bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Prognostic Model Predicts Overall Survival in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Based on Clinical Features and Blood Biomarkers
Authors: Lai Changchun , Zhang Chunning , Lv Hualiang , Huang Hanqing , Ke Xia , Zhou Chuchan , Chen Hao , Chen Shulin , Zhou Lei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To develop and validate a novel prognostic model to estimate overall survival (OS) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients based on clinical features and blood biomarkers. And assess its incremental value to TNM staging system, clinical treatment, and Epstein-Barr virus DNA (EBV DNA) for individual OS estimation. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 519 consecutive NPC. A prognostic model was generated by using the Lasso-Cox regression model in training cohort (n= 346). Then comparison of predictive accuracy between the novel prognostic model, TNM staging, clinical treatment, and EBV DNA using concordance index (C-index), time-dependent ROC (tdROC), and decision curve analysis (DCA). Subsequently, a nomogram for OS incorporating the prognostic model, TNM staging and clinical treatment was built. Finally, we stratified patients into high- risk and low-risk groups according to the model risk score, and the survival time of these two groups was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival plots. All the results were validated in the independent validation cohort (n= 173). Results: Using the Lasso-Cox regression, a prognostic model was established consisting of 13 variables with respect to patient prognosis. The C-index, tdROC and DCA all showed the prognostic model had good predictive accuracy and discriminatory power than TNM staging, clinical treatment and EBV DNA in training cohort. Nomogram consisting of the prognostic model, TNM staging, clinical treatment and EBV DNA shown some superior net benefit. According to the model risk score, we split the patients into two subgroups: low- risk (risk score ≤ -1.423) and high-risk (risk score > -1.423). There had significant differences in OS between the two subgroups of patients. In the validation cohort, similar results were obtained. Conclusions: The proposed novel prognostic model based on clinical features and serological markers represents a promising signature for estimating OS in NPC patients.
Knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy program intended to improve public health professionals’ ability to identify and manage perinatal depressive symptoms: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Phoosuwan Nitikorn , Lundberg Pranee C. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDuring the perinatal period women lack screening and treatments for perinatal depressive symptoms, while public health professionals (PHPs) in primary care centres (PCCs) need training for identification and management of such symptoms. This quasi-experimental study was aimed at evaluating knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy among PHPs after participating in a Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-efficacy (KAS) program for identification and management of perinatal depressive symptoms.MethodThe KAS-program, carried through in Sakonnakhon in north-eastern Thailand, comprised one day of theory and a four-week period of field practice. Thirty-three PHPs from PCCs participated in the program. Twenty-three of them participated in focus group discussions (FGDs). Chi-square for trend, paired-sample T-tests and content analysis were used.ResultsKnowledge, attitude and self-efficacy scores increased after the PHPs had fully participated in the KAS-program. Four categories emerged from the FGDs: increased understanding and knowledge, being aware and having a positive attitude, having confidence and ability to work, and need of regular training and feedback.ConclusionThe KAS-program might contribute to giving PHPs in PCCs the knowledge, positive attitude and self-efficacy they need to identify and manage perinatal depressive symptoms. Implementation of the KAS-program to other healthcare professionals such as nurses/midwives is great of interest.
Predictors of the Timing and Number of Antenatal Care Visits among Unmarried Compared To Married Youth in Uganda Between 1995 And 2011
Authors: Agaba Peninah , Misinde Cyprian 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction Inadequate use of maternal health services among the youth remains a serious health challenge in Uganda. The low use of maternal health services among youth partly explains the persistence high maternal mortality rate in the country. Yet, improved use of maternal health services by the youth would help reduce maternal deaths in the country. Therefore, this study examines predisposing and enabling factors associated with the timing and the number of antenatal care visits among unmarried compared to married youth aged 15-24 years between 1995 and 2011 in Uganda. Methodology Two-level binary logistic and linear regression models with district as a second level of analysis were conducted on pooled data of the 1995, 2000/01, 2006 and 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys. This analysis was among 581 unmarried, compared to 5,437 married youth, aged 15-24 years. Results Only 16% of unmarried youth and 18% of married youth had ANC in the first trimester. Education was the only factor that was significantly associated with early use of antenatal care among unmarried youth. Whereas high education was associated with higher odds of using antenatal care in the first trimester among married youth (OR=1.30, 95%CI=1.08-1.57), it was associated with late start among unmarried youth (OR=0.56, 95%CI=0.31-0.98). Higher parity, protestant membership and residence in eastern region were associated with late start of antenatal care, while access to radio and television, and education level of the husband were associated with higher odds of early use of antenatal care among married youth. Overall, married youth were more likely to have more frequent antenatal care visits than unmarried youth. Among both groups, higher educational attainment and greater access to radio were associated with frequent antenatal care use. Residing in western region was associated with fewer antenatal care visits among both married and unmarried youth. Access to newspaper was associated with more antenatal care visits among married youth only. Conclusion This study presents the individual level predisposing and enabling factors that are important predictors of the use of antenatal health care services among youth that will guide policy to reduce maternal deaths among youth in Uganda.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Rice Rooting Ability at the Seedling Stage
Authors: Xu Xin , Ye Junhua , Yang Yingying , Zhang Mengchen , Xu Qun , Feng Yue , Yuan Xiaoping , Yu Hanyong , Wang Yiping , Yang Yaolong , Wei Xinghua 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Rice rooting ability is a complex agronomical trait that displays heterosis and plays an important role in rice growth and production. Only a few quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been identified by bi-parental population. More genes or QTLs are required to dissect the genetic architecture of rice rooting ability.Results To characterize the genetic basis for rice rooting ability, we used a natural rice population, genotyped by a 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, to identify the loci associated with rooting-related traits through the genome-wide association study (GWAS). Population structure analysis divided the natural population into two subgroups: indica and japonica. We measured four traits for evaluating rice rooting ability, namely root growth ability (RGA), maximum root length (MRL), root length (RL), and root number (RN). Combined with the association study in three panels consisting of one for the full population, one for indica, and one for japonica, 32 SNPs associated with rooting ability-related traits were identified. Through comparison of the relative expression levels and DNA sequences between germplasms with extreme phenotypes, results showed that LOC_Os05g11810 had non-synonymous variations at the coding region, which may cause differences in root number, and that the expression levels of LOC_Os04g09900 and LOC_Os04g10060 are closely associated with root length variation.Conclusions The goal of our research was to improve understanding of the genetic basis of rice rooting ability and provide useful molecular markers and germplasms for rice root breeding.
Pulmonary involvements in systemic juvenile arthritis
Authors: He Tingyan , Ling Jiayun , Yang Jun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of childhood. Pulmonary involvements in sJIA have been recently described. Herein, we assess unusual clinical and radiological features of patients with sJIA, and possible risk factors for pulmonary involvements in sJIA.
Methods

A total of thirty-nine patients with sJIA were retrospectively enrolled. Data extracted included demographics, medical history, clinical manifestations, laboratory results, serum cytokine levels, radiological findings, management, and prognosis.
Results

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) had been observed at the initial diagnosis or during disease flares in eleven patients (11/39, 28%). Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was observed in one patient with paroxysmal headache during the MAS phase. Twenty-three patients demonstrated abnormal radiological features on chest Computed Tomography (CT). Only eleven patients had subtle respiratory symptoms with normal oxygen saturation. Eight patients had lung disease (LD) before biologic exposure. sJIA-LD occurred in another six patients after the introduction of tocilizumab. All these patients continued to receive tocilizumab therapy, and sJIA-LD was improved in twelve patients with complete resolution of pulmonary presentations, and partially relieved in two patients. Only one of the two patients with possible anaphylaxis to tocilizumab presented with LD. Severe sJIA-LD was found in two patients with trisomy 21 and Kabuki syndrome, respectively.
Conclusions

Pulmonary involvements are increasingly observed in children with sJIA. Possible high risks for sJIA-LD include the occurrence of MAS, some inherited diseases, and evidence of drug hypersensitivity. It is still a question of whether IL-1/IL-6 inhibitor exposure increases the risk of sJIA-LD. Vasculitis and thrombosis should be considered in sJIA during the MAS phase, particularly in patients with pulmonary involvements.
Trial registration:
Not applicable; this was a retrospective study.
Indonesian Ulema Council Fatwa On Religious Practices During Covid-19 Pandemic: An Investigation Of Muslim Compliance
Authors: Hanafi Yusuf , Taufiq Ahmad , Saefi Muhamad , Ikhsan M. Alifudin , Diyana Tsania Nur , Hadiyanto Andy , Purwanto Yedi , Mawardi Ahmad Imam 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1139 Muslims in Indonesia. Attitudes and practices were assessed using a questionnaire developed by researchers referring to the main points of the MUI fatwa. Of the 1139 participants, 73.5% were academics, and 63.8% held bachelor's degrees and higher, while gender and age-group comparisons were balanced. The average score of attitudes and practices about was 60.57 out of 70 and 5.35 out of 7. In general, the results of this study indicate that Indonesian Muslims have positive perceptions and submissive attitudes towards the MUI fatwa.
Development of an Alternative Low-Cost Larval Diet for Mass Rearing of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes In Sri Lanka
Authors: Senevirathna Umesha , Udayanga Lahiru , Ganehiarachchi Mangala , Hapugoda Menaka , Ranathunge Tharaka 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Aedes aegypti is a major vector of arboviruses that may be controlled on an area-wide basis using novel approaches such as Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT). Larval diet is a major factor in mass-rearing of Aedes mosquitoes for SIT and IIT programs. Therefore, current study aimed to evaluate the effects of two novel diets developed from dry fish powder on growth and development of immature stages and adult fitness-related characteristics of Ae. aegypti in Sri Lanka.
Method:

Three batches of 250 Ae. aegypti first instar larvae were exposed to three different larval diets as, standard dry fish powder (D1), dry fish powder meal and brewer’s yeast (D2) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reccomanded diet (D3), separately. Morphometric and developmental parameters of 4th instar larvae, pupae and adult mosquitoes reared under different dietary treatments were measured. General Linear Model (GLM) was used for statistical analysis.
Results

Significant diet-based variations were observed in the head length, head width, thoracic length, thoracic width, abdominal length, abdominal width and total length (F2, 87>4.811; P < 0.05) of Ae. aegypti larvae. The highest pupation success and the larval size were observed from the larvae fed with D2 diet, while the lowest was reported from D1. All adult morphometric parameters of adult male and female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes also denoted significant dietary variations, reporting the best sized adults from D2 diet (F2, 87>3.54; P < 0.05). Further, significantly higher fecundity and male longevity were also shown by the adult Ae. aegypti (F2, 6>7.897; P < 0.01) reared under diet D2.
Conclusion

Based on all the growth and developmental parameters, D2 diet reported the best quality adult mosquitoes similar to the IAEA recomanded diet, while being more inexpensive. Therefore, larval diet D2 could be recomaded as the ideal diet for for mass-rearing of Ae. aegypti for IIT and SIT-based vector control in Sri Lanka.
Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio is Correlated with a Delay in Feeding Resumption Following a Transhiatal Esophagectomy With Cervical Anastomosis
Authors: Asmar Antoine El , Ghabi Elie , Saber Toufic , Abou-Malhab Christina , Akl Bernard , Rassi Ziad El 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The lymphocytic population, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are prognostic tools predictive of adverse outcomes for several solid tumors and oncologic surgeries, one of which is esophageal adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, delayed resumption of oral feeding postoperatively is associated with significant morbidity. Given the controversies regarding post-op nutritional support in these patients, this study investigates the prognostic role of the lymphocytic percentage, the NLR and the PLR in predicting prolonged length of hospital stay (LOHS) and ICU stay (LOICUS) as well as delayed oral feeding following transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods: 40 consecutive patients who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy performed by a single surgeon for Siewert type II and type III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction at a tertiary referral center was selected. Retrospective data collection was performed from the patients’ medical records and statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation and Student’s T-test and Chi-square testing.Results: An increased LOHS was correlated with a lower preoperative lymphocyte percentage (p=0.043), higher NLR (p=0.010) and PLR (p=0.015), and an increased number of packed red blood cell (PRBCs) transfusions perioperatively (p=0.030). An increased LOICUS was correlated with a lower preoperative lymphocyte percentage (p=0.033), higher NLR (p=0.018) and PLR (p=0.044), an increased number of PRBCs transfusions (p=0.001) and patients’ comorbidities (p<0.05). A delay in feeding resumption was correlated with a lower preoperative lymphocyte percentage (p=0.022), higher NLR (p=0.004) and PLR (p=0.001), an increased PRBCs transfusions (p=0.001) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.033). Multivariate analysis with automatic linear modeling showed that only the preoperative PLR was a powerful predictor for the delay of feeding resumption (p<0.01).Conclusion: The lymphocyte percentage, PLR and NLR are found to be associated with prolonged hospitalization and ICU stay, delayed oral feeding following THE for Siewert type II and III AEG. We hope by this series, to have set, at least one preliminary cornerstone, in the creation of a prognostic model, capable of assessing the need for an intraoperative jejunostomy placement, in patients undergoing esophagectomy for distal esophageal carcinoma.
A network approach to investigating the key microbes and stability of gut microbial communities in a mouse neuropathic pain model
Authors: Brandon-Mong Guo-Jie , Shaw Grace Tzun-Wen , Chen Wei-Hsin , Chen Chien-Chang , Wang Daryi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Neuropathic pain is an abnormally increased sensitivity to pain, especially from mechanical or thermal stimuli. To date, the current pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain are still unsatisfactory. The gut microbiota reportedly plays important roles in inducing neuropathic pain, so probiotics have also been used to treat it. However, the underlying questions around the interactions in and stability of the gut microbiota in a spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain model and the key microbes (i.e., the microbes that play critical roles) involved have not been answered.
Results
Here we show that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain alters gut microbial diversity in mice. We successfully constructed reliable microbial interaction networks using the Metagenomic Microbial Interaction Simulator (MetaMIS) and analyzed these networks based on 177,147 simulations. Interestingly, at a higher resolution, our results showed that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain altered both the stability of the microbial community and the key microbes in a gut micro-ecosystem. Oscillospira, which was classified as a low-abundance and core microbe, was identified as the key microbe in the Sham group, whereas Staphylococcus, classified as a rare and non-core microbe, was identified as the key microbe in the spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain group.
Conclusions
In summary, our results provide novel experimental evidence that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain reshapes gut microbial diversity, and alters the stability and key microbes in the gut.
Hygienic Sanitary Items Usage and Ovulatory Cycle Knowledge in India
Authors: Babbar Karan , Saluja Deepika 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background In India, most of the adolescent girls experience their first menstrual cycle with the lack of knowledge on menstruation, exacerbated by a plethora of taboos. Women undergoing menstruation experience discrimination, abuse, and neglect resulting from the myths and misconceptions built around menstruation. Such practices of discrimination and perpetuating myths might potentially lead to girls missing their schools and sometimes even dropping out after they start menstruating. NFHS-4 data shows that 26.8 percent of women in India are married before 18 years and 7.8 percent of the women in 15-19 years age group have already become a mother or are pregnant. One-third of the new births in India are born out of adolescent pregnancies. Considering these issues, this study examines how various socio-economic factors impact: (i) the usage of hygienic sanitary items by menstruating women during their periods, and (ii) their knowledge about the ovulatory cycle.Methods We have used the most recent Demographic and Health Survey, popularly known as the National Family Health Survey Round 4 (NFHS-4), conducted in 2015-16 for this study, with a sample of 2,47,833 women in the age group of 15 to 24 years. Binary logistics regression was performed separately for addressing both the research questions, i.e., the impact of various socio-economic characteristics on the usage of hygienic sanitary items and women’s knowledge of the ovulatory cycle.Results We found that (a) women or their partners who are educated up to high school are more likely to use the hygienic sanitary items, and (b) married women or women who have access to television are more likely to know about the ovulatory cycles.Conclusion These findings tell us the ground reality of menstrual health in India and urge policymakers to develop comprehensive puberty education programs for boys and girls and community-based programs to start a discussion between the community, adults, and other menstruators freely.
Toxicity of orally administered food-grade titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Han Hyoung-Yun , Seong Eunsol , Yang Mi-Jin , Yoon Cheolho , Lee Gwang Hee , Kim Dong-Wan , Kim Tae-Won , Kwak Minjeong , Heo Min Beom , Lee Tae Geol , Kim Soojin , Oh Jung-Hwa , Yim Hyeonji , Oh Inkyung , Park Eun-Jung , Yoon Seokjoo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified as a Group B carcinogen inhaled titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles, and France banned the application of TiO 2 nanoparticles as a food additive based on the insufficient oral toxicity data. However, there still remains controversial due to the insufficient evidence for its safety. Here, we explored the toxicity of food-grade TiO 2 nanoparticles (hereafter, E171) in vivo and in vitro .

Methods

We investigated the subchronic toxic responses of E171 (0, 10, 100, and 1,000 mg/kg) under the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) system and tried to elucidate the possible toxic mechanism using AGS cells, a human stomach epithelial cell line.

Results

There were no dose-related changes in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development test guideline-related endpoints. Meanwhile, E171 deeply penetrated cells lining the stomach tissues of rats administered the maximum dose, and blood IgM (male and female) and GM-CSF (female) levels were significantly lower in the E171-treated rats than in the control rats. Colonic SOD-1 (male and female) and SOD-2 (female) protein levels decreased with increasing Ti accumulation. When exposed to AGS cells for 24 h, E171 (40 μg/mL) located in the perinuclear region. The E171 treatment affected expression of ER stress-related proteins but did not induce cell death up to the used maximum concentration (40 μg/mL). A gene profile analysis also showed that immune response-related microRNAs were most strongly affected by E171 exposure.

Conclusion

Considering the potential toxicity observed in vivo and in vitro test, we concluded that the NOAEL of E171 for 90-days repeated oral administrations is less than 1,000 mg/kg for both male and female rats. Additionally, E171 may attenuate host's defense function against foreign bodies by decreasing antioxidant capacity, thus we propose that chronic toxicity studies on E171 are required to warrant the safety for use in the food industry.