bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strengthening Retina Eye Care Services in Nepal: Retina Eye Care of Nepal project
Authors: Shrestha Arjun , Shrestha Chunu , Karki Pratap , Gurung Hara Maya , Naito Takeshi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Retinal diseases are very difficult to treat. So, early diagnoses and preventions are very important. But, few eye doctors can treat patients with retinal diseases in Nepal. Retina Eye Care of Nepal (RECON) project was designed to strengthen retina eye care services in Nepal.Methods: RECON was implemented from May 2016 to February 2019 in Nepal. Four Master Eye Doctors (MED) received Training of Trainers (TOT) from Tokushima University, Japan. MEDs developed training materials for different cadres of ophthalmic human resources, enhanced retina eye care facilities, and conducted retina-screening camp in Nepal. Results: Twenty ophthalmologists, 16 optometrists, 48 ophthalmic assistants and 17 ophthalmic nurses, 76 physicians and 28 health workers were trained in retina care. Eight outreach retina camps were conducted.Conclusions: The project was a novel approach to strengthen retina services in Nepal. The aim of the project was accomplished with the ultimate benefits to the needy retina patients who otherwise were going to miss the retina services.
Relationship between social support status and mortality in a community-based population: a prospective observational study (Yamagata study)
Authors: Uzuki Tsutomu , Konta Tsuneo , Saito Ritsuko , Sho Ri , Osaki Tsukasa , Souri Masayoshi , Watanabe Masafumi , Ishizawa Kenichi , Yamashita Hidetoshi , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Kayama Takamasa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Social support, defined as the exchange of support in social relationships, plays a vital role in maintaining healthy behavior and mitigating the effects of stressors. This study investigated whether functional aspect of social support is related to 5-year mortality in health checkup participants.Methods: This study recruited 16,651 subjects (6,797 males, 9,854 females). Social support was evaluated using five-component questions: Do you have someone 1) whom you can consult when you are in trouble? 2) whom you can consult when your physical condition is not good? 3) who can help you with daily homework? 4) who can take you to hospital when you don't feel well? and 5) who can take care of you when you are ill in bed? The association between the component of social support and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was examined using Cox proportional hazard analysis.Results: The percentage of subjects without social support components was 7.7%-15.0%. They were more likely to be male, non-elderly, and living alone. During the follow-up period, there were 166 all-cause and 38 cardiovascular deaths. Cox proportional analysis adjusted for confounders showed that only the lack of support for transportation to hospital was significantly associated with all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-3.05) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.30, 95% CI 1.41-6.87). These associations were stronger in males than females.Conclusion: This study showed that the lack of social support for transportation to the hospital was independently associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a community-based population.
Silencing of KNTC1 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cells progression via suppressing PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Tong Hui , Xie Junjie , Liu Xiaohui , Peng Chenghong , Shen Baiyong , Zhu Zhecheng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background: Kinetochore associated 1 (KNTC1) encodes a kinetochore component in Rod-Zwilch-ZW10 (RZZ) complex which is essential for the segregation of sister chromatids during mitosis and participates in the spindle checkpoint. Recent research demonstrated that kinetochore proteins may be potential biomarkers and may contribute to the development of human malignancies. Here, we sought to identify the biological significances of KNTC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: KNTC1 expression was studied in HCC tissues by immunohistochemistry. Lentivirus delivered short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was performed to generate KNTC1 knockdown HCC cell lines. The effects of KNTC1 on HCC cells proliferation, migration, apoptosis and tumor formation was analyzed by MTT assay, colony formation assay, wound-healing assay, transwell migration assay, annexin V assay in vitro and in nude mouse models in vivo.Results: Our immunohistochemistry experiment showed that KNTC1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and correlated with terrible prognosis, indicating that KNTC1 acts a pivotal role in HCC development. Furthermore, shRNA KNTC1 (Lv‑shKNTC1) was applied to infect BEL-7404 and SK-HEP-1 to identify roles of KNTC1 on HCC. Lv‑shKNTC1 cells showed reduced proliferation ability, increased apoptosis and decreased migration ability. In vivo experiments suggested that xenografts grow significantly slower upon the silencing of KNTC1. Mechanistically, the protein levels of PIK3CA, p-Akt, CCND1, CDK6 are all down-regulated in Lv-KNTC1 SK-HEP-1 cells. Therefore, KNTC1 may affect the biological activity of HCC cells through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Conclusions: In summary, the key finding of this report highlighted the significance of KNTC1 in tumor regression of HCC, demonstrating KNTC1 as an innovative target for adjuvant treatment of HCC.
Imaging biomarkers of contrast-enhanced computed tomography predict survival in oesophageal cancer after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zeng Chengbing , Zhai Tiantian , Chen Jianzhou , Guo Longjia , Huang Baotian , Guo Hong , Liu Guozhi , Zhuang Tingting , Liu Weitong , Luo Ting , Wu Yanxuan , Peng Guobo , Li Derui , Chen Chuangzhen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive potential of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)-based imaging biomarkers (IBMs) for the treatment outcomes of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).Methods: Altogether, 154 patients with OSCC who underwent definitive CCRT were included in this retrospective study. All patients were randomised to the training cohort (n=99) or the validation cohort (n=55). Pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT scans were obtained for all patients and used for the extraction of IBMs. An IBM score, was constructed by using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator with Cox regression analysis, which was equal to the log-partial hazard of the Cox model in the training cohort and tested in the validation cohort. IBM nomograms were built based on IBM scores for individualised survival estimation. Finally, a decision curve analysis was performed to estimate the clinical usefulness of the nomograms.Results: Altogether, 96 IBMs were extracted from each contrast-enhanced CT scan. IBM scores were constructed from 11 CT-based IBMs for overall survival (OS) and 8 IBMs for progression-free survival (PFS), using the LASSO-Cox regression method in the training cohort. Multivariate analysis revealed that IBM score was an independent prognostic factor correlated with OS and PFS. In the training cohort, the C-indices of IBM scores were 0.734 (95%CI, 0.664–0.804) and 0.658 (95%CI, 0.587–0.729) for OS and PFS, respectively. In the validation cohort, C-indices were 0.672 (95%CI, 0.578–0.766) and 0.666 (95%CI, 0.574–0.758) for OS and PFS, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significant difference between risk subgroups in the training and validation cohorts. Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical usefulness of the IBM score.Conclusions: The IBM score based on pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT could predict the OS and PFS for patients with OSCC after definitive CCRT. Further multicentre studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
Epidemiological scenario of leprosy in a province in China: long delay in diagnosis and high rate of deformity.
Authors: Zhang Qing-Ping , Li Ge , Li Chao , Lin Zhao-Xing , Chen Ping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This epidemiological study aimed to analyze both the distribution and the characteristics of leprosy in an endemic province in the Chinese Northwest. Methods: The medical records of leprosy in the province of Shaanxi, China, 1998-2018 were collected from the leprosy management information system in China (LEPMIS). Epidemiological variables were analyzed in this study. Results: 477 new cases were diagnosed between 1998-2018 in this area. The average rate of annual detection was 0.070/100,000 population, and the average annual prevalence was 0.305/100,000 population. The mean age of new patients was 46.7 years, and the ratio of male to female was 2.5:1. There were 399 cases (83.6%) of multibacillary (MB) forms. 148 cases (31.0%) had grade 2 disability. The mean delay in diagnosis for new cases was 62.0 months. Conclusion: The epidemiological study showed that the characteristics of the new leprosy cases in our province were still long delay in diagnosis and high rate of deformity, which indicated the need of actions of stimulating early diagnosis and treatment, and strengthening the detection of leprosy in low prevalent areas.
Patient-reported impact of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: protocol for a real-world digital lifestyle study
Authors: Thomas Florian P , Saporta Mario , Attarian Shahram , Sevilla Teresa , Mascaró Rafael Sivera , Fabrizi Gian Maria , Genovese Filippo , Gray Amy , Bull Simon , Tanesse Daniel , Rego Manuel , Moore Allison , Hollett Courtney , Monteiro Katia , Paoli Xavier , Llewellyn Samuel , Larkin Mark , Boutalbi Youcef 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a rare, chronic, progressive motor and sensory neuropathy that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to progressive, predominantly distal muscle weakness, atrophy, sensory loss and progressive limb dysfunction. As with many rare diseases, there is a lack of patient-reported data with which to understand and address patient needs. This study aims to explore the real-world impact of CMT from the patient perspective.
Methods
This is a prospective, digital lifestyle study of at least 2,000 people with CMT, >18 years, resident in the following countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the USA. Participants will be recruited using community-based methods, via patient advocacy groups, social media, and word of mouth. Participants will use a smartphone application (CMT&Me) to check eligibility, provide consent, and contribute data. The dataset will include: 1) personal profile on enrolment – demographics, lifestyle characteristics, diagnosis, and current and previous treatments; 2) a selection of validated generic and disease-specific patient-reported outcome instruments: EuroQol 5 Dimensions 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L), Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS™) Pain Intensity 3a, Pain Interference 6b and Sleep Disturbance 8a, Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES-I), Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS), and Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder & Hand (QuickDASH). Descriptive data analysis will be conducted upon registration of the 1,000th participant and at 12-monthly intervals from study launch.
Conclusions
This digital, patient-reported study is designed to help researchers and clinicians understand the real-world impact of CMT and the unmet needs of patients.
Important Aedes Spp. Density Levels in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Francis Wat’senga Tezzo , Sylvie Fasine , Zola Manzambi Emile , Carmen Marquetti Maria del , Guillaume Binene Mbuka , Gillon Ilombe , Richard Mundeke Takasongo , Nathalie Smitz , Andre Bisset Juan , Wim Van Bortel , Vanlerberghe Veerle 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika are among the most important emerging infectious vector-borne diseases worldwide. Besides sporadic dengue cases, yellow fever and chikungunya outbreaks have been increasingly reported in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the last decade. The main vectors of these arboviruses, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, were reported in DRC, but there is a lack of detailed information on their presence and spread hampering transmission risk assessments in the region. METHODS: In 2018, two cross-sectional surveys were realized in Kinshasa province (DRC), one in the rainy (January/February) and one in the dry season (July). Four hundred houses were visited in each of the four selected communes (N’Djili, Mont Ngafula, Lingwala and Kalamu). Breedings sites were recorded, larvae and pupae collected and reared to obtain adults for genus and species identification. A subset of specimens was DNA-barcoded for validation of the morphological species identification. RESULTS: The most rural commune (Mont Ngafula) had the highest density levels, with a Breteau Index of 82.2 and 19.5/100 houses in rainy and dry season, respectively. The Breteau Index in the other communes Kalamu, Lingwala and N’Djili elevated to 21.5 (4.7), 36.7 (9.8) and 41.7 (7.5) in the rainy (and dry) season. The House index was on average 27.5% and 7.6%; and the Container Index 15.0% and 10.0% in rainy and dry season, respectively. The vast majority of Aedes positive containers was found outside the houses (adjusted OR 27.4 (95%CI 14.9-50.1)). The main breeding sites were used tires, water storage containers and trash. Anopheles larvae were also found in Aedes breeding sites, especially during the rainy season.CONCLUSIONS: These results show that Kinshasa is highly infested with Aedes spp. which indicates a high potential for arbovirus transmission in the area. During the dry season, the most productive containers (for Aedes pupae production) are containers used for water storage, whereas in the rainy season this is trash and tires. The present study also evidences that Aedes breeding sites are mainly located outdoors. Based on the results of this study, a contextualized Aedes control strategy can be designed for Kinshasa.
Mitigating Implicit Bias in Patient-Clinician Communication in Clinical Encounters:&nbsp;Protocol from the COmmuNity-engaged SimULation Training (CONSULT) Trial
Authors: Tjia Jennifer , Pugnaire Michele , Calista Joanne , Esparza Nancy , Valdman Olga , Garcia Maria , Yazdani Majid , Hale Janet , Terrien Jill , Eisdorfer Ethan , Zolezzi-Wyndham Valerie , Chiriboga Germán , Puerto Geraldine , Dykhouse Elizabeth , Potts Stacy , Sifuentes Andriana Foiles , Stanhope Sylvia , Allison Jeroan , Duodu Vennesa , Sabin Janice 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background : Healthcare professionals have negative implicit biases toward minority and poor patients. Few communication skills interventions target implicit bias as a factor contributing to disparities in health outcomes. We report the protocol from the COmmuNity-engaged SimULation Training for Blood Pressure Control (CONSULT-BP), a trial evaluating a novel intervention targeting graduate medical and nursing trainees designed to mitigate the effects of implicit bias in clinical encounters. The CONSULT-BP intervention combines knowledge acquisition, bias awareness, and practice of bias mitigating skills in simulation-based communication encounters with racially/ethnically diverse standardized patients. The trial evaluates the effect of this 3-part program on patient BP outcomes, self-reported patient medication adherence, patient-reported quality of provider communication, and trainee bias awareness.Methods : We are conducting a cluster randomized trial of the intervention among cohorts of internal medicine (IM), family medicine (FM), and doctorate nurse practitioner (DNP) trainees at a single academic medical center. We are enrolling entire specialty cohorts of IM, FM, and NP trainees over a 3-year period, with each academic year constituting an intervention cycle. There are 3 cycles of implementation corresponding to 3 sequential academic years. Within each academic year, we randomize training times to 1 of 5 start dates using a stepped wedge design. The stepped wedge design compares outcomes within training clusters before and after the intervention, as well as across exposed and unexposed clusters. Primary outcome of blood pressure control is measured at the patient-level for patients clustered within trainees. Eligible patients for outcomes analysis are: English-speaking; non-White racial/ethnic minority; Medicaid recipient (regardless of race/ethnicity); hypertension; not have pregnancy, dementia, schizophrenia, bipolar illness, or other serious comorbidities that would interfere with hypertension self-control; not enrolled in hospice. Secondary outcomes include trainee bias awareness. A unique feature of this trial is the engagement of academic and community stakeholders to design, pilot test and implement a training program addressing healthcare.Discussion: Equipping clinicians with skills to mitigate implicit bias in clinical encounters is crucial to addressing persistent disparities in healthcare outcomes. Our novel, integrated approach may improve patient outcomes.Trial registration : NCT03375918Protocol version : 2.0 (October 16, 2020)
Impact of Robinia pseudoacacia stand conversion on soil properties and bacterial community composition in Mount Tai, China
Authors: li kun , han xu , ni ruiqiang , shi ge , de-Miguel Sergio , li chuanrong , shen weixing , zhang yikun , Zhang xingzhong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Robinia pseudoacacia is a widely planted pioneer tree species in reforestations on barren mountains in northern China. Because of its nitrogen-fixing ability, it can play a positive role in soil and forest restoration. After clear-cutting of planted stands, R. pseudoacacia stands become coppice plantations. The impacts of shifting from seedling to coppice stands on soil bacterial community and soil properties have not been well described. This study aims to quantify how soil properties and bacterial community composition vary between planted seedling versus coppice stands.Methods: Nine 20×20 m plots were randomly selected in seedling and coppice stands. The bulk soil and rhizosphere soil were sampled in summer 2017. Bulk soil was sampled at 10 cm from the soil surface using a soil auger. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected using a brush. The soil samples were transported to the laboratory for chemical analysis, and bacterial community composition and diversity was obtained through DNA extraction, 16S rRNA gene amplification and high-throughput sequencing.Results: The results showed that, compared to seedling plantations, soil quality decreased significantly in coppice stands, but without affecting soil exchangeable Mg2+ and K+. Total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) were lower in the rhizosphere than in bulk soil, whereas nutrient availability showed an opposite trend. The conversion from seedling to coppice plantations was also related to significant differences in soil bacterial community structure and to the reduction of soil bacterial α-diversity. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that bacterial community composition was similar in both bulk and rhizosphere soils in second generation coppice plantations. Specially, the conversion from seedling to coppice stands increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Rhizobium, but reduced that of Actinobacteria, which may result in a decline of soil nutrient availability. Mantel tests revealed that C, N, Soil organic matter (SOM), nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N) and available phosphorus positively correlated with bacterial community composition, while a variation partition analysis (VPA) showed that NO3--N explained a relatively greater proportion of bacterial distribution (15.12%), compared with C and SOM. Surprisingly, N showed no relationship with bacterial community composition, which may be related to nitrogen transportation.Conclusions: The conversion from seedling to coppice stands reduced soil quality and led to spatial-temporal homogenization of the soil bacterial community structure in both the rhizosphere and bulk soils. Such imbalance in microbial structure can accelerate the decline of R. pseudoacacia. This may affect the role of R. pseudoacacia coppice stands in soil and forest restoration of barren lands in mountain areas.
SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in patients with varying severity of acute COVID-19 illness
Authors: Jeewandara Chandima , Jayathilaka Deshni , Gomes Laksiri , Wijewickrama Ananda , Narangoda Eranga , Idampitiya Damayanthi , Guruge Dinuka , Wijayamuni Ruwan , Manilgama Suranga , Ogg Graham , Tan Chee Wah , Wang Lin-Fa , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In order to support vaccine development, and to aid convalescent plasma therapy, it would be important to understand the kinetics, timing and persistence of SARS-CoV2 neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), and their association with clinical disease severity. Therefore, we used a surrogate viral neutralization test to evaluate their levels in patients with varying severity of illness, in those with prolonged shedding and those with mild/asymptomatic illness at various time points.Patients with severe or moderate COVID-19 illness had earlier appearance of NAbs at higher levels compared to those with mild or asymptomatic illness. Furthermore, those who had prolonged shedding of the virus, had NAbs appearing faster and at higher levels than those who cleared the virus earlier. During the first week of illness the NAb levels of those with mild illness was significantly less (p=0.01), compared to those with moderate and severe illness. At the end of 4 weeks (28 days), although 89% had Nabs, 38/76 (50%) in those with >90 days had a negative result for the presence of NAbs. The Ab levels significantly declined during convalescence (>90 days since onset of illness), compared to 4 to 8 weeks since onset of illness. Our data show that high levels of NAbs during early illness associated with clinical disease severity and that these antibodies declined in 50% of individuals after 3 months since onset of illness.
An automated workflow to screen alkene reductases using high-throughput thin layer chromatography
Authors: Garabedian Brett M. , Meadows Corey W. , Mingardon Florence , Guenther Joel M. , de Rond Tristan , Abourjeily Raya , Lee Taek Soon 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Synthetic biology efforts often require high-throughput screening tools for enzyme engineering campaigns. While innovations in chromatographic and mass spectrometry-based techniques provide relevant structural information associated with enzyme activity, these approaches can require cost-intensive instrumentation and technical expertise not broadly available. Moreover, complex workflows and analysis time can significantly impact throughput. To this end, we develop an automated, 96-well screening platform based on thin layer chromatography (TLC) and use it to monitor in vitro activity of a geranylgeranyl reductase isolated from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius (SaGGR). Results: Unreduced SaGGR products are oxidized to their corresponding epoxide and applied to thin layer silica plates by acoustic printing. These derivatives are chromatographically separated based on the number of epoxides they possess and are covalently ligated to a chromophore, allowing detection of enzyme variants with unique product distributions or enhanced reductase activity. Herein, we employ this workflow to examine farnesol reduction using a codon-saturation mutagenesis library at site Leu377 of SaGGR. We show this TLC-based screen can distinguish between 4-fold differences in enzyme activity for select mutants and validated those results by GC-MS. Conclusions: With appropriate quantitation methods, this workflow can be used to screen polyprenyl reductase activity and can be readily adapted to analyze broader catalyst libraries whose products are amenable to TLC analysis.