bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simplified sigmoidal curve fitting for a 6 MV FFF photon beam of Halcyon system to determine the field size for beam commissioning and quality assurance
Authors: Choi Min-Geon , Law Martin , Yoon Do-Kun , Tamura Mikoto , Matsumoto Kenji , Otsuka Masakazu , Kim Moo-Sub , Djeng Shih-Kien , Monzen Hajime , Suh Tae Suk 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: An O-ring gantry-type linear accelerator (Linac) with a 6 MV flattening filter-free (FFF) photon beam, Halcyon, includes a reference beam containing the representative information regarding the percent depth dose, profile, output factor, etc. for commissioning and quality assurance. However, because it does not provide the information of the field size, we proposed a method to determine all field sizes according to all depths for radiation therapy using simplified sigmoidal curve fitting (SCF).Methods: After a mathematical definition of the SCF using four coefficients, the defined curves were fitted to both the reference and measured data. For a high agreement between the fitting curve and the profiles in each data set, the field sizes were determined by identifying the maximum point along the third derivative of the fitting curve. The curve fitting included the field sizes for beam profiles of 2 × 2, 4 × 4, 6 × 6, 8 × 8, 10 × 10, 20 × 20 and 28 × 28 cm2 as a function of depth (at 1.3, 5, 10, 20 cm). The results of the field size from the reference data were compared with the results in the measured data using the same condition.Results: All fitting curves show values of goodness of fit, R2, better than 0.99. The differences in the field size between the reference data and the measured data were within the range of 0 to 0.2 cm. The lowest difference in the field sizes at a depth of 10 cm, which is a surface-to-axis distance, was reported. Conclusion: The application of the SCF has been proven to accurately obtain the field size of the preconfigured reference and of the measured FFF photon beam data for the Halcyon system. The current work can be useful for beam commissioning as a countercheck methodology to determine the field size from the reference data in the treatment planning system of a newly installed Halcyon system and for the routine quality assurance to ascertain the correctness of field sizes clinically used with the Halcyon system.
EP300 Knockdown Reduces Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype, Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Ring Alexander , Kaur Pushpinder , Lang Julie E. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with basal features, lacking the expression of receptors targeted successfully in other breast cancer subtypes. Treatment response to adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy is often short-lived and metastatic spread occurs at higher rates than other subtypes within the first five years after diagnosis. TNBCs exhibit stem cell features and are enriched for cancer stem cell (CSC) populations. E1A Binding Protein P300 (EP300) is a large protein with multiple cellular functions, including as an effector in stem cell biology.Methods: We used a genetic knockdown (KD) model of EP300 in TNBC cell lines to investigate the effect on CSC phenotype, tumor growth and metastasis. Side population assay and tumorsphere suspension culture were used in vitro. Xenograft mouse models were used for in vivo studies. We performed in silico analysis of publicly available gene expression data sets to investigate CSC gene expression and molecular pathways as well as survival outcomes associated with EP300 expression in patients with TNBC and basal-like BC.Results: EP300 KD abolished the CSC phenotype by reducing ABCG2 expression, side population cells and tumorsphere formation capacity in vitro as well as tumor formation in a xenograft mouse model in vivo. Metastatic capacity was markedly reduced in EP300 KD cells in vivo, with no detection of circulating tumor cells. TCGA data analysis demonstrated that genes positively correlated with EP300 expression in TNBC and basal-like BC were associated with CSC biology. Survival analysis demonstrated that EP300 expression predicts poor recurrence free survival in TNBC and basal BC. Conclusion: We report a novel oncogenic role for EP300 in driving CSC phenotype representing a potential target to address tumor initiation and metastatic spread in TNBC and basal-like BC. EP300 might serve as a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in TNBC.
The Relationship between Quality of Life, Bone Pain, Skin Pruritus and Depression among Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bi Ting , Feng Xiaodong , Zhang Wei , Cheng Guangming , Wang Chunhui , Tang Yufu , Bai Sijia , Guo Shuai 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), a manifestation of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD), is common in CKD patients and has significant morbidity and mortality. Quality of life (QOL) in SHPT patients is seriously affected by symptoms such as bone pain and skin pruritus. However, studies have focused on operative effects and hypocalcemia rather than the relationships between QOL, bone pain, skin pruritus and depression symptoms.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2017 to December 2019 in a third-class hospital in China. The brief table of the QOL measurement scale (QOL-BREF), a self-designed bone pain and skin pruritus scale and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to estimate QOL, bone pain and skin pruritus, and depression, respectively. Pearson’s correlation, multiple linear regression analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used for analysis.Results Overall, 320 questionnaires were considered valid (98.46% effective response rate). The prevalence of bone pain, skin pruritus and depression was 94.06%, 69.06%, and 77.81%, respectively. Bone pain, skin pruritus and depression were significantly associated with QOL. In SEM, QOL negatively correlated with bone pain (r=-0.509), skin pruritus (r=-0.517) and SDS (r=-0.465). Bone pain significantly (P<0.01) and positively correlated with skin pruritus (r=0.568) and SDS (r=0.450). Skin pruritus significantly (P<0.01) and positively correlated with SDS (r=0.426). In addition, QOL partially mediated the association between bone pain or skin pruritus and depression (mediation proportion of 48.62% or 45.08%).Conclusions SHPT patients have high depression levels and poor QOL due to bone pain and skin pruritus. The effects on depression may be fully mediated by the impact of bone pain or skin pruritus on QOL. Thus, bone pain or skin pruritus could increase depression via the intermediary role of QOL.For clinical front-line medical staff,it can relieve bone pain and skin pruritus through timely operation and psychological intervention, so as to improve patients' quality of life and reduce anxiety.At the same time, we should also pay attention to the high-risk groups.
The Age Threshold of the 8th Edition AJCC ClassificationIs Useful for Indicating Patients with Aggressive Papillary Thyroid Cancer in Clinical Practice.
Authors: Kaliszewski Krzysztof , Diakowska Dorota , Nowak Łukasz , Wojtczak Beata , Rudnicki Jerzy 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is unique among cancers in that patient age is a consideration in staging. One of the most important modifications in the 8th Edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classificationis to increase the age cutoff for risk stratification in PTC from 45 to 55 years. However, whether this cutoff is useful in clinical practice remains controversial. In the present study, we assessed how well this new age threshold stratifies patients with aggressive PTC.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological features and overall survival rate of patients with PTC admitted to and surgically treated at a single surgical center. The study protocol was divided into two series. In each series all patients (n=523) were divided in 2 groups according to age cutoff. In the first series (cutoff 45) patients <45 (n=193) vs. ≥45 (n=330) were compared, and in the second series (cutoff 55) patients <55 (n=306) vs. ≥55 (n=217) were compared.Results: The rate of the prevalence of locally advanced disease (pT3 and pT4) was significantly higher in the patients above 55 years old than in those below 55 years old (p=0.013). No significant differences were found for this parameter in series with cutoff point 45 years old. A significantly higher risk of locally advanced disease T3+T4 (OR=4.87) and presence of LNM (N1) (OR=3.78) was observed in ≥45 years old group (p=0.021 and p<0.0001, respectively). More expressive results were found for the patients ≥55 years old group, where the risk of locally advanced disease (T3+T4) was higher (OR=5.21) and LNM presence was OR=4.76 (p<0.001 and p<0.0001, respectively). None of the patients below 55 years old showed distant metastasis, but 19 patients above 55 years old showed M1 (p<0.0001). In older patients group (≥55 years old) we observed deaths related thyroid cancer in 11 individuals.Conclusions: The age cut off of 55 years old for risk stratification proposed by the 8th Edition of AJCC effectively stratifies PTC patients with a poor prognosis, indicating it is likely to be useful in clinical practice.
Molecular detection of pathogens in ticks and fleas collected from companion dogs and cats in East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Nguyen Viet-Linh , Colella Vito , Greco Grazia , Fang Fang , Nurcahyo Wisnu , Hadi Upik Kesumawati , Venturina Virginia , Tong Kenneth Boon Yew , Tsai Yi-Lun , Taweethavonsawat Piyanan , Tiwananthagorn Saruda , Tangtrongsup Sahatchai , Le Thong Quang , Bui Khanh Linh , Do Thom , Watanabe Malaika , Rani Puteri Azaziah Megat Abd , Dantas-Torres Filipe , Halos Lenaig , Beugnet Frederic , Otranto Domenico 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Ticks and fleas are considered amongst the most important arthropod vectors of medical and veterinary concern due to their ability to transmit pathogens to a range of animal species including dogs, cats and humans. By sharing a common environment with humans, companion animal-associated parasitic arthropods may potentially transmit zoonotic vector-borne pathogens (VBPs). This study aimed to molecularly detect pathogens from ticks and fleas from companion dogs and cats in East and Southeast Asia.Methods: A total of 392 ticks and 248 fleas were collected from 401 infested animals (i.e. 271 dogs and 130 cats) from China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, were molecularly screened for the presence of pathogens. Ticks were tested for Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. while fleas were screened for the presence of Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp.Result: Of the 392 ticks tested, 37 (9.4%) scored positive for at least one pathogen with Hepatozoon canis being the most prevalent (5.4%), followed by Ehrlichia canis (1.8%), Babesia vogeli (1%), Anaplasma platys (0.8%) and Rickettsia spp. (1%) [including Rickettsia sp. (0.5%), Rickettsia asembonensis (0.3%) and Rickettsia felis (0.3%)]. Out of 248 fleas tested, 106 (42.7%) were harboring at least one pathogen with R. felis being the most common (19.4%), followed by Bartonella spp. (16.5%), Rickettsia asembonensis (10.9%) and “Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis” (0.4%). Furthermore, 35 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were subjected to phylogenetic analysis, of which 34 ticks belonged to the tropical and only one belonged to the temperate lineage (Rh. sanguineus (sensu stricto)). Conclusion: Our data reveals the circulation of different VBPs in ticks and fleas of dogs and cats from Asia, including zoonotic agents, which may represent a potential risk to animal and human health.
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Endoscopic Features of Early Gastric Cancers Diagnosed After Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ishibashi Hideki , Takedatsu Hidetoshi , Tanabe Taro , Imakiire So , Matsuoka Hiroki , Yasuda Hideki , Sakisaka Hideto , Matsuoka Satoshi , Kayashima Yoshiyuki , Kuno Nobuaki , Abe Koichi , Funakoshi Sadahiro , Hirai Fumihito 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is an important risk factor for developing gastric cancer. However, even after H. pylori eradication, early gastric cancer (EGC) can develop. We elucidated the characteristics of EGCs diagnosed after H. pylori eradication. Methods: Thirty-six EGCs in 32 patients diagnosed after H. pylori eradication were defined as the eradication group (H. pylori-EG). The clinicopathological and endoscopic features were compared with those of 156 EGCs in 140 patients in the H. pylori-positive group (H. pylori-PG). Twenty-nine EGC lesions in the H. pylori-EG were further divided into two subgroups: the first included six lesions of none to mild atrophic mucosa around the EGC, and the second included 23 lesions of moderate to severe atrophic mucosa around the EGC. We compared them between the two subgroups. Results: Endoscopic features of EGCs in the H. pylori-EG were characterized as small (P = 0.049) and of the depressed type (P = 0.022) compared with those in the H. pylori-PG. EGCs in the H. pylori-EG were detected on the upper region of the stomach more frequently than those in the H. pylori-PG (P = 0.002). As for submucosal ECGs in the H. pylori-EG, it was more likely to be seen in the mild atrophic mucosa subgroup (4/6, 67%) compared to the moderate to severe atrophic gastric mucosa subgroup (1/23, 4%) (P = 0.003).Conclusions: EGCs after H. pylori eradication were characterized as small and of the depressed type. Submucosal invasive EGCs developed more frequently in the none to mild atrophic mucosa after H. pylori eradication. Therefore, careful patient follow-up is important after H. pylori eradication.
The Drosophila Suzukii Mating Rate Decrease for the Reproductive Interference of Drosophila Melanogaster
Authors: Chen Yongzhuo , Zhang Min , Hu Wei , Li Jing , Liu Pengcheng , Hu Hao-Yuan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Drosophila suzukii has been widely distributed all over the world since 2008, and it is a harmful pest causing great economic loss in many countries. Previous research has found that the presence of Drosophila melanogaster could reduce the emergence and egg laying of Drosophila suzukii. In order to figure out the potential mechanism of this phenomenon, we studied three potential factors including lifetime, larval interspecific competition, and reproductive interference. Results: The results show that the Drosophila suzukii offspring number was significantly decreased when reared with Drosophila melanogaster. The lifetime and larval interspecific competition have no significant effect on the Drosophila suzukii population. Surprisingly, Drosophila melanogaster can cause reproductive interference with male Drosophila suzukii, which leads to a significant decline in the successful mating rate of the latter fruit fly. Conclusions: The presence of Drosophila melanogaster causes the Drosophila suzukii population to decrease through the effect of reproductive interference, and the Drosophila suzukii successful mating rate is significantly decreased for the existence of Drosophila melanogaster.
The Cost ‑effectiveness of Hypertonic Saline Inhalations for Infant Bronchiolitis
Authors: buendia jefferson , Acuña-Cordero Ranniery 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Pharmacological treatment for bronchiolitis is primarily supportive because bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics, show little benefit. Clinical studies have suggested that nebulized 3% hypertonic solution is useful for infants with bronchiolitis. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the HS inhalations in infant bronchiolitis in a tropical country
Methods
Decision tree analysis was used to calculate the expected costs and QALYs. All cost and use of resources were collected directly from medical invoices of 193 patient hospitalized with diagnosis of bronchiolitis in tertiary centers, of Rionegro, Colombia. The utility values applied to QALYs calculations were collected from the literature. The economic analysis was carried out from a societal perspective.
Results
The model showed that nebulized 3% hypertonic solution, was associated with lower total cost than controls (US $200vs US $240 average cost per patient), and higher QALYs ( 0.92 vs 0.91 average per patient); showing dominance. A position of dominance negates the need to calculate an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.
Conclusion
The nebulized 3% hypertonic solution was cost-effective in the inpatient treatment of infant bronchiolitis. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other tropical countries.
Malaria Funding Profile Against Disease Burden:Regression Analysis Case of Zambia, 2009 to 2018
Authors: Mtalimanja Michael , Mtalimanja James Lamon , Xu Zhengyuan , Du Wenwen , Xu Wei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Zambia has made profound strides in reducing both the incidence and prevalence of malaria followed by reducing malaria related deaths between 2009 and 2018. The number of partners providing malaria funding has significantly increased in the same period. The increasing number of partners and the subsequent reduction of the number of reported malaria cases in the Ministry of Health main data repository Health Management Information System (HMIS) stimulated this research. The study aimed at (1) identifying major sources of malaria funding in Zambia; (2) describe malaria funding per targeted interventions and (3) relating malaria funding with malaria disease burden.Methods; Data was collected using extensive literature review of institutional strategic document between the year 2009 to 2018. The National’s Health Management Information System (HMIS) provided information on malaria hospitalization data, incidence and mortality data. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) alongside Microsoft excel was used to analyze data in the year 2019.Results: The investigation observed that about 30% of the funding came from PMI/USIAD, 26% from the global funds. The government contributed 17% with other partners sharing the remaining 27%. Regression Analysis Model indicated a positive association between reducing malaria disease burden and increasing funding towards ITNs, IRS, MDA, and Case Management r2=77% (r2>0.77; 95% CI: 0.72 - 0.81). Furthermore IRS showed a p-value 0.018 while ITNs, Case Management and MDA having 0.029, 0.030 and 0.040 respectively. Conclusion: Our findings highlight annual funding towards specific malaria intervention produces desired results.
The effect of hearing protection devices on speech intelligibility of Persian employees
Authors: Karami Mina , Aliabadi Mohsen , Golmohammadi Rostam , Nahrani Morteza Hamidi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hearing protection devices (HPDs) on speech intelligibility in Persian work environments. Three current earmuffs and three earplugs and one of the prototypes of molded earplug were tested on 15 male subjects which were randomly selected. The noise reduction of HPDs was measured based on the Real Ear Attenuation at Threshold (REAT) method. Speech intelligibility during using HPDs was determined based on the speech discrimination score (SDS) at two signal to noise (S/N) ratios (0 and +5). Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 22.Results: The actual to nominal noise reduction rating values were from 47% to 84% for HPDs. The earmuffs showed higher ratios of actual to nominal noise reduction compared with the earplugs. At two S/N ratios, no significant differences were observed in speech intelligibility using HPDs (p >0.05). However, at S/N ratio=0, the speech intelligibility descriptively has been improved by using common earmuffs up to 9.07 %. There was a significant difference up to 21.27% in speech intelligibility for proposed molded earplugs at S/N ratio=0(p <0.05). It is concluded that, if the trend of signal to noise ratio is positive, the HPDs will reduce the ability to understand speech.
Carbon sequestration scenarios in Portugal: which way to go forward?
Authors: Cunha Jorge , Campos Felipe S. , David João , Padmanaban Rajchandar , Cabral Pedro 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Assessing carbon storage and sequestration is key for defining effective conservation actions to mitigate climate change. Forest species changes have direct impacts on carbon stocks and may lead to undesirable climate trade-offs. In this paper, we measure aboveground biomass (AGB) and the impact of forest changes on climate regulation through three land policy scenarios by 2030 in continental Portugal.Results: We found that a High intervention scenario, supported by an important increase in “Other coniferous trees” class, will provide 29.5% more of carbon sequestration, whereas a Low intervention scenario, in which there is a moderate increase in all forest classes, will result in an increase of 5.7%. A business as usual (BAU) scenario, supported by an increase in eucalyptus forests and a decrease in autochthonous species, will decrease carbon sequestration (-2.7%), particularly Lisboa, Algarve and Norte regions. Economic valuation shows that the High intervention scenario will generate the highest economic outcome for climate regulation by 2030.Conclusion:This study provides a spatial-based methodology for monitoring carbon sequestration and new insights about the impact of policies for Green House Gas (GHG) mitigation, supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals achievement.
Rapid and Efficient BAC Recombineering: Gain &amp; Loss Screening System
Authors: Kuk Myeong Uk , Oh Sekyung , Park Joon Tae 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Recombineering has been developed to modify bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) via homologous recombination. Nevertheless, as a screening strategy to identify the correct clone was not properly developed, it was difficult to obtain a correct clone within a limited time period. To address these issues, we developed a new screening method (a gain & loss screening system) that enables the efficient identification of the recombineered clone.Results Simple inoculation of cells into LB medium with appropriate antibiotics visually revealed the positive clones within 24 h. DNA sequencing confirmed 100% accuracy of this screening method by showing that all positive clones exhibited recombinant sequences. Furthermore, our new method allowed us to complete the entire procedure consisting of 1st recombineering, flip-out and 2nd recombineering in just 13 days.Conclusion Overall, our new strategy may provide a new avenue for BAC recombeerining, as evidenced by markedly increased accuracy and subsequently shortened recombineering duration.
DV-DVFS: Merging Data variety and DVFS Technique to Manage the Energy Consumption of Big Data Processing
Authors: Ahmadvand Hossein , Foroutan Fouzhan Foroutan , Fathy Mahmood 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Data variety is one of the most important features of Big Data. Data variety is the result of aggregating data from multiple sources and uneven distribution of data. This feature of Big Data causes high variation in consumption of processing resources such as CPU consumption. In this paper, we used Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) to reduce the energy consumption of computation. To this goal, we consider a deadline as our constraint and before applying the DVFS technique to computer nodes, we estimate the processing time and the frequency needed to meet the deadline. We have used a set of data sets and applications in the evaluation phase. The experimental results show that our proposed approach surpasses the other scenarios in processing real datasets. Based on the experimental results in this paper, DV-DVFS can achieve up to 15% improvement in energy consumption.