bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Awareness, utilization of HIV testing and counselling services and sero-status among commercial motorcyclists in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Challe Daniel Protasy , Chiduo Mercy Grace , Mmbando Bruno Paul , Mhina Athanas , Nkya Gineson Aleonasaa , Kilale Andrew Martin , Chille Masunga Malimi , Hayuma Paul Martine , Ishengoma Deus Simon , Kamugisha Mathias Leo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: In recent years, there has been an emergence of commercial motorcyclists in all parts of Tanzania known as boda-boda riders (BBRs); and these are mainly young active males. BBRs are potentially likely to share a set of high-risk behaviours for transmission of HIV. These include multiple sex partners, alcohol and drug abuse, low condom use, and limited knowledge of HIV. This study assessed the awareness, utilization of HIV testing and counselling (HTC) services and sero-status of HIV among BBRs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2016 in three districts (Ilala, Kinondoni and Temeke) of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; 1) to collect quantitative data on knowledge, attitude and practise of BBRs toward HIV infections (behavioural survey); and 2) to determine HIV prevalence among BBRs through HTC (sero-survey). Data was collected electronically using android tablets through the open data kit platform hosted at the central server.Results: In the behavioural survey, 973 BBRs (aged 18 - 59 years) were interviewed; majority (77.7%) were <35 years old and 52.2% were married. Over 93% of BBRs reported that HIV is a major public health problem in Tanzania and 89.7% thought that they were at high risk of acquiring HIV. More than 95% knew that HIV mainly is transmitted through unprotected sex and it can be prevented through use of condoms. However, 99.0% of BBRs had one or more sexual partners, only 37.4% used condoms with their regular extra-marital partners. For the sero-survey, 523 (53.8%) BBRs were tested and only 13 (2.5%) were positive, with a significantly higher prevalence among those aged 35-59 years. The risk of HIV infections was significantly lower among married BBRs (OR=0.2; 95%CI: 0.1-0.9, p=0.041) and those who had regular sexual partners (OR=0.2; 95%CI: 0.1-0.9, p=0.028). However, the risk was significantly higher among BBRs who were taking alcohol (OR=4.5; 95%CI: 1.1-18.6, p=0.037).Conclusion: Despite high knowledge of HIV among BBRs, they were still at high risk of acquiring HIV due to risky behaviours such as relationships with multiple sexual partners, low use of condoms and taking alcohol.
Quantifying the effects of combination trastuzumab and radiation therapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive breast cancer
Authors: Bloom Meghan J , Song Patrick N , Virostko John , Yankeelov Thomas E , Sorace Anna G 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Trastuzumab, a clinical antibody targeted to the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), has been shown to sensitize cells to radiation in vitro. Current studies lack longitudinal evaluation of cellular response and in vivo data is limited. The purpose of this study is to quantify the effects of combination trastuzumab and radiation therapy in vitro and in vivo over time to determine if there is a synergistic interaction.
Methods

EGFP expressing BT474, SKBR3 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines were treated with 0.1 ng/ml of trastuzumab, 5 or 10 Gy of radiation, or combination treatment, and imaged using fluorescence live cell microscopy for one week. The Bliss independence model was used to quantify the effects of combination treatment. HER2 + tumor bearing mice (female NU/J) (N = 34) were treated with saline, 10 mg/kg of trastuzumab, 5 or 10 Gy of radiation, or combination treatment. Tumor size was measured three times per week for four weeks via caliper measurements. Additional mice (N = 13) were treated with 10 mg/kg of trastuzumab, 5 Gy of radiation, or combination treatment. Tumors were harvested at one week and evaluated with immunohistochemistry for inflammation (CD45), vascularity (CD31 and α-SMA), and hypoxia (pimonidazole).
Results

Altering the order of therapies did not significantly affect BT474 cell proliferation in vitro (P > 0.05). The interaction index calculations revealed additive effects of trastuzumab and radiation treatment in all three cell lines in vitro. In vivo results revealed significant differences in tumor response between mice treated with 5 and 10 Gy single agent radiation (P < 0.001); however, no difference was seen in the combination groups when trastuzumab was added to the radiation regimen (P = 0.56), indicating a lower dose of radiation could be used without decreasing therapeutic efficacy. Histology results revealed increases in inflammation (CD45+) in mice receiving trastuzumab (P < 0.05).
Conclusions

Longitudinal evaluation of cell proliferation in vitro showed additive effects of combination therapy. In vivo results show a potential to achieve the same efficacy of treatment with reduced radiation when also administering trastuzumab. Further evaluation of tumor microenvironmental alterations during treatment could identify mechanisms of increased therapeutic efficacy in this regimen.
A Model for the Mental Health Evaluation of Skilled Workers in Technology-Based Companies
Authors: Yousefi Moein , Vanani Iman Raeesi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Human resources are considered as one of the most valuable assets of an organization. Therefore, the top priorities of organizational managers include paying attention to manpower and providing necessary facilities to bring about satisfaction with workplace and working conditions in the light of mental and physical health. Accordingly, mental health has partly been neglected by managers because it lacks concrete and tangible aspects on the contrary to other organizational dimensions such as buildings and machinery. This study was conducted to achieve the fundamental goal of identifying the aspects and characteristics affecting the mental health of employees at technology-based companies as well as the factors resulting in mental problems and disorders. It was also decided to develop a model to predict affliction or non-affliction with mental problems among employees in the long term. For this purpose, this study focused on data mining techniques in order to identify latent relationships and introduce a prediction model. Therefore, the important and major factors were identified as individual characteristics, occupational characteristics, organizational performance features, and organizational governing culture features in mental health. The analysis and evaluation of results indicated that Classification algorithms managed to predict the mental health of employees with nearly %85 of accuracy. Besides, Clustering algorithms succeeded in dividing the samples into high-risk, medium-risk, and low-risk classes. The designed models can help organizational managers identify the factors affecting the mental health of employees and predict the chances of affliction with mental health disorders to prevent destructive harm to employees and organizations.
From a PMT-based to a SiPM-based PET system: a study to define matched acquisition/reconstruction parameters and NEMA performance of the Biograph Vision 450
Authors: Carlier Thomas , Ferrer Ludovic , Conti Maurizio , Bodet-Milin Caroline , Rousseau Caroline , Bercier Yanic , Bendriem Bernard , Kraeber-Bodéré Francoise 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose To derive the NEMA performance (NEMA) of the recently released Biograph Vision 450 PET/CT (Vision) and to propose an approach based on noise measurement to adapt present clinical acquisition and reconstruction parameters to Vision. Methods All measurements were conducted on Vision and Biograph mCT with TrueV (mCT). A full NEMA-based performance was derived for Vision only. The adaptation of acquisition and reconstruction parameters from mCT to Vision was done using the NEMA image quality phantom. The noise level reached using mCT was set as the reference value for six different numbers of net true coincidences. The noise level computed using Vision was matched to the reference noise level (within 0.01%) using a different reconstruction set-up to determine the potential reduction of counts numbers for the same noise level. Results Vision sensitivity was 9.1 kcps/MBq for a timing resolution of 213 ps at 5.3 kBq/mL. The NEMA-based CR for the 10mm sphere was better than 75% regardless the reconstruction set-up studied. The mCT reference noise properties could be achieved using Vision with a scan time reduction (STR) of 1.34 with four iterations and a 440×440 matrix size (or STR=1.89 with a 220×220 matrix size) together with a 3D CR improvement of 53% for the 10mm sphere (24% using 220×220). Conclusion The Vision exhibited improved NEMA performances compared to mCT. Using the proposed approach, the time acquisition could be divided by almost two, while keeping the same noise properties as that of mCT with a marked improvement of contrast recovery.
miR-431-5p regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis in fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis by targeting XIAP
Authors: Wang Yuejiao , Zhang Kailin , Yuan Xiaowei , Xu Neili , Zhao Shuai , Hou Linxin , Yang Lili , Zhang Ning 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundmiR-431-5p is dysregulated in various cancers and plays an important function in the development of cancer. However, its role in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains to be understood.MethodsQuantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the relative expression of miR-431-5p in synovial tissues and FLSs. Cell proliferation assays helped examine RA FLS proliferation. Flow cytometry was performed to determine apoptosis and cell cycle progression in RA FLSs. We used dual-luciferase assays to determine the correlation between miR-431-5p and its putative target, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP). Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to measure XIAP levels in synovial tissues and transfected RA FLSs.ResultsmiR-431-5p was downregulated in synovial tissues and FLSs of patients with RA. Upregulation of miR-431-5p prohibited cell proliferation and the G0/G1-to-S phase transition, but promoted apoptosis in RA FLSs; while miR-431-5p inhibition showed the opposite results. miR-431-5p directly targeted XIAP in RA FLSs, and reversely correlated with XIAP levels in synovial tissues. Notably, XIAP silencing partially restored the effects of miR-431-5p inhibition in RA FLSs.ConclusionmiR-431-5p regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis，and cell cycle of RA FLSs by targeting XIAP, suggesting its potential in the treatment of RA.
HLA-B*35 as a new marker for susceptibility to Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) in patients with Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) in Argentina
Authors: Benencio Paula , Gonzalez Sindy A. Fraile , Ducasa Nicolás , Page Kimberly , Berini Carolina A. , Biglione Mirna M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiological agent of HTLV associated myelopathy/ Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), in around 2–5% of the infected individuals. Host genetic background might play a role in disease progression. Several previous studies across many countries report HLA haplotype to be one such factor. Here, we sequenced HLA-A, -B and -C of 73 individuals by Sequence-Based Typing (SBT), and compared the frequency of different alleles among ATLL patients, HAM/TSP patients, asymptomatic carriers and non-infected individuals in Argentina.
Results
The frequency of HLA-A, -B and -C alleles largely matched that of the general population in Argentina. We identified HLA-A*02 and HLA-B*35 as associated to protection from ATLL (p = 0.042) and susceptibility to HAM/TSP (p = 0.006), respectively. We also found a strong correlation between high proviral load (PVL) and disease (p = 0.0177), but were unable to identify any particular allele associated with high or low PVL.
Conclusions
Our results match several previous reports that link HLA-A*02 and protection from disease. However, this is the first study associating HLA-B*35 to susceptibility to disease in HTLV-1, an allele that has been largely associated to different severity factors related to other viral infections, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).
Genetic Diversity and Complexity of Plasmodium Falciparum Infections in the Microenvironment Among Siblings of the Same Household in North-central Nigeria
Authors: Oyedeji Segun Isaac , Bassi Peter Usman , Oyedeji Samuel Adeola , Ojurongbe Olusola , Awobode Henrietta Oluwatoyin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Plasmodium falciparum parasites are known to exhibit extensive genetic diversity in areas of high transmission intensity and infected individuals in such communities often harbour several complex mixture of parasite clones with different genetic characteristics. However, in the microenvironment, the extent of genetic diversity of the P. falciparum parasites remain largely unknown. In this study therefore, we investigated the complexity of P. falciparum infections in households, among symptomatic siblings living under the same roof in North-central Nigeria.Methods: Children were enrolled into the study if they were at least two from a household and presented with symptoms of uncomplicated malaria. Clinical malaria was confirmed by light microscopy of Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood spots on filter paper. Molecular characterization of P. falciparum isolates was done by allele-specific nested PCR of the highly polymorphic merozoite surface protein-2 (MSP-2) gene.Results: 93 children from 43 households were enrolled into this study. A total of 26 different MSP-2 alleles were identified from 215 fragments (range: 180-480bp). Majority of the isolates [65.6% (n=61)] were polyclonal infections consisting of 2-6 clones and were significantly more common with the FC27 allelic family (p = 0.036). The multiplicity of infection (MOI) per household ranged from 1.0 to 4.5 while the overall MOI in the study population was 2.31. The pattern of distribution of MSP-2 allele types among the households fell into two categories: households where both MSP-2 allele types (FC27 and 3D7) were present; and households where only one MSP-2 allele type (FC27 or 3D7) was present. Majority of the households [88.4% (n=38)], had both MSP-2 allele types but they were disproportionately distributed among the children while in a few households [11.6% (n=5)], all the children were infected with only one type of MSP-2 allele.Conclusion: Our findings showed that P. falciparum isolates exhibit remarkable degree of genetic diversity in the microenvironment and are composed mainly of multiclonal infections, which is an indication of a high ongoing parasite transmission. This suggests that the microenvironment is an important area of focus for malaria control interventions and for evaluating intervention programmes.
Family planning practices of women working in the Cambodian garment industry: a qualitative study
Authors: Masuda Chisato , Oreglia Elisa , Sokhey Ly , McLaren Megan , Free Caroline , Tijamo Camille , Amra Ou , Velthoven Michelle van , Williamson Amy , Smith Chris 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Women working in Cambodian garment factories have unmet needs for contraception and safe abortion services, because of their background and living conditions. This study describes their experiences regarding abortion and contraception as part of a larger project to develop an intervention to support comprehensive post-abortion care.Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with women seeking abortion services at private health facilities. In addition, we interviewed the private providers of abortion and contraception services surrounding garment factories. Interviews lasted up to 60 minutes and were conducted in Khmer and later translated into English. A thematic analysis was undertaken, with medical abortion experiences coded according to the Cambodia comprehensive abortion care protocol.Results We interviewed 16 women and 13 providers between August and November 2018. Most women were married and had at least one child. Among factory workers the major reported reasons for abortion were birth spacing and financial constraints. Family, friends, or co-workers were the major information resources regarding abortion and contraception, and their positive or negative experiences strongly influenced women’s attitude towards both. Medical abortion pills were not always provided with adequate instructions. Half of the participants had a manual vacuum aspiration procedure performed after medical abortion. While women knew the side effects of medical abortion, many did not know the adverse warning signs and the signs of abortion completion. Only three women started post abortion family planning, as most of the women expressed fear and hesitation due to side effects and misconceptions related to with modern contraception. Fear of infertility was particularly reported among young women without children.Conclusion This research shows that in this setting not all women are receiving comprehensive abortion care and contraceptive counselling. Provision of accurate and adequate information about abortion methods and modern contraception was the dominant shortfall in abortion care. Future work needs to address this gap by developing appropriate and effective interventions and informative tools for women in the Cambodian garment industry.
A technique for the extraction of the Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation (PFNA) after unlocking failure
Authors: Cao Mingde , Yang Zhong-Meng , Lu Hua-Ding 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation (PFNA) is a routine method to deal with intertrochanteric fractures in the elder population. It is extremely difficult to remove PFNA in some cases as a result of stripping of blade heads. In this Technical Note, we report a simple technique using commonly available instrument that can be used to remove stripped even broken anti-rotation blade where regular methods have failed. Methods The subject underwent a PFNA removal surgery fifteen months after the previous fixation. We encountered difficulties using regular instrument to remove the anti-rotation blade. A 5mm tungsten carbide bur was used to drill a single cortical hole at the end of the blade. Then double-strand steel wire was threaded through the hole and the distal part was shaped into a circle which could tie to the extraction screw. Slide Hammer was applied to gently knocked out the blade along the anatomical direction of the femoral neck. Results The technique helped us successfully remove the dispatched anti-rotation blade and provided the patient with a satisfactory result. Conclusion The use of a tungsten reamer and steel wire loop to remove the proximal femoral anti-rotation blade may provide a simple and cost-effective method of dealing with extraction failure.
Cardiac evaluation in adults with dengue virus infection by serial echocardiography
Authors: Mansanguan Chayasin , Hanboonkunupakarn Borimas , Muangnoicharoen Sant , Huntrap Arun , Poolcharoen Akkapon , Mansanguan Suyanee , Piyaphanee Watcharapong , phumratanaprapin Weerapong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Dengue virus infection (DVI) is a major health problem in many parts of the world. Its manifestations range from asymptomatic infections to severe disease. Although cardiac involvement has been reported in DVI, its incidence has not yet been well established.
Methods
From July 2016 to January 2018, patients hospitalized at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, with dengue virus infection confirmed by positive NS1 or positive dengue immunoglobulin M findings, participated in the study. We characterized the incidence and change in cardiac function by serial echocardiography and levels of troponin-T and creatinine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) on the day of admission, the day of defervescence, the first day of hypotension (if any), and at 2-week follow-up.
Results
Of the 81 patients evaluated, 6 (7.41%) exhibited elevated biomarker levels. There was no difference in clinical presentation amongst dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) except the amount of bleeding. Cardiac involvement was found in 22% of patients: 3 (3.70%) had left ventricular systolic dysfunction, 3 (3.70%) had transient diastolic dysfunction, 6 (7.41%) had increased levels of at least one cardiac biomarker (troponin-T or CK-MB), and 6 (7.41%) had small pericardial effusion. Myocarditis was suspected in only two patient (with DHF); thus, myocarditis was uncommon in patients with dengue virus infection. Three patients developed DSS during admission and transfer to the intensive care unit.
Conclusion
Cardiac involvement in adults with dengue infection was found in 22.22% of cases, ranging from elevated cardiac biomarker, transient left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction and pericardial effusion. We found that DHF was the significant risk factor for cardiac involvement (p < 0.001). Abnormalities in cardiac function had resolved spontaneously by the day of follow-up without specific treatment.
Evaluation of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT Images Acquired with a Reduced Scan Time Duration in Prostate Cancer Patients using the Digital Biograph Vision
Authors: Weber Manuel , Hofferber Regina , Herrmann Ken , Fendler Wolfgang Peter , Conti Maurizio , Wetter Axel , Kersting David , Rischpler Christoph , Jentzen Walter , Costa Pedro Fragoso 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Aim
68Ga-PSMA PET/CT allows for a superior detection of prostate cancer (PC) tissue, especially in context of a low tumor burden. Digital PET/CT bears the potential of reducing scan time duration / administered tracer activity due to, for instance, its higher sensitivity and improved time coincidence resolution. It might thereby expand 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT that is currently limited by 68Ge/68Ga-generator yield. Our aim was to clinically evaluate the influence of a reduced scan time duration in combination with different image reconstruction algorithms on the diagnostic performance.
Methods
Twenty PC patients (11 for biochemical recurrence, 5 for initial staging, 4 for metastatic disease) sequentially underwent 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT on a digital Siemens Biograph Vision. PET data were collected in continuous-bed-motion mode with a scan time duration of approximately 17 min (reference acquisition protocol) and 5 min (reduced acquisition protocol). 4 iterative reconstruction algorithms were applied using a time-of-flight (TOF) approach alone or combined with point-spread-function (PSF) correction, each with 2 or 4 iterations. To evaluate the diagnostic performance, the following metrics were chosen: (a) per-region detectability, (b) the tumor maximum and peak standardized uptake values (SUVmax and SUVpeak) and (c) image noise using the liver’s activity distribution.
Results
Overall, 98% of regions (91% of affected regions) were correctly classified in the reduced acquisition protocol independent of the image reconstruction algorithm. Two nodal lesions (each ≤ 4 mm) were not identified (leading to downstaging in 1/20 cases). Mean absolute percentage deviation of SUVmax (SUVpeak) was approximately 9% (6%) for each reconstruction algorithm. The mean image noise increased from 13–21% (4 iterations) and from 10–15% (2 iterations) for PSF + TOF and TOF images.
Conclusions
High agreement at 3.5-fold reduction of scan time in terms of per-region detection (98% of regions) and image quantification (mean deviation ≤ 10%) was demonstrated; however, small lesions can be missed in about 10% of patients leading to downstaging (T1N0M0 instead of T1N1M0) in 5% of patients. Our results suggest that a reduction of scan time duration or administered 68Ga-PSMA activities can be considered in metastatic patients, where missing small lesions would not impact patient management.