bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influences on seeking a contraceptive method among adolescent women in three cities in Nigeria
Authors: Sanchez Elynn Kann , Speizer Ilene S. , Tolley Elizabeth , Calhoun Lisa M. , Barrington Clare , Olumide Adesola O. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Despite international support for increasing access to contraceptives among adolescents, gaps in use still exist worldwide. Past research has identified barriers to use across all levels of the socioecological model including restrictive policies, a lack of youth friendly services, and knowledge gaps. This study was conducted to further identify influences on contraceptive use among adolescent girls in Nigeria in hopes of guiding future policies and programs.

Methods
In 2018, 12 focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted in three cities in Nigeria with young women ages 15–24 with the objective of determining what and who influence adolescents’ contraceptive seeking behaviors. A vignette structure was used to identify perceptions on injunctive and descriptive community norms that influence adolescent contraceptive behaviors. The FGDs were conducted by members of the University of Ibadan Centre for Population and Reproductive Health (CPRH) and analyzed by a researcher at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s Carolina Population Center using a thematic analysis approach.

Results
Participants identified community level resistance to sex and contraceptive use among unmarried adolescents though also acknowledged that these adolescent behaviors are still occurring despite established norms. Concerns about side effects and the preservation of fertility were frequently attached to contraceptive use and pointed to as a reason for community resistance to contraceptive use among this population. Participants saw peers, parents and partners as influencers on a girl’s decision to seek a method, though each were believed to play a different role in that decision.

Conclusion
The findings show that that despite barriers created by established injunctive norms, young women with a supportive social network can access contraceptive methods despite these barriers. By harnessing the influence of peers, partners and parents, the Nigerian family planning efforts can strive to improve the health and well-being of young people.
Dietary cholesterol supplementation and inhibitory factor 1 serum levels in two dizygotic Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome twins: a case report
Authors: Delvecchio Maurizio , Rapone Biagio , Simonetti Simonetta , Fecarotta Simona , De Carlo Graziana , Favoino Elvira , Loverro Maria Teresa , Romano Anna Maria Isdraele , Taurino Federica , Di Naro Edoardo , Gnoni Antonio 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the defect in the 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase. This defect leads to the deficiency of cholesterol biosynthesis with accumulation of 7-dehydrocholesterol. Inhibitory factor 1 (IF1) is a well-known mitochondrial protein. Recently, it has been discovered in the human serum where it is reported to be involved in the HDL-cholesterol intake. Here we report the IF1 presence in the serum of two paediatric SLOS dizygotic twins treated with dietary cholesterol supplementation.

Case presentation
The patients showed a typical phenotype. They started dietary supplementation with cholesterol when 2 months old. The cholesterol intake was periodically titrated on the basis of weight increase and the twin 1 required a larger supplementation than the twin 2 during the follow-up. When 6.4-year-old, they underwent IF1 assay that was 7-fold increased in twin 2 compared to twin 1 (93.0 pg/ml vs 13.0 pg/ml, respectively).

Conclusions
We report, for the first time, the presence of circulating IF1 in the serum of SLOS patients, showing different levels among them. Our findings confirm that IF1 could be a novel research target in cholesterol-related disorders and also in SLOS, and could contribute to the general debate on IF1 as a new modulator of cholesterol levels.
Microbial synthesis of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) with fulvic acid powder, the waste from yeast molasses fermentation
Authors: Li Yazhou , Wang Jianghan , Liu Na , Ke Luxin , Zhao Xiuyun , Qi Gaofu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Molasses is a wildly used feedstock for fermentation, but it also poses a severe wastewater-disposal problem worldwide. Recently, the wastewater from yeast molasses fermentation is being processed into fulvic acid (FA) powder as a fertilizer for crops, but it consequently induces a problem of soil acidification after being directly applied into soil. In this study, the low-cost FA powder was bioconverted into a value-added product of γ-PGA by a glutamate-independent producer of Bacillus velezensis GJ11.

Results
FA power could partially substitute the high-cost substrates such as sodium glutamate and citrate sodium for producing γ-PGA. With FA powder in the fermentation medium, the amount of sodium glutamate and citrate sodium used for producing γ-PGA were both decreased around one-third. Moreover, FA powder could completely substitute Mg2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, and Fe3+ in the fermentation medium for producing γ-PGA. In the optimized medium with FA powder, the γ-PGA was produced at 42.55 g/L with a productivity of 1.15 g/(L·h), while only 2.87 g/L was produced in the medium without FA powder. Hydrolyzed γ-PGA could trigger induced systemic resistance (ISR), e.g., H2O2 accumulation and callose deposition, against the pathogen’s infection in plants. Further investigations found that the ISR triggered by γ-PGA hydrolysates was dependent on the ethylene (ET) signaling and nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related proteins 1 (NPR1).

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first report to use the industry waste, FA powder, as a sustainable substrate for microbial synthesis of γ-PGA. This bioprocess can not only develop a new way to use FA powder as a cheap feedstock for producing γ-PGA, but also help to reduce pollution from the wastewater of yeast molasses fermentation.
Targeting of δ-catenin to postsynaptic sites through interaction with the Shank3 N-terminus
Authors: Hassani Nia Fatemeh , Woike Daniel , Martens Victoria , Klüssendorf Malte , Hönck Hans-Hinrich , Harder Sönke , Kreienkamp Hans-Jürgen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be caused by alterations in genes encoding proteins that are involved in synapse formation and function. This includes scaffold proteins such as Shank3, and synaptic adhesion proteins such as Neurexins or Neuroligins. An important question is whether the products of individual risk genes cooperate functionally (exemplified in the interaction of Neurexin with Neuroligin isoforms). This might suggest a common pathway in pathogenesis. For the SHANK3 gene, heterozygous loss of function, as well as missense mutations have been observed in ASD cases. Several missense mutations affect the N-terminal part of Shank3 which contains the highly conserved Shank/ProSAP N-terminal (SPN) and Ankyrin repeat (Ank) domains. The role of these domains and the relevance of these mutations for synaptic function of Shank3 are widely unknown.

Methods
We used purification from a synaptic protein fraction, as well as a variety of biochemical and cell biological approaches to identify proteins which associate with the Shank3 N-terminus at postsynaptic sites.

Results
We report here that δ-catenin, which is encoded by CTNND2, an autism candidate gene, directly interacts with the Ank domain of Shank3 at postsynaptic sites through its Armadillo-repeat domain. The interaction is not affected by well-known posttranslational modifications of δ-catenin, i.e. by phosphorylation or palmitoylation. However, an ASD-associated mutation in the SPN domain of Shank3, L68P, significantly increases the interaction of Shank3 with δ-catenin. By analysis of postsynaptic fractions from mice, we show that the lack of SPN-Ank containing, large isoforms of Shank3 results in the loss of postsynaptic δ-catenin. Further, expression of Shank3 variants containing the N-terminal domains in primary cultured neurons significantly increased the presence of coexpressed δ-catenin at postsynaptic sites.

Limitations
Work in model organisms such as mice, and in primary cultured neurons may not reproduce faithfully the situation in human brain neurons. Work in primary cultured neurons was also hampered by lack of a specific antibody for endogenous δ-catenin.

Conclusions
Our data show that the interaction between Shank3 N-terminus and δ-catenin is required for the postsynaptic targeting of δ-catenin. Failure of proper targeting of δ-catenin to postsynaptic sites may contribute to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder.
Development and validation of a novel stem cell subtype for bladder cancer based on stem genomic profiling
Authors: Tang Chaozhi , Ma Jiakang , Liu Xiuli , Liu Zhengchun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundBladder cancer (BLCA) is the fifth most common type of cancer worldwide, with high recurrence and progression rates. Although considerable progress has been made in the treatment of BLCA through accurate typing of molecular characteristics, little is known regarding the various genetic and epigenetic changes that have evolved in stem and progenitor cells. To address this issue, we have developed a novel stem cell typing method.MethodsBased on six published genomic datasets, we used 26 stem cell gene sets to classify each dataset. Unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods were used to perform the classification.ResultsWe classified BLCA into three subtypes—high stem cell enrichment (SCE_H), medium stem cell enrichment (SCE_M), and low stem cell enrichment (SCE_L)—based on multiple cross-platform datasets. The stability and reliability of the classification were verified. Compared with the other subtypes, SCE_H had the highest degree of cancer stem cell concentration, highest level of immune cell infiltration, and highest sensitivity not only to predicted anti-PD-1 immunosuppressive therapy but also to conventional chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, sunitinib, and vinblastine; however, this group had the worst prognosis. Comparison of gene set enrichment analysis results for pathway enrichment of various subtypes reveals that the SCE_H subtype activates the important pathways regulating cancer occurrence, development, and even poor prognosis, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, angiogenesis, KRAS signal upregulation, interleukin 6-mediated JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and inflammatory response. Two identified pairs of transcription factors,GRHL2andGATA6andIRF5andGATA3, possibly have opposite regulatory effects on SCE_H and SCE_L, respectively.ConclusionsThe identification of BLCA subtypes based on cancer stem cell gene sets revealed the complex mechanism of carcinogenesis of BLCA and provides a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of BLCA.
[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL bone pain palliation in patients with skeletal metastases from various cancers: efficacy and safety results
Authors: Yadav Madhav Prasad , Ballal Sanjana , Meckel Marian , Roesch Frank , Bal Chandrasekhar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL has shown promising results from the dosimetry and preclinical aspects, but data on its role in the clinical efficacy are limited. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL as a bone pain palliation agent in patients experiencing pain due to skeletal metastases from various cancers.MethodsIn total, 40 patients experiencing bone pain due to skeletal metastases were enrolled in this study. The patients were treated with a mean cumulative dose of 2.1 ± 0.6 GBq (1.3–2.7 GBq) [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL in a median follow-up duration of 10 months (IQR 8–14 months). The primary outcome endpoint was response assessment according to the visual analogue score (VAS). Secondary endpoints included analgesic score (AS), global pain assessment score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Assessment performance status (ECOG), Karnofsky performance status, overall survival, and safety assessment by the National Cancer Institute’s Common Toxicity Criteria V5.0.ResultsIn total, 40 patients (15 males and 25 females) with a mean age of 46.6 ± 15.08 years (range 24–78 years) were treated with either 1 (N = 15) or 2 (N = 25) cycles of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL. According to the VAS response assessment criteria, complete, partial, and minimal responses were observed in 11 (27.5%), 20 (50%), and 5 patients (12.5%), respectively with an overall response rate of 90%. Global pain assessment criteria revealed complete, partial, minimal, and no response in 2 (5%), 25 (62.5%), 9 (22.5%), and 4 (10%) patients, respectively. Twenty-eight patients died and the estimated median overall survival was 13 months (95% CI 10–14 months). A significant improvement was observed in the VAS, AS, and ECOG status when compared to baseline. None of the patients experienced grade III/IV haematological, kidney, or hepatotoxicity due to [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL therapy.Conclusion[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL shows promising results and is an effective radiopharmaceutical in the treatment of bone pain due to skeletal metastases from various cancers.
Transforming education with community-developed teaching materials: evidence from direct observations of STEM college classrooms
Authors: Teasdale Rachel , Ryker Katherine , Viskupic Karen , Czajka C. Doug , Manduca Cathryn 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe Classroom Observation Project employs direct observations of geoscience teaching across the USA using the Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP) to quantify the use of reformed teaching practices. We report on 345 RTOP observations used to evaluate the extent of teaching reform when curricular materials developed as part of the InTeGrate Project (ITG) were used. The InTeGrate Project has published 40 modules of curricular materials that teach geoscience in the context of societal issues and support instructors through guided use of student-centered instructional practices. All ITG materials were developed by teams of instructors, follow a consistent structure, and were evaluated against a project rubric.ResultsRTOP scores for classes observed when ITG materials were used (ITG;n= 50,M= 54.0) are significantly higher than RTOP scores for classes observed when ITG materials were not used (non-ITG;n= 295;M= 39.8;p< .0001). ITG observations all have RTOP scores in the student-centered (≥ 50) or transitional (31–49) instructional categories, and none in the teacher-centered instructional category (≤ 30), demonstrating that ITG materials support more student-centered teaching in class sessions where they are used. In 33 paired observations of the same instructor teaching with and without ITG materials, mean RTOP scores when teaching with ITG are greater than mean RTOP scores when teaching without ITG (M= 54 andM= 47.1, respectively).ConclusionsRTOP observations reveal that more student-centered instructional practices occur in class sessions in which ITG materials are used. There is a small range of RTOP scores when individual ITG activities are used by multiple instructors, suggesting that using ITG materials results in a consistent quality of instruction. The complete absence of teacher-centered instruction when using ITG materials means the materials are a useful resource for practicing reformed teaching methods. The model of the ITG Project in the creation and broad dissemination of ready-made curricula for use in large numbers of classrooms can be replicated to transform teaching and learning in other disciplinary communities.
MRI-based radiomics to predict lipomatous soft tissue tumors malignancy: a pilot study
Authors: Leporq Benjamin , Bouhamama Amine , Pilleul Frank , Lame Fabrice , Bihane Catherine , Sdika Michael , Blay Jean-Yves , Beuf Olivier 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To develop and validate a MRI-based radiomic method to predict malignancies in lipomatous soft tissue tumors.

Methods
This retrospective study searched in the database of our pathology department, data from patients with lipomatous soft tissue tumors, with histology and gadolinium-contrast enhanced T1w MR images, obtained from 56 centers with non-uniform protocols. For each tumor, 87 radiomic features were extracted by two independent observers to evaluate the inter-observer reproducibility. A reduction of learning base dimension was performed from reproducibility and relevancy criteria. A model was subsequently prototyped using a linear support vector machine to predict malignant lesions.

Results
Eighty-one subjects with lipomatous soft tissue tumors including 40 lipomas and 41 atypical lipomatous tumors or well-differentiated liposarcomas with fat-suppressed T1w contrast enhanced MR images available were retrospectively enrolled. Based on a Pearson’s correlation coefficient threshold at 0.8, 55 out of 87 (63.2%) radiomic features were considered reproducible. Further introduction of relevancy finally selected 35 radiomic features to be integrated in the model. To predict malignant tumors, model diagnostic performances were as follow: AUROC = 0.96; sensitivity = 100%; specificity = 90%; positive predictive value = 90.9%; negative predictive value = 100% and overall accuracy = 95.0%.

Conclusion
This work demonstrates that radiomics allows to predict malignancy in soft tissue lipomatous tumors with routinely used MR acquisition in clinical oncology. These encouraging results need to be further confirmed in an external validation population.
Species limits in the Elegant Pitta (Pitta elegans) complex from Wallacea based on bioacoustic and morphometric analysis
Authors: Yue Arya Y. , Ng Elize Y. X. , Eaton James A. , Rheindt Frank E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe Elegant Pitta (Pitta elegans) complex displays a remarkable diversity of morphological and bioacoustic traits across five taxa currently recognized as subspecies. They differ in plumage characteristics (such as red versus black belly patches; supercilium color and extent; and white versus black throats), in lifestyle (resident versus migratory) and in vocalizations. We investigated the morphological, bioacoustic and ecological differences across all taxa after recent studies demostrated the importance of these traits in recognizing biological species limits across pittas.MethodsMorphometric analysis was carried out by measuring tarsus, wing, tail and bill lengths of 15 specimens at the Natural History Museum, UK, and plumages were inspected across 106 unique individuals from four different repositories. Bioacoustic analysis was based on 134 range-wide sound recordings. Two types of calls, territorial calls and alarm calls, were analyzed using different sets of parameters. Principal component analysis and the Isler Criterion were applied to the measurements. Playback trials were conducted to explore the levels of response of each taxon to the call types of the other taxa.ResultsThe territorial call ofconcinnaexhibits a distinct two-element motif, whileelegans,mariaandvirginalisutter a three-element motif in which the first two elements are given in quick succession. On the other hand,vigorsii, produces both two-element and three-element motifs with longer breaks in between elements. As further corroborated by the playback trials, the three taxaelegans,virginalisandmariaform a tight vocal cluster, whereas eachconcinnaandvigorsiiare distinct. The alarm call turned out to be less diagnostic even though most taxa did roughly separate into different vocal clusters. Morphometric analysis failed to produce strong differences, but plumage distinctions among multiple taxa are pronounced.ConclusionsWe suggest splitting the Elegant Pitta into three biological species based on bioacoustic and—less so—plumage evidence: (1) Temminck’s Elegant PittaP. elegans(including subspecieselegans,virginalisandmaria), (2) Wallace’s Elegant PittaP. concinna(monotypic), and (3) Banda Elegant PittaP. vigorsii(monotypic).
An operational strategy for district heating networks: application of data-driven heat load forecasts
Authors: Golla Armin , Geis Julian , Loy Timon , Staudt Philipp , Weinhardt Christof 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo face the challenges of climate change, the integration of renewable energy sources in the energy-intensive heating sector is a crucial aspect of emission reduction. For an efficient operation of coupling devices such as heat pumps with intermittent sources of renewable energy, accurate heat load forecasts need to be developed and embedded into an operation strategy to enable further decarbonisation of heat generation. Data analysis driven forecasts based on weather data hold the potential of identifying consumption patterns to forecast day-ahead heat demand and have been studied extensively for electricity demand forecasts. However, it remains to be shown how such forecasts can be applied in district heating systems. In this study, we propose a control strategy that utilizes hourly heat load forecasts with a 24-hours rolling horizon. First, we investigate supervised forecasting techniques on three different heat load data sets. The application of convolutional neural networks on data of the district heating network in Flensburg, Germany delivers the most promising outcome. Elaborating further on this example, we then develop a control strategy and demonstrate how a heat load forecast can be used to improve the utilization of offshore wind generation or reduce energy costs through a heat pump and a heat storage system. Thus, we contribute to the electrification of the heat sector and thereby enable a reduction of carbon emissions.
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, validation, and reliability of the Arabic version of diagnostic infant preschool assessment (DIPA) scale
Authors: Shaker Nermine , Fekry Mohamed , Mostafa Asmaa , Sabry Walaa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The diagnostic infant and preschool assessment (DIPA) was one of the fewest available instruments which have been developed to assess young children up to 6 years old. The present study translated, validated, and cross-culturally adapted the DIPA from English to Arabic. Forward translation, expert panel evaluation, and back translation of the DIPA were conducted and followed by assessment of cultural relevance and content validity.

Results
Validation was performed on a clinical sample of 30 children, through agreement between the diagnostic infant and preschool assessment (DIPA) and Arabic version of DSM-based Child Behavior Check List (CBCL). Validity of categorical variables of translated DIPA showed substantial kappa (0.61-0.80) for conduct disorder, moderate kappa (0.41-0.60) for depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and sleep disorders; poor kappa (0-0.40) for separation anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and reactive attachment disorder. Test-retest reliability had almost perfect agreement for all disorders (kappa > 0.81).

Conclusions
The current study shows an encouraging psychometric property for a new Arabic translated and culturally validated assessment tool for psychiatric disorders in Egyptian young children. This instrument is useful in examining DSM-IV disorders for young children. Future studies are needed to include larger sample size, age younger than 1.5, and to include patients from specialty clinic.