bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability and Validity of the Dari version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) Questionnaire in Herat, Afghanistan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shayan Nasar Ahmad , Eser Erhan , Neyazi Ahmad , Eser Sultan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

In order to predict social, mental and health care needs we must measure Quality of life of residents. In Afghanistan there was no assessment to measure quality of life of people. The aim of this study was to culturally adapt the WHOQOL-BREF into Dari language of Afghanistan and present its psychometric properties.
Methods

Cultural adaptation of the WHOQOL-BREF into Dari has consisted of two stages: translation stage, and the cognitive debriefing (pilot) stage following the translation stage. The process of translation of WHOQOL-BREF included recommended methodology, mandating forward translation, backward translation was followed. A total number of 1473 people did participate in this research. Psychometric analyses consisted of item analyses; reliability and validity analyses. Internal consistency analyses were done by Cronbach's alpha value and validity analyses consisted of construct validity (convergent validity by SF-36 and confirmatory factor analyses) and criterion validity (multiple linear regression by overall QoL item (item1)) analyses. Acceptable type 1 error was considered as 0.05 in all analyses. Analyses were done by using Lisrel v8.05 statistical package.
Results

Item domain correlations and -if item deleted- Cronbach alpha values no problematic item in Afghan version of the WHOQOL-BREF. Internal consistency of the scale was in acceptable limits for all domains (alpha values = 0.79–0.80) except for the social relations domain (alpha = 0.41). Using overall QoL item (item q1) as the dependent variable, multiple regression analysis revealed a R2 value of 57% and all of the four domains of the WHOQOL except that of Social relation domain (beta = 0.03) could explain the variance of the q1, the best domain is the environmental domain with a beta value of 0.30. Construct validity is tested by known groups validity; factorial validity and the convergent validity. All of the known categories of the age, gender, education, social class and economic status, having chronic illness were significantly sensitive to the domain scores of the WHOQOL (p < 0.001). Physical and Psychological domains of the WHOQOL-BREF was highly correlated with the related domains of the SF-36 (r = 0.60 and 0.64). Social and environmental domains showed poor correlations with the SF36. Confirmatory factor analyses showed acceptable goodness of fit results. Chi-square = 2174,748 and Degrees of freedom = 246; GFI: 0.88, CFI: 0.83; RMR: 0.066 and RMSEA: 0.073.
Conclusion

Afghan Dari version of the WHOQOL-BREF can confidently be used in clinical setting and in population level to assess the QoL of the people. The results of the social relations domain should be interpreted with caution due to its poor psychometric power. Further studies are needed to address the social aspects of quality of life in Afghan population.
Biological Omics Analysis of Tumor Mutation Burden Combined with Immune Infiltrates in Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Zhuang Yuan , Liu Chang , Huang Jin , Li Guang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: In various malignancies, whether tumor mutation burden (TMB) is associated with improved survival outcomes or enhanced immunotherapy remains controversial. We are committed to exploring the prognosis of TMB and its potential association with immune infiltration of uterine corpus endometrial cancer (UCEC).Methods: We downloaded transcriptome data and somatic mutation data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and visualized the mutation profiles using the "maftools" package. TMB was calculated and the samples were divided into two groups by the median. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Wilcoxon test were used to compare the differences in survival and clinicopathological characteristics. Furthermore, we performed functional enrichment analysis to screen for significant contributing pathways. The "CIBERSORT" package was used to estimate the abundance of immune components. Differential analysis was performed using the "limma" package to compare gene expression profiles. Multivariate analysis was used to identify risk genes related to TMB. Based on these genes, a risk model was established, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to assess the predictive accuracy. Finally, we evaluated the relationship between risk genes and immune infiltration using the Timer database.Results: The mutation data included 542 UCEC patients. The waterfall plot summarized the specific mutation information. Higher TMB levels indicated improved overall survival (OS) (p =0.048) and were associated with advanced grades. Pathway analysis showed that the differential signals were enriched in multiple immune-related crosstalks. We screened 108 differentially expressed genes in two TMB groups and identified four risk-related genes. The model based on these four risk genes had good predictive value, the area under the curve (AUC) = 0.670, and patients with higher risk scores showed worse OS (p <0.001). Additionally, CD8 T cells memory-activated, CD4 T cells, and M1 macrophages in the high TMB group showed higher infiltrates, while regulatory T cells (Tregs) and M2 macrophages showed lower infiltrates.Conclusions: Higher TMB was associated with better survival outcomes and increased the immune infiltration in the tumor microenvironment of UCEC.
Factors Associated with Conducting Planning for Secondary Oral Health Care Services in Brazil
Authors: de Lucena Edson Hilan Gomes , Silva Rênnis Oliveira da , de Lucena Carolina Dantas Rocha Xavier , Mepatia Amalia Issufo , Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley , de Goes Paulo Savio Angeiras , de Sousa Maria Fátima 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Planning in health services specifically aims to improve the health status of a given population, guaranteeing access with equity and justice, as well as streamlining the response of the health system to the needs perceived by the community. This research aims to identify the factors associated with planning Specialized Dental Clinics (SDCs). Methods: Secondary data were used from the external evaluation of the database of the first National Program for Access and Quality Improvement of SDCs (NPAQI–SDCs) and the informed Outpatient Information System of the Unified Health System (OIS/UHS), which contains data on the specialized dental procedures performed at SDCs. It consisted of a quantitative study in which Pearson chi-square statistical tests (p ˂ 0.05) and a multivariate logistic regression were applied with odds ratio (OR) estimate.Results: The results indicated that the realization of planning in SDCs was associated with lower oral health coverage according to the Family Health Strategy in a municipality (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.0-1.9, p = 0.049), additional training for managers (p = 0.038), the practice of self-assessment (OR = 8.2; 95% CI: 5.8-11.6; p = 0.000) and meeting service production targets (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2-3.2; p = 0.011).Conclusion: The results indicate that the work processes of the SDCs, especially with regard to service management, are essential to the proper functioning of the service and the practice of planning is linked to the technical capacity and commitment of service managers.
The Relationship between 18F-FDG Uptake in the Oral Cavity, Recent Dental Treatments, and Oral Inflammation or Infection: A Retrospective Study of Patients with Suspected Endocarditis
Authors: Slart Riemer H.J.A. , Dijkstra Geertruida W , Glaudemans Andor W.J.M. , Erba Paola A. , Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan , Sinha Bhanu , García David Vállez , Sluis Luc W.M. van der 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Poor oral health has long been associated with the development of systemic disease. The risk of infective endocarditis (IE) after dental procedures is a typical example. However, the literature is conflicting about the causal relationship between oral bacterial pathogens and risk of IE. [18F]FDG PET/CT has proven to be a useful diagnostic tool in patients with suspected IE. This study focused on: 1) the correlation between increased glucose metabolism on [18F]FDG PET/CT scans, recent dental treatment, and inflammation and/or infection sites in the oral cavity reported by the dentist; and 2) a possible correlation between IE and oral health status based on (extra)cardiac findings on [18F]FDG PET/CT scans. Methods: This retrospective study included 52 patients (32 men, 20 women; median age, 58 years; IQR [44-66] years). A total of 19 patients were diagnosed with IE (group 1), 14 patients with possible IE (group 2), and 19 patients were not diagnosed with IE based on the modified Duke criteria (group 3). Patient characteristics and dental records were reviewed for relevant clinical data at the time the [18F]FDG PET/CT scan was performed. All [18F]FDG PET/CT scans were examined visually by pattern recognition using a three-point scale, and semi-quantified within the volume of interest (VOI) using SUVmax. The Fisher’s exact probability test and Pearson’s correlation were used to analyze the relationship between dental oral cavity findings and [18F]FDG PET/CT scans. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to compare the SUVmax measured in the oral cavity. To analyze the differences among visual [18F]FDG uptake scores in groups 1, 2, and 3, the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used. Results: No correlation was found between visual [18F]FDG uptake scores and SUVmax as a marker of [18F]FDG uptake and possible sites of oral inflammation and infection, or dental treatments based on the dental records of 52 patients. Between groups 1, 2, and 3, the visual [18F]FDG uptake scores (H(2) = 4.359, p = .113) and SUVmax (F(2, 69) = 0.27, p = .798) were not significantly different. A significant difference in SUVmax of the valve for the three groups (F(2, 309) = 28.06, p < .001) was observed.Conclusions: The results of this retrospective study suggest that no correlation exists between [18F]FDG PET/CT uptake in the oral cavity and dental treatments or inflammation/infection reported by the dentist. Furthermore, no correlation between IE and actual oral health status was demonstrated. This study revealed no causal relationship between oral pathogens and risk of IE. Additional research is needed to conclude whether [18F]FDG PET/CT imaging is a reliable diagnostic modality for oral inflammation and infection sites.
Cardiac Arrhythmias and COVID-19 – a Meta-analysis of Recent Reports
Authors: Salah Husam M. I. , Mehta Jawahar L. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a current pandemic. Cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 have been described in many studies; however, no studies have examined the prevalence and characterizations of cardiac arrhythmias among patients with COVID-19 infection. The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias among patients with COVID-19 infection.Method: PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate databases were searched for relevant articles from inception until June 14, 2020. Inclusion criteria were: 1) Cohort studies or case series studies; 2) Study population included individuals with confirmed COVID-19 infection; 3) Arrhythmic events were reported in the study. All other studies were excluded. MedCalc software was used to analyze the pooled data. The random-effect model was utilized to obtain the prevalence of arrhythmia among the included patients and its 95% confidence interval. Cohran's Q and I2 index were used for heterogeneity measurements. The main planned outcome was the prevalence of arrhythmia among patients with COVID-19 infection.Results: Thirteen studies with a total of 2861 patients met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of arrhythmia among patients with COVID-19 infection was 8.1% (95% CI [6.10, 10.37]). 82.8% of the patients who had arrhythmia has severe illness (95% CI [70.916, 92.124]).Conclusion: The prevalence of arrhythmias among patients with COVID-19 infection is 8.1%, which is much higher than in the general population (2.35%).
Virucidal effect of acetic acid and vinegar on SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Yoshimoto Joto , Ono Chikako , Tsuchiya Yoshihiro , Kabuto Shizuya , Kishi Mikiya , Matsuura Yoshiharu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Given the potential infectivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on surfaces for hours to days, it is important to find safe and effective disinfecting agents to help prevent the spread and transmission of this new virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Toward this end, in this study, the virucidal effect of acetic acid and vinegar, as safe foods, on SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated. Both 4% and 6% acetic acid aqueous solutions effectively inactivated the virus after 5-min incubation with a reduction over 4 log, resulting in a viral titre below the detection limit. In addition, white distilled vinegar (5% and 6% acetic acid concentrations) inactivated SARS-CoV-2 after 1-min incubation with reduction of over 4 log and a viral titre below the detection limit. These preliminary findings provide valuable information on the inactivation of SARS-CoV2, offering insight for effective infection control.
Ethnicity-dependent allele frequencies are correlated with COVID-19 case fatality rate
Authors: Jeon Sungwon , Blazyte Asta , Yoon Changhan , Ryu Hyojung , Jeon Yeonsu , Bhak Youngjune , Bolser Dan , Manica Andrea , Shin Eun-Seok , Cho Yun Sung , Kim Byung Chul , Ryoo Namhee , Bhak Jong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has a higher case fatality rate (CFR) in European ethnic groups than in others, especially East Asians. One explanation to this phenomenon might be TMPRSS2, a key processing enzyme essential for viral infection. Here, we analyzed the allele frequencies of two nonsynonymous variants rs12329760 (V197M) and rs75603675 (G8V) in the TMPRSS2 gene using over 200,000 present-day and ancient genomic samples. We found a significant association between the CFR of COVID-19 and the allele frequencies of the two variants. Interestingly, they had opposing effects on the CFR: inverse correlation by V197, proportional correlation by G8V. East Asians have higher V197M and lower G8V allele frequencies than Europeans, possibly endowing resistance against SARS-CoV-2. Structural and energy calculation analysis of the V197M amino acid change showed that it destabilizes the TMPRSS2 protein, possibly affecting its ACE2 and viral spike protein processing negatively, ultimately resulting in reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection efficiency and CFR in East Asian ethnic groups.
Improved chlorination and rapid water quality assessment in response to an outbreak of acute watery diarrhea in Somali Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Rajasingham Anu , Harvey Ben , Taye Yodit , Kamwaga Stanislaus , Martinsen Andrea , Sirad Mohamed , Aden Mowlid , Gallagher Kathleen , Handzel Thomas 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The Somali Region of Ethiopia has been affected by drought for several years. Drought conditions have led to food and water scarcity and a humanitarian crisis in the region. In January 2017, an outbreak of acute watery diarrhea (AWD) was declared in the region. AWD prevention and control activities include strengthening water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Access to safe drinking water is critical in preventing transmission of AWD and chlorine is an effective chemical to disinfect water supplies. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborated with the WASH Cluster and the United Nations Children's Fund, Ethiopia, to provide technical assistance to the Somali Regional Water Bureau to improve chlorination of drinking water supplies and quickly assess water quality improvements in Jijiga town, Fafan Zone. Timely sharing of surveillance and case investigation data allowed for the identification of gaps within the water supply system in Jijiga and implementation of centralized and decentralized chlorination interventions and monitoring systems. Pilot use of a rapid assessment to determine residual chlorine levels at various points in the city helped improve chlorination intervention impact. This work illustrates that rapid community-level water quality improvements can be implemented and assessed quickly to improve interventions during outbreaks.
Selection of best stormwater management alternative based on storm control measures (SCM) efficiency indices
Authors: Wadhwa Abhinav , Pavan Kumar K. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Overcoming conventional stormwater management problems and finding appropriate control methods for safely discharging excess runoff from impervious areas is an essential part of any sustainable urban planning. This study aims to analyze the performance of different storm control measures (SCMs) applied to Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) campus situated in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, which is a highly urbanized catchment. Different SCMs were designed for the VIT campus based on low impact development (LID) options available in stormwater management model (SWMM) software. The most suitable SCM was selected based on its ability to match pre-urbanized hydrographs as close as possible. The SCM location was identified by a localized survey, in such a way that there is least disturbance to the existing storm sewer network. The percentage reduction of peak flow under each proposed SCM were obtained as follows: bio-retention (19.8%), rain garden (18.69%), green roof (49.17%), infiltration trench (20.02%), permeable pavement (22.6%), rain barrel (12.95%), rooftop-disconnection (10.79%) and vegetative swales (17.23%). The results indicated that Option 9 (combination of permeable pavement and bioretention) and Option 10 (permeable pavement and infiltration trench) were better at reducing peak runoff and increasing infiltration. The peak runoff reduction for Options 9 and 10 were observed to be 32.05 and 39.81%, whereas the percentage increase in infiltration was observed to be 25.7 and 29.45% respectively.
Bayesian network-based methodology for selecting a cost-effective sewer asset management model
Authors: Guzmán-Fierro Julián , Charry Sharel , González Ivan , Peña-Heredia Felipe , Hernández Nathalie , Luna-Acosta Andrea , Torres Andrés 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This paper presents a methodology based on Bayesian Networks (BN) to prioritise and select the minimal number of variables that allows predicting the structural condition of sewer assets to support the strategies in proactive management. The integration of BN models, statistical measures of agreement (Cohen's Kappa coefficient) and a statistical test (Wilcoxon test) were useful for a robust and straightforward selection of a minimum number of variables (qualitative and quantitative) that ensure a suitable prediction level of the structural conditions of sewer pipes. According to the application of the methodology to a specific case study (Bogotás sewer network, Colombia), it found that with only two variables (age and diameter) the model could achieve the same capacity of prediction (Cohen's Kappa coefficient = 0.43) as a model considering several variables. Furthermore, the methodology allows finding the calibration and validation percentage subsets that best fit (80% for calibration and 20% for validation data in the case study) in the model to increase the capacity of prediction with low variations. Furthermore, it found that a model, considering only pipes in critical and excellent conditions, increases the capacity of successful predictions (Cohen's Kappa coefficient from 0.2 to 0.43) for the proposed case study.
Melatonin Prevents Neddylation Dysfunction in Aβ42-Exposed SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells by Regulating the Amyloid Precursor Protein- Binding Protein 1 Pathway
Authors: Shukla Mayuri , Chinchalongporn Vorapin , Govitrapong Piyarat 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP)-Binding Protein 1 (APP-BP1) is a crucial
regulator of many key signaling pathways and functions mainly as a scaffold protein to enhance molecular
interactions and facilitate catalytic reactions. The interaction of APP-BP1 with Amyloid Precursor
Protein (APP) plays a role in cell cycle transit control, which determines the mechanism behind the loss
of cell cycle regulation in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). In contrast, neddylation, a posttranslational modification
mediated by conjugation of ubiquitin-like protein neural precursor cell expressed developmentally
downregulated protein 8 (NEDD8), is activated by a heterodimer composed of APP-BP1 and
NEDD8-activating enzyme E1 catalytic subunit (Uba3). NEDD8 controls vital biological events, and
along with APP-BP1, its levels are deregulated in AD.

Objective:
The present study investigated the role of melatonin in regulating the APP-BP1 pathway under
both physiological and pathological conditions to develop an understanding of the underlying
mechanisms.

Methods:
Therefore, human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were treated with various concentrations of
Aβ42 to induce neurotoxic conditions comparable to AD.

Results:
The results are the first to demonstrate that melatonin prevents Aβ42-induced enhancement of
APP-BP1 protein expression and alteration in the cellular localization of NEDD8. Moreover, using
MLN4924 (APP-BP1 pathway blocker), we also verified the components of the downstream effector
cascade of the APP-BP1 pathway, including tau, APP-cleaving secretases, β-catenin and p53.

Conclusion:
These findings indicate that melatonin regulates the interplay of molecular signaling associated
with the APP-BP1 pathway and might preclude the pathogenic mechanisms occurring during disease
development, thus providing a propitious therapeutic strategy for preventing AD.
Exploring Therapeutic Risk in the Recovery Process of Adolescents at Risk of Self-harm: A Thematic Analysis of Support Staff Perceptions
Authors: Redmond Tomos 
Published: June 2020

Background and Objective:
The high prevalence of adolescent self-harm
within mental health services presents considerable management concerns, exacerbated
by a lack of clear evidence regarding therapeutically effective approaches. This shortfall
perpetuates traditional risk-averse practice, despite likely inadequacies in mitigating
self-harm through failing to address underlying psychological mechanisms. Therapeutic
risk, defined as an approach whereby clinicians support individual risk-taking,
may be an alternative that yields improved recovery outcomes. However, related research
is adult-focused and provides limited detail on its features, practical delivery
and impact on recovery. Consequently, the current study explored the experiences of
professionals delivering a therapeutic risk ethos, including their conceptualisation of it
and its impact on young people.

Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven mental health support
workers employed by a residential healthcare provider, which promotes a therapeutic
risk approach. The provider supported service users aged 15 - 20 experiencing complex
psychopathology who, following inpatient discharge, presented a high risk of self-harm
and suicidality. Interview data was thematically analysed.

Discussion and Conclusion:
Staff participants provided their understanding of a therapeutic
risk approach, suggesting risk is viewed as positive and beneficial to recovery,
alongside the promotion of service user freedom and flexible therapeutic risk management.
The perceived therapeutic risk incorporates both permission and support, which facilitate
the exploration of underlying feelings and alternative actions. Additionally, therapeutic
risk promotes positive recovery outcomes due to empowered service users having
increased control over their lives. They argued this can reduce psychological distress, encouraging
the development of emotional regulation and adaptive coping strategies.