bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Partnership between primary health and social care services in the long-term care of older people with dementia: a vignette study
Authors: Kontrimiene Ausrine , Blazeviciene Aurelija , Liseckiene Ida , Raila Gediminas , Valius Leonas , Jaruseviciene Lina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Dementia is considered to be a significant cause of disability and dependency for older people worldwide and it raises difficulties in providing adequate formal and informal assistance. Research on the experience of long-term care (LTC) services for older people with dementia is scarce in Eastern European countries. This study aimed to understand the system of care for older people with dementia from the perspective of health and social care workers providing LTC services in Lithuania.

Methods

A total of 72 primary health care and social care professionals from public and private institutions in Kaunas city participated in this study. One-to-one interviews were conducted with family physicians, community nurses, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers. A vignette situation of two fictitious patients with dementia and their informal caregiver was discussed during the interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis by induction approach.

Results

Thematic analysis of the data revealed two main themes: LTC provision trajectory, and three-dimensional relationship perception in realization of LTC activities. LTC provision trajectory reflected activities performed as a response to the described situation embracing formal procedures for the endorsement of LTC needs as well as the range of LTC services. Three-dimensional relationship perception in realization of LTC activities mirrored the participants’ relationships with themselves, with each other, and with the informal caregiver.

Conclusions

Our study revealed the potential of complex measures that could be instrumental for the refinement of the caregiving process. First, a change in the special needs’ endorsement logic is needed, shifting focus from medical diagnosis to functional abilities assessment. Second, establishing clear procedures for formal cooperation between the health and social care sectors in the trajectory of LTC service provision. Finally, finding an adequate balance between LTC and institutional care by creating a wider range of LTC services. A more consistent and coordinated delivery of services by both health and social care sectors seems to be an untapped resource for the improvement of the LTC potential.
Knowledge, beliefs, mental health, substance use, and behaviors related to the COVID-19 pandemic among U.S. adults: A national online survey
Authors: DiClemente Ralph J. , Capasso Ariadna , Ali Shahmir H. , Jones Abbey M. , Foreman Joshua , Tozan Yesim 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Given the urgent need for data to inform public health messaging to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, this national survey sought to assess the state of COVID-19-related knowledge, beliefs, mental health, substance use changes, and behaviors among a sample of U.S. adults.Methods: A survey of U.S. adults was administered online from March 20-30, 2020. The survey collected data on socio-demographic characteristics; COVID-19-related knowledge, awareness and adoption of preventive practices; depression and anxiety (assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-4); stress (adapted Impact of Event Scale-6); pessimism; and changes in tobacco and alcohol use. Differences between age groups (18-39 years, 40-59 years and ≥60 years) were tested using Pearson’s chi-squared tests or ANOVAs; associations between drinking and smoking and depression, anxiety and stress were tested using adjusted logistic regression models.Results: Approximately, half of the sample (NTotal=6,391) were 50-69 years old and 58% were female. COVID-19 knowledge (Mean=12·0; SD=1.2; Range=0-13) and protective practice awareness (Mean=9·1; SD=0·8; Range 0-10) were high. However, only 84% of respondents were aware of the protective value of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and 19% had purchased facemasks. Among respondents, 44% had a score consistent with depression and anxiety (PHQ-4 score≥6); and 52% reported high stress scores (≥median of 1.33). COVID-19-related anxiety and depression were associated with increased drinking (AOR=1.79; 95% CI=1.49, 2.15, p<0.001) and smoking (AOR=2.17; 95% CI=1.64, 2.88, p<0.001). High stress scores were also associated with increased drinking (AOR=1.80; 95% CI=1.49, 2.17, p<0.001) and smoking (AOR=1.75; 95% CI=1.31, 2.33, p<0.001) among respondents.Conclusions: In spite of high knowledge about COVID-19 and protective practices, important gaps were identified. High prevalence of poor mental health outcomes and associated increases in drinking and smoking warrant ongoing risk communications tailoring to effectively disseminate information and expanding psychosocial and substance use treatment services, particularly online telehealth services, to mitigate the negative mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evolution of disease transmission rate during the course of SARS-COV-2: Patterns and determinants
Authors: Zhu Jie , Gallego Blanca 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
To date, many studies have argued the potential impact of public health interventions on flattening the epidemic curve of SARS-CoV-2. Most of them have focused on simulating the impact of interventions in a region of interest by manipulating contact patterns and key transmission parameters to reflect different scenarios. Our study looks into the evolution of the daily effective reproduction number during the epidemic via a stochastic transmission model. We found this measure (although model-dependent) provides an early signal of the efficacy of containment measures. This epidemiological parameter when updated in real-time can also provide better predictions of future outbreaks. Our results found a substantial variation in the effect of public health interventions on the dynamic of SARS-CoV-2 transmission over time and across countries, that could not be explained solely by the timing and number of the adopted interventions. This suggests that further knowledge about the idiosyncrasy of their implementation and effectiveness is required. Although sustained containment measures have successfully lowered growth in disease transmission, more than half of the 101 studied countries failed to maintain the effective reproduction number close to or below 1. This resulted in continued growth in reported cases. Finally, we were able to predict with reasonable accuracy which countries would experience outbreaks in the next 30 days.
Pilot Randomised Evaluation of Singing in Dementia (PRESIDE): Protocol for a Two-Arm, Parallel Group Randomised Controlled Feasibility Study with Waiting-List Control
Authors: Dowson Becky , Schneider Justine , Guo Boliang , Bath Philip M , McDermott Orii , Haywood Lee J , Orrell Martin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAs the number of people living with dementia grows, so does the need to provide them with adequate psychosocial support. Many people with dementia live at home with family carers, who also require social and emotional support to cope with their role. Community group singing has received attention for its potential to support people with dementia and their carers. It is postulated that singing can improve cognitive function, strengthen the bonds between care partners, and help to establish social support networks. However, there is a lack of rigorous evidence of singing’s benefits for this population. This study aims to test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of community singing in dementia, to pave the way for a larger, conclusive study.MethodsThe PRESIDE study is designed as a two-arm, parallel group randomised trial with a waiting list control. Dyads consisting of a person with dementia (n=80) and their carer (n=80) will be recruited. Each dyad will be randomised either to attend 10 weeks of community group singing sessions straight away, or to wait for three months before attending the sessions. The singing sessions will be led by experienced professional musicians and will last about 90 minutes, including time for socialising. The primary outcome of this study is the attainment of feasibility criteria around recruitment, retention and the acceptability of the waiting list control. Secondary outcomes include the quality of life, mood, cognition, and musical engagement of the person with dementia, and quality of life, mood, and experiences/challenges of the carer. These data will be collected during home visits at baseline, and three and six months post-baseline. DiscussionDespite growing public interest in the positive effects of singing, and encouraging findings from qualitative and non-randomised quantitative studies, there is a lack of rigorous evidence. This is the first randomised controlled trial of community group singing for people with dementia. If the results favour a full trial, conclusively demonstrating the effectiveness of group singing could positively affect the opportunities available to community-dwelling people with dementia and their carers.Trial RegistrationUnique identification number in ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN10201482 https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10201482. Date registered: 12/05/2020
Does Endometriosis Increase Susceptibility to COVID–19 Infections? A case-control study in Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Moazzami Bahram , Chaichian Shahla , Samie Saeed , Zolbin Masoumeh Majidi , Jesmi Fatemeh , Akhlaghdoust Meisam , Pishkuhi Mahin Ahmadi , Mirshafiei Zahra Sadat , Khalilzadeh Fereshteh , Safari Dorsa 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In today’s world, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) is the most critical health problem and research is continued on studying the associated factors. But it is not clear whether endometriosis increases the risk of COVID–19.Methods: Women who referred to the gynecology clinic were evaluated and 507 women with endometriosis (case group) were compared with 520 women without endometriosis (control group). COVID–19 infection, symptoms, exposure, hospitalization, isolation, H1N1 infection and vaccination, and past medical history of the participants were recorded and compared between the groups using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 21.Results: Comparison between the groups represent COVID–19 infection in 3.2% of the case group and 3% of the control group (P=.942). The control group had a higher frequency of asymptomatic infection (95.7% vs. 94.5%; P<.001) and fever (1.6% vs. 0%; P=.004), while the frequency of rare symptoms was more common in the case group (P<.001). The average disease period was 14 days in both groups (P=.694). COVID–19 infection was correlated with close contact (r=.331; P<.001 in the case group and r=.244; P<.001 in the control group), but not with the history of thyroid disorders, H1N1 vaccination, traveling to high-risk areas, and social isolation (P>.05).Conclusion: Endometriosis does not increase the susceptibility to COVID–19 infections, but alters the manifestation of the disease. The prevalence of the disease may depend on the interaction between the virus and the individual’s immune system but further studies are required in this regard.
Machine Learning Models For Predicting Lymph Node And Distant Metastases In Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Dai Xiaoyu , Dai Siqi , Yang Xi , Zhuang Jing , Liu Jin , Han Shuwen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in the world and metastasis is responsible for a major proportion of the cancer-related deaths in CRC patients.Aims: To construct machine learning models for predicting lymph node and distant metastases in colorectal cancer and analyze biological functions features of metastasis-related genes.Methods: RNA-seq and miRNA-seq data as well as corresponding clinical data from colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and rectum adenocarcinoma (READ) were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The differentially expressed RNAs (DE-RNAs) in non-LNM (N0) and LNM (N1/N2) as well as non-distant metastases (M0) and distant metastases (M1) were analyzed. Six machine learning models including logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), Catboost, gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), and artificial neural network (NN) were constructed to predict cancer metastasis and the feature genes of the optimal model were further analyzed by functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and drug-target analyses.Results: Differential RNA expression profiles of LNM and non-LNM as well as M0 vs. M1 were observed in both COAD and READ samples. NN model was determined to be the optimal model for predicting distant metastases, while Catboost and LR models were the optimal models for predicting LNM in COAD and READ samples, respectively. PPI analysis indicated that KIR2DL4, chemokine-related genes CXCL9/10/11/13 and CCL25, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor genes (GABRR1, GABRB2 and GABRA3) were key genes in metastasis. In addition, atorvastatin and eszopiclone were identified as potential therapeutic agents as they target these genes.Conclusions: We constructed six machine learning models for predicting colorectal cancer metastases and identify the optimal model. We analyzed biological functions features of metastasis-related RNAs in colorectal cancer.
Tribological changes of tooth enamel-mullite/3Y-TZP couple in artificial saliva
Authors: Huang Yanqi , Li Zhuan , Liu Peng-fei , Cheng Yan-meng , Li Wen-jie , Xiao Peng , Li Yang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In-situ mullite toughened 3Y-TZP composite ceramic (mullite/3Y-TZP) with excellent mechanical properties was fabricated by gel-casting. The cytotoxicity of mullite/3Y-TZP was determined by both extract and direct contact methods, and the results indicated that mullite/3Y-TZP had no acute cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the tribological properties of the tooth enamel sliding against mullite/3Y-TZP in artificial saliva were investigated by using the pin-on-disk friction method. The friction coefficient (µ) between the two friction samples was about 0.464 with a stable friction process, and both of them showed slight wear. Analysis of the wear surface and debris demonstrated that the tooth enamel mainly suffered from fatigue wear accompanied by mild adhesive wear, while mullite/3Y-TZP showed slight abrasive wear. This result indicated that mullite/3Y-TZP had good wear resistance and showed potential applications in dental material.
The Role of CXCL10 in Prognosis of Patients with Colon Cancer and Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling
Authors: Yin Hongli , Song Weiwei , Han Chenguang , Mao Qiantai , Ji Zhaoshuai , Tang Jing , Yan Xu , Ai Chao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In the past few years, tumor microenvironment (TME) has gradually become a hot topic in tumor research, which has important significance in the diagnosis, prevention and prognosis of tumors. Importantly, the immune system is a major contributing factor in TME, and studies have shown that tumors are partially infiltrated with various immune cell subsets. The immune characteristics of the TME play an essential role in evaluating the prognosis of patients. The immune scoring system based on the distribution of tumor local immune cell subsets and cell density has been an essential indicator in the evaluation of patient prognosis and has been verified in various tumor studies. TME is indispensable in the occurrence and development of Colorectal cancer (CRC). However, understanding the dynamic regulation of immunity and matrix components in TME of CRC is still a challenge and should be investigated further.Methods: In this study, we collected transcriptome RNA-seq data of 521 Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data portal. We then estimate the fraction of stromal and immune cells in COAD cases by ESTIMATE algorithms [1]. A total of 1109 stromal-immune score-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and used to generate a high-confidence protein–protein intersection (PPI) network and univariate COX regression analysis. Intersection analysis of the data from PPI network and univariate COX regression analysis showed the core gene. Then we performed Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), survival analysis and clinical analysis for CXCL10, and applied CIBERSORT algorithms to estimate the tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) proportion in COAD cases.Results: The proportion of immune and stromal components in TME are associated with the progression of COAD. For example, tumor metastasis is inversely proportional to immune score. A total of 1109 DEGs were obtained by analyzing the low-score shared genes and the high-score shared genes by intersection analysis which might be the determinant of TME status. The GO enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs are associated with immune-related terms. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs are mainly enriched in cytokine cytokine receptor signaling pathway etc. Therefore, DEGs are related to immune regulation, which indicates that the participation of immune factors is the main characteristic of TME in COAD. Moreover, the expression level of CXCL10 has significantly connection with the prognosis of patients and the progression of COAD. Conclusion: Taken together, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the TME in COAD, and predicted a prognostic indicator for COAD, which provided a novel insight for therapeutics of COAD.
Analysis of the fraction of delivered oxygen by noninvasive ventilation devices working as invasive ventilators in pandemic times
Authors: Tusman Gerardo , Gogniat Emiliano , Plotnikow Gustavo , Campos Marcelo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, mandatory ventilation with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) devices is a valid option when intensive care/anesthesia ventilators are unavailable. The fraction of delivered oxygen (FDO2) by NIV devices in intubated patients is unknown.Method: We simulated intubated patients with normal and sick lungs. NIV was used in pressure control mode with protective lung ventilatory settings. O2 flow was added into the NIV circuit in incremental steps of 1 L/min (from 1 to 15 L). The FDO2 in breathing gases was measured by a paramagnetic O2 sensor placed behind the endotracheal tube. Three NIV circuit options were analyzed: 1) leak at HME filter close to the patient, 2) anesthesia Bain circuit with leak distal to the patient, and 3) leak throughout a non-rebreathing valve near the patient.Results: FDO2 increased proportional to the supplemental O2 flow in all NIV options and in both kinds of patients. The range of FDO2 came from 0.25 to 0.98 in both, healthy and sick lungs. At 5 L/min, FDO2 was 0.53±0.04 and 0.47±0.02 in option 1 and 0.53±0.04 and 0.47±0.02 in option 2 for healthy and sick lungs, respectively. In option 3, 5 L/min of O2 reached 0.84±0.08 in healthy and 0.74±0.09 in sick lungs. Conclusions: In all setups, FDO2 was proportional to the administered O2 flow and it covered the range of FDO2 values commonly observed in ventilated patients.
Computational Analysis Revealed miRNAs Produced by Chikungunya Virus Target Genes Associated with Cellular Proliferation and Cell Cycle Regulation
Authors: Islam Md. Sajedul , Khan Md. Abdullah-Al-Kamran 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) that causes chikungunya fever, is an alphavirus that belongs to the Togaviridae family containing a single-stranded RNA genome. Mosquitoes of the Aedes species act as the vectors for this virus and can be found in the blood, which can be passed from an infected person to a mosquito through mosquito bites. CHIKV has drawn much attention recently because of its potential of causing an epidemic. As the detailed mechanism of its pathogenesis inside the host system is still lacking, in this in silico research we have hypothesized that CHIKV might create miRNAs, which would target the genes associated with host cellular regulatory pathways, thereby providing the virus with prolonged refuge. Using bioinformatics approaches we found several putative miRNAs produced by CHIKV. Then we predicted the genes of the host targeted by these miRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis of these targeted genes shows the involvement of several biological pathways regulating cellular proliferation and cell cycle, thereby provide themselves with prolonged refuge and facilitate their pathogenesis, which in turn may lead to disease conditions. Finally, we analyzed a publicly available microarray dataset (GSE49985) to determine the altered expression levels of the targeted genes and found four genes (FLNA, GATA6, HES6, and TP53) associated with transcription factor binding, which have significant (Adjusted p-value <0.05) altered expression level. Our finding presents novel miRNAs and their targeted genes, which upon experimental validation could facilitate in developing new therapeutics to combat CHIKV infection and minimize CHIKV mediated diseases.
Chidamide combined with cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vindesine, prednisone, and etoposide (C-CHOEP) regimen is superior to the GDP-ML and CHOEP regimen for patients with newly diagnosed peripheral T-cell lymphoma
Authors: wei chong , Zhang Yan , Wang Wei , Zhang Lu , Mao Yueying , Feng Jun , Cai Huacong , Zhang Wei , Zhou Daobin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Outcomes with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vindesine, and prednisone) or CHOP-like regimens are poor in most types of peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs). In this study, we investigated whether the combination of chidamide with CHOEP (cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vindesine, etoposide, and prednisone) regimen (C-CHOEP) was superior to CHOEP and GDP-ML (gemcitabine, cisplatin, dexamethasone, methotrexate, and pegaspargase) regimen for previously untreated PTCL patients.
Methods

Between January 2012 and August 2019, a total of 94 newly diagnosed PTCL patients were included in this study, including 34 patients from the C-CHOEP phase 2 trial, 34 patients treated with CHOEP regimen matched to those in the C-CHOEP group, and 26 patients from a previous phase 2 trial of GDP-ML therapy.
Results

The complete remission rate of patients in the C-CHOEP group was significantly higher than that of GDP-ML and CHOEP group (55.9% vs. 32.0% and 29.4%, p = 0.047), with an overall response rate of 82.4 vs. 64.7%, and 72.0%, respectively (p = 0.244). The overall survival of patients in the C-CHOEP group was significantly superior than that of the GDP-ML and CHOEP group, with 1- and 3- year OS rates of 80.9% and 73.5% in the C-CHOEP group vs. 67.4% and 36.9% in the GDP-ML group, and 64.6% and 48.9% in the CHOEP group (p = 0.048). Progression-free survival (PFS) was also improved with median PFS of 19.8 months in the C-CHOEP group vs. 6.6 and 8.1 months in the GDP-ML and CHOEP group. The most common adverse events were hematologic toxicities. Grade 3–4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia occurred in 58.8% and 20.6% of patients in the C-CHOEP group with no significant difference compared with the CHOEP group.
Conclusion

Our study suggested that C-CHOEP therapy was superior to CHOEP and GDP-ML therapy for newly diagnosed PTCL patients as shown by a significant improvement of CR rate and OS with a favorable safety profile.
Trial registration:

The study of C-CHOEP regimen is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on December 2nd 2016 (NCT02987244). The study of GDP-ML regimen is registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on March 30th 2012 (ChiCTR-ONC-12002055).