bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of General Self-efficacy and the Severity of Malocclusion on Acceptance of Removable Orthodontic Appliances in 10- to 12-year-old Patients
Authors: Naseri Navid , Baherimoghadam Tahereh , Bassagh Niloofar , Hamedani Shahram , Bassagh Elmira , Hashemi Zahra 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The patients’ acceptance of a treatment plan and their subsequent cooperation play a crucial role in achieving the best results in orthodontic treatments. Evidences show some personality traits such as general self-efficacy (GSE) and some dental traits such as severity of malocclusion are correlated with motivation of orthodontic treatment. These factors may predict the patients’ compliance and acceptance in using removable orthodontic appliances. This cross sectional study was conducted to assess the correlation of GSE and the severity of malocclusion with patients’ acceptance in using removable orthodontic appliances. Methods: This study recruited 50 patients aged 10-12 years who required removable orthodontic appliances. The severity of malocclusion was determined using the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) before the onset of treatment and GSE of participants were assessed using GSE scale self-report. The acceptance questionnaire was proposed to the patients on first (T1), third (T2), and sixth (T3) month after the delivery of the appliance. Results: The GSE score had a statistically significant correlation with the total score of the acceptance questionnaire, subscale score of satisfaction with the appliance during eating and oral hygiene practice, duration of usage of the appliance, and interest in using it (P<0.05). The IOTN had no significant correlation with the acceptance questionnaire. Conclusions: Our findings substantiate the role of the GSES, concurrently declining the role of the IOTN in prediction of 10-12-year-old children's acceptance and cooperation in treatment of malocclusion with removable appliances.
CILP2 overexpression correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) study
Authors: Huang Feng , Peng Yuanfei , Ye Qing , Chen Jinhu , Li Yangming , Liu Shengyuan , Xu Yangmei , Huang Lijie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Genetic alterations play an important role in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Identifying new biomarkers to assess the prognosis of patients with CRC is critical. Cartilage Intermediate Layer Protein 2 (CILP2) gene, screened from the TCGA database by bioinformatics, may be closely related to the progression of CRC. CILP2 was barely reported with clinical features of tumors.Materials and methods: Clinical information and RNA-seq data were derived from the TCGA colorectal carcinoma cohort. CILP2 expression at mRNA level was estimated by bioinformatical analysis of TCGA cases. Tissue microarray (TMA) was constructed containing paraffin-embedded 64 pairs of CRC and matched adjacent normal tissues. The expression at the protein level was detected in 64 pairs of CRC and matched adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. CILP2 expression level and its clinical value were estimated by bioinformatical analysis with linear and logistic regression. Survival analysis was performed between high and low groups of CILP2 expression by Cox regression analysis, and the P-value was calculated by the log-rank test. Kaplan-Meier curves were tested by the log-rank test.Results: CILP2 was statistically significantly higher expressed in the CRC tissues when compared with paired adjacent normal tissues in the TCGA cohort (P<0.001) and in the TMA cohort (P=0.001). Also, CILP2 high-expression was strongly correlated with T3/4 stage (P=0.001), N1/2/3 stage (P=0.005), M1 stage (P=0.048), and higher clinical stage (UICC 2010 stage) (P<0.001) in TCGA cohort, and also positively associated with T3/4 stage (P=0.022) and higher clinical stage (UICC 2010 stage) (P=0.03) in TMA cohort. Furthermore, CILP2 overexpression predicted poor prognosis and could be as an independent prognostic factor (P=0.003).Conclusion: We revealed that CILP2 is associated with advanced stages and could play a role as an independent predictor of poor survival in CRC.
Factors associated with undernutrition among 20 to 49 year old women in Uganda: a secondary analysis of the Uganda demographic health survey 2016
Authors: Sserwanja Quraish , Mukunya David , Habumugisha Theogene , Mutisya Linet M. , Tuke Robert , Olal Emmanuel 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Women are at risk of undernutrition due to biological, socio-economic, and cultural factors. Undernourished women have higher risk of poor obstetric outcomes. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with undernutrition among women of reproductive age in Uganda.Methods: We used Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016 data of 4,640 women aged 20 to 49 years excluding pregnant and post-menopausal women. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select study participants and data were collected using validated questionnaires. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with underweight and stunting among 20 to 49 year old women in Uganda. Results: The prevalence of underweight and stunting were 6.9% (318/4640) and 1.3% (58/4640) respectively. Women who belonged to the poorest wealth quintile (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 3.60, 95% CI 1.85–7.00) were more likely to be underweight compared to those who belonged to the richest wealth quintile. Women residing in rural areas were less likely to be underweight (AOR 0.63, 95%CI 0.41–0.96) compared to women in urban areas. Women in Western (AOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.20–0.44), Eastern (AOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.28–0.63) and Central regions (AOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25–0.72) were less likely to be underweight compared to those in the Northern region. Women belonging to Central (AOR 4.37, 95% CI 1.44-13.20) and Western (AOR 4.77, 95% CI 1.28-17.78) regions were more likely to be stunted compared to those in the Northern region.Conclusion: The present study showed wealth index, place of residence and region to be associated with undernutrition among 20 to 49 year old women in Uganda. There is need to address socio-economic determinants of maternal undernutrition mainly poverty and regional inequalities.
Deep Learning Accelerators: A Case Study with MAESTRO
Authors: Bolhasani Hamidreza , Jassbi Somayyeh Jafarali 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In recent years, deep learning has become one of the most important topics in computer sciences. Deep learning is a growing trend in the edge of technology and its applications are now seen in many aspects of our life such as object detection, speech recognition, natural language processing, etc. Currently, almost all major sciences and technologies are benefiting from the advantages of deep learning such as high accuracy, speed and flexibility. Therefore, any efforts in improving performance of related techniques is valuable. Deep learning accelerators are considered as hardware architecture, which are designed and optimized for increasing speed, efficiency and accuracy of computers that are running deep learning algorithms. In this paper, after reviewing some backgrounds on deep learning, a well-known accelerator architecture named MAERI (Multiply-Accumulate Engine with Reconfigurable interconnects) is investigated. Performance of a deep learning task is measured and compared in two different data flow strategies: NLR (No Local Reuse) and NVDLA (NVIDIA Deep Learning Accelerator), using an open source tool called MAESTRO (Modeling Accelerator Efficiency via Spatio-Temporal Resource Occupancy). Measured performance indicators of novel optimized architecture, NVDLA shows higher L1 and L2 computation reuse, and lower total runtime (cycles) in comparison to the other one.
The Kickstart Walk Assist system for improving balance and walking function in stroke survivors: a feasibility study
Authors: Yao Jiajia , Sado Takashi , Wang Wenli , Gao Jiawen , Zhao Yichao , Qi Qi , Mukherjee Mukul 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Compared with traditional physical therapy for stroke patients, lower extremity exoskeletons can provide patients with greater endurance and more repeatable and controllable training, which can reduce the therapeutic burden of the therapist. However, most exoskeletons are expensive, heavy or require active power to be operated. Therefore, a lighter, easy to wear, easy to operate, low-cost technology for stroke rehabilitation would be a welcome opportunity for stroke survivors, caregivers and clinicians. One such device is the Kickstart Walk Assist system and the purpose of this study was to determine feasibility of using this unpowered exoskeleton device in a sample of stroke survivors. Methods: Thirty stroke survivors were enrolled in the study and experienced walking with the Kickstart exoskeleton device that provided spring-loaded assistance during gait. After 5 days of wearing the exoskeleton, participants were evaluated in the two states of wearing and not wearing the exoskeleton. Outcome measures included: a) spatio-temporal gait measures, b) balance measures and c) exoskeleton-use feedback questionnaire. Results: In comparison to not wearing the device, when participants wore the Kickstart Walk Assist system, weight bearing asymmetry was reduced. The time spent on the 10-meter walk test was also reduced, but there was no difference in the timed-up-and-go test (TUGT). Gait analysis data showed reduction in step time and double support time. Stroke survivors were positive about the Kickstart Walk Assist system’s ability to improve their balance, speed and gait. In addition, their confidence level and willingness to use the device was also positive.Conclusions: These findings show the feasibility of using the Kickstart Walk Assist system for improving walking performance in stroke survivors. Our future goal is to perform a longer duration study with more comprehensive pre- and post-testing in a larger sample of stroke survivors. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000032665. Registered 5 May 2020 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=53288
Identifying research priorities for Health Professions Education Research in Sub-Saharan Africa using a modified Delphi method
Authors: Schalkwyk Susan C van , Kiguli-Malwadde Elsie , Budak Jehan Z , Reid Michael JA , De Villiers Marietjie Rene 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent increases in health professions education (HPE) research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), though substantial, have predominantly originated from single institutions and remained uncoordinated. A shared research agenda can guide the implementation of HPE practices to ultimately influence the recruitment and retention of the health workforce. Thus, the authors aimed to generate and prioritise a list of research topics for HPE research (HPER) in SSA. Methods: A modified Delphi process was designed to prioritise a shared agenda. Members of the African Forum for Research and Education in Health (AFREhealth) technical working group (TWG) were asked to first list potential research topics. Then, members of the same TWG and attendees at the annual AFREhealth academic symposium held in Lagos, Nigeria in August 2019 rated the importance of including each topic on a 3-point Likert scale, through two rounds of consensus seeking. Consensus for inclusion was predefined as ³ 70% of respondents rating the topic as “must be included.”Results: Health professions educators representing a variety of professions and 13 countries responded to the survey rounds. Twenty-three TWG members suggested 26 initial HPER topics; subsequently 90 respondents completed round one, and 51 completed round 2 of the modified Delphi. The final list of 12 research topics which met predetermined consensus criteria were grouped into three categories: (1) creating an enabling environment with sufficient resources and relevant training; (2) enhancing student learning; and (3) identifying and evaluating strategies to improve pedagogical practice.Conclusions: Establishing research priorities for HPE is important to ensure efficient and appropriate allocation of resources. This study serves as a reminder of how the prevailing context within which HPE, and by implication research in the field, is undertaken will inevitably influence choices about research foci. It further points to a potential advocacy role for research that generates regionally relevant evidence.
Genetic polymorphisms of PGF and TNFAIP2 genes related to cervical cancer risk among Uygur females from China
Authors: Ainiwaer Zumurelaiti , Maisaidi Reyilanmu , Liu Jing , Han Lili , Husaiyin Sulaiya , Lu Jing , Niyazi Mayinuer 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: PGF and TNFAIP2 are important angiogenic factors, which were abnormal expression in cervical cancer (CC). However, there is currently no report investigating the relationship of PGF and TNFAIP2 gene polymorphisms to CC risk. Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 342 CC patients and 498 cancer-free controls in a Chinese Uygur female population. Three SNPs (PGF rs8019391, PGF rs2268615, and TNFAIP2 rs710100) were selected and genotyped to assess the possible association of PGF and TNFAIP2 polymorphisms with CC susceptibility. Logistic regression analysis adjusted by age was used. Results: PGF rs2268615 (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.04-1.86, p = 0.024) and TNFAIP2 rs710100 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI =1.07-1.95, p = 0.018) polymorphisms were associated with the increased risk of CC. Moreover, T allele of PGF rs8019391 was highly represented in patients with stage III–IV compared with stage I-II (OR = 2.17, p = 4.58´10-4). MDR analysis revealed a positive interaction between the SNPs. Conclusion: Our data indicated that PGF rs2268615, and TNFAIP2 rs710100 polymorphisms might be risk factors for CC susceptibility, which contributed to the increased risk of CC. Trail registration: Not applicable.
Role of Circulating Free DNA in Evaluating Clinical Tumor Burden and Predicting Survival in Chinese Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: xu xiaojing , yu yiyi , shen minna , liu menglin , wu shengchao , liang li , huang fei , zhang chenlu , guo wei , liu tianshu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background:The aim of this study was to explore the utility of circulating free DNA (cfDNA) in the evaluation of clinical tumor burden and survival in Chinese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and to preliminarily summarize some metastatic characteristics associated with mutational status.Methods:A panel covering a total of 197 hotspot mutations of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA was used to evaluate the mutational status in plasma by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology in 126 patients with mCRC. An amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS) was used to analyze genomic DNA from matched tissue samples. Clinical markers including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum and the sum of all tumor diameters on CT or PET/CT were collected to indicate clinical tumor burden. The correlations between cfDNA and clinical tumor burden were analyzed using Pearson correlation and linear regression models. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and 1-year overall survival (OS) rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis.Results：Of the 126 enrolled patients, patients who were tested positive for mutations in plasma accounted for 45.2% (57/126). Mutations in KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA were detected in 37.3% (47/126), 1.6% (2/126), 3.2% (4/126) and 13.5% (17/126) of patients, respectively. The overall concordance rate of mutational status between plasma and matched tissues was 78.6% (99/126). Sixteen patients had mutations in plasma that were not detected in tissue, including some rare hotspot mutations. The cfDNA concentration was significantly correlated with the levels of clinical markers, especially CEA (P<0.0001, Pearson r = 0.81), LDH (P<0.0001, Pearson r = 0.84) and the sum of tumor diameters (P<0.0001, Pearson r = 0.80). Patients with a high cfDNA concentration (>17.91 ng/ml) had shorter median progression-free survival (6.6 versus 11.7 months, P<0.0001) and lower 1-year overall survival rate (56% versus 94%, P<0.0001) than those with a low cfDNA concentration (≤17.91 ng/ml). The most common metastatic site was the liver (77.8%), followed by the lymph nodes (62.7%), lung (40.5%), peritoneum (14.3%) and bone (10.3%), in all patients. There was no significant difference in metastasis between different mutational statuses.Conclusion:Analyzing mutations in plasma could provide a more comprehensive overview of the mutational landscape than analyzing mutations in tissue. The cfDNA concentration could be a quantitative biomarker of tumor burden and could predict survival in Chinese patients with mCRC.
Von Willebrand Factor: Antigen and Adamts-13 Level, but not Soluble P-Selectin, are Risk Factors for the First Asymptomatic Deep Vein Thrombosis in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Setiawan Budi , Permatadewi Cecilia Oktaria , de Samakto Baringin , Bugis Ashar , Naibaho Ridho M. , Pangarsa Eko Adhi , Santosa Damai , Suharti Catharina 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background There is a high incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-induced vascular endothelial cell activation (VECA) is characterized by increased plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), leading to the activation of endothelial cells and signaling cascades. The biological role of a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS-13) is to control the activity of vWF and consequently the risk of thrombosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the roles of sP-selectin, vWF, and ADAMTS-13 as risk factors for the first episode of DVT in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Indonesia, on 40 cancer patients. Prechemotherapy (baseline) and postchemotherapy sP-selectin, vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), and ADAMTS-13 plasma levels were determined with ELISAs before and 3 months after chemotherapy. The clinical characteristics of the patients, cancer type, cancer stage, chemotherapy regimen, ABO blood type, D-dimer level and Khorana risk score were also analyzed using logistic regression. Patients were observed for the possibility of developing DVT during chemotherapy.Results DVT was confirmed in 5 patients (12.5%) after a period of 3 months. In patients with DVT, sP-selectin and vWF were significantly higher while ADAMTS-13 was lower than in their counterparts. The levels of baseline vWF:Ag and ADAMTS-13, with cut-off points ≥ 2.35 IU/mL and ≤ 1.03 IU/mL, respectively, were found to independently predict the incidence of DVT. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the relative risk (RR) for DVT in patients with high vWF:Ag was 3.80 (95% CI 1.15-12.48, p=0.028), and that for patients with low ADAMTS-13 was 2.67 (95% CI 1.22-23.82, p=0.005). The vWF:Ag/ADAMTS-13 ratio and both vWF:Ag and ADAMTS-13 dynamics during treatment were also able to differentiate those with prospective DVT. However, sP-selectin and other covariates showed no statistical significance.Conclusion We found that prechemotherapy plasma levels of vWF:Ag ≥ 2.35 IU/mL and ADAMTS-13 ≤ 1.03 IU/mL are independent risk factors for DVT incidence among cancer patients.
Necessity for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in multiple types of specimens for the discharge of the patients with COVID-19
Authors: Tong Yongqing , Bao Anyu , Chen Hongbing , Huang Jingtao , Lv Zhihua , Feng Lina , Cheng Yun , Wang Youna , Bai Li , Rao Wenlong , Zheng Hongyun , Wu Zegang , Qiao Bin , Zhao Zhijun , Wang Huiming , Li Yan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background The SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected positive again after discharged from hospital in some COVID-19 patients, with or without clinical symptoms such as fever or dry cough. Methods 1008 severe COVID-19 patients, with SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive detected with the mixed specimen of nasopharyngeal swab and oropharyngeal swab by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), were selected to monitor SARS-CoV-2 RNA with the 12 types of specimens by RT-qPCR during hospitalization. All of 20 discharged cases with COVID-19 were selected to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in isolation period with 7 types of specimens by RT-qPCR before releasing the isolation period. Results Of the enrolled 1008 severe patients, the nasopharyngeal swab specimens showed the highest positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (71.06%), followed by alveolar lavage fluid (66.67%), oropharyngeal swab (30.77%), sputum (28.53%), urine (16.30%), blood (12.5%), stool (12.21%), anal swab (11.22%) and corneal secretion (2.99%), and SARS-CoV-2 RNA couldn’t be detected in other types of specimen in this study. Of the 20 discharged cases during the isolation period, the positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was 30% (6/20); 2 cases were positive in sputum at the eighth and ninth day after discharge, respectively. 1 case was positive in nasopharynx swab at the sixth day after discharge, 1 case was positive in anal swab at the eighth day after discharge, and 1 case was positive in 3 specimens ( nasopharynx swab , oropharynx swab and sputum) simultaneously at the fourth day after discharge; no positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in other specimens including stool, urine and blood at the discharged patients. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 RNA should be detected in multiple specimens, such as nasopharynx swab, oropharynx swab, sputum, and if necessary, stool and anal swab specimens should be performed simultaneously at discharge when the patients were considered for clinical cure and before releasing the isolation period.
Serum Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase as an early predictive marker of the severity of acute pancreatitis: a retrospective study
Authors: xiao weiming , Liu Weili , Yin Ling , Li Yong , Lu Guotao , Liu Xinnong , Gong Weijuan , Ding Yanbing , Wang Mei , Yan Zhigang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the value of serum hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) level, an isozyme of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), in evaluating the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP).Methods: Patients diagnosed with AP from January 2013 to December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into the normal serum HBDH levels group (n-HBDH group) and the high serum HBDH levels group (h-HBDH group) according to the criteria HBDH ≥ 182 U/L after admission. The demographic parameters, laboratory data and the severity of AP in the two groups were compared. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the efficacy of serum HBDH in predicting persistent organ failure and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).Results: A total of 260 AP patients were enrolled, including 176 cases in the n-HBDH group and 84 cases in the h-HBDH group. The incidence of SIRS and organ failure in the h-HBDH group were significantly higher than those in n-HBDH group (both P < 0.001). In addition, the HBDH level was significantly decreased in 110 patients who were re-measured after AP treatment. The serum HBDH levels were positively correlated with Atlanta classification, Ranson score, and BISAP score (all P < 0.05). ROC analysis showed that a serum HBDH cut-off point of 195.0 U/L had optimal predictive value for the development of persistent organ failure (AUC = 0.778) and 166.5 U/L for the development of SIRS (AUC = 0.724).Conclusion: The elevated serum HBDH in early stage of AP is closely related to the adverse prognosis of AP patients, which can be used as a potential early biomarker for predicting the severity of AP.