bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Regional Left Ventricular Myocardial Strain in Patients with Left Anterior Descending Coronary Stenosis Using Computed Tomography Feature Tracking
Authors: Han Xiaoyu , Cao Yukun , Ju Zhiguo , Liu Jia , Li Na , Li Yumin , Liu Tong , Shi Heshui , Gu Jin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Computed tomography feature tracking (CT-FT) has emerged as a valuable method for the assessment of cardiac function. However, no studies have investigated the usefulness of CT-derived assessments of left ventricular (LV) strain in coronary artery disease (CAD). Our aim was to evaluate regional LV systolic deformation in patients with left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) stenosis using CT-FT.Methods: Seventy-six patients with LAD stenosis were enrolled. The patients were divided into four groups according to the percentage of LAD stenosis: ≤25% was defined as group I (24 patients), 26% to 49% as group II (17 patients), 50% to 74% as group III (21 patients), and ≥75% as group IV (14 patients). Thirty-two sex- and age-matched healthy subjects were included as controls.Results: No intergroup differences were found between groups I-IV and the controls in terms of the left ventricular ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume. However, the longitudinal strain (LS) of the LAD territory was significantly reduced in groups I-IV compared with the controls (-20.8%, -18.6%, -18.6%, and -17.0% vs -23.7%, respectively). The circumferential strain (CS) of the LAD territory was significantly reduced in groups III and IV compared with the controls and groups I and II (-22.4% and -22.1% vs -25.4%, -24.1%, and -25.3%, respectively). Compared with the non-LAD territory, the LAD territory in groups II-IV showed significantly increased LS (-18.6% vs -21.9%, p=0.07; -18.6% vs -21.9%, p=0.024; -17.5% vs -20%, p=0.032, respectively). The severity of LAD stenosis was positively correlated with the LS of the LAD territory (r = 0.438, p=0.002).Conclusion: CT‑FT can detect decreasing LV systolic function in patients with LAD stenosis. LV regional systolic deformation of the LAD territory was reduced with increasing LAD stenosis severity.
Deep Learning-Based Question Answering System for Intelligent Humanoid Robot
Authors: Budiharto Widodo , Andreas Vincent , Gunawan Alexander Agung Santoso 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background- The development of Intelligent Humanoid Robot focuses on question answering systems that can interact with people is very limited. In this research, we would like to propose an Intelligent Humanoid Robot with the self-learning capability for accepting and giving responses from people based on Deep Learning and Big Data knowledge base. This kind of robot can be used widely in hotels, universities, and public services. The Humanoid Robot should consider the style of questions and conclude the answer through conversation between robot and user. In our scenario, the robot will detect the user’s face and accept commands from the user to do an action. Findings- The question from the user will be processed using deep learning, and the result will be compared to the knowledge base on the system. We proposed our Deep Learning approach, based on Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) encoder, Convolution Neural Network (CNN) encoder, with Bidirectional Attention Flow (BiDAF). Conclusions- Our evaluation indicates that using RNN based encoder with BiDAF gives a higher score, than CNN encoder with the BiDAF. Based on our experiment, our model get 82.43% F1 score and the RNN based encoder will give a higher EM / F1 score than using the CNN encoder.
Biased Technical Change in Hospital Care and the Demand for Physicians
Authors: Blank Jos L.T. , Niaounakis Thomas K. , Valdmanis Vivian G. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background The development of labour productivity is relevant for accurately planning future staffing requirements, especially in sectors where technological developments may drive labour substitution. The present study investigates how labour productivity has developed across Dutch medical specialists (2007-2017) and discusses its implications for workforce planning, also in relation to the existing literature.Methods A regression model is developed in which the number of full-time equivalents is related to production (admissions), hospital characteristics and a trend parameter. The trend parameter captures the average annual change in the number of full-time equivalents per production output and is a measure for labour productivity. The model is applied to a micro-data set of Dutch hospitals in the period 2007-2017 across 24 different specialties using regression methods. Results The results indicate an increase in the number of full-time equivalents per admission has increased for most specialisms and that labour productivity has thus decreased. However, there is considerable heterogeneity and uncertainty across different specialisms.Conclusions The results amplify the issue of medical personnel shortages driven by the growing demand for health care. The research outcomes are linked to the existing literature regarding physicians’ productivity. Changes in accountability such as using relative value units, incentive payments, use of staff and mid-level providers, and technology have been discussed and some consensus has been reached.
Effect of food matrix type on growth characteristics and hemolysin production of Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Wang Rundong , Hu Xiaojun , Deng Yijia , Deng Qi , Fang Zhijia , Sun Lijun , Wang Yaling , Gooneratne Ravi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Vibrio alginolyticus is an important seafood-borne pathogen. There is increasing evidence that V.alginolyticus can also contaminate non-seafood by cross contamination and thereby cause food poisoning in humans. The growth and hemolysin production of V. alginolyticus at 30 °C in briny tilapia, shrimp, scallop, oyster, pork, chicken, freshwater fish and egg fried rice were investigated. Bacterial counts were enumerated by plate counting. Hemolysin production was evaluated by blood agar and hemolytic titer tests.Results: Based on the goodness of fit primary model statistics (R 2 , MSE, BF, AF), the modified Gompertz model was a better fit to V. alginolyticus growth in foods than the logistic model. Growth kinetic parameters of V. alginolyticus displayed a higher μ max and shorter λ in briny tilapia > shrimp > freshwater fish > egg fried rice > scallop > oyster > chicken > pork. It was notable that the V. alginolyticus counts were similar at the stationary phase, with no significant growth behavior difference between raw and cooked foods. However, higher thermostable direct hemolysin activity and hemolytic titer were observed in briny tilapia > egg fried rice > shrimp > freshwater fish > chicken > scallop > oyster > pork.Conclusion: V. alginolyticus growth was good in all food matrix types tested. Contrary to current belief, V. alginolyticus displayed a higher hemolytic activity in some non-seafoods (freshwater fish, egg fried rice and chicken) than in scallop or oyster. This is the first report of growth and toxicity of V. alginolyticus in different food matrices and confirmation that some non-seafood contaminated with V. alginolyticus can be even more pathogenic. This study will enhance the awareness of non-seafood safety and improve the V. alginolyticus risk assessment accuracy.
The Impact of a Hospitalist Model in Perioperative Care of Elective Joint Replacement Patients: a 17 years-experience Report
Authors: Ferrari Matteo Carlo , Azzolini Elena , Strangio Giuseppe , Badalamenti Salvatore , Lagioia Michele 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Hospitalists are physicians whose primary professional focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. The aim of this report is to describe a 17-year experience of a hospitalist model in peri-operative co-management in more than 25000 elective joint replacement patients.Methods: A retrospective observational study about surgical co-management with hospitalists in a tertiary teaching referral hospital in Milan in relation to hospital lengths of stay (LOS), 30-days readmission rate, incidence of prosthetic joint infections (PJI) and patient related co-morbidities, number of medico-legal disputes and related costs, and medical customer satisfaction. Results: Over a 17-year period LOS has been reduced from 10 to 5 days; readmission rates at 30 days for total hip arthroplasty are 1.7% vs 3.7% (Italy), whereas for total knee arthroplasty are 0.8% vs 1.4% (Italy); total infection rates (PJI) are recorded at 0.7% vs 1.4% (Italy); obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or smoking result as the main co-morbidity in PJI; there have been only 113 medico-legal disputes out of approximately 19000 surgeries and we report 95% overall medical customer satisfaction.Conclusions: This is the first paper outside the US to highlight the impact of the hospitalists on patient satisfaction and the translation of the obtained benefits into savings. The evolution of the hospitalist model in surgical settings shows promising results in terms of patients’ safety and cut of health-related direct and indirect costs.
FGL1 Regulates Acquired Resistance to Gefitinib by Inhibiting Apoptosis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Cuilan , Gao Weiwei , Liu Jiatao , Cheng Hao , Hao Jiqing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: This study investigated the role of fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) in regulating gefitinib resistance of PC9/GR non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: The effect of different concentrations of gefitinib on cell proliferation were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. FGL1 expression in the normal human bronchial epithelial cell line Beas-2B, as well as four lung tumor cell lines, H1975, A549, PC9, and PC9/GR, was investigated by using western blotting and qRT-PCR. FGL1 was knocked down using small interfering RNA to evaluate the effects of FGL1 on PC9 and PC9/GR. The correlation between FGL1 expression and gefitinib resistance was determined in vitro via CCK-8 and colony formation assays, and flow cytometry and in vivo via flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Results: FGL1 expression was significantly upregulated in non-small cell lung cancer cells with EGFR mutation and higher in the gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell line PC9/GR than in the gefitinib-sensitive NSCLC cell line PC9. Further, FGL1 expression in PC9 and PC9/GR cells increased in response to gefitinib treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Knockdown of FGL1 suppressed cell viability, reduced the gefitinib IC50 value, and enhanced apoptosis in PC9 and PC9/GR cells upon gefitinib treatment. Mouse xenograft experiments showed that FGL1 knockdown in PC9/GR tumor cells enhanced the inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing actions of gefitinib. The potential mechanism of gefitinib in inducing apoptosis of PC9/GR cells involves inhibition of PARP1 and caspase 3 expression via suppression of FGL1.Conclusions: FGL1 confers gefitinib resistance in the NSCLC cell line PC9/GR by regulating the PARP1/caspase 3 pathway. Hence, FGL1 is a potential therapeutic target to improve the treatment response of NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to gefitinib.
TUG1 enhances high gluose impaired endothelial progenitor cell function via miR-29c-3p/PDGF-BB/Wnt signaling
Authors: Li Yang , Zhi Kangkang , Han Shilong , Li Xue , Li Maoquan , Lian Weishuai , Zhang Haijun , Zhang Xiaoping 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Diabetes is associated with the dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), characterized as impaired angiogenesis, a phenomenon thought to be involved in the development of diabetic foot. LncRNA plays an essential role in microvascular dysfunction and signaling pathways in patients with diabetes. LncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) participates in angiogenesis in various cells. However, the mechanisms of TUG1 activity in EPCs have not been elucidated. Methods: We isolated and then characterized EPCs from the peripheral blood of mice using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Western blot detected the wnt/β-catenin pathway in high glucose treated EPCs. Bioinformatics analysis predicted a putative binding site for TUG1 on miR-29c-3p. The interactions among TUG1, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and miR-29c-3p were analyzed by luciferase assays. In vivo, diabetic mouse ischemic limb were treated with normal saline or TUG1 overexpression lentiviruses. Results: We found that EPC migration, invasion and tube-formation declined after treatment with high-glucose, but improved with TUG1 overexpression. Mechanically, wnt/β-catenin pathway and autophagy were involved in the function of TUG1 overexpression in high glucose treated EPCs. Moreover, TUG1 regulates the PDGF-BB/wnt pathway and function of high glucose treated EPCs via miR-29c-3p. In vivo, injection of TUG1 lentivirus in a diabetic mouse ischemic limb model stimulated angiogenesis. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that TUG1 restores high glucose treated EPC function by regulating miR-29c-3p/PDGF-BB/Wnt signaling.
Praziquantel treatment coverage among school age children against Schistosomiasis and associated factors in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional survey, 2019
Authors: Chisha Yilma , Zerdo Zerihun , Asnakew Mekuria , Churko Chuchu , Yihune Manaye , Teshome Abinet , Nigussu Nebiyu , Seife Fikire , Getachew Birhanu , Sileshi Markos 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: World Health Organization estimated that 779 million people are at risk of getting schistosomiasis (SCH) and 240 million people were infected worldwide. SCH due to schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) is a wide public health problem in Ethiopia. The aim of the survey was to quantify national and district disaggregated treatment coverage status for SCH and compare validated coverage with the one reported. Methods: Community based cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2019 among households with school age children (SAC) 5-14 years in seven purposively selected districts of the country. Segments to be surveyed were randomly selected and households to be interviewed from each segment were determined using systematic sampling technique. A total of 3,378 households visited and 5,679 SAC (5-14 years) were interviewed.Results: Overall reported treatment coverage of PZQ against SCH was 4286 (75.5%). Males were 27% more likely to swallow the drug (AOR= 1.27; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.47) than females. SAC with age 10-14 years were 45% more likely to swallow the drug compared with their counter parts (5-9 years), (AOR =1.45; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.69). Statistically significant association was observed between PZQ swallowing with school enrollment and heard about mass drug administration. Swallowing status of PZQ against SCH significantly higher for SAC treated in districts applied integrated treatment approach (87.5%) compared with SAC treated in vertical treatment approach (72.5%). SACs were asked for reasons for not taking the drug and the main reported reason for not swallowing PZQ in the present study was none attending of the school.Conclusion and recommendation : Over all treatment coverage of PZQ against SCH in the present study was 75.5%. Although it is in accordance with WHO recommendation for Ethiopia, national programmatic improvements are necessary to achieve higher coverage in the future. To increase treatment coverage for PZQ against SCH in Ethiopia, school based training should target all schools. Moreover, mobilization, sensitization and implementation of the community wide treatment need to be improved.
Supplement with whey protein hydrolysate in contrast to carbohydrate supports mitochondrial adaptations in trained runners
Authors: Hansen Mette , Oxfeldt Mikkel , Larsen Anne E. , Thomsen Lise S. , Torben Rokkedal-Lausch , Christensen Britt , Rittig Nikolaj , De Paoli Frank V. , Bangsbo Jens , Ørtenblad Niels , Madsen Klavs 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Protein supplementation has been suggested to augment endurance training adaptations by increasing mixed muscle and myofibrillar protein synthesis and lean body mass. However, a potential beneficial effect on mitochondrial adaptations is yet to be clarified.The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of consuming whey protein hydrolysate before and whey protein hydrolysate plus carbohydrate (PRO-CHO) after each exercise session during a six-week training period compared to similarly timed intake of isocaloric CHO supplements on biomarkers of mitochondrial biogenesis, VO2max and performance in trained runners.Methods: Twenty-four trained runners (VO2max 60.7±3.7 ml O2 kg-1 min1) completed a six-week block randomized controlled intervention period, consisting of progressive running training. Subjects were randomly assigned to either PRO-CHO or CHO and matched in pairs for gender, age, VO2max, training and performance status. The PRO-CHO group ingested a protein beverage (0.3g kg-1) before and protein-carbohydrate beverage (0.3g protein kg-1 and 1g carbohydrate kg-1) after each exercise session. The CHO group ingested an energy matched carbohydrate beverage. Resting muscle biopsies obtained pre and post intervention were analyzed for mitochondrial specific enzyme activity and mitochondrial protein content. Subjects completed a 6K time trial (6K TT) and a VO2max test pre, midway (only 6K TT) and post intervention. Results: Following six weeks of endurance training Cytochrome C (Cyt C) protein content was significantly higher in the PRO-CHO group compared to the CHO group (p<0.05), with several other mitochondrial proteins (Succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA), Cytochrome C oxidase (COX-IV), Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), and Prohibitin (PHB1)) following a similar, but non-significant pattern (p=0.07-0.14). β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) activity was significantly lower after training in the CHO group (p<0.01), but not in the PRO-CHO group (p=0.24). VO2max and 6K TT was significantly improved after training with no significant difference between groups.Conclusion: Intake of whey PRO hydrolysate before and whey PRO hydrolysate plus CHO after each exercise session during a six-week endurance training period may augment training effects on specific mitochondrial proteins compared to intake of iso-caloric CHO but does not alter VO2max or 6K TT performance.
Analysis of ACE2 Genetic Variants in 131 Italian SARS-CoV-2 Positive Patients
Authors: Novelli Antonio , Biancolella Michela , Borgiani Paola , Cocciadiferro Dario , Colona Vito Luigi , D’Apice Maria Rosaria , Rogliani Paola , Zaffina Salvatore , Leonardis Francesca , Campana Andrea , Raponi Massimiliano , Andreoni Massimo , Grelli Sandro , Novelli Giuseppe 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that are common in humans and many animal species. Animal coronaviruses rarely infect humans with the exceptions of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus (SARS-CoV), and now SARS-CoV-2, which is the cause of the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several studies suggested that genetic variants in the ACE2 gene may influence the host susceptibility or resistance to SARS-CoV-2 infection according to the functional role of ACE2 in human pathophysiology. However, many of these studies have been conducted in silico based on epidemiological and population data. We therefore investigated the occurrence of ACE2 variants in a cohort of 131 Italian unrelated individuals clinically diagnosed with COVID-19 and in an Italian control population, to evaluate a possible allelic association with COVID-19, by direct DNA analysis. Methods As a pilot study, we analyzed, by whole-exome sequencing, genetic variants of ACE2 gene in 131 DNA samples of COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Tor Vergata University Hospital and at Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome. We used a large control group consisting of 1,000 individuals (500 males and 500 females).Results We identified three different germline variants: one intronic c.439+4G>A and two missense c.1888G>C p.(Asp630His) and c.2158A>G p.(Asn720Asp) in a total of 131 patients with a similar frequency in male and female. Thus far, only the c.1888G>C p.(Asp630His) variant shows a statistically different frequency compared to the ethnically matched populations. Therefore, further studies are needed in larger cohorts, since it was found only in one heterozygous COVID-19 patient.Conclusions Our results suggest that there is no strong evidence, in our cohort, of consistent association of ACE2 variants with COVID-19 severity. We might speculate that rare susceptibility/resistant alleles could be located in the non-coding regions of the ACE2 gene, known to play a role in regulation of the gene activity.
Patterns of immune infiltration in gastric cancer and their clinical significance
Authors: Jin Yin , Tao Liping , Li Shengnan , Jin Shuqing , Cai Weiyang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The malignant phenotypes of cancer are defined not only by its intrinsic tumor cells but also by the tumor- infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) activated and recruited to the cancer microenvironment. However, a comprehensive introduction of gastric cancer (GC) immune cell infiltration has not been identified so far.Reuslts: In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the TIICs abundance in GC for the first time by CIBERSORT. The fraction of TIICs subpopulations was also evaluated to determine the associations with clinical features and molecular subtypes. Unsupervised clustering analysis revealed there existed three distinct TIICs subgroups with distinct survival patterns. We also focused on analyzing the prognostic influence of TIICs in TP53, TTP and PIK3CA molecular subtypes.Conclusions: Collectively, our data explored the differences of TIICs in GC, and these variations were likely to be important clues for prognosis and management of its future clinical implementation.
Rice farming care as a novel method of green care farm in East Asian context: an implementation research
Authors: Ura Chiaki , Okamura Tsuyoshi , Yamazaki Sachiko , Shimmei Masaya , Torishima Keisuke , Eboshida Akira , Kawamuro Yu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundGreen care farms, which offer care for people with dementia in a farm setting, have been emerging in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to 1) implement green care farms which use rice farming in Japan, 2) explore the positive experiences of rice farming care, and 3) compare the effect of rice farming care to that of usual care on well-being and cognitive ability.MethodsWe developed a new method of green care farm in Japan which uses rice farming, a farming that is practiced all over East Asia. The participants were 15 people with dementia (mean age = 75.6 ± 9.8 years) who participated in a one-hour rice farming care program once a week for 25 weeks. We also collected qualitative data on the positive experiences of study participants after the program. We also assessed the effect of the rice farming care strategy on well-being and cognitive function, compared to the usual care group which included 14 people with dementia (mean age = 79.9 ± 5.8 years) who were attending the near-by day-care.ResultsThe mean participation rate on the rice farming care group was 72.1%. After the intervention, participants reported experiencing enjoyment and connection during the program. It also changed the staff’s view on dementia. The green care farm group showed a significant improvement in well-being but no significant difference in cognitive function compared to the usual care group.ConclusionsGreen care farms which use rice farming are an evidence-based, empowerment-oriented, strengths-based, community-based dementia service, which also delivers meaningful experience for the people with dementia in East Asia.Trial registration: UMIN, UMIN000025020,　Registered 1 April 2017, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/icdr/ctr_view_cb.cgi?recptno=R000028561&flwp_key=1007OLu4ZmnWjoKzgQyVv5PC