bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on harm reduction services in Spain
Authors: Picchio Camila A , Valencia Jorge , Doran Jason , Swan Tracy , Pastor Marta , Martró Elisa , Colom Joan , Lazarus Jeffrey V
Published: September 2020

Background: Containment policies and other restrictions introduced by the Spanish government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic present challenges for marginalised populations, such as people who use drugs. Harm reduction centres are often linked to social services, mental health services, and infectious disease testing, in addition to tools and services that help to reduce the harms associated with injecting drugs. This study aimed to explore the impact of the pandemic on these services in four autonomous communities in Spain.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that employed a seven-section structured survey administered electronically to 20 centres in July 2020. Data from the most heavily affected months (March–June) in 2020 were compared to data from the same period in 2019. Averages were calculated with their ranges, rates, and absolute numbers.Results: All 11 responding centres reported having had to adapt or modify their services during the Spanish state of alarm (14 March–21 June 2020). One centre reported complete closure for two months and four reported increases in their operating hours. The average number of service users across all centres decreased by 22% in comparison to the same period in the previous year and the average needle distribution decreased by 40% in comparison to 2019. Most centres reported a decrease in infectious disease testing rates (hepatitis B and C viruses [HBV, HCV], human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and tuberculosis [TB]) for March, April, and May in 2020 compared to the previous year. Reported deaths as a result of overdose did not increase during the state of alarm, but 2/11 (18%) centres reported an increase in overdose deaths immediately after finalisation of the state of alarm.Conclusion: Overall, like other European countries, Spanish harm reduction centres were able to continue operating and offering services by adjusting operating hours. The number of overall service users and needles distributed fell during the Spanish state of alarm lockdown period, suggesting that fewer clients accessed harm reduction services during this time, putting them at greater risk of reusing or sharing injecting equipment, overdosing, acquiring infectious diseases with decreased access to testing or discontinuing ongoing treatment (methadone maintenance therapy, hepatitis C treatment, or antiretroviral therapy).
The mediating effect of social support on the relationship between perceived stress and quality of life among shidu parents in China
Authors: Wang Cong , Lin Shuang , Ma Yanni , Wang Yang
Published: September 2020

Background: “Loss-of-only-child family” refers to the family in which the only child died and the mother has passed her child-bearing age. The parents who are unable to reproduce or do not foster other children are known as “shidu parents” in China. This study aimed to estimate the quality of life (QOL) and the mediating role of social support between perceived stress and QOL in Chinese shidu parents.Methods: 502 shidu parents were recruited in Shenyang city. Shidu parents were asked to complete a questionnaire including the MOS item short from health survey (SF-36), the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ). Hierarchical linear regression was performed to assess the associations among perceived stress, social support and QOL. Asymptotic and resampling strategies were used to explore the mediating role of social support.Results: The mean score of PCS and MCS was 64.83 ± 22.66 and 59.36 ± 21.83, respectively. Perceived stress was found to be negatively associated with both PCS (β=-0.21, p < 0.001) and MCS (β=-0.28, p < 0.001), while social support was positively associated with both PCS (β = 0.32, p < 0.001) and MCS (β = 0.32, p < 0.001). For shidu parents, the proportion of mediation of social support between perceived stress and QOL was 36.85% for PCS and 29.45% for MCS, respectively.Conclusions: Perceived stress was associated with QOL and social support had a partially mediating effect between perceived stress and QOL in Chinese shidu parents. Low PCS and MCS of shidu parents highlight the need of timely developing interventions to reduce stress and reinforce social support to further improve their QOL.
Histone methyltransferase SETD1A participates in lung cancer progression
Authors: Du Mei , Wang Xiuwen , Gong Piping , Zhang Yun , Liu Yanguo , Liu Xiaozhen , Zhang Feng
Published: September 2020

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with an estimated 1.2 million deaths each year. Despite advances in lung cancer treatment, 5-year survival rates are lower than ~ 15%, which is attributed to diagnosis limitations and current clinical drug resistance. Recently, more evidence has suggested that epigenome dysregulation is associated with the initiation and progress of cancer, and targeting epigenome-related molecules improves cancer symptoms. Interestingly, some groups reported that the level of methylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) was increased in lung tumors and participated in abnormal transcriptional regulation. However, a mechanistic analysis is not available. In this report, we found that the SET domain containing 1A (SETD1A), the enzyme for H3K4me3, was elevated in lung cancer tissue compared to normal lung tissue. Knockdown of SETD1A in A549 and H1299 cells led to defects in cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by inhibited WNT and TGFβ pathways, compared with the control group. Xenograft assays also revealed a decreased tumor growth and EMT in the SETD1A silenced group compared with the control group. Mechanistic analysis suggested that SETD1A might regulate tumor progression via several critical oncogenes, which exhibited enhanced H3K4me3 levels around transcriptional start sites in lung cancer. This study illustrates the important role of SETD1A in lung cancer and provides a potential drug target for treatment.
Segmentation of Natural Images With K-Means and Hierarchical Algorithm Based on Mixture of Pearson Distributions
Authors: Sekhar P. Chandra , N Thirupathi Rao , Bhattacharyya Debnath , Kim Tai-hoon
Published: September 2020

Image analysis and retrieval are most important for video processing, remote sensing, computer vision and security and surveillance. In an image, regional variation is more important for authentication and identification. Nowadays, the model based segmentation methods are more prominent and provide accurate results for segmentation of images. For ascribing a suitable model it is reasonable to consider the probability model, which closely matches with the physical features of the image region. In this paper a new and novel approach of image segmentation is carried using the Type III Pearsonian system of distributions. In the current work, it is considered that the entire picture is characterized by a K-component combination of Pearsonian Type III distribution. Using the EM algorithm, the performance parameters for the currently considered model are estimated. Through experimentation 4 real images randomly selected from the Berkeley image database. The computed values of PRI, GCE and VOI revealed that proposed method provide more accurate results to the same images in which the image regions are left skewed and having long upper tiles. Through image quality metrics the performance of image retrieval with the proposed method is also studied and found that this method outperforms then that of the segmentation method based on GMM. The results of the current model is being compared with the other existing previous models like the 3-paprameter regression models and the k-means hierarchical clustering models for various sets of input images and the results are displayed in the performance evaluation models chapter in detail.
Salting-Out Induced Liquid-Liquid Microextraction for Alogliptin Benzoate Determination in Human Plasma by HPLC/UV
Authors: Hammad Sherin Farouk , Abdallah Inas , Bedair Alaa , Mansour Fotouh
Published: September 2020

Salting-out induced liquid-liquid microextraction method has been developed for plasma sample treatment before determination of alogliptin by high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Several parameters were optimized to achieve maximum enrichment including type of extractant, volume of extractant, type of anion, type of cation, salt amount and pH. The optimum conditions were achieved using 500 µL of acetonitrile, added to 1 mL of aqueous sample containing 250 mg of sodium chloride at pH 12. An RP-HPLC method was developed and validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines Q2 (R1). The method was linear in the concentration range of 0.1 to 50 µg/mL (correlation coefficient= 0.997). The limit of detection was 19 ng/mL and limit of quantitation was 60 ng /mL. The method was accurate and precise with a % recovery of 99.7% and a % relative standard deviation ranging between 1.5 and 2.5. These results showed that the salting-out induced liquid-liquid microextraction methods could be better than other sample preparation protocols in terms of sensitivity, easiness, solvent consumption and waste reduction.
Overexpression of OsMed16 inhibits rice growth and causes spontaneous cell death
Authors: Jiang Jie , Yang Guangzhe , Xin Yafeng , Wang Zhigang , Yan Wei , Chen Zhufeng , Tang Xiaoyan , Xia Jixing
Published: September 2020

Background
The Mediator complex transduces information from the DNA-bound transcription factors to the RNA polymerase II transcriptional machinery. Research on plant Mediator subunits was mainly performed in Arabidopsis, while very few of them have been functionally characterized in rice.
Results
Here the rice Mediator subunit 16, OsMed16, was studied. OsMed16 encoded a putative protein of 1301 amino acids, which is longer than the reported version. It was expressed in various rice organs, and localized in nucleus. Knockout of OsMed16 caused rice seedling lethality. Its overexpression led to rice growth retardation, low yield, and spontaneous cell death in leaf blade and leaf sheath. RNA sequencing suggested that overexpression of OsMed16 altered the expression of a large number of genes. Among them, the up-regulation of some defense-related genes was verified.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that OsMed16 can regulate the expression of a wealth of genes, and alterations in its expression have profound impact on plant growth, development and defense response in rice.
The Epidome - A species-specific Approach to Assess the Population Structure and Heterogeneity of Staphylococcus Epidermidis Colonization and Infection
Authors: Rendboe Amalie Katrine , Johannesen Thor Bech , Ingham Anna Cäcilia , Månsson Emeli , Iversen Søren , Baig Sharmin , Edslev Sofie , Jensen Jørgen Skov , Söderquist Bo , Andersen Paal Skytt , Stegger Marc
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAlthough generally known as a human commensal, Staphylococcus epidermidis is also an opportunistic pathogen that can cause nosocomial infections related to foreign body materials and immunicompromized patients. Infections are often caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) lineages that are difficult and costly to treat, and can have a major adverse impact on patients’ quality of life. Heterogeneity is a common phenomenon in both carriage and infection, but present methodology for detection of this is laborious or expensive. In this study, we present a culture-independent method, labelled Epidome, based on an amplicon sequencing-approach to deliver information beyond species level on primary samples and to elucidate clonality, population structure and temporal stability or niche selection of S. epidermidis communities. MethodsBased on an assessment of >800 genes from the S. epidermidis core genome, we identified genes with variable regions, which in combination facilitated the differentiation of phylogenetic clusters observed in silico, and allowed classification down to lineage level. A duplex PCR, combined with an amplicon sequencing protocol, and a downstream analysis pipeline were designed to provide subspecies information from primary samples. Additionally, a probe-based qPCR was designed to provide valuable absolute abundance quantification of S. epidermidis. ResultsA combined laboratory and bioinformatic approach was successfully designed and validated on isolates representing skin commensals and on genomic mock communities to validate primer specificity and reproducibility using technical replicates. The method was furthermore applied to a sample set of primary skin and nasal samples, revealing a high degree of heterogeneity in the S. epidermidis population at both sampling sites with resolution down to distinct lineages. Additionally, the qPCR, with a detection limit of <10 copies/µL, showed a high degree of variation in absolute abundance of S. epidermidis.ConclusionsThe Epidome method is designed for use on primary samples to obtain information on S. epidermidis abundance and diversity beyond species-level to answer important questions regarding the emergence and dissemination of nosocomial lineages, investigating clonality of S. epidermidis communities, population dynamics, and niche selection. Our targeted-sequencing method allows rapid differentiation and identification of clinically important nosocomial lineages in primary low-biomass samples such as skin samples.
Genome-wide DNA methylation and expression patterns of microRNAs in relation to breast cancer subtypes among American women of African and European ancestry
Authors: Gong Zhihong , Chen Jianhong , Wang Jie , Liu Song , Ambrosone Christine B. , Higgins Michael J.
Published: September 2020

Background: Aggressive high-grade, estrogen receptor negative (ER-) breast cancer is more common among American women of African ancestry (AA) than those of European ancestry (EA). The reasons remain largely unknown. Epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation and altered microRNA (miRNA) expression, may contribute to racial differences in breast cancer. However, few studies have specifically characterized genome-wide DNA methylation-based modifications at the miRNA level in relation to ER+ and ER- breast cancer, and their functional role in the regulation of miRNA expression, especially among high risk AA women. Methods: In this study, genome-wide DNA methylation and miRNA expression profiling was performed using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 Bead Chip platform and miRNA sequencing (miRNA-seq) in breast tumors from both AA and EA women. Results: The genome-wide methylation screen identified a total of 7,191 unique CpGs mapped to 1,292 miRNA genes, which correspond to 2,035 unique mature miRNAs. Cluster analysis of these miRNA-associated methylation loci showed a clear pattern of ER-subtype differences. We identified differentially methylated loci (DMLs: (|delta β|)>0.10, FDR<0.05) between ER- and ER+ tumor subtypes, including 290 DMLs shared in both races, 317 and 136 were specific to AA and EA women, respectively. Integrated analysis of DNA methylation and corresponding miRNA expression identified certain DMLs whose methylation levels were significantly correlated with the expression of relevant miRNAs, such as multiple CpGs within miR-190b and miR-135b highly negatively correlated with their expression. Further target prediction and pathway analysis showed that these DNA methylation-dysregulated miRNAs are involved in multiple cancer-related pathways, including cell cycle G1-S growth factor, cytoskeleton remodeling, angiogenesis, EMT, and others such as signal transduction TGF-β, Wnt, NOTCH, and ESR1-mediated signaling pathways. Conclusions: Our results suggest that DNA methylation changes within miRNA genes are associated with altered miRNA expression, which may contribute to the network of subtype- and race-related tumor biological differences in breast cancer. These findings shed light on the epigenetic regulation of miRNA expression and provide insights into the relations of clinical-relevant miRNAs to their target genes and to serve as potential preventative and therapeutic targets.
WITHDRAWN: Non-Exclusive Breast Feeding And Its Factors In The First 6-Month Life of Infants Among Mother-Infant Pairs of 6 to 12 months In Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019: Community Based cross sectional Study.
Authors: Feleke Dejen Getaneh , Kassahun Chanyalew Worku , W/mariam Tesfamichael G/Mariam , Tassaw Sheganew Fetene , Chanie Ermiase Sisay
Published: September 2020

BackgroundNon-exclusive breastfeeding is becoming major cause of infants and children morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Ethiopia. The magnitude of non-exclusive breast feeding and its factors is not addressed in the study area.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of non-exclusive breast feeding and its factors in the first 6 months life of infants among mother-infant pairs of 6 to 12 months in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.MethodsA Community based cross sectional study was conducted among 860 mother-infant pairs of 6 to 12 months in Debre Tabor Town, from March 1-30/2019. To select study participants cluster sampling technique was employed. Data was entered into Epi info version 7.2.0.1, and exported to SPSS window version 20 for analysis. Binary and Multivariable logistic regression was used to see the association between dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed. P-value < 0.05 was used to declare association.ResultsThe prevalence of non-exclusive breastfeeding of mothers to their infants within the first 6 months was found to be 39.8% (95% CI: 36.6-43.0). Mothers whose husbands had no formal education (AOR=6.60 [95%CI: 4.14, 10.41), primary education (AOR=4.30 [95% CI: 2.62, 7.20]), Mothers governmental employed ((AOR=8.20 [(95% CI: 5.191, 12.940]), daily laborer (AOR=1.70 [95% CI: 1.01, 2.90], merchant mothers (AOR=0.44 [95% CI: 0.35, 0.90]),and Mothers who had no post-natal care follow up for current baby in health service (AOR=2.40 [(95% CI: 1.56, 3.76]) were significantly associated with Non-exclusive breastfeeding within the first 6 months.Conclusion and RecommendationsHigh proportion of mothers practiced non-exclusive breast feeding within the first 6 months. Husband’s had no formal education, primary education maternal governmental employed, daily laborer, merchant and mothers who had no post-natal follow up were predictors with outcomes in the study area. Hence; it is better to increase annual leave for delivered mothers, improve awareness of husbands towards benefits of introducing complementary feeding timely, and advice mothers to improve post-natal period follow up.
Persistent Lymphopenia After Diagnosis of COVID-19 Predicts Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zou Zhiye , Chen Rong-ling , Yu Bao-jun , Ren Di , Feng Yong-wen , Wu Ming
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a main characterized by severe Coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19). Lymphopenia is a marker of immunosuppression following infection. This study was designed to establish whether persistent lymphopenia on the seventh day following the diagnosis of COVID-19 predicts ARDS. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 125 patients with COVID-19 admitted to government-designated treatment center between January 14, 2020, and March 20, 2020. All complete blood cell counts during the day 0th, 3rd, and 7th following the diagnosis of COVID-19 were recorded. Patients were grouped based on the depression of the lymphocyte cell count, their return, or their failure to normal. The primary outcome was ARDS, and Secondary outcomes included the development of vital organ dysfunction and hospital lengths of stay. RESULTS: 17.6% (22/125) patients developed ARDS. The lymphocyte counts with ARDS and non-ARDS were 0.94×109/L, 1.20×109/L at admission, respectively (P=0.02). At 3rd and 7th day, the median of lymphocyte count in ARDS was significantly lower compared with that of non-ARDS, Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for potentially confounding factors (including age, comorbidities, APACH II score) showed persistent lymphopenia within 7th day was found to be independently associated with ARDS (OR, 3.94 [95%CI, 1.26-12.33, P=0.018); Further, patients with persistent lymphopenia had longer hospital lengths of stay (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed persistent lymphopenia on the seventh day following the confirmed COVID-19 predicts ARDS，and it may be a target for immunostimulation for COVID-19 associated ARDS.
Identification of a novel subpopulation of Caspase-4 positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients.
Authors: Terlizzi Michela , Colarusso Chiara , De Rosa Ilaria , Somma Pasquale , Curcio Carlo , Aquino Rita , Panico Luigi , Salvi Rosario , Marino Federica Zito , Botti Gerardo , Pinto Aldo , Sorrentino Rosalinda
Published: September 2020

Background. Therapy/prognosis of Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are strongly related to gene alteration/s or protein expression. However, more than 50% of NSCLC patients are negative to key drugable biomarkers. Methods: We used human samples of NSCLC and mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma. Key Results. We found that caspase-4 was highly expressed in human lung tumor masses and was correlated to lower survival rate, especially of NSCLC patients positive to K-Ras and/or c-MyC gene alteration. In support, the involvement of caspase-4 in lung carcinogenesis was proved by means of animal models in that K-RasLA1 and K-RasLA1/p53R172HΔ transgenic mice had higher levels of caspase-11, responsible for lung carcinogenesis. Indeed, carcinogen-exposed caspase-11 knockout mice had lower tumor lesions and importantly bone marrow transplantation and adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated the carcinogenic relevance of caspase-11 in structural lung cells. In humans, caspase-4 was correlated to the TNM stage in that it induced cell proliferation in a K-Ras, c-MyC and IL-1α dependent manner. Caspase-4 positive (+) adenocarcinoma (79,3%) and squamous carcinoma (88.2%) patients had lower median survival than patients who had lower levels of caspase-4.Conclusions. We identified a group of NSCLC patients as caspase-4 positive and a subgroup of double and triple positive caspase-4, k-Ras and/or c-MyC patients. Because K-Ras and c-MyC are still undruggable, the identification of caspase-4 as a novel oncoprotein could introduce novelty in the clinical yet unmet needs for NSCLC patients.
Attitude and perceptions towards COVID-19 among pregnant women in Singapore: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: lee ryan wai kheong , ling loy see , liying yang , chan jerry kok yen , Kok Tan Lay
Published: September 2020

Background COVID-19 may predispose pregnant women to higher risks of severe disease and poorer neonatal outcome. Psychological sequalae of this pandemic may pose a greater conundrum than its clinical aspects. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women cope with this global pandemic and its ramifications. The aims of the study are to understand the attitude and perceptions of non-infected pregnant women towards the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore. Methods An online cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 awareness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Singapore was conducted. An internet link was provided to complete an online electronic survey on Google platform using a quick response (QR) code on mobile devices. The online survey consists of 34 questions that were categorized into 4 main sections, namely 1) social demographics 2) attitude on safe distancing measures 3) precaution practices and 4) perceptions of COVID-19. Results A total of 167 survey responses were obtained over eight weeks from April to June 2020. The majority of women were aged ≤35 years (76%, n=127), were of Chinese ethnicity (55%, n=91), attained tertiary education (62%, n=104) and were not working as frontline staff (70%). Using multiple linear regression models, Malay ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.04, 0.44) was associated with higher frequency of practicing social distancing. Malay women (β 0.48; 95% CI 0.16, 0.80) and those who worked as frontline staff (β 0.28; 95% CI 0.01, 0.56) sanitized their hands at higher frequencies. Age of ≥36 years (vs. ≤30 years, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.01, 0.46), Malay (vs. Chinese, β 0.27; 95% CI 0.06, 0.48) and Indian ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.41; 95% CI 0.02, 0.80), and attendance at high-risk clinic (vs. general clinic, β 0.20; 95% CI 0.01, 0.39) were associated with higher frequency of staying-at-home.Conclusion It is important for clinicians to render appropriate counselling and focused clarification on the effect of COVID-19 among pregnant women for psychological support and mental wellbeing.
Characteristics of Knowledge Translation Theories, Models and Frameworks for Health Technology Reassessment: Expert Perspectives Through a Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Esmail Rosmin , Clement Fiona M , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna , Niven Daniel J , Hanson Heather M
Published: September 2020

Background: Health Technology Reassessment (HTR) is a process that systematically assesses technologies that are currently used in the health care system. The process results in four outputs: increase use or decrease use, no change, or de-adoption of a technology. Implementation of these outputs remains a challenge. The Knowledge Translation (KT) field enables knowledge into practice. KT could help with implementation of HTR outputs. This study sought to identify which characteristics of KT theories, models, and frameworks (TMFs) could be useful, specifically for decrease use or de-adoption of a technology.Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used to ascertain the perspectives of international KT and HTR experts on the characteristics of KT TMFs for decrease use or de-adoption of a technology. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted from September to December 2019. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Themes and sub-themes were deduced from the data through framework analysis using five distinctive steps: familiarization, identifying an analytic framework, indexing, charting, mapping and interpretation. Themes and sub-themes were also mapped to existing KT TMFs.Results: Thirteen individuals from Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Spain, and Sweden participated in the study. Three themes emerged that illustrated the ideal traits of a KT TMF: principles that were foundational for HTR, levers of change, and steps for knowledge to action. Principles included evidence-based, high usability, patient-centered, and ability to apply to the micro, meso, macro levels. Levers of change were characterized as positive, neutral, or negative influences for changing behaviour for HTR. Steps for knowledge to action included: build the case for HTR, adapt research knowledge, assess context, select, tailor and implement interventions, and assess impact. Of the KT TMFs that were mapped, the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research had most of the characteristics, except ability to apply to micro, meso, macro levels. Conclusions: Application of KT TMFs to HTR has not been clearly understood. Characteristics that need to be considered within a KT TMF for implementing HTR outputs have been identified. Consideration of these characteristics within KT TMFs may guide users undertaking HTR projects.
Psychometric Properties of the Contextual Body Image Questionnaire for Athletes: A Replication and Extension Study in Female Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Stewart Tiffany , Kilpela Lisa , Wesley Nicole , Baule Kate , Becker Carolyn
Published: September 2020

Background: Although the link between body dissatisfaction and eating disorder (ED) pathology is well-established in general female samples, less is known about correlates of contextual body image (CBI) among female athletes. CBI refers to female athletes experiencing body image concerns in two distinct contexts: sport and daily life (de Bruin et al., 2011). The Contextual Body Image Questionnaire for Athletes (CBIQA) measures four factors of body image (Appearance, Thin-Fat Self-Evaluation, Thin-Fat Others’ Evaluation, and Muscularity) in both contexts. This study sought to A) investigate the psychometric properties of the CBIQA, B) examine the prospective relation of CBI with ED pathology and negative affect among female collegiate athletes, and C) the degree to which CBI prospectively predicts ED pathology and negative affect in female collegiate athletes. Method: Using self-report data collected from a multi-site parent trial, we first examined the psychometric properties of the CBIQA by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis. We assessed construct validity via cross-sectional bivariate correlation analyses with thin-ideal internalization, negative affect, and ED pathology. Lastly, using data collected at Time 1 and 6 months later (Time 2), we investigated the degree to which CBI prospectively predicted ED pathology and negative affect.Results: Results from the CFA largely confirmed de Bruin et al.’s (2011) original factor analysis. Two CBIQA factors (Thin-Fat Self and Appearance) in both contexts correlated with ED pathology and negative affect. Thin-Fat Others also correlated with ED pathology in both domains and negative affect in the sport domain. The Muscularity domain was predominantly orthogonal with other measures. CBIQA factors were uncorrelated with thin-ideal internalization. Finally, when controlling for BMI and Time 1 scores, daily life and sport appearance concerns predicted ED pathology, whereas perceived evaluation of thin-fat by others in the sport context predicted negative affect 6 months later. Conclusions: Results support the psychometric validity of the CBIQA and suggest that this measure appears to capture variance discrete from thin-ideal internalization. The Muscularity factor largely was not related to other outcomes. Further, specific elements of perceived self- and other-evaluation in both contexts is relevant to risk for ED pathology and negative affect. Future research could examine the impact of dual body image between seasons and after transitioning out of sport.Clinical trials registration: NCT01735994
Knowledge Attitudes and Practice of Breast Milk Expression and Storage Among Working Mothers With Infants Under 6 Months of Age in Public Well Baby Clinics
Authors: EDEMBA PRISCILLAH wanini , Irimu Grace , MUSOKE RACHEL
Published: September 2020

Background: Many studies show that working mothers are unable to exclusively breastfeed successfully. Expression and storage of breastmilk is a strategy that ensures continued breastmilk consumption in the event of temporary separation of an infant from the mother. The 2017 Kenyan Health Act mandates employers to provide lactation rooms with guidance for appropriate utilization.Methodology: The study objective was to assess knowledge attitude and practice of breastmilk expression and storage among working women with infants below six months of age in Public Well Baby Clinics. This was a cross sectional study among 395 working women attending two large public hospitals in Nairobi Kenya. A structured questionnaire with open and closed ended questions was used to establish the knowledge and practice while a Likert scale was used to explore attitudes of the mothers towards expression and storage of breast milk. Results: Only 161(41%) were expressing breast milk. Those with tertiary education and those working in the public sector had significantly higher odds of having satisfactory knowledge OR4.47(95%CI 2.01-11.07) and OR2.26(95%CI 1.33-3.85) respectively. Attaining tertiary education was significantly associated with a possibility of expressing and storing breastmilk OR3.6(95% CI 1.81-7.95). The workplace did not provide adequate equipment to facilitate breastmilk expression. Challenges experienced were breast pain and cumbersome nature of expressing milk.Conclusion: The study revealed knowledge gaps in expression and storage of breastmilk that need to be addressed to enable the mothers fully utilize the lactation rooms when they become available at the workplace.
Racial Disparities in Survival Among Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients First-Treated with The Combination of Paclitaxel and Platinum
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Wang Fengli , Huang Jihan , Lv Yinghua , Yin Fang , Liu Hongxia , Zheng Qingshan , Li Lujin
Published: September 2020

Background: In clinical practice, different chemotherapy schedules for NSCLC have potential impacts on overall survival, but not specific in NCCN guidelines. Although some meta-analyses have been conducted to identify the influencing factors, the results are limited by method. Our study is helpful to supplement the NCCN Guidelines.Methods: In order to evaluate and quantify the potential relationship between demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, etc. and overall survival as well as their impact on objective response rate and safety, we developed parametric proportional hazard regression models to describe the overall survival of advanced NSCLC patients first-treated with the paclitaxel-platinum regimen. Results: The principal finding of this research was that race significantly affected hazard of dying. Hazard of dying was 1.4 times higher in non-East Asians than in East Asians, and the hazard ratio of the OS curve was 0.71(95%CI: 0.65-0.78). The median survival time in East Asians and non-East Asians were estimated as 12.2 (95%CI: 10.5, 14.4) and 8.4 (95%CI: 6.5. 11.0) months, respectively. The ORR was 37% (95%CI: 32, 41) and 28% (95%CI: 25, 32) in East Asians and non-East Asians, respectively. Conclusions: Paclitaxel-platinum regimen had different efficacy in two racial groups. The developed model suggests that the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel-platinum regimen can vary between different racial populations because of differences in influencing factors (doses, platinum type, cycles, etc.)
Pregnant Women’s Health-related Behavior Changes and Psychological Status After the Peak of COVID-19 Outbreak in China: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tian Ruixue , Zhang Xu , Chen Xiaoli , Deng Che , Zou Zhijie , Liu Yanqun
Published: September 2020

Background: Little is known about the relationship between health-related behavior and psychological status of pregnant women during the COVID-19 outbreak. We aimed to describe the health-related behavior changes and psychological status of Chinese pregnant women, and to explore the relationship between pregnant women’s characteristics, health-related behavior and different psychological status following the peak of COVID-19 outbreak.Methods: We conducted an online survey through social media (WeChat) from March 14 to April 7. A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate Chinese pregnant women’s health-related behavior changes. Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Perceived Stress Scale were used to assess anxiety, depression and stress among pregnant women. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare health-related behavior changes before and during the COVID-19 outbreak and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis or logistic regression analysis were used to explore the relationships between variables.Results: A total of 113 pregnant women were included in this study. Most pregnant women wore masks (98.2%), changed location or tried to stay away from those who seem to have a cold or fever (99.1%) and washed hands more often than before (96.5%). Pregnant women washed hands with soap or hand sanitizer more often and went out less often than before the outbreak. There were 41.6% pregnant women who didn’t have antenatal visits or weren’t on time for antenatal visits. Majority (77.9%) pregnant women sought help when feeling panic or anxiety, whereas few turned to psychological workers. The rates of pregnant women with anxiety, depression and health risk stress were 64.6%, 58.4% and 54.9%, respectively. Analysis of relationship between variables showed that household income, gestational age, pregnancy complications, knowledge about COVID-19 and maternal and child protection, perception of the likelihood of infection, the frequency of going out, prenatal check-up behavior, help-seeking behavior were significantly associated or correlated with psychological status. Conclusions: Attention should be paid to the mental health of pregnant women with specific health-related behaviors changes. Screening for mental health problems and psychological interventions among pregnant women are needed.
A Novel Method for Mass Measurement by Quantitative Image Deformation
Authors: Zhang Xuejun , Liang Chan , Lao Huan , Liang Binmei , Sun Yinghua
Published: September 2020

Mass of an object is an important characteristic for quality assessment. However, in some cases, it is hard to measure the mass of objects with instruments directly. In this paper, we proposed a novel method based on image processing to measure the mass of an object by analyzing the deformation degree in a grid pattern. In the spatial field, thin plate spline algorithm was adopted to calculate the minimum deformation bending energy in order to give a quantitative analysis of the weight; In frequency domain, the Fast Fourier Transform algorithm was used to calculate the spectrum within a deformation frequency area before and after the change of grids, from which the relationship between weight and spectrum was investigated. Two different equations evaluated by the above two methods were proposed in order to calculate the mass of an object. Both of them showed a high level of explanatory power of R 2 (R 2 =0.9833 and R 2 =0.9698, respectively). The equations were then used to determine the estimated mass. Estimated and measured values were plotted against each other. A high correlation (R 2 =0.9833 and R 2 =0.9698, respectively) was found between actual and calculated mass. Finally, Bland-Altman plot was introduced to access the agreement of the calculated mass and the actual mass. The average bias was -54.408g and -0.007g for spatial domain method and frequency domain method, respectively. Theoretical analysis and experiments were performed to verify the effectiveness of our approaches.
Improvement in Making ACI-rat Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in The Experiments of Interventional Therapy and Its Imaging Properties
Authors: Zheng SuSu , Tan ChangJun , Lin JiaJia , Jing ChuYu , Yin Xin , Hu JinWu , Tan Hui , Zhang Boheng
Published: September 2020

PURPOSE

To improve the preparation of August Copenhagen Irish(ACI)-rat model suitable for interventional therapy, and to investigate its 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D -glucose-Positron emission tomography(FDG-PET) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) features.
METHODS

Morris hepatoma 3924A tumors were implanted in the left lobe of the liver in 20 male ACI rats. FDG-PET and MRI scans were performed on day 14 after implantation. After that, all the rats were sacrificed and samples of tissues were fixed and used for various analyses.
RESULTS

FDG-PET scans showed increased uptake of 18F-FDG of tumor nodules, and no signs of wound and peritoneal cavity metastases. The average maximum standardized uptake value(SUVmax) in tumors was 4.85 ± 0.86(range, 3.58–6.6) and 0.79 ± 0.42(range, 0.27–1.63) in the surrounding normal liver tissues. Tumor nodules on MRI were shown to be hypointensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images. The average tumor volume was 106 ± 15 mm3. No intrahepatic metastasis or lung metastasis were found on day 14.
CONCLUSION

FDG-PET is useful in screening the earlier cases with implantation metastasis. MRI is useful in assessing this interventional model. The tumor model shows a well application for the interventional therapy experiment.
Effective treatment with Tocilizumab in a COVID-19 patient on maintenance hemodialysis: A case report
Authors: Nourié Nicole , Chamaa Mohamed Ammar , Mouawad Sarah , Koteit Micheline Mia , Finianos Serge , Azar Hiba , Chelala Dania
Published: September 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly spreading infective disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2). The management of this disease remains a challenge particularly in certain subgroups of patients such in hemodialysis patients who have higher exposure rates due to the nature of their in-hospital care, and higher mortality due to their burden of comorbidities. Moreover, molecules used in the general population to treat COVID-19 lack data regarding their pharmacodynamics in the hemodialysis population.Case presentation: We report a case of a 52-year-old patient with Von Hippel Lindau syndrome and end stage renal disease on hemodialysis who contracted COVID-19 infection. Due to the patient’s rapidly deteriorating clinical status he was successfully treated with Tocilizumab, despite the lack of data concerning the use of this molecule in this population. The patient was later discharged after a long hospital stay and progressive clinical, biological and radiological improvement.Conclusion: This sub group of patients should be carefully approached due to the unique nature of their comorbidities, and to their immune’s system response to the virus itself and to novel therapies. Although few studies were available regarding the use of Tocilizumab in the dialysis population, its use proved to be effective and well tolerated in our patient.
Visual Representation of SARS-CoV-2 Genomes in Multiple Regions on Integrated Maps
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey , Zhu Minghan
Published: September 2020

This paper represents visual results for the B2 module of the MAS. Using four meta genetic variables, multiple probability measures are extracted. Variations between pairs of virus genomes could be measured. From a macroscopic viewpoint, measures can be organized in a set of 1616 with (m+1)2 density matrix in combinations with supersymmetric properties. In view of the different types of coronary virus samples, various pairs of genomes make different projections under multiple levels of hierarchical forms of quantization matrix. Under proper selection, huge numbers of variations could be performed. Applying this transformation, a list of sample results are generated to illustrate intrinsic symmetric maps associated with selected parameters. Since this is an initial exploration, further explorations on theoretical foundation and specific applications are essential to support applicable theory and the systematic expansion on medical applications for COVID-19 patients.
Achieving Equitable Uptake of Handwashing and Sanitation by Addressing Both Supply and Demand-based Constraints: Findings From a Randomized Controlled Trial in Rural Bangladesh 
Authors: Parvez Sarker Masud , Rahman Musarrat Jabeen , Azad Rashidul , Rahman Mahbubur , Unicomb Leanne , Ashraf Sania , Mondol Momenul Haque , Jahan Farjana , Winch Peter J. , Luby Stephen P.
Published: September 2020

Background: Supply driven programs that are not closely connected to community demand and demand-driven programs that fail to ensure supply both risk worsening inequity. Understanding patterns of uptake of behaviors among the poorest under ideal experimental conditions, such as those of an efficacy trial, can help identify strategies that could be strengthened in routine programmatic conditions for more equitable uptake. WASH Benefits Bangladesh was a randomized controlled efficacy trial that provided free-of cost WASH hardware along with behavior change promotion. The current paper aimed to determine the impact of the removal of supply and demand constraints on the uptake of handwashing and sanitation behaviors across wealth and education levels.Methods: The current analysis selected 4 indicators from the WASH Benefits trial— presence of water and soap in household handwashing stations, observed mother’s hand cleanliness, observed visible feces on latrine slab or floor and reported last child defecation in potty or toilet. A baseline assessment was conducted immediately after enrolment and endline assessment was conducted approximately 2 years later. We compared change in uptake of these indicators including wealth quintiles (Q) between intervention and control groups from baseline to endline.Results: For hand cleanliness, the poorest mothers improved more (Q1 difference in difference, DID: 16%) than the wealthiest mothers (Q5 DID: 7%). The poorest households had largest improvements for observed presence of water and soap in handwashing station (Q1 DID: 82%) compared to the wealthiest households (Q5 DID: 39%). Similarly, poorer household demonstrated greater reductions in visible feces on latrine slab or floor (Q1DID, -25% Q2: -34%) than the wealthiest household (Q5 DID: -1%). For reported last child defecation in potty or toilet, the poorest mothers showed greater improvement (Q1-4 DID: 50-54%) than the wealthier mothers (Q5 DID: 39%). Conclusion: By simultaneously addressing supply and demand-constraints among the poorest, we observed substantial overall improvements in equity. Within scaled-up programs, a separate targeted strategy that relaxes constraints for the poorest can improve the equity of a program. Trial registration: WASH Benefits Bangladesh: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT01590095. Date of registration: April 30, 2012 ‘Retrospectively registered’URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01590095
Probable Dates of Flex, Substantial Reduction in the Number of COVID–19 Positive Confirmed Cases and Fatalities in the State of Maharashtra (India)
Authors: .ARORA B. L
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we analyse the COVID-19 data of the number of confirmed positive infectious COVID-19 cases (I) in Maharashtra, the second most populous state of India, having a population of nearly 123 million – more than the population of most of the European countries. For this analysis, we use COVID-19 data for the period from April 1, 2020 to August 24, 2020 to find the flex in the I - t curve, where the second derivative of the curve becomes negative. i.e. the date from which the rate of growth of the number of infections starts decreasing – or a peak occurs in the daily new COVID – 19 positive cases. Here I is the total number of cumulative COVID-19 positive cases and t is the time (in days). The observed data are fitted by employing the Gauss error function formulaa + b erf(cx - d),(with four adjustable arbitrary parameters a, b, c, and d) following the prescriptions adopted by Ciufolini and Paolozzi [1] for the analysis of the COVID-19 data from Italy and China. The date of flex is found using data from April 1 to August 11, then the data from April 1 to August 12, and so on, till the data from April 1 to August 24. There is a variation in the dates of flex for these 14 sets of data; however, the date of flex converges to a definite date towards the later sets. We also calculate the standard deviation of these values to calculate the uncertainty in the expected date of flex. Using these parameter values, we also calculate the expected values of COVID–19 positive cases for future. From this data, we estimate the date(s) at which there is sufficient reduction in the number of new daily positive cases and the number of such cases are likely to increase by say, 1000.The data for the number of fatalities in the city is also fitted to a Gauss error function with four parameters of the above type and we estimate in this case also, the date of flex as well as the dates at which the number of fatalities reduces in proportion to sufficient reduction in the number of new COVID-19 cases, which in this case is approximately 34 (for 1000 new infections). The data for the above analysis has been taken from the website covid19India.org and Aarogya Setu App [2] of the Government of India.