bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel and traditional anthropometric indices for identifying metabolic syndrome in non-overweight/obese adults
Authors: Wu Lihong , Zhu WenHua , Qiao Qiaohua , Huang Lijuan , Li Yiqi , Chen Liying 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in non-overweight/obese people is insidiously associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Novel anthropometric indices can reflect central obesity better than the traditional anthropometric indices. Therefore, we hypothesize that these newly developed anthropometric indices can better identify MetS in non-overweight/obese people than conventional indices.Methods: Cross-sectional data of sociodemographic, biochemical and anthropometric indices were collected from 2916 non-overweight/obese Chinese people. A body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) and abdominal volume index (AVI) were calculated. Partial correlation analysis was used to clarify the correlation between anthropometric indices and MetS variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the association between anthropometric indices and MetS and its components. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the diagnostic ability of anthropometric indices for MetS and its components. The area under curve (AUC) difference between WHtR and each new anthropometric index was compared in pairs.Results: After adjusting for covariates, AVI had the optimal ability of identifying MetS (AUC: 0.743 for male, 0.819 for female) and the strongest correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (coe: -0.227 for male, -0.207 for female) and the highest odds rations (OR) with low HDL-C group (male: OR = 1.37, female: OR = 1.55). The WHtR was comparable to BRI in assessing MetS (AUC: 0.739 for male, 0.817 for female). WHtR or BRI could also well identify hypertension (AUC: 0.602 for male, 0.688 for female) and dysglycemia (AUC: 0.669 for male, 0.713 for female) and female's high triglyceride level (AUC 0.712). The recognition ability of the two was equivalent. The ability of ABSI and WWI to identify MetS was weak.Conclusions: AVI is the optimal anthropometric indices to identify MetS in non-overweight/obese Chinese adults. BRI and WHtR can also be considered as discriminators, while ABSI and WWI are weak discriminators. WHtR is easy to measure. So, it is recommended as an early preliminary screening method for the MetS in non-overweight/obese people.
Fluoroquinolone resistance of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from healthy conjunctiva and analysis of their mutations in quinolone-resistance determining region
Authors: Kang Jung Youb , Lee Woonhyung , Jeong Bo Hyeon , Park Indal , Lee Sang Joon 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: S. epidermidis is the most common pathogen in postoperative endophthalmitis and causes various infectious eye diseases. However, there is very little information on fluoroquinolone antibiotic resistance to S. epidermidis identified in conjunctival microbe and analysis of related genes. Here, the authors investigated the rate of resistance to fluoroquinolones of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from normal conjunctival microbes and mutations in the quinolone-resistance determining region (QRDR).Methods: 377 eye samples from 187 patients who underwent intravitreal injection and cataract surgery were included. Before the procedure, specimens were taken from the bilateral lower conjunctival sacs using a cotton swab and cultured. The cultures were identified and gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE gene mutations of QRDR were confirmed by DNA extraction from resistant strains of S. epidermidis with a micro-dilution method using ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin.Results: The culture positive rate was 61.8% (231) for 374 eye samples. Of the 303 total strains cultured, S. epidermidis was the most common with 33.7% (102). Ten types of gene mutations were observed in the resistant S. epidermidis of 21 strains. One-point mutation was observed mainly in gyrA and parC, and a small number of mutations were observed in parE in the form of a double point mutations. When there were multiple point mutations in both gyrA and parC, the highest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was observed.Conclusions: The quinolone resistance rate of S. epidermidis increased in comparison with previous studies, and resistant S. epidermidis showed mostly QRDR mutations, which were mainly found in gyrA and parC, and showed strong resistance when mutated in both genes.
Variations in BCO2 Coding Sequence Causing a Difference in Carotenoid Concentration in the Skin of Chickens
Authors: Wang Yan , Gan Shiyi , Luo Chenglong , Liu Tianfei , Zhao Xiaoling , Ma Jie , Lin Chuxiao , Shu Dingming , Qu Hao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Carotenoid consumption decreases the risk of cancer, osteoporosis, or neurodegenerative diseases through interrupting the formation of free radicals. Carotenoid-pigmented egg yolk, skin, legs, beak, comb, and feathers in broilers give consumers the impression that they are healthier than none-pigmented ones. Deposition of carotenoids in chicken skin makes the skin color turn from white into yellow. The enzyme β-carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2) plays a key role during the degradation process of carotenoids in skin. How does the BCO2 affects the skin color of chicken, and whether it is the key factor resulted in the phenotypic difference between yellow- and white- skin chickens are still unclear. Three female chickens of the Guangxi Huang and Qingjiao Ma breed were slaughtered and used for carotenoid concentration and BCO2 expression level analysis. The carotenoid concentration in chicken skin was determined by HPLC. A total of 1054 DNA samples from seven different chicken breeds were genotyped and allele frequencies analysis.Results: In the present study, we measured the concentration of carotenoids in chicken skin showed that the carotenoid concentration in chicken with a yellow skin was significantly higher than that with white skin chicken. Then we analyzed the expression profile of BCO2 in different tissues and observed significant differences in gene expression in the back skin between yellow- and white- skin chicken. Scanning the SNPs in BCO2 gene, it revealed a G/A mutation in exon 6, which was confirmed by PCR-RFLP. Copy number variation (CNV) was also detected; the copy number in white yellow skin chicken was almost 2-fold of that than in yellow skin chicken. These results implied that the G/A mutation and CNV in chicken skin may play a key role in regulating the carotenoids degradation. Conclusions: Generally, reduced expression of the BCO2 gene due to lower CVNs may be responsible for the deposition of carotenoids and as a consequence a yellow skin color in yellow skin chicken. One SNP c.890A>G was found to be associated with the chicken skin color and may be used as a genetic marker in breeding for yellow skin in chicken in the future.
Modelling Cost-Effectiveness of Syphilis Detection Strategies In Prisoners: Exploratory Exercise In A Chilean Male Prison
Authors: Castillo-Laborde Carla , Gajardo Pedro , Ferrari Manuel Nájera-De , Matute Isabel , Hirmas-Adauy Macarena , Aguirre Pablo , Ramírez Héctor , Rámirez Daniel , Aguilera Ximena 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Syphilis, together with other sexually transmitted infections, remains a global public health problem that is far from being controlled. People deprived of liberty are one of the vulnerable population. Control activities in prisons rely mostly on passive case detection, despite the existence of affordable alternatives that would allow switching to active case-finding strategies. Our objective was to develop a mathematical modelling framework for cost-effectiveness evaluation, from a health system perspective, of different approaches using rapid tests for the detection of syphilis in inmates' populations and to explore the results based on a Chilean male prison population. Methods: A compartmental model was developed to characterize the transmission dynamics of syphilis inside a prison with the ongoing strategy (passive case detection, with VRDL + FTA-ABS), considering the entrance and exit of inmates over a 40 year period. The model allows to simulate the implementation of a reverse algorithm for the current situation (rapid test + VDRL), different screening strategies (entry point, massive periodically; both with rapid test + VDRL) and treatment of detected cases. The parameters for the exploratory exercise were obtained from systematic searches of indexed and grey literature and field work (EQ-5D questionnaire application and key actors interviews). Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted to account for uncertainty in relevant parameters. RESULTS: The proposed framework allows the evaluation of different detection strategies. In this study, all the strategies were cost-effective in the baseline scenario when considering an ICER threshold of 1 Chilean GDP per capita (US$15,000). The strategies most likely to be cost-effective (over 80% probability) were: current situation with reverse algorithm, entry point screening and mass screening every two years; the latter was the most effective, achieving the lowest prevalence (0.7% and 1.7% over the period versus the 3% prevalence in the current situation).CONCLUSIONS: Mathematical modelling that considers the performance of different test and detection strategies might be a powerful tool for decision making. The exploratory results show the efficiency of adopting both the use of the rapid tests and to perform active case detection to significantly reduce the burden of syphilis in Chilean prisons in the near future.
Explicating the Prevalence of Women Farmers’ Deterrence from Microfinance Banks (MFBs) Loans in South-East Nigeria. A Censored Tobit Regression Model of Analysis
Authors: UKOHA Igwe ikenna , Mejeha Remy , Nwaru Jude , Ibeagwa Okwudili , Maduike Ifeanyi , Osuji Emeka 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The Prevalence of Farmers’ Deterrence from loan applications has the technical potential to proliferate, the level of financial exclusion in developing countries. Conversely, assessments of the determinants of the aforementioned practices remain limited. In contrast to erstwhile studies, this paper this fills the research gap by offering specific consideration to a divergent methodology in examining the prevalence of smallholder women farmers’ deterrence from MFBs credit, while considering expressions of the premeditated decisions made by the farmers not to apply for loans. Cross-sectional data collected via the administration of questionnaire were further analyzed using the loan deterrence indices model (LDI) and the censored Tobit regression (CTR) model. Evidence from results showed a high prevalence of loan deterrence by the farmers. Furthermore, we find that farm size, age of the respondents, household size, annual income, education level, proximity to bank, and accessibility to account officer are strong drivers of loan deterrence in South-East Nigeria. We recommend that MFBs should make loaning conditions “farmer friendly” by introducing more account officers, educating the farmers on terms and conditions to be met on loan contracts, extending credit to farmers irrespective of their age, farm size and annual income among others.
Indicators of Guideline-Concordant Care in Lung Cancer Defined with a Modified Delphi Method and Piloted in a Cohort of Over 5,800 Cases
Authors: Andreano Anita , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Russo Antonio Giampiero , Siena Salvatore 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND
to identify indicators of guideline-concordant care in lung cancer, to implement such indicators with cancer registry data linked to health databases, and to pilot them in a cohort of patients from the cancer registry of the Milan Province.
METHODS
thirty-four indicators were selected by revision of main guidelines by cancer epidemiologists, and then evaluated by a multidisciplinary panel of clinicians involved in lung cancer care and working on the pathway of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment in the Lombardy region, Italy. With a modified Delphi method, they assessed for each indicator the content validity as a quality measure of the care pathway, the degree of modifiability from the health professional, and the relevance to the health professional. Feasibility was assessed using the cancer registry and the routine health records of the Lombardy region. Feasible indicators were then calculated in the cohort of lung cancer patients diagnosed in 2007‑2012 derived from the cancer registry of the Milan Province. Criterion validity was assessed reviewing clinical records of a random sample of 114 patients (threshold for acceptable discordance ≤ 20%). Finally, reliability was evaluated at the provider level.
RESULTS
initially, 34 indicators were proposed for evaluation in the first Delphi round. Of the finally 22 selected indicators, 3 were not feasible because the required information was actually not available. The remaining 19 were calculated on the pilot cohort. After assessment of criterion validity (3 eliminated), 16 indicators were retained in the final set and evaluated for reliability.
CONCLUSION
the developed and piloted set of indicators is now available to implement and monitor, over time, quality initiatives for lung cancer care in the studied health system.
Optimal Intermittent Administration Interval of Parathyroid Hormone 1-34 for Bone Morphogenetic Protein-induced Bone Formation in a Rat Spinal Fusion Model
Authors: Abe Tetsutaro , Miyazaki Masashi , Ishihara Toshinobu , Kanezaki Shozo , Tsubouchi Yuhta , Kataoka Masashi , Tsumura Hiroshi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Both bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and teriparatide (parathyroid hormone [PTH] 1-34) are used to enhance bone healing. There is still no established opinion regarding the optimum dose and administration method. We investigated the optimal dose and administration method for the combination of BMP-2 and PTH 1-34 in a rat spinal fusion model. Methods: Group I was implanted with a control carrier. Groups II, III, and IV were implanted with a carrier containing 3μg of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2). In addition, following implantation, PTH 1-34 injections were administered to Group III thrice a week (total, 180 μg/kg/week) and Group IV six times a week (total, 180 µg/kg/week). The rats were euthanized after 8 weeks, and their spines were explanted; assessed by manual palpation, radiographs, and high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT); and subjected to histological analysis. Serum markers of bone metabolism were also analyzed. Results: Manual palpation tests showed that the fusion rates in Groups III and IV were considerably higher than those in Group I. They also had higher radiographic scores than Group I. Micro-CT analysis revealed enhanced bone marrow density expressed as bone volume/tissue volume in Group IV versus Group I. Serum marker analysis revealed that Group IV had higher osteocalcin and lower tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b than Group III. Histological analysis indicated that Group IV had enhanced remodeling. Conclusions: The rhBMP-2 and PTH combination enhanced bone fusion and remodeling of newly formed bone in the rat spinal fusion model. More frequent administration may be superior in terms of bone fusion and bone metabolism.
Genomic and Prognostic Heterogeneity Among RAS/BRAFV600E/TP53 Co-Mutated Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Berg Kaja C. G. , Brunsell Tuva H. , Sveen Anita , Alagaratnam Sharmini , Bjørnslett Merete , Hektoen Merete , Brudvik Kristoffer W. , Røsok Bård I. , Bjørnbeth Bjørn Atle , Nesbakken Arild , Lothe Ragnhild A 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Hepatic resection is potentially curative for patients with colorectal liver metastases, but the treatment benefit varies. KRAS/NRAS (RAS)/TP53 co-mutations are associated with a poor prognosis after resection, but there is large variation in patient outcome within the mutation groups, and genetic testing is currently not used to determine the likely benefit from surgery. We have investigated the potential for improved prognostic stratification by combined biomarker analysis with DNA copy number aberrations (CNAs) in a tumor heterogeneity setting.
Methods

We determined the mutation status of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and TP53 in 441 liver lesions from 171 patients treated by partial hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer. CNAs were profiled in 232 tumors from 67 of the patients.
Results

Driver mutations in KRAS, NRAS, BRAFV600E, and TP53, and high-level amplifications affecting cancer-critical genes such as ERBB2 and EGFR, were predominantly homogeneous within patients. RAS/BRAFV600E and TP53 co-mutations were associated with a poor patient outcome (hazard ratio, HR, 3.9, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.3–11.1, p = 0.012) in multivariable analyses with clinicopathological variables. The genome-wide CNA burden and intra-patient inter-metastatic CNA heterogeneity varied within both the mutated and the wild-type groups. Combined prognostic analyses of RAS/BRAFV600E/TP53 mutations and CNAs, either as a high CNA burden or high inter-metastatic CNA heterogeneity, identified patients with a particularly poor outcome (co-mutation/high CNA burden: HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2–5.9, p = 0.013; co-mutation/high CNA heterogeneity: HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.6, p = 0.022).
Conclusions

DNA copy number profiling identified genomic and prognostic heterogeneity among patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases with co-mutated RAS/BRAFV600E/TP53.
Video Self-Modeling for a Student with Dravet Syndrome: an Intervention Involving Parents During Covid-19 Pandemic in Italy
Authors: Vascelli Luca , Berardo Federica 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Video-modeling instruction (VMI) offers several advantages in term of increased efficiency, control over the presentation of stimuli and logistical factors. These characteristics seems to be important in term of helping families of individuals with developmental disabilities during the restriction due to the Covid-19 global pandemic in Italy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of video self-modeling (VSM) on three different behaviors of a 12-year-old boy with Dravet syndrome. The mother of the boy was instructed to use VMI through the use of role playing and performance feedback in order to directly implement the procedure. A multiple baseline design across behaviors was used. The dependent variable was the number of correct responses for each behavior. Results showed the procedure was effective in increasing the performance of the participant. Considerations were made related to the potential that a tele health intervention could have in term of efficiency, sustainability and parents’ involvement during and after the health emergency.
Modelling runoff in an arid watershed through integrated support vector machine
Authors: Samantaray Sandeep , Ghose Dillip K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractModelling of runoff is a significant practice in water resources engineering. Therefore, discovering consistent and advanced methods for prediction of runoff is crucial for hydrologic processes. Here, a narrative integrated intelligence model attached with PSR (phase space reconstruction) is anticipated to estimate runoff for five watersheds of Balangir, Odisha, India. Monthly monsoon precipitation, temperature, humidity data of five watersheds over 28 years (1990–2017) are employed and validated. Here, the proposed model is an integration of support vector machine (SVM) with firefly algorithm (FFA) and PSR. Various indices such as NSE (Nash–Sutcliffe), RMSE (root mean square error) and WI (Willmott's index) are used to find the performance of the model. The developed PSR-SVM-FFA model demonstrates pre-eminent WI value ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 while the SVM and SVM-FFA models encompass 0.92 to 0.93 and 0.94 to 0.95, respectively. Also, an assessment of data from the suggested model is schemed and validated. The proposed PSR-SVM-FFA model gives better accuracy results and error limiting up to 2–3%.
Remote Assessment of Functional Mobility and Strength in Older Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Validity and Reliability Study
Authors: Blair Cindy K , Harding Elizabeth , Herman Carla , Boyce Tawny , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy , Davis Sally , Kinney Anita Y , Pankratz Vernon S 
Published: August 2020

Background
Older cancer survivors, faced with both age- and treatment-related morbidity, are at increased and premature risk for physical function limitations. Physical performance is an important predictor of disability, quality of life, and premature mortality, and thus is considered an important target of interventions designed to prevent, delay, or attenuate the physical functional decline. Currently, low-cost, valid, and reliable methods to remotely assess physical performance tests that are self-administered by older adults in the home-setting do not exist, thus limiting the reach, scalability, and dissemination of interventions.

Objective
This paper will describe the rationale and design for a study to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, safety, and acceptability of videoconferencing and self-administered tests of functional mobility and strength by older cancer survivors in their own homes.

Methods
To enable remote assessment, participants receive a toolkit and instructions for setting up their test course and communicating with the investigator. Two standard gerontologic performance tests are being evaluated: the Timed Up and Go test and the 30-second chair stand test. Phase 1 of the study evaluates proof-of-concept that older cancer survivors (age ≥60 years) can follow the testing protocol and use a tablet PC to communicate with the study investigator. Phase 2 evaluates the criterion validity of videoconference compared to direct observation of the two physical performance tests. Phase 3 evaluates reliability by enrolling 5-10 participants who agree to repeat the remote assessment (without direct observation). Phase 4 enrolls 5-10 new study participants to complete the remote assessment test protocol. Feedback from participants in each phase is used to refine the test protocol and instructions.

Results
Enrollment began in December 2019. Ten participants completed the Phase 1 proof-of-concept. The study was paused in mid-March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

Conclusions
This validity and reliability study will provide important information on the acceptability and safety of using videoconferencing to remotely assess two tests of functional mobility and strength, self-administered by older adults in their homes. Videoconferencing has the potential to expand the reach, scalability, and dissemination of interventions to older cancer survivors, and potentially other older adults, especially in rural areas.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04339959; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04339959

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/20834