positive Adolescents on ARVs in Cameroon: Comparison between Self-report and the Medication Possession Ratio
Authors: Bongfen Mbuwir Charlotte , Torpey Kwasi , John Ganle , Augustine Ankomah
Published: August 2020

Objective Adherence to ARV medications has been shown to improve treatment outcomes in HIV positive patients. Given that treatment to ARV is lifelong, adherence has become a critical issue as it may reduce over time. Measuring adherence is therefore imperative in programming. There are different methods of measuring adherence with advantages and disadvantages depending on the context and the time. This study therefore compares two adherence measurement scales; Medication Possession Ration (MPR) and self-report adherence in Cameroon.Results The self-report adherence was 82.9% while adherence from the MPR was 73.4%. The two measures were compared using kappa statistics. There was substantial agreement between the two scales of 66% (p=0.54). The results of both self-report adherence and MPR were also compared with viral load suppression and the difference between viral load suppression and MPR was significant (p<0.01). The difference in adherence between viral load suppression and the self-report measure was also shown to be significant (p<0.01).
Association between Medical Resource Allocation and Satisfaction with Services of Public Health Management: Evidence from China
Authors: Qin Shangren , Wang Xiaohe
Published: August 2020

Background: People’s satisfaction has been one important indicator to measure the health care quality in health systems. Medial resource allocation issues have also become an important concern affecting the equity and satisfaction of health service. This study aimed to study the factors affecting people's satisfaction with the services of public health management in China. Specifically, we examine the association between medical resource allocation and satisfaction with the services of public health management.Methods: To explore the associations between medical resource allocation and satisfaction with services of public health management in China, we derived data from the 2013 wave of the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). Models were estimated using multivariable logistic regression analysis.Results: Among factors of evaluation of medical resource allocation, adequacy of medical service resources, market-oriented and insufficiently public of public health services, and convenience of access to public health services were all significantly associated with satisfaction with services of public health management except the balance of medical service resources' distribution. Also, for different service projects and areas, the link between satisfaction with health service and residents’ characteristics also depends on specific service content.Conclusions: There is a link between medical resource allocation and satisfaction with the services of public health management. Medical resource allocation does affect satisfaction with services of public health management. It is necessary to improve the adequacy, publicity of medical services, and convenience of access to public health services in China.
Visceral adiposity index is associated with lung function impairment: A population-based study
Authors: He Sunyue , Yang Jie , Li Xiaoyong , Gu Hongxia , Su Qing , Qin Li
Published: August 2020

Background: The effects of visceral adiposity on decreased lung function have drawn much attention. Recently, the visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been proposed as a visceral fat distribution and dysfunction marker. However, the relationship between the VAI and lung function has not been investigated. The objective of the study was to analyze the association between the VAI and lung function and evaluate the potential of VAI as a predictor of lung function.Methods: We enrolled data from a population-based study of 1786 subjects aged 40 years or older. All subjects completed a questionnaire and underwent anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests. Linear and logistic regression models were developed to assess the association between the VAI and lung function.Results: The VAI was inversely related to FVC%predicted in men and negatively associated with both FVC%predicted and FEV1%predicted in women. In the linear regression analysis, the decrease in FVC%predicted associated with a 1-SD increase in the VAI was 1.776% in men and 3.421% in women; the decrease in FEV1%predicted associated with a 1-SD increase in the VAI was 1.045% in men and 3.060% in women. Further regression analysis revealed that the VAI was positively correlated with FVC and FEV1 impairment in women.Conclusions: We were the first to show a clear correlation between VAI and lung function impairment in the Chinese population. The VAI could be a simple and reliable approach in daily practice, and individuals, especially women with a high VAI, should receive additional screening and preventive interventions for respiratory disease.
Female breast cancer in New South Wales, Australia, by country of birth: implications for health-service delivery
Authors: Roder David , Zhao George W , Challam Sheetal , Little Alana , Elder Elisabeth , Kostadinovska Gordana , Woodland Lisa , Currow David
Published: August 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Short-Term Interaction between Silent and Devastating Earthquakes in Mexico
Authors: Cruz-Atienza Víctor , Tago Josué , Villafuerte Carlos , Wei Meng , Garza-Girón Ricardo , Dominguez Luis , Kostoglodov Vladimir , Nishimura Takuya , Franco Sara , Real Jorge , Santoyo Miguel , Ito Yoshihiro , Kazachkina Ekaterina
Published: August 2020

Triggering of large earthquakes on a fault that hosts aseismic slip or, conversely, triggering of slow slip events (SSE) by passing seismic waves involves seismological questions with major hazard implications. Just a few observations plausibly suggest that such interactions actually happen in nature. In this study we show that three recent devastating earthquakes in Mexico are likely related to SSEs, describing a cascade of events interacting with each other on a regional scale via quasi-static and/or dynamic perturbations. Such interaction seems to be conditioned by the transient memory of Earth materials subject to the “traumatic” stressing produced by the seismic waves of the great Mw8.2 Tehuantepec earthquake, which strongly disturbed the aseismic beating over a 650 km long segment of the subduction plate interface. Our results imply that seismic hazard in large populated areas is a short-term evolving function of seismotectonic processes that are often observable.
The influence of medical insurance and social security cards on the floating population's settlement intention
Authors: Li Yulin , Huang Lingling , Xiang Li , dou dongmei
Published: August 2020

Background

There are many studies on the influencing factors of floating population's intention to settle down. Medical insurance and social security cards have an important guarantee for the floating population to live a stable life in the current residence, but there are limited studies focused on the influence of medical insurance and social security cards on their settlement intention. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to study the influence of medical insurance and social security card on the settlement intention of floating population, so as to create better living and working conditions for floating population and improve their happiness in their current place of residence.
Methods

Based on the survey data of China's floating population dynamic monitoring in 2017, we explored the influence of medical insurance (urban employee basic medical insurance) and social security cards on the floating population's settlement intention with binary logistic regression and structural equation model. Additionally, this study was also to examine the comprehensive causal relationship, with social integration as the mediator variable.
Results

The floating population's settlement intention on participating in urban employee basic medical insurance is 23.2 percent higher than those who did not participate. Whether to apply for personal social security cards is related to the settlement intention. The standardized regression coefficients among social insurance and security, social integration, and settlement intention are positive values, and the Z values ​​of the overall effect, indirect effect, and direct effect are all greater than 1.96, and the confidence interval of the indirect effect does not include 0. The article found that this model is a partial intermediary, with an intermediary ratio of 10.66 percent.
Conclusions

The article highlights the important impact of urban workers' medical insurance and individual social security cards on the floating population. The results of this study may provide some reference for the government to formulate relevant policies.
Efficacy of Clinical Palpation to Detect Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis of Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Mahdi Ahmad Naeem , Abdulrazaq Saif Saadedeen , Issa Sabah Abdulaziz
Published: August 2020

Background: Before excision of the primary tumor in oropharyngeal cancer, a decision must be made to treat the cervical lymph nodes (LN) or not. The study aimed to assess the role of clinical palpation (CP) for preoperative detection of LN metastasis. Methods: Twenty patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), managed by excision of the primary tumor and neck dissection. The histopathological examination results compared to the preoperative assessment of the nodes by CP.Results: There were 20 patients involved, 11 males and nine females. The mean age was 54.5 years. Twenty neck dissections performed; there was 14 LN metastasis as proved by histopathological examination. On CP, true positive was 12, false negative was two, true negative was two and false positive was four.Conclusions: Clinical palpation performed preoperatively is highly advised as it has high diagnostic capabilities to reach a decision to do neck dissection or not. Trial registration: not applicable
Correlation Between Glucose Metabolism Parameters Derived From FDG and Tumor TNM Stages and Metastasis-Associated Proteins in Colorectal Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Yang Jigang , Jiang Hao , Jiang Huijie , Wang Zhenchang
Published: August 2020

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between multiple metabolism parameters derived from FDG and tumor TNM stages as well as tumor metastasis-associated protein of GLUT-1 and MACC1 in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Methods 38 patients (24 male and 14 female) with primary CRC confirmed by elective surgery pathological, who also underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scans between 2017 and 2019 were included in this study. Tumor T, N and M classification according to the 7th American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). 18F-FDG parameters of SUVmax，SUVmean, TLG and MTV were measured by drawing a region of interest on the primary lesions. The expression of GLUT-1 and MACC1 was quantified by immunohistochemical and the correlation between metabolism parameters and tumor biomarkers were analyzed. Results According to our analysis, the 18F-FDG parameters of SUVmean was significantly correlated with tumor M status (P=0.000) of primary CRC. The primary tumor lesion with higher SUVmax, TLG and MTV values prone to a high-T status (P=0.002, 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). The high expression of GLUT-1/MACC1 were more frequently involved with T3-4 stage and poorly differentiated in CRC patients. Multivariate analysis found that the expression of GLUT-1 protein was correlated with SUVmax and MTV (R2=0.42, P=0.013 and 0.004, respectively), moreover, the expression of MACC1 protein was correlated with TLG (R2=0.372, P=0.000).Conclusion Glucose metabolism parameters derived from FDG provides a noninvasive assessment of M status and T status in CRC patients. The expression of GLUT-1 and MACC1 was associated with 18F-FDG uptake in CRC patients.
A Case of Postpartum Headache Post Dural Puncture. Post Dural Puncture Headache or Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome - Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome?
Authors: Turetti Melania , Barbagallo Maria , Scoditti Umberto , Genovese Antonio , Angeli Laura , Fieni Stefania , Frusca Tiziana , Bignami Elena
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUNDReversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) and Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) are two rare neurological conditions, clinically characterized of headache. This is sometimes difficult to differentiate from post dural puncture headache (PDPH). In our case a diagnosis of PDPH was made but imaging showed signs of RCVS-PRES. The novelty is that, unlike in cases reported in literature, no liquoral hypotension signs were detected on imaging.CASE PRESENTATIONWe present a case of RCVS-PRES in a postpartum woman that presented headache as first symptom, and only later experienced seizures. Epidural analgesia was performed during labour, and it was complicated by dural puncture that worked as a confounding factor in the clinical postpartum evaluation. Seizures represented an unexpected event in the course of treating this patient for post dural puncture headache.CONCLUSIONSWe point out the attention on changes of clinical characteristics of headache as an important factor to be analyzed, in order to have a prompt diagnosis. Moreover, we evaluate possible triggers of RCVS and PRES; in our case dural puncture is probably not the trigger, in fact there were no liquoral hypotension signs on imaging. According to literature reports, puerperium itself was a promoting factor.
Selecting an anti-malarial clinical candidate from two potent dihydroisoquinolones
Authors: Chen Yizhe , Zhu Fangyi , Hammill Jared , Holbrook Gloria , Yang Lei , Freeman Burgess , White Karen L , Shackleford David L , O’Loughlin Kathleen G , Tang Liang , Charman Susan A , Mirsalis Jon C , Guy R Kiplin
Published: August 2020

Background

The ongoing global malaria eradication campaign requires development of potent, safe, and cost-effective drugs lacking cross-resistance with existing chemotherapies. One critical step in drug development is selecting a suitable clinical candidate from late leads. Herein we present the process used to select the clinical candidate SJ733 from two potent dihydroisoquinolone (DHIQ) late leads, SJ733 and SJ311, based on their physicochemical, pharmacokinetic (PK), and toxicity profiles.
Methods

The compounds were tested to define their physicochemical properties including kinetic and thermodynamic solubility, partition coefficient, permeability, ionization constant, and binding to plasma and microsomal proteins. Metabolic stability was assessed in both microsomes and hepatocytes derived from mice, rats, dogs, and humans. Cytochrome p450 inhibition were assessed using recombinant human cytochrome enzymes. The pharmacokinetic profiles of single intravenous or oral doses were investigated in mice, rats, and dogs.
Results

Both compounds displayed similar physicochemical properties, but SJ733 was more permeable and metabolically less stable than SJ311 in vitro. Single dose PK studies of SJ733 in mice, rats, and dogs demonstrated appreciable oral bioavailability (60–100%), whereas SJ311 had lower oral bioavailability (mice 23%, rats 40%) and higher renal clearance (10–30 fold in rats and dogs), suggesting less favorable exposure in humans. SJ311 also displayed a narrower range of dose-proportional exposure, with plasma exposure flattening at doses above 200 mg/kg.
Conclusion

SJ733 was chosen as the candidate based on a more favorable dose proportionality of exposure and stronger expectation of the ability to justify a strong therapeutic index to regulators.
Prediction of hospital bed capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Deschepper Mieke , Eeckloo Kristof , Malfait Simon , Benoit Dominique , Callens Steven , Vansteelandt Stijn
Published: August 2020

Background: Prediction of the necessary capacity of beds by ward type (e.g. ICU) is essential for planning purposes during epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 taskforce within the Ghent University hospital made use of ten-day forecasts on the required number of beds for COVID-19 patients across different wards.Methods: The planning tool combined a Poisson model for the number of newly admitted patients on each day with a multistate model for the transitions of admitted patients to the different wards, discharge or death. These models were used to simulate the required capacity of beds by ward type over the next 10 days, along with worst-case and best-case bounds.Results: Overall, the models resulted in good predictions of the required number of beds across different hospital wards. Short-term predictions were especially accurate as these are less sensitive to a sudden increase or decrease in number of beds on a given ward. Code snippets and details on the set-up are provided to guide the reader to apply the planning tool on one’s own hospital data.Conclusions: We were able to achieve a fast setup of a planning tool useful within the COVID-19 pandemic, with a fair prediction on the needed capacity by ward type. This methodology can also be applied for other epidemics.
Daily Mean Temperature and HFMD: Risk Assessment and Attributable Fraction Identification in Ningbo China
Authors: Zhang Rui , Lin Zhehan , Guo Zhen , Chang Zhaorui , Niu Ran , Wang Yu , Wang Songwang , Li Yonghong
Published: August 2020

Background: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) remains a significant public health issue, especially in developing countries. Many studies have reported the association between environmental temperature and HFMD. However, the results are highly heterogeneous in different regions. In addition, there are few studies on the attributable risk of HFMD.Objectives: The study aimed to assess the association between temperature and HFMD incidence and to evaluate the attributable burden of HFMD in Ningbo China.Methods: The research used daily incidence of HFMD from 2014 to 2017 and distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) to investigate the effects of daily mean temperature (Tmean) on HFMD incidence from lag 0 to 30 days, after controlling potential confounders. The lag effects and cumulative relative risk (CRR) were analyzed. Attributable fraction (AF) of HFMD incidence due to temperature was calculated. Stratified analysis by age and gender were also conducted.Results: The Significant associations between Tmean and HFMD incidence were observed in Ningbo for lag 0-30. Two peaks were observed at both low (5°C -11°C ) and high (16°C -29°C ) temperature scales. For low temperature scale, the highest CRR was 2.22% (95% CI: 1.61-3.07) at 7°C on lag 0-30. For high temperature scale, the highest CRR was 3.54% (95% CI: 2.58-4.88) at 24°C on lag 0-30. The AF of low and high temperature was 5.23% (95% CI: 3.10-7.14) and 39.55% (95% CI: 30.91-45.51), respectively. There was no significant difference between gender- and age-specific AFs, even though the school-age and female children had slightly higher AF values.Conclusions: The result indicates that both high and low temperatures were associated with daily incidence of HFMD, and more burdens were caused by heat in Ningbo.