bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Opinions of key stakeholders on alternative interventions for malaria control and elimination in Tanzania
Authors: Finda Marceline Francis , Christofides Nicola , Lezaun Javier , Tarimo Brian , Chaki Prosper , Kelly Ann H. , Kapologwe Ntuli , Kazyoba Paul , Emidi Basiliana , Okumu Fredros O. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Malaria control in Tanzania currently relies primarily on long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying, alongside effective case management and behaviour change communication. This study explored opinions of key stakeholders on the national progress towards malaria elimination, the potential of currently available vector control interventions in helping achieve elimination by 2030, and the need for alternative interventions that could be used to supplement malaria elimination efforts in Tanzania.

Methods

In this exploratory qualitative study, focus group discussions were held with policy-makers, regulators, research scientists and community members. Malaria control interventions discussed were: a) improved housing, b) larval source management, c) mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin to reduce vector densities, d) release of modified mosquitoes, including genetically modified or irradiated mosquitoes, e) targeted spraying of mosquito swarms, and f) spatial repellents.

Results

Larval source management and spatial repellents were widely supported across all stakeholder groups, while insecticide-spraying of mosquito swarms was the least preferred. Support for MDA with ivermectin was high among policy makers, regulators and research scientists, but encountered opposition among community members, who instead expressed strong support for programmes to improve housing for poor people in high transmission areas. Policy makers, however, challenged the idea of government-supported housing improvement due to its perceived high costs. Techniques of mosquito modification, specifically those involving gene drives, were viewed positively by community members, policy makers and regulators, but encountered a high degree of scepticism among scientists. Overall, policy-makers, regulators and community members trusted scientists to provide appropriate advice for decision-making.

Conclusion

Stakeholder opinions regarding alternative malaria interventions were divergent except for larval source management and spatial repellents, for which there was universal support. MDA with ivermectin, housing improvement and modified mosquitoes were also widely supported, though each faced concerns from at least one stakeholder group. While policy-makers, regulators and community members all noted their reliance on scientists to make informed decisions, their reasoning on the benefits and disadvantages of specific interventions included factors beyond technical efficiency. This study suggests the need to encourage and strengthen dialogue between research scientists, policy makers, regulators and communities regarding new interventions.
Methylation data imputation performances under different representations and missingness patterns
Authors: Lena Pietro Di , Sala Claudia , Prodi Andrea , Nardini Christine 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: High-throughput technologies enable the cost-effective collection and analysis of DNA methylation data throughout the human genome. This naturally entails missing values management that can complicate the analysis of the data. Several general and specific imputation methods are suitable for DNA methylation data. However, there are no detailed studies of their performances under different missing data mechanisms â(completely) at random or not- and different representations of DNA methylation levels ($\beta$ and $M$-value). Results: We make an extensive analysis of the imputation performances of seven imputation methods on simulated missing completely at random (MCAR), missing at random (MAR) and missing not at random (MNAR) methylation data. We further consider imputation performances on the β- and M-value popular representations of methylation levels. Overall, β -values enable better imputation performances than M-values. Imputation accuracy is lower for mid-range β -values, while it is generally more accurate for values at the extremes of the β -value range. The MAR values distribution is on the average more dense in the mid-range in comparison to the expected β -value distribution. As a consequence, MAR values are on average harder to impute. Conclusions: The results of the analysis provide guidelines for the most suitable imputation approaches for DNA methylation data under different representations of DNA methylation levels and different missing data mechanisms.
Further identification of a 140bp sequence from amid intron 9 of human FMR1 gene as a new exon
Authors: Yang Wen-jing , Yan Ai-zhen , Xu Yong-jun , Guo Xiao-yan , Fu Xian-guo , Li Dan , Liao Juan , Zhang Duo , Lan Fenghua 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background:the disease gene of fragile X syndrome, FMR1 gene, encodes fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). The alternative splicing (AS) of FMR1 can affect the structure and function of FMRP. However, the biological functions of alternatively spliced isoforms remain elusive. In a previous study, we identified a new 140 bp exon from the intron 9 of human FMR1 gene. In this study, we further examined the biological functions of this new exon and its underlying signaling pathways. Results: qRT-PCR results showed that this novel exon is commonly expressed in the peripheral blood of normal individuals. Comparative genomics showed that sequences paralogous to the 140 bp sequence only exist in the genomes of primates. To explore the biological functions of the new transcript, we constructed recombinant eukaryotic expression vectors and lentiviral overexpression vectors. Results showed that the spliced transcript encoded a truncated protein which was expressed mainly in the cell nucleus. Additionally, several genes, including the BEX1 gene involved in mGluR-LTP or mGluR-LTD signaling pathways were significantly influenced when the truncated FMRP was overexpressed. Conclusions: our work identified a new exon from amid intron 9 of human FMR1 gene with wide expression in normal healthy individuals, which emphasizes the notion that the AS of FMR1 gene is complex and may in a large part account for the multiple functions of FMRP.
Effect of acupuncture and its influence on cerebral activity in patients with persistent asthma: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Yu Siyi , Dong Xiaohui , Sun Ruirui , He Zhaoxuan , Zhang Chuantao , Chen Mei , Hong Xiaojuan , Lan Lei , Zeng Fang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Previous studies suggested that acupuncture was a promising adjunct treatment for asthma. However, the underlying mechanism of acupuncture for asthma remains unclear. The present trial aimed to explore whether and how specific meridian acupuncture works in quality of life and symptomatic improvement by modulating brain function in asthma patients.
Methods : A randomized controlled functional brain imaging trial is currently being conducted in Sichuan, China. In total 48 patients with mild to moderate, persistent asthma will be recruited randomly allocated to two acupuncture groups: acupuncturing at Lung Meridian and acupuncturing at Heart Meridian . The treatment period will last for 4 weeks. The Asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) is the primary outcome. Asthma control test (ACT), the rate of Peak expiratory flow (PEFR), Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) will also assess the clinical efficacy of different interventions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans will be performed to detect cerebral activity changes in each group. The clinical data and fMRI data will be analyzed, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis will be used to assess the association between the changes of cerebral activity features and the improvement of clinical outcomes in each group.
Discussion : The present study has been established on the “meridians-viscera relationship” theory of traditional Chinese medicine and modern central mechanism of acupuncture. The results of this trial would be useful to identify the efficiency of the specific meridian acupuncture for asthma. The investigation of its central mechanism would further expand our knowledge of the acupuncture for asthma.
Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900027478. Registered on 15 November 2019.
Premature aging of circulating T cells predicts all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Xiang Fangfang , Chen Rongyi , Cao Xuesen , Shen Bo , Chen Xiaohong , Ding Xiaoqiang , Zou Jianzhou 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) exhibit a premature aging phenotype of the immune system, which is recently concerned as a significant factor for increased risk of various morbidities. Nevertheless, there are few dates explicating the relevancy of T cell senescence to mortality. In this study, we prospectively studied the predictive value of T cell senescence for mortality in hemodialysis patients. Methods Patients who had been on hemodialysis treatment for at least 6 months were enrolled. T cell senescence determined by differentiation status was evaluated by flow cytometry. Survival outcomes were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic impact of T cell premature aging and other clinical factors on all-cause mortality. Results A total of 466 patients (277 man and 169 women) were enrolled in this study. Decreased number of naïve T cell, as the most prominent feature of T cell senescence, did not change in parallel with age in these patients. Decreased absolute count of T cell, naïve T cell, CD4 + naïve T cell were independently associated with all-cause mortality. Decreased percentage of T cell and increased percentage of CD8 + central-memory T cell were also independently associated with all-cause mortality. After including all the T cell parameters in one regression model, only decreased count of naïve T cell was significantly associated with increased mortality in these patients. Conclusion s Aging-associated T cell changes are aggravated in ESRD patients. For the first time, our study demonstrates that naïve T cell depletion is a strong predictor of all-cause mortality in HD patients.
Disequilibrium evolution of the Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase gene family leads to their functional biodiversity in Gossypium species
Authors: Author) Qun Ge(Former Corresponding , Cūi Yànli , Lǐ Jùnwén , Gōng Jǔwǔ , Lú Quánwěi , Lǐ Péngtāo , Shí Yùzhēn , Shāng Hǎihóng , Liú Àiyīng , Dèng Xiǎoyīng , Pān Jìngtāo , Chén Qúanjiā , Yuan Youlu , Author) Wankui Gong(New Corresponding 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP) is a key enzyme in the plant sucrose synthesis pathway, in the Calvin cycle, and plays an important role in photosynthesis regulation in green plants. However, no systemic analysis of FBPs has been reported in Gossypium species.Results: A total of 41 FBP genes from four Gossypium species were identified and analyzed. These FBP genes were sorted into two groups and seven subgroups. Results revealed that FBP family genes were under purifying selection pressure that rendered FBP family members as being conserved evolutionarily, and there was no tandem or fragmental DNA duplication in FBP family genes. Collinearity analysis revealed that a FBP gene was located in a translocated DNA fragment and the whole FBP gene family was under disequilibrium evolution that led to a faster evolutionary progress of the members in G. barbadense and in At subgenome than those in other Gossypium species and in the Dt subgenome, respectively, in this study. Through RNA-seq analyses and qRT-PCR verification, different FBP genes had diversified biological functions in cotton fiber development (two genes in 0 DPA and 1DPA ovules and four genes in 20–25 DPA fibers), in plant responses to Verticillium wilt onset (two genes) and to salt stress (eight genes).Conclusion: The FBP gene family displayed a disequilibrium evolution pattern in Gossypium species, which led to diversified functions affecting not only fiber development, but also responses to Verticillium wilt and salt stress. All of these findings provide the foundation for further study of the function of FBP genes in cotton fiber development and in environmental adaptability.
Relationship of endoscopic lesions of the renal papilla with type of renal stone and 24 h urine analysis
Authors: Arroyo Xavier Arnau Sabaté , Grases Felix , Quetglas Jose Luis Bauza , Garcia Jorge Guimera , Ayala Enrique Pieras 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND:

Our purpose was to study the relationship of the 3 different types of endoscopic calcifications of the renal papilla (Randall’s plaque, intratubular calcification, papillary crater) with the type of stone and urine analysis.

METHODS:

This prospective study examined 41 patients (age range: 18 to 80 years) who received retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal lithiasis (mean stone size: 15.3 ± 7.2 mm). The renal papilla injuries were endoscopically classified as Randall's plaque, intratubular calcification, or papillary crater. Calculi were classified as uric acid, calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM; papillary and cavity), calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD), or calcium phosphate (CP). A 24 h urine analysis of calcium, oxalate, citrate, phosphate, and pH was performed in all patients. The relationship of each type of papillary injury with type of stone and urine chemistry was determined. Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t-test were used to determine the significance of relationships, and a p value below 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The most common injury was tubular calcification (78%), followed by Randall’s plaque (58%), and papillary crater (39%). There was no significant relationship of Randall’s plaque with type of stone. However, endoscopic intratubular calcification (p = 0.025) and papillary crater (p = 0.041) were more common in patients with COD and CP stones. There were also significant relationships of papillary crater with hypercalciuria (p = 0.036) and hyperoxaluria (p = 0.024), and of Randall’s plaque with hypocitraturia (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

There are certain specific relationships between the different types of papillary calcifications that were endoscopically detected with stone chemistry and urine analysis. COD and CP stones were associated with endoscopic tubular calcifications and papillary craters. Hypercalciuria was associated with tubular calcification, and hypocitraturia was associated with Randall’s plaque.
Patient satisfaction and quality of life in breast reconstruction: assessment of outcomes of immediate, delayed, and nonreconstruction.
Authors: Siqueira Hianga Fayssa Fernandes , Teixeira Jorge Luiz de Almeida , Filho Reginaldo da Silva Lessa , Hora Evânia Curvelo , Brasileiro Filipe Ferreira , Borges Kênya de Souza , Brito Érika de Abreu Costa , Lima Marcela Sampaio , Marques Adriane Dórea , Moura Alex Rodrigues , Júnior Tarcizo Costa Figueiredo , de Oliveira Thiago Costa , Vasconcelos Ana Alice Santana , Lima Carlos Anselmo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objectives

This study was conducted aiming to assess the quality of life and satisfaction of women who had mastectomy treated with and without breast reconstruction.

Results

A total of 81 women who had mastectomy were included, of whom 53 (65.4%) underwent breast reconstruction. Quality of life was not significantly better in the reconstruction group than the nonreconstruction group. Satisfaction with the surgically operated breast, whether reconstructed or not, was positively correlated with quality of life (p = 0.004). There was no significant difference in quality of life between women with immediate and late reconstruction. This study showed that the satisfaction of patients with the operated breast, reconstructed or not, is more important in quality of life than whether the breast was reconstructed or not. When we analyzed the quality of life of women who had mastectomy who were dissatisfied with their unreconstructed breasts, we observed that nonreconstruction had a negative impact on the quality of life.
District-level strategies to control the HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe: a practical example of precision public health.
Authors: Makurumidze Richard , Decroo Tom , Lynen Lutgarde , Chinwadzimba Zororo Kudzaishe , Damme Wim Van , Hakim James , Rusakaniko Simbarashe 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using survey and programme data to asses district-level performance along the HIV care cascade (HIV testing target achievement, linkage to ART, ART coverage) in order to formulate district-specific recommendations, taking into consideration prevalence and yield of testing.Results

Data from 60 districts were analysed. Most 48 (80.0%) of districts surpassed 90% of their 2018 HIV testing targets. Linkage to ART was less than 90% in 40 (83.3%) of districts. Half (30) of districts had an ART coverage above 90%. Of 30 districts with suboptimal(<90%) ART coverage, 18 had achieved high HIV testing target achievement but suboptimal linkage to ART, 6 had achieved high HIV testing targets and high linkage to ART, 4 had both suboptimal HIV testing target achievement and linkage to ART and 2 had suboptimal HIV testing target achievement and high linkage to ART. Priority should be given to districts with suboptimal ART coverage. Remediation strategies should be tailored to address the poorly performing stage of the cascade in each district.
Prevalence and significance of potential drug-drug interactions among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Ismail Mohammad , Khan Sehrash , Khan Fahadullah , Noor Sidra , Sajid Hira , Yar Shazia , Rasheed Irum 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Cancer patients often receive multiple drugs to maximize their therapeutic benefit, treat co-morbidities and counter the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Concomitant administration of multiple drugs increases the risk of drug interactions leading to compromised therapeutic efficacy or safety of therapy. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence, levels and predictors of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) among cancer patients.
Methods: Six hundred and seventy-eight patients receiving chemotherapy from two tertiary care hospitals were included in this cross-sectional study. Patient medication profiles were screened for pDDIs using the Micromedex® database. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of pDDIs.
Results: The overall prevalence of pDDIs was 78%, majority of patients had 1-2 pDDIs (39.2%). A total of 1843 pDDIs were detected. Major-pDDIs were most frequent (67.3%) whereas, a significant association of pDDIs was found between >7 all prescribed drugs (p <0.001) and ≥3 anti-cancer drugs (p <0.001). Potential adverse outcomes of these interactions include reduced therapeutic effectiveness, QT interval prolongation, tendon rupture, bone marrow suppression and neurotoxicity.
Conclusions: Major finding of this study is the high prevalence of pDDIs signifying the need of strict patient monitoring for pDDIs among cancer patients. Patients at higher risk to pDDIs include those prescribed with >7 any types of drugs or ≥3 anticancer drugs. Moreover, list of most frequently identified major and moderate interactions will aid health care professional in timely identification and prevention of pDDIs.
Combined lateral peripatellar and posteromedial approaches for Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures involving posteromedial plane: A prospective study.
Authors: Zhang Jun , Yin Bo , Zhao Jianmin , Li Yihan , Yin Peng , Guo Tao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective

The objective of this study to evaluate prospectively the effectiveness of Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures involving posteromedial plane managed by combined lateral peripatellar and posteromedial approaches

Materials and methods

We analyzed 18 patients with Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures involving posteromedial plane. There were 12 males and 6 females with an average of 38.5 years (range, 25-60 years). The mechanism of injury included traffic accident in 15 patients and falling in 3 patients. The injured lower limbs were right in 11 patients and left in 7 patients. The mean time from injury to surgery was 6.78 days (range, 5-9 days). There were 8 patients with meniscus injuries in our study.

Results

The mean operation time was 3.41 hours (range, 3-4 hours). The mean blood loss was 352.78 ml (range, 300-410 ml). All the injured meniscuses were repaired. All patients were followed up, and the average time of follow up was 16.61 months (range, 14-22 months). Bone union was achieved at a mean of 12 weeks (range, 10-14 weeks). The mean degree of knee extension was 1.11° (range, 0-5°), and the mean degree of knee flexion was 120.56°(range, 110-130°). The mean points of KSS were 83 (range, 74-89 points). According to the criteria of KSS, 14 patients had clinical outcomes rated as excellent and 4 patients were rated as good.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that Combined lateral peripatellar and posteromedial approaches in the treatment of Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures involving posteromedial plane acquired satisfying outcomes. It was good for repairing the injured meniscus through our approaches.
Colonisation potential of plantaricin-producing Lactobacillus plantarum SF9C andS-layer-carrying Lactobacillus brevis SF9B among gut microbiota
Authors: Butorac Katarina , Banic Martina , Novak Jasna , Pavunc Andreja Leboš , Uroic Ksenija , Orsolic Nada , Kukolj Marina , Radovic Slobodanka , Scalabrin Simone , Zucko Jurica , Starčevic Antonio , Suskovic Jagoda , Kos Blaženka 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The influence of an S-layer-carrying strain Lactobacillus brevis SF9B and a plantaricin-producing strain Lactobacillus plantarum SF9C on the gut microbiota composition was evaluated in the rats. Considering the probiotic potential of Lb. brevis SF9B, this study aimed to examine the antibacterial activity of Lb. plantarum SF9C and potential for their in vivo colonisation, which could be the basis for the investigation of their synergistic functionality. Results: A plantaricin-encoding cluster was identified in Lb. plantarum SF9C, a strain which efficiently inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC®19111™ and Staphylococcus aureus 3048. Contrary to the plantaricin-producing SF9C strain, the S-layer-carrying SF9B strain excluded Escherichia coli 3014 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium FP1 from adhesion to Caco-2 cells. Finally, DGGE analysis of the V2-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene confirmed the transit of two selected lactobacilli through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Microbiome profiling via the Illumina MiSeq platform revealed the prevalence of Lactobacillus spp. in the gut microbiota of rats suggesting their colonisation potential in GIT.Conclusion: The combined application of Lb. plantarum SF9C and Lb. brevis SF9B could influence the intestinal microbiota composition, which is reflected through the increased abundance of Lactobacillus genus, but also through altered abundances of other bacterial genera, either in the model of healthy or aberrant microbiota of rats. The obtained results contributed to the functional aspects of SF9C and SF9B strains which could be incorporated in the probiotic-containing functional foods and therefore have a beneficial influence on the gut microbiota composition.