bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Basic reproduction number and predicted trends of coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic in the mainland of China
Authors: Li Yong , Wang Lian-Wen , Peng Zhi-Hang , Shen Hong-Bing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a serious epidemic around the world, but it has been effectively controlled in the mainland of China. The Chinese government limited the migration of people almost from all walks of life. Medical workers have rushed into Hubei province to fight against the epidemic. Any activity that can increase infection is prohibited. The aim of this study was to confirm that timely lockdown, large-scale case-screening and other control measures proposed by the Chinese government were effective to contain the spread of the virus in the mainland of China.

Methods
Based on disease transmission-related parameters, this study was designed to predict the trend of COVID-19 epidemic in the mainland of China and provide theoretical basis for current prevention and control. An SEIQR epidemiological model incorporating asymptomatic transmission, short term immunity and imperfect isolation was constructed to evaluate the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 inside and outside of Hubei province. With COVID-19 cases confirmed by the National Health Commission (NHC), the optimal parameters of the model were set by calculating the minimum Chi-square value.

Results
Before the migration to and from Wuhan was cut off, the basic reproduction number in China was 5.6015. From 23 January to 26 January 2020, the basic reproduction number in China was 6.6037. From 27 January to 11 February 2020, the basic reproduction number outside Hubei province dropped below 1, but that in Hubei province remained 3.7732. Because of stricter controlling measures, especially after the initiation of the large-scale case-screening, the epidemic rampancy in Hubei has also been contained. The average basic reproduction number in Hubei province was 3.4094 as of 25 February 2020. We estimated the cumulative number of confirmed cases nationwide was 82 186, and 69 230 in Hubei province on 9 April 2020.

Conclusions
The lockdown of Hubei province significantly reduced the basic reproduction number. The large-scale case-screening also showed the effectiveness in the epidemic control. This study provided experiences that could be replicated in other countries suffering from the epidemic. Although the epidemic is subsiding in China, the controlling efforts should not be terminated before May.
C9orf72-associated SMCR8 protein binds in the ubiquitin pathway and with proteins linked with neurological disease
Authors: Goodier John L. , Soares Alisha O. , Pereira Gavin C. , DeVine Lauren R. , Sanchez Laura , Cole Robert N. , García-Pérez Jose Luis 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA pathogenic GGGCCC hexanucleotide expansion in the first intron/promoter region of theC9orf72gene is the most common mutation associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The C9orf72 gene product forms a complex with SMCR8 (Smith-Magenis Syndrome Chromosome Region, Candidate 8) and WDR41 (WD Repeat domain 41) proteins. Recent studies have indicated roles for the complex in autophagy regulation, vesicle trafficking, and immune response in transgenic mice, however a direct connection with ALS etiology remains unclear. With the aim of increasing understanding of the multi-functional C9orf72-SMCR8-WDR41 complex, we determined by mass spectrometry analysis the proteins that directly associate with SMCR8. SMCR8 protein binds many components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and we demonstrate its poly-ubiquitination without obvious degradation. Evidence is also presented for localization of endogenous SMCR8 protein to cytoplasmic stress granules. However, in several cell lines we failed to reproduce previous observations that C9orf72 protein enters these granules. SMCR8 protein associates with many products of genes associated with various Mendelian neurological disorders in addition to ALS, implicating SMCR8-containing complexes in a range of neuropathologies. We reinforce previous observations that SMCR8 and C9orf72 protein levels are positively linked, and now show in vivo that SMCR8 protein levels are greatly reduced in brain tissues of C9orf72 gene expansion carrier individuals. While further study is required, these data suggest that SMCR8 protein level might prove a useful biomarker for theC9orf72expansion in ALS.
Surrounding landscape influences the abundance of insect predators in rice field
Authors: Ali M. P. , Kabir M. M. M. , Haque S. S. , Afrin S. , Ahmed N. , Pittendrigh Barry , Qin Xinghu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Natural enemy abundance in a crop plot depends on its prey presence and also influenced by habitats close to field. Landscape changes are also important factors driving pest and natural enemy population abundance in a specific crop field. Examining these kinds of effects on insect pests or biocontrol agents, as well as analysis of their functional food webs, would be asset to make a fruitful pest management programme at local scales. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of surrounding landscape on the abundance insect predators in rice field.

Results
This study revealed a dependency on rice bund margin width, with spider populations increasing with increased bund widths. Conversely, population abundance did not rely on the number of weed species observed on earthen ridge around the rice field. In general, relative abundances of predator populations differed significantly across the three landscapes tested. Among the four predators of rice insect pest, the green mirid bug showed highest number irrespective of landscape. Comparatively, higher predator diversity (Shanon diversity) was observed in landscape I followed by landscape III and landscape II. All landscapes showed different diversity indices indicating heterozygosity existed in each study site. These landscape diversity influences the predator’s abundances at a local scale. Variogram derived from this study also indicated the landscape heterozygosity existed in studied locations which can also explain the predator’s abundances in rice field at locale scale.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that predators of rice insect pests are landscape specific. Therefore, characterization of each local landscape in Bangladesh rice production landscapes are necessary before planning and implementation of integrated pest management. Geospatial analysis of local landscape would be more effective to analyze such unique characteristics. As a step in this direction, preliminary variography analyses using the RED spectral band of December 2016 LANDSAT 8 imagery propose an initial learning suite of methods for describing useful local characteristics affecting rice pest predators.
Practical and cost-effective model to build and sustain a cardio-oncology program
Authors: Sadler Diego , Chaulagain Chakra , Alvarado Beatrice , Cubeddu Robert , Stone Elizabeth , Samuel Thomas , Bastos Bruno , Grossman David , Fu Chieh-Lin , Alley Evan , Nagarajan Arun , Nguyen Timmy , Ahmed Wesam , Elson Leah , Nahleh Zeina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Cardio-Oncology (CO) is a new subspecialty that thrives mostly in large academic quaternary centers. This study describes how to establish a successful cardio-oncology program, with limited resources, in order to effectively manage the unique care required by this patient population.

Methods
Clinical data was collected from 25 consecutive months. There were four foundational elements to establish a CO program: 1. Clinical program: integrating staff and resources from the Heart and Vascular, and Cancer Centers; 2. Education Program: establishing a platform to educate/advocate with respect to CO; 3. Engagement with professional societies: active engagement allowed for the successful establishment of the proposed CO program; and 4. Research program: establishing data collection modalities/cooperation with other institutions.

Results
474 consecutive patients were treated by our CO program during the first 25 months of operation. Clinical data, information about cancer treatment, cardiovascular co morbidities, cardiac testing and impact of CO management are reported.

Conclusions
A successful CO program can be established utilizing existing resources without the need for significant additional assets. Integration with professional societies, advocacy, education and research, provide a platform for learning and growth. This model improves access to care and can be reproduced in a variety of settings.
Data to the rescue: how humanitarian aid NGOs should collect information based on the GDPR
Authors: Gazi Theodora 
Published: July 2020

AbstractData collection is valuable before, during and after interventions in order to increase the effectiveness of humanitarian projects. Although the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets forth rules for the processing of personal data, its implementation by humanitarian aid actors is crucial and presents challenges. Failure to comply triggers severe risks for both data subjects and the reputation of the actor. This article provides insights into the implementation of the guiding principles of the GDPR, the legal bases for data processing, data subjects’ rights and data sharing during the provision of humanitarian assistance.
Psychometric properties of a custom Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function short form and worst stiffness numeric rating scale in tenosynovial giant cell tumors
Authors: Speck Rebecca M. , Ye Xin , Bernthal Nicholas M. , Gelhorn Heather L. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PROMIS-Physical Function (PF) and Worst Stiffness Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) among patients with tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TGCT).

Methods
Measurement properties of the customized lower extremity (LE) and upper extremity (UE) PROMIS-PF scales and Worst Stiffness NRS were assessed using data from the Phase 3 ENLIVEN trial (n = 120). Anchor- and distribution-based analyses were utilized to derive a responder threshold for meaningful change over time. The Patient Global Rating of Concept (PGRC)-Physical Functioning and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)-Stiffness served as anchors. Responsiveness and responder threshold analyses were from baseline to week 25.

Results
Cronbach’s alpha values for internal consistency reliability were 0.93 and 0.91 for the PROMIS-PF LE and UE, respectively. Test-retest reliability intra-class correlation coefficients were > 0.75 for both instruments. Convergent validity for both instruments was supported by moderate to strong correlations (≥0.30) with the Brief Pain Inventory and EQ-5D. Known-groups validity was established between subgroups stratified by pain level (p < 0.05). Responsiveness was supported by evaluating change scores among different levels of change in PGRC-Physical Functioning and PGIC-Stiffness (overall F values < 0.001). Triangulation of responder definition analyses resulted in a threshold of ≥3 for the PROMIS-PF and ≥ 1 for the Worst Stiffness NRS.

Conclusion
This study is the first to establish the psychometric properties of patient-reported outcome measures in TGCT. The evidence demonstrates that the PROMIS-PF and Worst Stiffness NRS have good reliability, validity, and responsiveness, and provides guidance for the interpretation of meaningful change.
Patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes in relation to provider-assessed adverse events during head and neck radiotherapy
Authors: Niska Joshua R. , Thorpe Cameron S. , Halyard Michele Y. , Tan Angelina D. , Atherton Pamela J. , Dueck Amylou C. , Patel Samir H. , Sloan Jeff A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To assess the relationship between patient-reported quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes and provider-assessed adverse events (AEs) during head-and-neck (H&N) radiotherapy (RT).

Methods
Sixty-five patients undergoing H&N RT prospectively completed 12-domain linear analogue self-assessments (LASA) at baseline, before biweekly appointments, and at last week of RT. At the same time points, provider-assessed AEs were graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0. LASA scores were stratified by maximum-grade AE and analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis methodology. Agreement between LASA scores and maximum-grade AE was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis.

Results
Patient-reported QOL outcomes showed clinically meaningful decreases in most domains, predominantly fatigue (77.8% of patients), social activity (75.4%), and overall QOL (74.2%). Provider-assessed AEs showed 100% grade 2 AE, 35.4% grade 3 AE, and 3.1% grade 4 AE. At baseline, patients with higher grade AEs reported worse physical well-being (WB) (P = .04). At week 1, the following QOL domains were worse for patients with higher grade AEs: overall QOL (P = .03), mental WB (P = .02), and physical WB (P = .03). Bland-Altman analysis showed that QOL scores were relatively worse than AE burden at baseline and relatively better at RT completion.

Conclusions
Worse QOL was associated with higher-grade AEs at baseline and early in RT. The impact of AEs on QOL appears to lessen with time. Patient-reported QOL outcomes and provider-assessed AEs provide complementary information.
An adult woman with transient headache, neurological deficits, and lymphocytic pleocytosis (HaNDL syndrome) with intracerebral melanosis: case report
Authors: Ghonimi Nesma A. M. , AbdAlla Mai A. , Fahmi Rasha M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHeadache with a neurological deficit and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytosis (HaNDL) is usually under-recognized and under-reported. HaNDL is a self-limiting condition, but the grave symptoms require a large-scale differential diagnosis. We report a case of a 24-year-old female who developed dysarthria for several hours and decreased use of the right arm with right-sided facial weakness. After extensive investigation of blood, CSF, and neuroimaging, we excluded central nervous system infections and autoimmune and vascular diseases. A diagnosis of HaNDL was made according to clinical symptoms and CSF analysis. The prognosis was good, and the symptoms resolved. Repeated physical examination after 48 h was unremarkable. HaNDL is probably not as rare as commonly thought; awareness of its existence can avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful investigations and therapies. The clinical challenge relies on the fact that it remains a diagnosis of exclusion.
Comparative evaluation of insecticidal properties of essential oils of some selected botanicals as bio-pesticides against Cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) [Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae]
Authors: Idoko Joy Ejemen , Ileke Kayode David 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The insecticidal activities of essential oils from seeds of five botanicals Tetrapleura tetraptera, Annona muricata, and Aframomum melegueta and leaves of Eucalyptus globulus and Ficus exasperata were evaluated as biopesticides against the storage pest of cowpea Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius). The oils were applied at the concentration of 1 ml/kg, 3 ml/kg, and 5 ml/kg of cowpea seeds mixed evenly. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. The parameters assessed include the percentage of mortality, oviposition, adult emergence, seeds damaged, weight loss, and germinability capacity of the protected seeds.

Results
The results from the study showed that the effectiveness of the essential oils was dependent on application rates and time of exposure. In the treated cowpea seeds, A. melegueta essential oil was the most effective with 50% lethal concentration (LC50) value of 2.42 ml/kg and 95% lethal concentration (LC95) value of 4.86 ml/kg when compared to the other treatments as indicated by the application rate which caused 50% and 95% mortality of cowpea beetles. A. melegueta essential oil at the concentration of 5 ml/kg achieved 100% mortality of C. maculatus at 48 h of application. Cowpea seeds treated with 5 ml/kg of E. globulus essential oil significantly reduced (P < 0.05) oviposition compared to the other treatments. Cowpea seeds treated with 5 ml/kg of A. muricata essential oil reduced adult emergence (3.67) and weight loss (0.59). The cowpea seeds treated with essential oils at different concentrations had no significant (P > 0.05) adverse effect on seed germination after 120 days of storage.

Conclusion
Based on the findings of this study, the essential oils could be explored as an alternative bio-pesticide to synthetic insecticide in the protection of stored cowpea against C. maculatus.
Colchicine ameliorates the chronic inflammatory state in patients with chronic rheumatic valvular heart disease: a pilot study
Authors: Rifaie Osama , Badr Mahmoud , Salam Ahmed Abdel , Galal Haitham 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Inflammation is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). High serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are commonly seen in patients with chronic (RHD) and indicate the presence of a chronic inflammatory state. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of colchicine as anti-inflammatory drug on the serum levels of the inflammatory markers (CRP) and (IL-6) in patients with chronic (RHD).

Results
This is a prospective controlled study that enrolled thirty-five patients with chronic (RHD) visiting Ain Shams University Hospital’s outpatient clinic for receiving regular long acting penicillin as rheumatic fever prophylaxis. Ten matched healthy individuals were taken as control group. Blood samples for serum levels of CRP and IL-6 were collected before and 1 month after receiving colchicine 0.5 mg BID. Mean (CRP) level was 6.09 ± 4.39 IU/ml versus 0 IU/ml in the control group respectively (P = 0.0001). Mean (IL-6) level was 113.57 ± 37.41 ng/l versus 10.50 ± 5.99 ng/l, in the control group (p = 0.0001). Mean (CRP) was 6.09 ± 4.39 IU/ml before and became 3.34 ± 3.07I U/ml 1 month after colchicine therapy. Mean (IL-6) level was 113.57 ± 37.4 ng/l before and became 45.57 ± 20.39 ng/l 1 month after colchicine therapy (P = 0.001).

Conclusion
In this pilot study, using colchicine as anti-inflammatory drug in patients with chronic (RHD) significantly reduced the serum inflammatory markers (CRP) and (IL-6), thus helping in ameliorating their chronic inflammatory state.
Metastatic colorectal carcinoma initially diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Alghandour Reham , Saleh Gehad A. , Shokeir Farida Ahmed , Zuhdy Mohammad 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Colorectal carcinoma still represents a global health burden despite the advances in its management. The most common sites of distant metastasis from colorectal carcinoma are hepatic and pulmonary metastases while metastases are rarely reported to affect the bone marrow.

Case presentation
We report a 33-year-old female patient who presented with fever of unknown origin, bone aches limited to the lower back and pelvis, and pancytopenia. She was diagnosed by a bone marrow biopsy as a case of metastatic rectosigmoid carcinoma. Serum tumor markers were within normal ranges; CT, MRI, and colonoscopy confirmed the presence of malignant rectosigmoid mass with bone and ovarian metastases.

Conclusion
Though being rare, bone marrow metastasis should be suspected in colorectal carcinoma cases with abnormalities in peripheral blood count.
The associations between childhood trauma and work functioning in adult workers with and without depressive and anxiety disorders
Authors: De Venter Maud , Elzinga Bernet M. , Van Den Eede Filip , Wouters Kristien , Van Hal Guido F. , Veltman Dick J. , Sabbe Bernard G. C. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background:
To examine the association between childhood trauma and work functioning, and to elucidate to what extent this association can be accounted for by depression and/or anxiety.

Methods:
Data of 1,649 working participants were derived from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA, n = 2,981). Childhood trauma (emotional neglect, psychological, physical, and sexual abuse before age 16) was assessed with a structured interview and work functioning, in terms of absenteeism and presenteeism, with the Health and Labor Questionnaire Short Form (SF-HLQ) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS-II), respectively. Depressive and/or anxiety disorders were assessed with the Composite Interview Diagnostic Instrument (CIDI). Mediation analyses were conducted.

Results:
At baseline, 44.8% reported to have experienced childhood trauma. Workers with the highest childhood trauma level showed significantly (p < 0.001) more absenteeism as well as more presenteeism. Mediation analyses revealed that indirect effects between the childhood trauma index and both work indices were significantly mediated by current depressive disorder (p = 0.023 and p < 0.001, respectively) and current comorbid depression-anxiety (p = 0.020 and p < 0.001, respectively), with the latter accounting for the largest effects (PM = 0.23 and PM = 0.29, respectively). No significant mediating role in this relationship was found for current anxiety disorder and remitted depressive and/or anxiety disorder.

Conclusions:
Persons with childhood trauma have significantly reduced work functioning in terms of absenteeism and presenteeism. This seems to be largely accounted for by current depressive disorders and current comorbid depression-anxiety.
Early onset of cannabis use and violent behavior in psychosis
Authors: Moulin Valerie , Alameda Luis , Framorando David , Baumann Philipp-S , Gholam Mehdi , Gasser Jacques , Do Cuenod Kim-Q , Conus Philippe 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background:
Although evidence from psychosis patients demonstrates the adverse effects of cannabis use (CU) at a young age and that the rate of CU is high in subgroups of young violent patients with psychotic disorders, little is known about the possible effect of the age of onset of CU on later violent behaviors (VB). So, we aimed to explore the impact of age at onset of CU on the risk of displaying VB in a cohort of early psychosis patients.

Method:
Data were collected prospectively over a 36-month period in the context of an early psychosis cohort study. A total of 265 patients, aged 18–35 years, were included in the study. Logistic regression was performed to assess the link between age of onset of substance use and VB.

Results:
Among the 265 patients, 72 had displayed VB and 193 had not. While violent patients began using cannabis on average at age 15.29 (0.45), nonviolent patients had started on average at age 16.97 (0.35) (p = 0.004). Early-onset CU (up to age 15) was a risk factor for VB (odds ratio = 4.47, confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–20.06) when the model was adjusted for age group, other types of substance use, being a user or a nonuser and various violence risk factors and covariates. History of violence and early CU (until 15) were the two main risk factors for VB.

Conclusions:
Our results suggest that early-onset CU may play a role in the emergence of VB in early psychosis.