bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of illegal mining activities on vegetation: A case study of Bontefufuo Area in the Amansie West District of Ghana
Authors: Kuffour Richard Amankwah , Tiimub Benjamin Benjamin M. , Manu Isaac , Owusu Wellington 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:
The destruction of vegetation cover is among the main factors contributing to climate variation. The study investigated the distribution of trees, shrubs and herbs in the mined and unmined communities of Bontefufuo namely: Esaase, Manhyia, Aboabo and Mpatuam. The research was intended to determine the relationship between the spatial distribution of vegetation, composition and examine the effects of vegetation loss in the area. A total of forty 40 plots (10 m x 10 m) were studied. In each community, five (5) plots were studied each for mined and unmined areas.
Results:
The mean numbers of plant population were determined and analyzed using ANOVA. There were significant differences among the tree, shrub and herb populations at P < 0.05. The number of shrubs and trees population was reduced in the mined areas in relation to the areas that are not mined. Herbs were overwhelming within the mined regions and were found to be much higher than within the unmined regions. Photographic images showed that the practices of illicit small-scale mining contributed to land destruction by compacting the topsoil and accumulation of laterites.
Conclusion:
Climate change issues still remain a global concern and vegetation cover which plays an imperative role in regulating the carbon dioxide concentration of the atmosphere should be restored.
Mapping of Microvascular Architecture in the Brain of an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model using MRI
Authors: Chang Suk-Ki , Kim JeongYeong , Lee DongKyu , Yoo Chang Hyun , Jin Seokha , Rhee Hak Young , Ryu Chang-Woo , Lee Jong Kil , Cho HyungJoon , Jahng Geon-Ho 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Purpose Growing evidence suggests that alterations of the cerebral microvasculature play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the cerebral microvascular architecture in the AD transgenic (Tg) mice model compared with non-Tg mice using brain microvascular indices obtained by MRI.Methods Seven non-Tg mice and ten 5xFAD Tg mice were scanned using a 7-T animal MRI system to measure the transverse relaxation rates of R2 and R2* before and after injection of the monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticle contrast agent. After calculation of the relaxation rate difference of ΔR2* and ΔR2, the microvascular indices of the vessel size index (VSI), mean vessel diameter (mVD), mean vessel density (Q), mean vessel-weighted image (MvWI), and blood volume fraction (BVf) were mapped. The voxel-based analyses and regions-of-interest (ROIs)-based analyses were performed to compare the indices between the non-Tg and Tg groups.Results The BVf, mVD, VSI, and MvWI were greater in the Tg group than in the non-Tg group based on voxel comparisons. Additionally, the ROIs-based analysis showed that ΔR2*, BVf, mVD, MvWI, and VSI were increased in the Tg group compared to the non-Tg group in several brain regions. Most ROIs defined by the mouse brain atlas were not significantly different between the two groups.Conclusion We found increased microvascular indices of VSI and mVD in the Tg mice, reflecting microvascular disruption in the brain, which may be related to damages of the neurovascular unit in AD caused by cerebral amyloid angiopathy.Clinical Relevance / Application: To date, few studies have investigated the microvascular injuries of the AD brain using MRI. We suggest that investigation of cerebral microvasculature using a high-field MRI in AD would be worthwhile to elucidate the pathophysiology of cerebral amyloid angiopathy in this disease. Indeed, microvascular MRI can be a promising imaging tool for investigating early diagnosis and monitoring treatment in AD.
Patient experiences with obstructive and nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a conceptual model of symptoms and impacts on quality of life
Authors: Zaiser Erica , Sehnert Amy J. , Duenas Ashley , Saberi Sara , Brookes Ella , Reaney Matthew 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary myocardial disorder defined by left ventricular hypertrophy that cannot be explained by another cardiac or systemic disease. There is a general lack of knowledge about patients’ perspectives on the symptoms and day-to-day limitations they experience as a result of HCM. We therefore sought an in-depth understanding of patients’ experiences of obstructive (oHCM) and nonobstructive (nHCM) forms of the disease, including symptoms and their quality of life impacts, and to develop a conceptual model to capture them.
Methods

Development of the HCM conceptual model involved a web-based survey to capture patients’ insights, a targeted literature review (which included relevant guidelines and patient advocacy websites), one-to-one interviews with clinical experts, and one-to-one qualitative concept elicitation interviews with patients. Key symptoms and their impacts most important to patients’ experiences were identified and used to develop a conceptual model of the patient experience with HCM.
Results

The HCM symptoms reported by patient interviewees (n = 27) were largely consistent with findings from the patient web survey (n = 444), literature review, and interviews with three expert clinicians. The symptoms most commonly reported in patient interviews included tiredness (89%), shortness of breath (89%), shortness of breath with physical activity (89%), and dizziness/light-headedness (89%). Other symptoms commonly reported included chest pain (angina) (70%), chest pain (angina) with physical exertion (70%), and palpitations (fluttering or rapid heartbeat) (81%). The most commonly reported impacts of HCM symptoms on patients’ lives included limitations to physical activities (78%), emotional impacts, including feeling anxious or depressed (78%), and impacts on work (63%). Symptoms and impacts were similar for both oHCM and nHCM.
Conclusions

A conceptual model was developed, which identifies the core symptoms that patients with oHCM and nHCM reported as most frequent and most important: shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue/tiredness, dizziness/light-headedness, and chest pain, as well as the impacts those symptoms have on patients’ lives. This HCM conceptual model reflecting patients’ experiences and perspectives was used in the development of a patient-reported outcomes instrument for use in clinical trials and it may also help inform the clinical management of HCM.
Investigating the role of opiorphin genes in prostate cancer and the possible genetic mechanisms by which they modulate tumor growth and androgen-sensitivity.
Authors: Mukherjee Amarnath , Park Augene , Wang Li , Davies Kelvin Paul 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background The opiorphin family of genes (represented in humans by ProL1, hSMR3A and hSMR3B) encode peptides which act as potent neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors. Because modulated NEP activity is associated with cancer development it has been suggested that dysregulated opiorphin expression may be involved in oncogenesis and recent reports have associated upregulated opiorphin gene expression with breast and oropharyngeal cancer. These observations prompted the present studies to determine if opiorphin genes play a role in prostate cancer (PrCa). Methods Publicly available data bases were screened for evidence associating opiorphin gene expression with PrCa and the findings confirmed using PrCa tissue arrays. Androgen-insensitive (PC3) and -sensitive (LNCaP) PrCa cells were engineered to overexpress ProL1 , referred to as LNCaP-ProL1+ and PC3-ProL1+, respectively. Xenografted tumor growth of ProL1-overexpressing and parental cell-lines were compared in male, castrated-male and female nude mice. Changes in global gene expression resulting from overexpression of ProL1 in these cell-lines was determined by RNA-Seq. Results Publicly available datasets supported an association between overexpression of opiorphin genes and PrCa, which was confirmed using tissue arrays. Xenografted tumors derived from PC3-ProL1+ had an initial growth advantage over parent cell-lines in male mice, although at later time points there was no difference. Xenografted tumors derived from LNCaP-ProL1+ were able to grow in castrated male mice (in contrast to the parent cell-lines), and had impaired growth in female mice. Global gene expression analysis demonstrated that overexpression of ProL1 causes modulated expression of genes involved in signaling, angiogenesis and steroid response pathways. Conclusions This is the first report associating upregulated opiorphin gene expression and PrCa. Xengrafted tumors derived from the androgen-sensitive LNCaP cell-line engineered to overexpress ProL1 exhibit a more androgen-insensitive phenotype. Previous reports demonstrate opiorphins act as master regulators of the hypoxic response in smooth muscle cells. RNAseq data not only supports a similar role for ProL1 in PrCa (regulating genes involved in angiogenesis), but in addition, regulating genes involved in steroid response. Therefore, opiorphins may play a role in PrCa development by activating pathways that overcome the hypoxic environment of the developing tumor and promote the development of androgen-insensitivity.
Risk Factors of Composite Attachment Loss During Orthodontic Clear Aligner Therapy
Authors: Chen Yaosen , AM Mohamed , Jinbo WANG , Ziwei ZHENG , Al-balaa Maher , Yan YANG 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background The composite attachment loss during orthodontic clear aligner therapy is an adverse event that commonly happens in our daily practice. However, there is a lack of related statistical analysis, and studies analyzing the related risk factors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the incidence of attachment loss during orthodontic clear aligner therapy and to identify rick factors that may predict such event.Methods The demographics and clinical variables of 94 patients undergoing clear aligner therapy (27 males and 67 females; average age: 27.60± 0.86 years) were recorded. Both patient-related and tooth-related attachment loss was recorded. The chi-square test and logistic regressive analysis were applied to identify the potential risk factors. SPSS for Mac (version 23.0, IBM, USA) was used for statistical analyses. P＜0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Our study suggested that the risk factors for attachment loss include: frequent aligner removal (>= 5 times a day) (losing rate=60.0%, P=0.005); aligner wear time less than 18 hours a day (losing rate=50.8%, P=0.014); eating without aligners inserted (losing rate=47.9%, P=0.034); utilizing aligner tray seaters (losing rate=48.2%, P=0.006) and unilateral mastication (losing rate=52.1%, P=0.002). The multivariable logistic regression analysis indicates that aligner wear time less than 18 hours a day (P=0.020, B=0.925), using aligner tray seaters (P=0.007, B=1.168) and unilateral mastication (P=0.034, B=-0.458) were considered independent factors that can predict the composite attachment loss in orthodontic clear aligner therapy.Conclusion Wearing aligner less than 18 hours a day, using aligner tray seaters and unilateral mastication may contribute to increased incidence of composite attachment loss during orthodontic clear aligner therapy.
Public sphere attitudes toward rumor sources on COVID-19 epidemics: Evidence from community perceptions in Iran
Authors: Banakar Morteza , Sadati Ahmad Kalateh , Zarei Leila , Shahabi Saeed , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Lankarani Kamran B 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Advancements in technology had raised a variety of information circulation methods. In the case of the COVID-19 outbreak, misinformation seems to travel far faster than the outbreak itself. Misleading rumors are double-edged swords arousing fear and panic on the one side and a reduction in commitment to sanitary measures and induction of wrongdoing on the other side, leading to the disruption of the mitigation measures to tackle with the pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the factors affecting individuals’ attitudes toward rumor-producing media in Iran.
Methods
An online survey was conducted in Iran in March 2020 on the source of trusted information and misinformation along with individuals’ perception of the cause of misinformation propagation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
The results showed that social media were considered as the primary rumor source from the perspective of a majority of the participants (59.3%). Lack of a reliable and formal news source was also introduced as the most common cause of a rumor formation by the participants (63.6%). To identify which media is the main source of rumors, the male participants who had high levels of education and were employed by the government proposed foreign media (P < 0.01); however, the male participants aged 30–50 years with middle income level believed that social media (P < 0.01) were producing rumors. In this regard, the high educated participants (P < 0.001), government employees, and middle-income individuals (P < 0.008) believed that national media produced rumors. In addition, the high-educated individuals (P = 0.002) and government employees (P = 0.009) mentioned that national media produced rumors.
Conclusion
Although these findings were obtained during the first encounter with the Corona epidemic, the authorities immediately introduced the national media as a source of reliable news, which allowed the media and its journalists to reduce the gap between themselves and public sphere. It is suggested that social networks and foreign media be more accountable in epidemics.
Application of WASP Model to Simulate Water Pollution Control of Duriangkang Dam
Authors: Wimordi Calvin , Yudianto Doddi , Guan Yiqing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Located in Batam City, Duriangkang Dam plays an important role in the area's clean water provision regarding the fact that it is the first and largest estuary dam in Indonesia. However, with its total effective volume of 107,000,000 m 3 , Duriangkang Dam is now heavily polluted due to the enormous wastewater, both domestic and industrial, that are directly discharged into the dam. Moreover, the practice of fish farming has also contributed in making it worse. From the water sampling taken from 2016 to 2018, the water condition in Duriangkang Dam is no longer classified as the 2 nd class of raw water standard in Indonesia. This study employs the WASP model to evaluate and simulate the possible solution to control the water pollution rate in Duriangkang Dam. The water quality indicators, namely dissolved Oxygen (DO), total phosphorus (TP), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) will be modeled in this study. The calibration and verification results indicate the model shows excellent fitting for DO and TP but slightly less for BOD. Under several scenarios, it is identified that the best way to control the pollution rate within the dam is by implementing scenario 8 that totally eliminates the fish farm and domestic wastewater load.
Complex Interactions of Lovastatin with 10 Chemotherapeutic Drugs: A Rigorous Evaluation of Synergism and Antagonism
Authors: Gilman Kaitlyn K. , Han Seungmin , Won Young-Wook , Putnam Charles W. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Evidence bearing on the role of statins in the prevention and treatment of cancer is confounded by the diversity of statins, chemotherapeutic agents and cancer types included in the numerous published studies; consequently, the adjunctive value of statins with chemotherapy remains uncertain.
Methods
We assayed lovastatin in combination with each of ten commonly prescribed chemotherapy drugs in highly reproducible in vitro assays, using an indifferent cellular substrate, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Cell density (OD600) data were analyzed for synergism and antagonism using the Loewe additivity model implemented with the Combenefit software.
Results
Four of the ten chemotherapy drugs – tamoxifen, doxorubicin, methotrexate and rapamycin – exhibited net synergism with lovastatin. The remaining six agents (5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine, epothilone, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide and etoposide) compiled neutral or antagonistic scores. Distinctive patterns of synergism and antagonism, often coexisting within the same concentration space, were documented with the various combinations, including those with net synergism scores.
Conclusions
The interactions of tamoxifen, doxorubicin, methotrexate and rapamycin with lovastatin suggest clinical utility and merit further exploration in cell lines and animal models. No less importantly, strong antagonistic interactions between certain agents and lovastatin argue for a cautious, data-driven approach before adding a statin to chemotherapeutic regimens. We also urge awareness of adventitious statin usage by patients entering cancer treatment protocols.
A Comparison of Eating Disorder Symptomatology, Psychological Distress and Psychosocial Function Between Early and Later Onset Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Jenkins Zoe , Chait Lior M , Cistullo Leonardo , Castle David J 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: Epidemiological studies suggest that the incidence of anorexia nervosa (AN) is increasing in younger populations, with some evidence that clinical differences occur between early onset (EO) and later onset (LO) AN, which may impact prognostic outcomes. The current study sought to compare eating disorder (ED) symptomatology, psychological distress and psychosocial function between EO- and LO-AN in a large sample of treatment-seeking patients with a diagnosis of AN.Methods: Participants included 249 individuals with a diagnosis of AN who were assessed at an outpatient ED service. The sample was divided into two groups based on age of onset (AOO) using a median split (median AOO=16); those with an AOO ≤16 years (N=128) were termed ‘EO-AN’ and those with an AOO of > 16 years (N=121) were termed ‘LO-AN’. Comparisons were made between AOO groups on assessments of ED symptomatology, psychological distress and psychosocial function. Results: EO-AN patients reporteda significantly longer illness duration (p<.001), significantly higher ED symptomatology (p=0.005), dysmorphic concern (p=0.02), stress (p=0.011), anxiety (p=0.023), and cognitive inflexibility (p=0.042), compared to the LO-AN group.Discussion: These findings suggest that clinical differences do occur according to AOO in AN wherebyEO-AN may represent a more severe form of illness. Treatment strategies which specifically address patients with EO-AN may improve long term health outcomes and recovery.
Bottlenecks in integrating TB and HIV services in the Philippines: a qualitative implementation research
Authors: Sy Tyrone Reden Longasa , Padmawati Retna Siwi , General Jojana Christine Poloyapoy , Imperial Reynaldo , Ahmad Riris Andono 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

The Philippines is subdivided into 17 regions, with a devolved health system. It has a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) (554 per 100,000 population), and more than 25% increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence. However, years after the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations on TB/HIV collaborative activities, only 24% of Filipinos with TB know their HIV status. The present study aims to describe implementation bottlenecks that hamper integration of TB and HIV services in the Philippines.
Methods

Ten focus group discussions with program managers, non-government organizations (NGO), patient organizations, and primary healthcare centers from different levels of the Philippine health system were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.
Results

Implementation bottlenecks can be categorized into four areas: policy, operational, human resources, and patient-related factors. Mechanisms to cascade TB/HIV knowledge and policies from the national to the municipality level have been identified as barriers to integrated TB/HIV services. Double stigmatization among TB patients was also linked to poor uptake of HIV testing.
Conclusion

National policies and health promotion efforts need to be revisited to operationalize how information about TB/HIV policies is cascaded to the grassroots. Interventions to address double stigmatization should also be explored.
Health-Related Quality of Life Among Rural Chinese Patients With Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases at Different Pathological Stages: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Qin Tingting , Shao Yuchen , Zhang Nan , Wang Jialin , Yao Nengliang , Zhao Deli , Liu Weidong , Anderson Roger , Sun Xiaojie 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) among rural Chinese patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) diseases at different pathological stages and to determine the factors influencing HR-QoL in this population.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two counties in Shandong province in China from July to September 2018. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, and HR-QoL of patients was assessed using a set of questionnaires, including the EORTC QLQ-C30 (V3.0), the QLQ-OES18 and the QLQ-STO22. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to compare the HR-QoL of patients of different pathological stage subgroups, and multivariate regression analyses were used to determine influencing factors.Results: A total of 406 patients were included in this study. The mean scores for patients with upper GI diseases were 74.88 (SD=19.15), 8.04 (SD=16.17) and 8.64 (SD=16.96) for the global QoL scale of EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-OES18 and QLQ-STO22, respectively. There was no significant difference in most of the scales between the precancerous and early stage groups, but a significant difference in HR-QoL between the precancerous and advanced groups as well as between early and advanced groups. Residence area, age, education level and pathological stage were the significant factors influencing HR-QoL scores, controlling for other variables.Conclusions: The overall HR-QoL of patients with advanced upper GI cancer needs to be managed as a component of cancer care. Measures should be taken to routinely identify patient symptoms so that follow-up care can alleviate patient symptom burden. Tailored treatment and care for patients with upper GI diseases of different age, educational level and pathological stage may be needed to help improve HR-QoL.