bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a duplex TaqMan real-time RT-PCR assay for simultaneous detection of newly emerged H5N6 influenza viruses
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhang Ying , Cui Pengfei , Wang Congcong , Zeng Xianying , Deng Guohua , Wang Xiurong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
In 2017–2018, a new highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza virus (AIV) variant appeared in poultry and wild birds in Asian and European countries and caused multiple outbreaks. These variant strains are different from the H5N6 virus associated with human infection in previous years, and their genetic taxonomic status and antigenicity have changed. Therefore, revision of the primers and probes of fluorescent RT-PCR is important to detect the new H5N6 subtype AIV in poultry and reduce the risk of an epidemic in birds or humans.

Methods
In this study, the primers and probes including three groups of HA and four groups of NA for H5N6 influenza virus were evaluated. Then a set of ideal primer and probes were selected to further optimize the reaction system and established a method of double rRT-PCR assay. The specificity of this method was determined by using H1~H16 subtype AIV.

Results
The results showed that fluorescence signals were obtained for H5 virus in FAM channel and N6 virus in VIC channel, and no fluorescent signal was observed in other subtypes of avian influenza viruses. The detection limit of this assay was 69 copies for H5 and 83 copies for N6 gene. And, the variability tests of intra- and inter-assay showed excellent reproducibility. Moreover, this assay showed 100% agreement with virus isolation method in detecting samples from poultry.

Conclusion
The duplex rRT-PCR assay presented here has high specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility, and can be used for laboratory surveillance and rapid diagnosis of newly emerged H5N6 subtype avian influenza viruses.
Development and validation of a risk prediction model for radiotherapy-related esophageal fistula in esophageal cancer
Authors: Xu Yiyue , Wang Linlin , He Bo , Li Wanlong , Wen Qiang , Wang Shijiang , Sun Xindong , Meng Xue , Yu Jinming 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objectives
We aimed to identify the risk factors and provide a nomogram for the prediction of radiotherapy-related esophageal fistula in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) using a case-control study.

Patients and methods
Patients with esophageal fistula who received radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy between 2003 and 2017 were retrospectively collected in two institutions. In the training cohort (TC), clinical, pathologic, and serum data of 136 patients (cases) who developed esophageal fistula during or after radiotherapy were enrolled and compared with 272 controls (1:2 matched with the diagnosis time of EC, sex, marriage, and race). After the univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses, the independent risk factors were identified and incorporated into a nomogram. Then the nomogram for the risk prediction was externally validated in the validation cohort (VC; 47 cases and 94 controls) using bootstrap resampling.

Results
Multivariable analyses demonstrated that ECOG PS, BMI, T4, N2/3 and re-radiotherapy were independent factors for esophageal fistula. Then a nomogram was constructed with the C-index of 0.805 (95% CI, 0.762–0.848) for predicting the risk of developing esophageal fistula in EC patients receiving radiotherapy. Importantly, the C-index maintained 0.764 (95% CI, 0.683–0.845) after the external validation.

Conclusions
We created and externally validated the first risk nomogram of esophageal fistula associated with radiotherapy. This will aid individual risk stratification of patients with EC developing esophageal fistula.
Subpleural multilevel intercostal continuous analgesia after thoracoscopic pulmonary resection: a pilot study
Authors: Bousema Jelle E. , Dias Esther M. , Hagen Sander M. , Govaert Bastiaan , Meijer Patrick , van den Broek Frank J. C. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundSufficient pain control and rapid mobilisation after VATS are important to enhance recovery and prevent complications. Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is the gold standard, but failure rates of 9–30% have been described. In addition, TEA reduces patient mobilisation and bladder function. Subpleural continuous analgesia (SCA) is a regional analgesic technique that is placed under direct thoracoscopic vision and is not associated with the mentioned disadvantages of TEA. The objective of this study was to assess surgical feasibility, pain control and patient satisfaction of SCA.MethodsObservational pilot study in patients who underwent VATS pulmonary resection and received SCA (n = 23). Pain scores (numeric rating scale 0–10) and patient satisfaction (5-point Likert scale) were collected on postoperative day (POD) 0–3. Secondary outcomes were the period of urinary catheter use and period to full mobilisation.ResultsPlacement of the subpleural catheter took an average of 11 min (SD 5) and was successful in all patients. Pain scores on POD 0–3 were 1.2 (SD 1.2), 2.0 (SD 1.9), 1.7 (SD 1.5) and 1.2 (SD 1.1) respectively. On POD 0–3 at least 79% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied on pain relief and mobilisation. The duration of subpleural continuous analgesia was 4 days (IQR 3–5, range 2–11). Urinary catheters were used zero days (IQR 0–1, range 0–6) and full mobilisation was achieved on POD 2 (IQR 1–2, range 1–6).ConclusionSubpleural continuous analgesia in VATS pulmonary resection is feasible and provides adequate pain control and good patient satisfaction.Trial registrationThis pilot study was not registered in a trial register.
The necessity of IIb dissection in T1–T2N0M0 oral squamous cell carcinoma: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Liang , Song Xuefei , Cui Chang , Ma Chunyue , Guo Bing , Qin Xingjun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is a growing debate on the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient survival which has been going on for the last few decades. The greatest wish of clinicians is to extend the latter while improving the former. Following neck dissection of early-stage oral carcinoma, “shoulder syndrome” appears due to traction of the accessory nerve during removal of level IIb, which greatly affects patient quality of life. Since occult metastasis in level IIb of early-stage oral carcinoma is extremely low, some surgeons suggest that level IIb can be exempt from dissection to improve the HRQoL. However, other surgeons take the opposite view, and thus there is no consensus on the necessity of IIb dissection in T1–2N0M0 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsWe designed a parallel-group, randomized, non-inferiority trial that is supported by Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. We will enroll 522 patients with early oral carcinoma who match the inclusion criteria, and compare differences in 3-year overall survival, progression–free survival (PFS) and HRQoL under different interventions (retention or dissection of level IIb). The primary endpoints will be tested by means of two-sided log-rank tests. Analysis of overall and progression-free survival will be performed in subgroups that were defined according to stratification factors with the use of univariate Cox analysis. In addition, we will use post-hoc subgroup analyses on the basis of histological factors that were known to have effects on survival, such as death of invasion of the primary tumor. To evaluate HRQoL, we will choose the Constant–Murley scale to measure shoulder function.DiscussionCurrently, there are no randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes on the necessity of IIB dissection in T1–T2N0M0 OSCC. We designed this noninferiority RCT that combines survival rate and HRQoL to assess the feasibility of IIb neck dissection. The result of this trial may guide clinical practice and change the criteria of how early-stage oral cancer is managed. The balance between survival and HRQoL in this trial is based on early-stage breast cancer treatment and may provide new ideas for other malignancies.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry,ChiCTR1800019128. Registered on 26 October 2018.
Conservation laws, analytical solutions and stability analysis for the time-fractional Schamel–Zakharov–Kuznetsov–Burgers equation
Authors: EL-Kalaawy O. H. , Moawad S. M. , Tharwat M. M. , Al-Denari Rasha B. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we consider the $(3+1)$
(
3
+
1
)
-dimensional time-fractional Schamel–Zakharov–Kuznetsov–Burgers (SZKB) equation. With the help of the Riemann–Liouville derivatives, the Lie point symmetries of the $(3+1)$
(
3
+
1
)
-dimensional time-fractional SZKB equation are derived. By applying the Lie point symmetry method as well as Erdélyi–Kober fractional operator, we get the similarity reductions of the time-fractional SZKB equation. Conservation laws of the time-fractional SZKB are constructed. Moreover, we obtain its power series solutions with the convergence analysis. In addition, the analytical solution is obtained by modified trial equation method. Finally, stability is analyzed graphically in different planes.
Stability of traveling wavefronts for a 2D lattice dynamical system arising in a diffusive population model
Authors: Zhao Haiqin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the traveling wavefronts of a 2D two-component lattice dynamical system. This problem arises in the modeling of a species with mobile and stationary subpopulations in an environment in which the habitat is two-dimensional and divided into countable niches. The existence and uniqueness of the traveling wavefronts of this system have been studied in (Zhao and Wu in Nonlinear Anal., Real World Appl. 12: 1178–1191, 2011). However, the stability of the traveling wavefronts remains unsolved. In this paper, we show that all noncritical traveling wavefronts with given direction of propagation and wave speed are exponentially stable in time. In particular, we obtain the exponential convergence rate.
Prescribing practices using WHO prescribing indicators and factors associated with antibiotic prescribing in six community pharmacies in Asmara, Eritrea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Amaha Nebyu Daniel , Weldemariam Dawit G. , Abdu Nuru , Tesfamariam Eyasu H. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Antibiotics require more prudent prescribing, dispensing and administration than other medicines because these medicines are at a greater risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Studying the current medicine use practices and factors affecting the prescribing of an antibiotic would help decision makers to draft policies that would enable a more rational use of medicines.

Methods
A prospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the current prescribing practices including antibiotics use in six community pharmacies in Asmara. A total of 600 encounters were reviewed using the WHO core prescribing indicators between May 5 and May 12, 2019 using stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were employed using IBM SPSS® (version 22).

Results
The average number of medicines per prescription was 1.76 and 83.14% of the medicines were prescribed using generic names while 98.39% of the medicines were from the National Essential Medicines List (NEML). The percentage of prescriptions containing antibiotics was 53%. The number of encounters containing injections was 7.8%. Patient age, gender and number of medicines prescribed were significantly associated with antibiotic prescribing at bivariate and multivariable models. Subjects under the age of 15 were approximately three times more likely to be prescribed antibiotic compared to subjects whose age is 65 and above (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.93, 95%CI: 1.71–5). Similarly, males were more likely to be prescribed antibiotic than females (AOR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.10–2.24). Subjects to whom three to four medicines prescribed were two times more likely to be prescribed an antibiotic compared to those who were to be prescribed one to two medicines per encounter (AOR: 2.17, 95%CI: 1.35–3.5). A one-unit increase in the number of medicines increased the odds of antibiotic prescribing increased by 2.02 units (COR: 2.02; 95%CI: 1.62–2.52).

Conclusions
This study found that the percentage of antibiotics being prescribed at the community pharmacies in Asmara was 53% which deviated significantly from the WHO recommended values (20–26.8%). Furthermore, the percentage of encounters with an injection was 7.8% lower than the WHO value of 13.4–24.0%. Patients’ age, gender and number of medicines were significantly associated with antibiotic prescribing.
Interactive association between processing induced molecular structure changes and nutrient delivery on a molecular basis, revealed by cutting-edge vibrational biomolecular spectroscopy
Authors: Ismael Aya , Guevara-Oquendo Victor Hugo , Refat Basim , Yu Peiqiang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
This study was conducted to determine protein molecular structure profiles and quantify the relationship between protein structural features and protein metabolism and bioavailability of blend pelleted products (BPP) based on co-products (canola or carinata) from processing with different proportions of pulse pea screenings and lignosulfonate chemical compound.

Method
The protein molecular structures were determined using the non-invasive advanced vibrational molecular spectroscopy (ATR-FT/IR) in terms of chemical structure and biofunctional groups of amides (I and II), α-helix and β-sheet.

Results
The results showed that increasing the level of the co-products in BPP significantly increased the spectral intensity of the amide area and amide height. The products exhibited similar protein secondary α-helix to β-sheet ratio. The protein molecular structure profiles (amides I and II, α-helix to β-sheet) were highly associated with protein degradation kinetics and intestinal digestion. In conclusion, the non-invasive vibrational molecular spectroscopy (ATR-FT/IR) could be used to detect inherent structural make-up characteristics in BPP.

Conclusion
The molecular structural features related to protein biopolymer were highly associated with protein utilization and metabolism.
Identification and functional characterization of two novel mutations in KCNJ10 and PI4KB in SeSAME syndrome without electrolyte imbalance
Authors: Nadella Ravi K. , Chellappa Anirudh , Subramaniam Anand G. , More Ravi Prabhakar , Shetty Srividya , Prakash Suriya , Ratna Nikhil , Vandana V. P. , Purushottam Meera , Saini Jitender , Viswanath Biju , Bindu P. S. , Nagappa Madhu , Mehta Bhupesh , Jain Sanjeev , Kannan Ramakrishnan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Dysfunction in inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 has been implicated in SeSAME syndrome, an autosomal-recessive (AR), rare, multi-systemic disorder. However, not all neurological, intellectual disability, and comorbid phenotypes in SeSAME syndrome can be mechanistically linked solely to Kir4.1 dysfunction.

Methods
We therefore performed whole-exome sequencing and identified additional genetic risk-elements that might exert causative effects either alone or in concert with Kir4.1 in a family diagnosed with SeSAME syndrome.

Results
Two variant prioritization pipelines based on AR inheritance and runs of homozygosity (ROH), identified two novel homozygous variants in KCNJ10 and PI4KB and five rare homozygous variants in PVRL4, RORC, FLG2, FCRL1, NIT1 and one common homozygous variant in HSPA6 segregating in all four patients. The novel mutation in KCNJ10 resides in the cytoplasmic domain of Kir4.1, a seat of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) binding. The mutation altered the subcellular localization and stability of Kir4.1 in patient-specific lymphoblastoid cells (LCLs) compared to parental controls. Barium-sensitive endogenous K+ currents in patient-specific LCLs using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology revealed membrane depolarization and defects in inward K+ ion conductance across the membrane, thereby suggesting a loss-of-function effect of KCNJ10 variant.

Conclusion
Altogether, our findings implicate the role of new genes in SeSAME syndrome without electrolyte imbalance and thereby speculate the regulation of Kir4.1 channel activity by PIP2 and integrin-mediated adhesion signaling mechanisms.
Consequences of social mobility on social relationships: a case study of successful rural migrants in Beijing
Authors: Liu Na 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe impact of social mobility on social relationships is a neglected area of mobility studies in China. Drawing on intensive interviews with 30 migrant families in Beijing, this research aims to investigate the effect of social mobility on the social life and interpersonal relationships of successful migrants, especially regarding family, friends, and locals. It has been shown that the economic success of the interviewees did not estrange them from kin but rather strengthened their ties and obligations toward each other. Their mode of association still followed the principle ofchaxu geju. Their friendship circles, however, changed significantly. Old ties that could not move upwards at the same pace were usually left behind. Despite these significant changes, however, their social relationships beyond kin were mainly limited to rural migrants. Very few socialized with or established contacts with the local people in Beijing. The economic success of the migrants did not bring social integration. Their social adaptation was largely a process of assimilating with social groups formed by people similar to themselves rather than a process of integrating into the already established urban classes.
Impact of Increasing Wait Times on Overall Mortality of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy in Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Discrete Event Simulation Model
Authors: Tully Stephen , Feng Zeny , Grindrod Kelly , McFarlane Tom , Chan Kelvin K.W. , Wong William W.L. 
Published: October 2019

PURPOSE The development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has transformed oncology treatment, with the potential to cure certain cancers. Although shown to be effective in selected populations and studies, CAR T-cell technology requires considerable health care resources, which may lead to additional wait times to access this type of treatment in future. The objective of our study was to estimate the potential impact of increasing wait times on CAR T-cell therapy effectiveness compared with standard chemotherapy for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. METHODS A health system–level discrete event simulation model was developed to project the potential impact of wait times on CAR T-cell therapy for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Waiting queues and health states related to treatment and clinical progression were implemented. Using data from the literature, we evaluated nine scenarios of using CAR T-cell therapy with wait times ranging from 1 to 9 months. The outcome of interest was 1-year all-cause mortality. RESULTS Increasing the wait time of receiving CAR T-cell therapy from 1 to 9 months increased the predicted 1-year mortality rate from 36.1% to 76.3%. Baseline 1-year mortality was 34.0% in patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy with no wait times and 75.1% in patients treated with chemotherapy. This resulted in an increased relative mortality rate of 6.2% to 124.5% over a 1- to 9-month wait time compared with no wait time. CONCLUSION We found that modest delays in CAR T-cell therapy significantly hinder its effectiveness. Because CAR T-cell therapy offers a potential cure, it is expected that the uptake rate will be substantially increased once the therapy is regularly funded by a health care system. Wait times may be prolonged if system resource availability does not match the demand. Strategies must be developed to minimize the impact of delays and reduce complications during waiting.
Improving Stratification for Children With Late Bone Marrow B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Relapses With Refined Response Classification and Integration of Genetics
Authors: Eckert Cornelia , Groeneveld-Krentz Stefanie , Kirschner-Schwabe Renate , Hagedorn Nikola , Chen-Santel Christiane , Bader Peter , Borkhardt Arndt , Cario Gunnar , Escherich Gabriele , Panzer-Grümayer Renate , Astrahantseff Kathy , Eggert Angelika , Sramkova Lucie , Attarbaschi Andishe , Bourquin Jean-Pierre , Peters Christina , Henze Günter , von Stackelberg Arend ,   for the ALL-REZ BFM Trial Group
Published: October 2019

PURPOSE Minimal residual disease (MRD) helps to accurately assess when children with late bone marrow relapses of B-cell precursor (BCP) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) will benefit from allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). More detailed dissection of MRD response heterogeneity and the specific genetic aberrations could improve current practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS MRD was assessed after induction treatment and at different times during relapse treatment until allo-HSCT (indicated in poor responders to induction; MRD ≥ 10−3) for patients being treated for late BCP-ALL bone marrow relapses (n = 413; median follow-up, 9.4 years) in the ALL-REZ BFM 2002 trial/registry (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00114348 ). RESULTS Patients with both good (MRD < 10−3) and poor responses to induction treatment reached excellent event-free survival (EFS; 72% v 65%) and overall survival (OS; 82% v 74%). Patients with MRD of 10−2 or greater after induction had reduced EFS (56%), and their MRD persisted until allo-HSCT more frequently than it did in patients with MRD of 10−3 or greater to less than 10−2 ( P = .037). Patients with 25% or more leukemic blasts after induction (early nonresponders) had the poorest prognosis (EFS, 22%). Interestingly, patients with MRD of 10−3 or greater before allo-HSCT (late nonresponders) still had an EFS of 50% and OS of 63%, which in principle justifies allo-HSCT in these patients. From a panel of selected candidate genes, TP53 alterations (frequency, 8%) were the only genetic alteration with independent prognostic value in any MRD-based response subgroup. CONCLUSION After induction treatment, MRD-based treatment stratification resulted in excellent survival in patients with late relapsed BCP-ALL. Prognosis could be further improved in very poor responders by intensifying treatment directly after induction. TP53 alterations can be defined as a novel genetic high-risk marker in all MRD response groups in late relapsed BCP-ALL. Here we identified early and late nonresponders to be considered as events in future trials.
CURRENCY FOR RETIREMENT: INVESTING IN PHYSICAL CAPITAL
Authors: Dondzila Chris , Glass Steve 
Published: October 2019

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