bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility testing of a community dialogue approach for promoting the uptake of family planning and contraceptive services in Zambia
Authors: Munakampe Margarate Nzala , Nkole Theresa , Silumbwe Adam , Zulu Joseph Mumba , Cordero Joanna Paula , Steyn Petrus S 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Community dialogues have been used in participatory approaches in various health prevention and awareness programs, including family planning interventions to increase understanding and alignment of particular issues from different peoples’ perspectives. The main aim of this paper is to document the feasibility testing of a community dialogue approach, which aimed to promote dialogue between healthcare providers and community members. The feasibility testing was part of formative-phase research needed to design an intervention, with the ultimate goal of increasing the uptake of family planning and contraception. The community dialogue intervention generated discussions on key approaches to improve family planning and contraception provision and uptake.Methods: Key stages of the community dialogue were undertaken, with representation from healthcare providers and community members. Participants included frontline and managerial health care providers, community health workers, family planning and contraception users, the youth, other stakeholders from the education sector, and civil society. How the dialogue was implemented (operational feasibility) as well as the cultural feasibility of the community dialogue content was evaluated through participant observations during the dialogue, using a standardised feasibility testing tick-list, and through focus group discussions with the stakeholders who participated in the community dialogue.Results: Overall, 21 of the 30 invited participants attended the meeting- 70 per cent attendance. The approach facilitated discussions on how quality care could be achieved in family planning and contraception provision, guided by the ground rules that were agreed upon by the different stakeholders. A need for more time for the discussion was noted. Also, more balanced representation from the adolescents, other stakeholders in family planning such as the community members was noted, especially in comparison to the healthcare providers. Some participants were not comfortable with the language used. And the young people felt older participants used complicated terminologies.Conclusion: Generally, the community dialogue was well received by the community members and the healthcare providers, as was observed from the sentiments expressed by both categories. Some key considerations for refining the approach included soliciting maximum participation from otherwise marginalized groups like the youth would provide stronger representation.
Biofilm formation on three different endotracheal tubes: A prospective clinical trial
Authors: Thorarinsdottir Hulda Rosa , Kander Thomas , Holmberg Anna , Petronis Sarunas , Klarin Bengt 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Biofilm formation on endotracheal tubes (ETTs) is an early and frequent event in mechanically ventilated patients. The biofilm is believed to act as a reservoir for infecting microorganisms and thereby contribute to development and relapses of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Once a biofilm has formed on an ETT surface, it is difficult to eradicate. This clinical study aimed to compare biofilm formation on three widely used ETTs with different surface properties and to explore factors potentially predictive of biofilm formation.Methods: We compared the grade of biofilm formation on ETTs made of uncoated polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone-coated PVC, and PVC coated with noble metals after > 24 hours of mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients. The comparison was based on scanning electron microscopy of ETT surfaces, biofilm grading, surveillance and biofilm cultures, and occurrence of VAP.Results: High-grade (score ≥ 7) biofilm formation on the ETTs was associated with development of VAP (OR 4.17 [95% CI 1.14–15.3], p = 0.031). Compared to uncoated PVC ETTs, the silicone-coated and noble-metal-coated PVC ETTs were independently associated with reduced high-grade biofilm formation (OR 0.18 [95% CI 0.06–0.59], p = 0.005, and OR 0.34 [95% CI 0.13–0.93], p = 0.036, respectively). No significant difference was observed between silicon-coated ETTs and noble-metal-coated ETTs (OR 0.54 [95% CI 0.17–1.65], p = 0.278). In 60% of the oropharyngeal cultures and 58% of the endotracheal cultures collected at intubation, the same microorganism was found in the ETT biofilm at extubation. In patients who developed VAP, the causative microbe remained in the biofilm in 56% of cases, despite appropriate antibiotic therapy. High-grade biofilm formation on ETTs was not predicted by either colonization with common VAP pathogens in surveillance cultures or duration of invasive ventilation.Conclusion: High-grade biofilm formation on ETTs was associated with development of VAP. Compared to the uncoated PVC ETTs, the silicone-coated and noble-metal-coated PVC ETTs were independently associated with reduced high-grade biofilm formation. Further research on methods to prevent, monitor, and manage biofilm occurrence is needed.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02284438. Retrospectively registered on 21 October 2014, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02284438.
Study on the ability of 3D gamma analysis and bio-mathematical model in detecting dose changes caused by dose-calculation-grid-size (DCGS)
Authors: Bai Han , Zhu Sijin , Wu Xingrao , Liu Xuhong , Chen Feihu , Yan Jiawen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: To explore the efficacy and sensitivity of 3D gamma analysis and bio-mathematical model for cervical cancer in detecting dose changes caused by dose-calculation-grid-size (DCGS).Methods：17 patients’ plans for cervical cancer were enrolled (Pinnacle TPS，VMAT), and the DCGS was changed from 2.0mm to 5.0mm to calculate the planned dose respectively. The dose distribution calculated by DCGS = 2.0mm as the “reference” data set (RDS), the dose distribution calculated by the rest DCGS as the“measurement”data set (MDS), the 3D gamma passing rates and the (N)TCPs of the all structures under different DCGS were obtained, and then analyze the ability of 3D gamma analysis and (N)TCP model in detecting dose changes and what factors affect this ability.Results: The effect of DCGS on planned dose was obvious. When the gamma standard was 1.0mm, 1.0% and 10.0%, the difference of the results of the DCGS on dose-effect could be detected by 3D gamma analysis (all p value < 0.05). With the decline of the standard, 3D gamma analysis’ ability to detect this difference shows weaker. When the standard was 1.0mm, 3.0% and 10.0%, the p value of > 0.05 accounted for the majority. With DCGS=2.0mm being RDS, ∆gamma-passing-rate presented the same trend with ∆(N)TCPs of all structures except for the femurs only when the 1.0mm, 1.0% and 10.0% standards were adopted for the 3D gamma analysis.Conclusions: The 3D gamma analysis and bio-mathematical model can be used to analyze the effect of DCGS on the planned dose. For comparison, the former’s detection ability has a lot to do with the designed standard, and the latter’s capability is related to the parameters and calculated accuracy instrinsically.
Positive results for patients with COVID-19 discharged form hospital in Chongqing, China
Authors: Deng Wang , Guang Tian-wen , Yang Mei , Li Jian-rong , Jiang De-peng , Li Chang-yi , Wang Dao-Xin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Since December 2019, over 80,000 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been confirmed in China. With the increasing number of recovered patients, more attention should be paid to the follow-up of these patients. Methods: In the study, 576 patients with COVID-19 discharged from hospital in Chongqing, China from January 24, 2020, to March 10, 2020 were evaluated by viral nucleic acid tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) to determine if they could be released from quarantine. Among the 576 patients, 61 patients (10.6%) had positive RT-PCR test results of SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to analyze the demographics, clinical characteristics and treatment of 61 patients.Results: These positive patients were characterized by older age, chronic medical illness and mild conditions. 38 (62.3%) patients who were asymptomatic without abnormalities on chest radiographs were found in the positive with COVID-19. Also, they showed positive results of stool or sputum specimens with negative results of nasal and pharyngeal swab specimens. The median duration of positive result of SARS-CoV-2 was varied from 3 days to 35 days in the patients discharged from hospital with no family member infection. Conclusions: Multi-site screening of SARS-CoV-2 including nasal and pharyngeal swabs, stool and sputum specimens could be considered to improve the diagnosis, treatment and infection control in patients with COVID-19. Our findings provide the important information and clinical evidence for the improved management of patients recovered from COVID-19
Dynamic Simulation of Continuous Mixed Sugar Fermentation with Increasing Cell Retention Time for Lactic Acid Production using Enterococcus mundtii QU 25
Authors: Wang Ying , Chan Ka-Lai , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed Ali , Sonomoto Kenji , Leu Shao-Yuan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The simultaneous and effective conversion of both pentose and hexose in fermentation is a critical and challenging task towards the lignocellulosic economy. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of an innovative co-fermentation process featuring with a cell recycling unit (CF/CR) for mixed sugar utilization. A l-lactic acid producing strain Enterococcus mundtii QU 25, was applied in the continuous fermentation process, and the mixed sugars were utilized at different productivities after the flowing conditions were changed. A numerical platform was constructed with the experiments to optimize the biological process and clarify the cell metabolism through kinetics analysis. The structured model, kinetic parameters, and achievement of the fermentation strategy shall provide new insights towards whole sugar fermentation via real-time monitoring for process control and optimization. Results: Significant carbon catabolite repression in co-fermentation using a glucose/xylose mixture was overcome by replacing glucose with cellobiose, and the ratio of consumed pentose to consumed hexose increased significantly from 0.096 to 0.461 by mass. An outstanding product concentration of 65.2 g·L-1 and productivity of 13.03 g·L-1·h-1 were achieved with 50 g·L-1 cellobiose and 30 g·L-1 xylose at an optimized dilution rate of 0.2 h-1, and the cell retention time gradually increased. Among the total lactic acid production, xylose contributed to more than 34% of the mixed sugars, which was close to the related contents in agricultural residuals. The model successfully simulated the transition of sugar consumption, cell growth, and lactic acid production among the batch, continuous process, and CF/CR systems. Conclusion: Cell retention time played a critical role in balancing pentose and hexose consumption, cell decay, and lactic acid production in the CF/CR process. With increasing cell concentration, consumption of mixed sugars increased with the productivity of the final product; hence, the impact of substrate inhibition was reduced. With the validated parameters, the model showed the highest accuracy simulating the CF/CR process, and significantly longer cell retention times compared to hydraulic retention time were tested.
Genetic Effects of Soluble Starch Synthase IV-2 and It with ADPglucose Pyrophorylase Large Unit and Pullulanase on Rice Qualities
Authors: Xu Liang , You Hui , Zhang Ouling , Xiang Xunchao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Rice amylose content and amylopectin structure corporately determine rice eating and cooking qualities (ECQs). Soluble starch synthase ( SS ) IV-2 is a member of the soluble starch synthesis gene family but with unknown effects on ECQs. Results: In this study, three populations derived from a cross of two parents who possess the same major genes of starch bio-synthesis were employed to investigate the influence of SSIV-2 and its combined effects with ADPglucose pyrophorylase large unit ( AGPlar ) and Pullulanase ( PUL ) on ECQs. The results illustrated that the polymorphism of SSIV-2 alleles significantly affected gel consistency (GC), gelatinization temperature (GT), percent of retrogradation (PR) and three crucial rapid viscosity analysis (RVA) profile parameters: peak viscosity (PKV), breakdown viscosity (BDV) and setback viscosity (SBV). And SSIV-2 allele derived from CG173R had better quality traits with lower GT, SBV and PR. Moreover, its interaction with AGPlar was responsible for the variations of GC, apparent amylose content (AAC), GT, PR and all RVA parameters except for pasting temperature (PaT) and peak time (PeT), in terms of GC, PKV and CSV, AGPlar derived from CG173R had an epistatic effect on SSIV-2 ; additionally, interaction of SSIV-2 and PUL mainly affected GC, AAC, PKV, CPV, CSV and SBV. I-C and C-1 (I, allele of AGPlar from Guangzhan 63S; C, allele of SSIV-2 from CG173R; 1, allele of PUL from Guangzhan 63S) combinations had better ECQs. Conclusions: SSIV-2 alleles significantly affect rice quality, especially the parameters relevant to gelatinized and thermal characteristics of starch (GC, PR, GT, PKV, BDV and SBV) under the same major genes ( Waxy and SSII-3 ) background. It indicates that SSIV-2 functions elongation of starch chain. These findings suggest that the effects of SSIV-2 and its interaction with AGPlar and PUL are vital for rice quality breeding with the same major genes.
GENOME-WIDE SCAN FOR COMMON VARIANTS ASSOCIATED WITH INTRAMUSCULAR FAT AND MOISTURE CONTENT IN RAINBOW TROUT
Authors: Ali Ali R. , Al-Tobasei Rafet , Lourenco Daniela , Leed Tim , Kenney Brett , Salem Mohamed 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Genetic improvement of fillet quality attributes is a priority of the aquaculture industry. Muscle composition impacts quality attributes such as flavor, appearance, texture, and juiciness. Fat and moisture make up about ~80% of the tissue weight. The genetic architecture underlying the fat and moisture content of the muscle is still to be fully explored in fish. A 50K gene transcribed SNP chip was used for genotyping 789 fish with available phenotypic data for fat and moisture content. Genotyped fish were obtained from two consecutive generations produced in the National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture (NCCCWA) growth-selective breeding program. Estimates of SNP effects from weighted single-step GBLUP (WssGBLUP) were used to perform genome-wide association (GWA) analysis to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the studied traits. Results Using genomic sliding windows of 50 adjacent SNPs, 137 and 178 SNPs were identified as associated with fat and moisture content, respectively. Chromosomes 19 and 29 harbored the highest number of SNPs explaining at least 2% of the genetic variation in fat and moisture content. A total of 61 common SNPs on chromosomes 19 and 29 affected the aforementioned traits; this association suggests common mechanisms underlying intramuscular fat and moisture content. Additionally, based on single-marker GWA analyses, 8 and 24 SNPs were identified in association with fat and moisture content, respectively. Conclusion SNP-harboring genes were primarily involved in lipid metabolism, cytoskeleton remodeling, and protein turnover. This work provides putative SNP markers that could be prioritized and used for genomic selection in breeding programs.
Onset features and time to diagnosis in Friedreich´s Ataxia
Authors: Indelicato Elisabetta , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Eigentler Andreas , Amprosi Matthias , Gothe Raffaella Matteucci , Giunti Paola , Mariotti Caterina , Arpa Javier , Durr Alexandra , Klopstock Thomas , Schöls Ludger , Giordano Ilaria , Bürk Katrin , Pandolfo Massimo , Didszdun Claire , Schulz Jörg , Boesch Sylvia 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: In rare disorders diagnosis may be delayed due to limited awareness and unspecific presenting symptoms. Herein, we address the issue of diagnostic delay in Friedreich´s Ataxia (FRDA), a genetic disorder usually caused by homozygous GAA-repeat expansions. Methods: 611 genetically confirmed FRDA patients were recruited within a multicentric natural history study conducted by the EFACTS (European FRDA Consortium for Translational Studies, ClinicalTrials.gov-Identifier NCT02069509). Age at first symptoms as well as age at first suspicion of FRDA by a physician were collected retrospectively at the baseline visit. Results: In 554 of cases (90.7%), disease presented with gait or coordination disturbances. In the others (n=57, 9.3%), non-neurological features such as scoliosis or cardiomyopathy predated ataxia. Before the discovery of the causal mutation in 1996, median time to diagnosis was 4(IQR=2-9) years and it improved significantly after the introduction of genetic testing (2(IQR=1-5) years, p<0.001). Still, after 1996, time to diagnosis was longer in patients with a) non-neurological presentation (mean 6.7, 95%CI[5.5,7.9] vs 4.5, [4.2,5] years in those with neurological presentation, p=0.001) as well as in b) patients with late-onset (3(IQR=1-7) vs 2(IQR=1-5) years compared to typical onset <25 years of age, p=0.03). Age at onset significantly correlated with the length of the shorter GAA repeat (GAA1) in case of neurological onset (r=-0,6; p<0,0001), but not in patients with non-neurological presentation (r=-0,1; p=0,4). Across 54 siblings’ pairs, differences in age at onset did not correlate with differences in GAA-repeat length (r=-0,14, p=0,3).Conclusions: In the genetic era, presentation with non-neurological features or in the adulthood still leads to a significant diagnostic delay in FRDA. Well-known correlations between GAA1 repeat length and disease milestones are not valid in case of atypical presentations or positive family history.
Up-regulation of miR-1825 inhibits the progression of glioblastoma by suppressing CDK14 though Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Lu Fengqin , Li Chunhong , Sun Yuping , Jia Ting , Li Na , Li Haiyan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Mounting evidences displayed that miRNAs play crucial roles in tumor initiation and development. However, the regulation and relevant mechanism of miR- miR-1825 in glioblastoma (GBM) remain unclear. Methods: qRT-PCR was used to detect miR-1825 and CDK14 mRNA expression. Western blot was applied for testing protein levels (VEGF, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, β-catenin, c-myc, p-c-Jun). MTT and transwell assays were used for detecting GBM cell progression, including cell viability, migration, and invasion.Results: The results showed that miR-1825 was decreased in GBM tissue specimens by qRT-PCR and it was confirmed as a prognostic marker of GBM by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Moreover, we also found that miR-1825 up-regulation suppressed GBM cell viability, tumor growth, invasion and migration. Furthermore, CDK14 was first identified as the direct target of miR-1825 by Luciferase reporter assay. CDK14 acted as an oncogene in GBM development by Immunohistochemistry. In addition, Western blot analysis demonstrated that miR-1825 regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in GBM development. Conclusion: In conclusion, miR-1825 up-regulation suppressed GBM progression by targeting CDK14 through Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Erenumab in highly therapy-refractory migraine patients: First German Real-world evidence
Authors: Scheffler Armin , Messel Olga , Wurthmann Sebastian , Nsaka Michael , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Glas Martin , Naegel Steffen , Holle-Lee Dagny 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAB) are the first specific migraine prophylactic medication. Erenumab is the only CGRP mAB targeting the CGRP receptor. Clinical data regarding efficacy and tolerability of erenumab in highly therapy-refractory patients are not available, yet, although many patients treated with CGRP mAB under real world conditions can be considered as highly therapy-refractory.Methods: Clinical routine data of highly therapy-refractory migraine patients treated with erenumab 70mg for three months between November 2018 and December 2019 in the West German Headache Center, University Hospital Essen, Germany, were analysed. Monthly migraine days (MMD), monthly headache days (MHD) and days of acute medication intake (AMD) were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. Descriptive statistics were performed to evaluate changes of vegetative symptoms, acute medication response, side effects, as well as treatment satisfaction.Results: Complete clinical data were available for 26 episodic (EM) and 74 chronic (CM) migraineurs. Sixty-six % (n=49) of CM patients had an additional medication overuse headache (MOH). After three months 57.7 % of EM patients and 41.9 % of CM patients had a 50% or greater reduction of MMD. The mean number of MMD was reduced by 3.43 (SE 1.26) in EM, and by 4.72 (SE 0.87) in CM. Thirty-nine patients (52.7%) returned from chronic to episodic course of migraine. After three months, 23 patients (46.9%) were not suffering from a MOH anymore.Conclusions: Erenumab seems to be a promising therapeutic option in highly therapy-refractory migraine patients.Trial registration: Retrospective registered.
Comparison of adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma prognoses in Chinese patients with FIGO stage IB-IIA cervical cancer following radical surgery
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Lv Zunfu , Xu Xiaoxian , Yin Zhuomin , Lou hanmei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To compare adenocarcinoma (AC) and adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) prognoses in patients with FIGO stage IB–IIA cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy. Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of 240 patients with AC and 130 patients with ASC. Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox regression models, and log-rank tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Patients with ASC had higher frequencies of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) and serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) > 5 ng/ml (p=0.049 and p=0.013, respectively); moreover, they were much older (P=0.029) than patients with AC. There were no clinically significant differences in overall survival (OS) between the groups. When stratified into three risk groups based on clinicopathological features, survival outcomes did not differ between patients with AC and those with ASC in any risk group. Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis (LNM) was an independent risk factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS in patients with AC and in patients with ASC. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) > 5 ng/ml and SCC-Ag > 5 ng/ml were independent predictors of RFS and OS in patients with AC. In addition, among those stratified as intermediate-risk, patients with ASC who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) had significantly better RFS and OS (P=0.036 and P=0.047, respectively). Conclusions: We did not find evidence to suggest that AC and ASC subtypes of cervical cancer were associated with different survival outcomes. CCRT is beneficial for survival in intermediate-risk patients with ASC, but not in those with AC. Serum tumour markers can assist in evaluating prognosis and in providing additional information for patient-tailored therapy for cervical AC.