bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust Optimization to Reduce Dose Delivery Uncertainty by Potential Applicator Displacements for a Cervix Brachytherapy
Authors: Jo Byungdu , Park Kyeongyun , Kim Kwang Hyeon , Shin Dongho , Lim Young Kyung , Jeong Jong Hwi , Lee Se Byeong , Kim Hee-Joung , Kim Haksoo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Applicator displacement during brachytherapy treatment for cervical cancer leads to a drastic change in dose distribution. Hence, applicator displacement uncertainty is of significant relevance within the distribution of dose prescription. To minimize applicator displacement from patient movement during cervical cancer brachytherapy treatment, a multi-objective genetic algorithm was combined with a median absolute deviation (MAD) constrained robust optimization concept. Materials and methods To evaluate the feasibility of the robust optimization algorithm on applicator displacements, the clinically applied treatment plans of six tandem and ring (T&R) applicator cases for cervical cancer were included. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after the placement of the T&R applicator. The method considered multiple random scenarios reflecting the uncertainties in the dose delivered. For simplicity, the uncertainties in this proof-of-concept study were limited to potential applicator displacements. This problem is optimized by MAD-constrained robust optimization using a patient-specific multi-objective genetic algorithm. The proposed approach is then compared against the nominal (manual) plan strategies. Results All generated plans fulfilled EMBRACE protocol guidelines for all targets and organs at risk (OAR). MAD-constrained robust optimization provided not only excellent target coverage but also minimized doses to OAR. The nominal and robust plan equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) of D98 for high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) and rectum were 88.59, 55.29, and 84.84, 54.09, respectively. Furthermore, each standard deviation of D98 for HR-CTV and rectum reduced from ±1.0177 to ±0.9085 and ±0.4927 to ±0.4052, respectively. Conclusions Definitive dwell times and positions by the use of robust planned external beam radiation therapy plus brachytherapy (EBRT-BT) boost for cervical cancer were well tolerated. Using this robust strategy, the generated plans showed an increase in target coverage and minimized applicator displacement impact uncertainty on dose delivery.
Nine glycolysis-related gene signature predicting the survival of patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma
Authors: jinhui liu , siyue Li , feng Gao , huangyang meng , sipei Nie , rui Sun , jing yang , cheng wenjun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. The death rate for endometrial cancer has increased. Glycolysis of cellular respiration is a complex reaction and is the first step in most carbohydrate catabolism, which was proved to participate in tumors. Methods: We analyzed the sample data of over 500 patients from TCGA database. The bioinformatic analysis included GSEA, cox and lasso regression analysis to select prognostic genes, as well as construction of a prognostic model and a nomogram for OS evaluation. The immunohistochemistry staining, survival analysis and expression level validation were also performed. Maftools package was for mutation analysis. GSEA identified Glycolysis was the most related pathway to EC. Results: According to the prognostic model using the train set, 9 glycolysis-related genes including B3GALT6, PAM, LCT, GMPPB, GLCE, DCN, CAPN5, GYS2 and FBP2 were identified as prognosis-related genes. Based on nine gene signature, the EC patients could be classified into high and low risk subgroups, and patients with high risk score showed shorter survival time. Time-dependent ROC analysis and Cox regression suggested that the risk score predicted EC prognosis accurately and independently. Analysis of test and train sets yielded consistent results A nomogram which incorporated the 9‐mRNA signature and clinical features was also built for prognostic prediction. Immunohistochemistry staining and TCGA validation showed that expression levels of these genes do differ between EC and normal tissue samples. GSEA revealed that the samples of the low-risk group were mainly concentrated on Bile Acid Metabolism. Patients in the low-risk group displayed obvious mutation signatures compared with those in the high-risk group. Conclusion: This study found that the Glycolysis pathway is associated with EC and screened for hub genes on the Glycolysis pathway, which may serve as new target for the treatment of EC.
Integrating clinical and research training in child psychiatry: fifteen-year outcomes of a federally supported program
Authors: Calhoun Amanda , Bloch Michael H. , Stubbe Dorothy , Leckman James F. , Martin Andres 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background The Albert J. Solnit Integrated Training Program (AJSP) is a training initiative designed to prepare physician-scientists for independent careers in the investigation and treatment of childhood psychiatric disorders. Methods We compared AJSP (n=30) and rank-matched participants in other residency programs (n=60) based on membership in the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). We compared participants across three domains of research productivity: 1) Competitive awards received from AACAP; 2) Publication-related metrics derived from the National Library of Medicine (NLM); and 3) Federal grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Results AJSP participants were more commonly affiliated with AACAP and board certified in CAP. AJSP graduates and trainees outperformed their control group peers in several research outcomes: 1) Receipt of AACAP awards and number of awards per recipient were higher, and time to first award shorter in the AJSP than in the control group; 2) AJSP participants had more publications in PubMed, more first-authored publications, a higher h-index, and a shorter time to first publication than participants in the control group; and 3) NIH K- or R-series funding success rate was higher among AJSP participants (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusions A program designed to support the development of clinician-scientists specifically dedicated to childhood mental health needs has been successful in fostering scientific creativity, productivity and independence. The expansion and replication of similar training initiatives will be an in important step forward to address the high level of morbidity and mortality associated with child and adolescent psychiatric disorders.
Role of carnitine in regulation of hypoglycemia-induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Alanazi Wael , Al-Harbi Naif O. , Imam Faisal , Ansari Mushtaq A. , Alhoshani Ali , Alasmari Abdullah F. , Alasmari Fawaz , Alanazi Mohammed M. , Ali Nemat 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in diabetic patients. Hyperglycemia and iatrogenic hypoglycemia exacerbate several pathogenic mechanisms underlying hypertension and heart diseases. Carnitine is a potent endogenous antioxidant and cellular fatty acid transporter for antioxidative stress and energy production in the cardiovascular system. In the present study, we aimed to find the role of carnitine in the regulation of hypoglycemia-induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. Methods: Albino Wistar male rats were divided into six groups. The, first three groups received saline (n= 5), D-carnitine (n= 5) at dose of 500mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal for carnitine depletion, or acetyl-L-carnitine (n= 5) at a dose of 300mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal for carnitine supplementation for 15 days. In the last three groups, rats had pretreatment conditions for 5 days with saline, D-carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine. Then, they were treated with insulin glargine (InG) for 10 days with saline (n= 6), D-carnitine (n= 5) or acetyl-L-carnitine (n= 6), respectively. Results: Our results showed that carnitine deficiency provoked hypoglycemia-induced hypertension. Mean arterial pressure was elevated from 78.16 ± 4.67 to 100 ± 2.09 mmHg in InG treated group, and from 78.2 ± 3.8 to 123.4 ± 12.6 mmHg in InG+D-carnitine treated group. Acetyl-L-carnitine resisted the elevation in blood pressure in all hypoglycemic animals and kept it within the normal values (68.33 ± 6.7 mmHg). In heart, acetyl-L-carnitine increased myocardial carnitine content leading to the attenuation of hypoglycemia-induced oxidative stress, which was evaluated through measurement of the oxidative stress biomarkers such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase-1, heme oxygenase-I, and glutathione transferase. Moreover, acetyl-L-carnitine prevented induction of cardiac hypertrophy during hypoglycemic conditions, which was assessed via the evaluation of mRNA expression of the cardiac hypertrophy biomarkers, α-myosin heavy chain and β-myosin heavy chain. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that carnitine plays an essential role in providing energy and antioxidants to the cardiovascular system leading to the prevention of hypoglycemia-induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy.
Blood parasites in vectors reveal a united blackfly community in the upper canopy
Authors: Chakarov Nayden , Kampen Helge , Krüger Oliver , Wiegmann Anja , Werner Doreen , Bensch Staffan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe behaviour of blood-sucking arthropods is a crucial determinant of blood protozoan distribution and hence host-parasite coevolution but is very challenging to study in the wild. The molecular identification of parasite lineages in vectors can be a useful key to understand the behaviour and transmission patterns realised by these vectors. MethodsIn this study, we collected blackflies around nests of three raptor species in the upper forest canopy in Central Europe and examined their load of vertebrate DNA and haemosporidian parasites. We molecularly analysed 156 blackfly individuals, their vertebrate meals, and the haemosporidian parasite lineages they carried. ResultsWe identified eight species of Simulium blackflies, largely belonging to the subgenera Nevermannia and Eusimulium. Only 1% of the collected specimens was visibly engorged, and only 4% contained remains of host DNA. However, in 29% of the blackflies Leucocytozoon-lineages were identified, suggesting a previous blood meal on an avian host. Based on the known vertebrate hosts of the represented Leucocytozoon-lineages, we found that large and/or abundant birds, such as thrushes, crows, pigeons, birds of prey, owls and tits are the main targets of ornithophilic blackflies in the canopy. Blackfly species contained similar proportions of host group-specific parasite lineages and thus do not appear to prefer particular host groups. ConclusionsThe lack of host preference by blackflies vectors can lead to common host switches of blood parasites, as becomes apparent in the Leucocytozoon clade infecting thrushes, crows, and pigeons. However, the abundance of simuliid species differed between nests of common buzzards, goshawks and red kites. This segregation can be explained by coinciding habitat preferences between host and vector, and may lead to the fast speciation of Leucocytozoon parasites. Thus, subtle ecological preferences and lack of host preference of vectors in the canopy may enable both parasite diversification and host switches, and enforce a habitat-dependent evolution of avian malaria parasites and related haemosporidia.
Association between strengths use and psychological adjustment to visual impairments among visually impaired individuals
Authors: Matsuguma Shinichiro , Kawashima Motoko , Ayaki Masahiko , Tsubota Kazuo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: We investigated the association between strengths use and psychological adjustment to visual impairment among the visually impaired individuals to identify the possibility of using one’s strengths to facilitate their psychological adjustment to visual impairment.Methods: Fifty-nine visually impaired individuals (mean age: 49.3 ± 14.8 years; range: 22–82) were assessed using the Strengths Use Scale and the Japanese version of the Nottingham Adjustment Scale (anxiety/depression, self-esteem, attitude to disability, acceptance of disability, locus of control, and self-efficacy). The participants’ sociodemographic and their visual impairment-related information were also collected.Results: A simple regression analysis of the Nottingham Adjustment Scale scores revealed that strengths use was significantly correlated with anxiety/depression, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and acceptance of VI, while multiple regression analyses identified strengths use as the most significant factor correlated with anxiety/depression, self-esteem, and self-efficacy.Conclusions:Strengths use could be a promising means of facilitating better psychological adjustment to visual impairment, although further study is needed to examine the underlying mechanisms involved.
Evolution of Plasmodium vivax populations in border areas of the Greater Mekong Subregion during malaria elimination
Authors: Li Yuling , Hu Yubing , Zhao Yan , Wang Qinghui , Mbenda Huguette Gaelle Ngassa , Kittichai Veerayuth , Lawpoolsri Saranath , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Menezes Lynette , Liu Xiaoming , Cui Liwang , Cao Yaming 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Countries within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) of Southeast Asia have committed to eliminating malaria by 2030. Although malaria situation has greatly improved, Plasmodium vivax remains at international border regions. Therefore, to gain a better understanding of transmission dynamics, knowledge on the evolution of P. vivax populations after the scale-up of control interventions will guide more effective targeted control efforts. Methods: We investigated genetic diversity and population structures in 206 longitudinally collected P. vivax clinical samples in two international border areas at the China-Myanmar border (CMB, n=50 in 2004 and n=52 in 2016) and western Thailand border (n=50 in 2012 and n=54 in 2015). Parasites were genotyped using 10 microsatellite markers. Results: Despite intensified control efforts, genetic diversity in the four populations remained high (HE = 0.66-0.86). The proportions of polyclonal infections showed substantial decreases to 23.7 and 30.7% in the CMB and western Thailand, respectively, with corresponding decreases in the multiplicity of infection. Consistent with the shrinking map of malaria transmission in the GMS over time, there were also increases in multilocus linkage disequilibrium, suggesting of more fragmented and increasingly inbred parasite populations. There were considerable genetic differentiation and subdivision with the four tested populations. Various degrees of clustering were evident between the older parasite samples collected in 2004 at the CMB with the 2016 CMB and 2012 Thailand populations, suggesting some of these parasites had shared ancestry. In contrast, the 2015 Thailand population was genetically distinctive, which may reflect a process of population replacement. The moderately large effective population sizes and proportions of polyclonal infections highlight the necessity of further coordinated and integrated control efforts on both sides of the borders in the pursuit of malaria elimination. Conclusions: With enhanced control efforts on malaria elimination, P. vivax population in the GMS has fragmented into a limited number of clustered foci, but the presence of large P. vivax reservoirs still sustains genetic diversity and transmission. These findings provide new insights into P. vivax transmission dynamics and population structure in this area.
Differences in Health Related Quality of Life changes during Pregnancy based on Pregnancy Context: A prospective study
Authors: Kazemi Ashraf , Dadkhah Aazam , Torabi Fatemeh 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background The significance of planned pregnancy is an accepted principle for improving the health of pregnant women; and quality of life, as one of the important indicators of women's health, is reduced in high-risk pregnancies. The aim of this research was to investigate the changes in the health related quality of life (HRQL) in low risk pregnancies in different groups based on pregnancy context. Methods The present study was a longitudinal prospective study conducted on 250 pregnant women divided into three groups of women with planned pregnancy, unplanned/wanted pregnancy and unwanted pregnancy. Then, using WHOQOL-26 questionnaire, the quality of life of these women was measured in physical, psychological, social and environmental dimensions at the beginning of pregnancy as well as at the end of the first, second and third trimesters. Results Based on the results, the mean score of environmental-HRQL in women with unwanted pregnancy was significantly lower than the other two groups. All dimensions on HRQL were influenced by time and group. However, changes in the physical, psychological and social dimensions of HRQL varied within the groups. Physical- HRQL changes were different within the groups. The intergroup effect on environmental dimension of quality of life changes was significant. Conclusion It was observed in this study that HRQL in the women with unwanted pregnancy was lower than the women with planned pregnancy and those with unplanned /wanted pregnancy. Moreover, increase in gestational age would lower quality of life, but this decline had a similar pattern in different groups.
Childhood family background and female fertility intentions in China: analysis under different policy conditions
Authors: Lan Manyu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to clarify the relationship between childhood family background and female fertility intentions in adulthood, fertility intentions for a second child under the universal two-child policy, and ideal fertility intentions under no birth restrictions. Methods Using 3388 participants sampled from the 2016 China Labor-force Dynamics Survey, I analyzed the relationship between women’s family background in childhood and their fertility intentions in adulthood. Zero-inflated Poisson regression and multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the predictors of women’s intended number of children under different policy conditions. Results Women with more siblings intended to have more children. Parents’ education had a negative effect on daughters’ fertility intentions. There was also a cohort effect in female fertility intentions. Conclusions These empirical results suggest women’s fertility intentions are associated with their family background in childhood. A better socioeconomic status in childhood means women have moderate reproductive desires in adulthood.
Wrist deformity, bother and function following wrist fracture in the elderly
Authors: Lawson Andrew , Santhakumar Partiban , Naylor Justine M , Churches Tim , Frost Steve , Harris Ian A 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective Wrist deformity in older people is common following treatment for a wrist fracture, particularly after non-surgical treatment. A cohort of older wrist fracture patients were surveyed by telephone regarding perceived deformity, bother with deformity and patient-reported wrist function. The objectives were to: 1. determine whether older patients with wrist fractures perceived a deformity of their wrist and if they were bothered by it; 2. test if there were associations between deformity and treatment-type and between deformity and function; 3. test for associations between bother and treatment-type and between bother and function; 4. measure the test-retest reliability of the ‘bother’ question. Results Of 98 eligible patients who were invited to participate, 41 responded. Out of 41, 14 (34%) believed they had a deformity and 4 (10%) reported that they were bothered by the appearance of their wrist. Deformity was associated with non-surgical treatment (RR=3.85, p=0.006) but was not significantly associated with functional outcomes (p=0.15). All those who were bothered belonged to the non-surgical treatment group. Bother was significantly associated with poorer functional outcomes (p=0.006) and this association was clinically significant (MD=35 points). The deformity and bother questions were found to have excellent test-retest reliability; ᴋ=1.00 and ᴋ=0.92, respectively.
Groundwater monitoring system and groundwater policy in relation to unified water resource management in Korea
Authors: Kang Lae-Soo , Hamm Se-Yeong , Cheong Jae-Yeol , Jeon Hang-Tak , Park Jae Hyun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The demand for water resources is consistently increasing due to industrialization and urbanization. Water resource management can become difficult because of climate change and social issues. Due to the difficulty in securing stable water resources, reasonable utilization and management of water is crucial for the sustainable development of groundwater resources that are an efficient alternative to surface water. For groundwater management, the National Groundwater Information Management Service (GIMS) Center for K-Water measures groundwater data hourly (groundwater level, water temperature, and electrical conductivity) at national groundwater monitoring stations and analyzes the long-term variation of groundwater with regard to climate change. According to the Groundwater Act (1993), auxiliary groundwater monitoring stations for groundwater use and water quality are activated by local governments. The observed data after the calibration process are provided for utilization by citizens, industries, schools, institutes, and government policies through annual reports on groundwater monitoring by the GIMS Center. In 2018, the Korean government merged water resources affairs that were once divided between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. The change will be favorable for effective management of the surface water and groundwater resources as well as ensuring both quality and quantity.
Bio-modified carbon paste electrode for the detection of Pb(II) ions in wastewater
Authors: Mohanraj P. , Bhuvaneshwari S. , Sreelekshmi M. S. , Chandra Sekhar V. , Narsimhulu K. , Kiran Bhanu , Kumar Santosh 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Heavy metal pollution in water is a serious environmental concern. Lead is one of the highly toxic heavy metals, and its toxicity is due to its non-degradation characteristic in living organisms. The monitoring of Pb(II) ions concentrations in drinking water is essential for human health and a safe environment. In this work, bio-modified carbon paste electrodes were constructed with live cells and thermally dried biomass (extracted protein) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells and employed for the detection of Pb(II) ions from wastewater. The biomass and biosensor preparation and optimization, and the performance of modified biosensors in the detection of Pb(II) ions are discussed here. The effect of various parameters, like pH, biomass composition, scan rate, and metal ion concentration, were studied to obtain the best electrochemical response. Further, the active surface of the electrode and solution characteristics were studies using chronocoulometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was done to find the functional groups present in the thermally dried biomass. From the present study, it is clear that the thermally dried protein biomass electrode has more sensitivity than the bare carbon paste electrode.