bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying core competencies for public health professionals in Uttar Pradesh, India: results from a Delphi exercise
Authors: Bhandari Sudip , Wahl Brian , Bennett Sara , Engineer Cyrus Y , Pandey Pooja , Peters David H 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEnsuring the public health workforce has appropriate competencies to fulfill essential public health functions is a challenge in many low- and middle-income countries. The absence of an agreed set of core competencies to provide a basis for developing and assessing knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes contributes to this challenge. In Uttar Pradesh, India, where most staff are trained as clinicians, this study is aimed at identifying the requisite core competencies for health professionals in mid-level supervisory and program management roles to effectively perform their public health responsibilities.MethodsWe used a multi-step, interactive Delphi technique to develop an agreed set of public health competencies. A narrative review of core competency frameworks and key informant interviews with human resources for health experts in India were conducted to prepare an initial list of 40 competency statements in eight domains. We then organized a day-long workshop bringing together 22 public health experts and government officials from India, who added to and modified the initial list. After this, a revised list of 54 competency statements was rated on a 5-point Likert scale, with 1 as “not at all important” to 5 as “absolutely essential”. Aggregate statement scores were shared with the participants, who discussed the findings. Finally, the same list was returned to participants for an additional round of ratings. Stability between scores at different steps was identified using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. Consensus was defined using the percent agreement criterion.ResultsStability between the first and second Delphi scoring steps was reached in 46 of the 54 statements presented to participants. By the end of the second Delphi scoring step, consensus was reached on 48 competency statements across eight domains: public health sciences, assessment and analysis, policy and program management, financial management and budgeting, partnerships and collaboration, social and cultural determinants, communication, and leadership.ConclusionsThis study produced a consensus set of core competencies and domains in public health that can be used to review current training practices, assess competencies of public health professionals, and revise or develop new training programs to address desired competencies in Uttar Pradesh. Findings from this study can also be used to support workforce development by informing competency-based job descriptions for recruitment and performance management and adapted for use elsewhere.
Resveratrol Suppresses the Growth and Metastatic Potential of Cervical Cancer through Inhibiting STAT3Tyr705 Phosphorylation
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Xu Qianqian , Zeng Lian , Xie Lixia , Zhao Qiang , Xu Hongxia , Wang Xuanbin , Jiang Nan , Fu Pan , Sang Ming 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : The aberrant STAT3 signaling promotes initiation and progression of human cancers by either inhibiting apoptosis or inducing cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. This study aims to investigate the role of STAT3 and its phosphorylation status in resveratrol-mediated suppression of cervical cancer. Methods : The effects of resveratrol on cervical tumor growth were also determined by examining the tumor tissues and their histological changes and the volume and weight of tumor tissues grown from Hela cells injected in female athymic BALB/C nude mice following the pretreatment regimen and the treatment regimen. Resveratrol structure and targets interaction virtual screening was performed using molecular docking program Autodock Vina. The phosphorylated STAT3, EMT molecular markers and ECM degradation enzymes protein levels were determined using Western blotting. Results : Proliferation and the colony formation of Hela cells were inhibited after resveratrol treatment in both dose- and time- dependent manner. Resveratrol inhibited migration and invasion of Hela cells. Molecular docking analysis showed that resveratrol interacted with STAT3 at a pocket composed of 11 amino acidic residues. Treatment with resveratrol resulted in decreases in the level of phosphorylation of STAT3 at Tyr705 but not Ser727, and no obvious changes in the protein level of STAT3 in Hela cells and SiHa cells. Pretreatment or treatment with resveratrol resulted in decreases in the IL-6-induced phosphorylation level of STAT3Tyr705 in Hela cells and SiHa cells, compared with those of treatment with IL-6. Reduced STAT3Tyr705 phosphorylation after STAT3 inhibitors S3I201 enhanced inhibition of invasion potential of Hela cells and SiHa cells treated with Resveratrol. Resveratrol decreases the N-Cadherin, Vimentin, MMP-3, MMP-13 protein level and increases the E-Cadherin protein level in a dose-dependent manner. The tumor size, volume, and weight, and the N-Cadherin, Vimentin, MMP-3, and MMP-13 protein level were significantly decreased, and the E-Cadherin protein level was increased, and the tumors were histologically damaged as revealed by H&E staining in both the resveratrol pretreatment group and the resveratrol treatment group and the magnitude of changes was higher in the former than that of the latter. Conclusion : Resveratrol inhibits growth and metastatic potential of cervical cancer through blocking STAT3Tyr705 phosphorylation.
Evaluation of Intensified Provider Initiated Testing and Counselling Program in Harare City, 2017-2018
Authors: Mandere Edias , Mungati More , Gonese Gloria , Gombe Notion , Juru Tsitsi , Chiwanda Simbarashe , Govha Emmanuel , Tshimanga Mufuta 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Introduction Knowledge of HIV status remains a challenge despite implementation of various testing strategies including provider-initiated HIV testing (PITC). Harare City intensified provider-initiated HIV testing by targeting testing all eligible clients visiting facilities to achieve the UNAIDS first 95. This study aimed at evaluating the intervention to improve its effectiveness and inform programming decisions for universal access to HIV testing. Methods The study was conducted in Harare City from April to June 2019. Assessment of the intervention was conducted using the logic model approach. Health workers were interviewed using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Exit interviews were conducted for eligible clients >18 years who refused to be tested. HIV screening and testing registers were reviewed using a check list. Ethical approval was obtained from City of Harare and the University of Zimbabwe. Results The median age for clients was 31 and median years in service for health workers was 2. Of the 133 899 clients who were eligible for testing after screening, 74% accepted the test leaving a gap of 26%. However, 47%(n=45) health workers indicated high workload in the morning as the major reason for the leakage. In addition, 36%(n=70) clients indicated long waiting time as the reason for opting out of HIV testing. Conclusion and Recommendation HIV testing coverage for eligible clients was not optimal, 26% opted out. We recommend scaling of community education on the importance of HIV testing. Re-allocation of staff during busy testing time in the morning to easy workload.
Evidence on access to health care information by women of reproductive age in Low-and-Middle-Income Countries: Scoping Review
Authors: Shatilwe Joyce Twahafifwa , Kuupiel Desmond , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani P. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Majority of women of reproductive age in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) are not able to access health services due to different factors. The main objective of this scoping review is to map the literature on access to healthcare information by women of reproductive age in LMICs. Methods The literature search was conducted through the following databases: Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, EBSCOhost (Academic search complete, CINAHL with full text, MEDLINE with full text, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO), Emerald, Embase, published and peer reviewed journals, organizational projects, reference list, grey literature as well as reports related to this objective were included in the study. Studies reporting evidence on interventions aimed at enabling access to health care information in LMICs published during the period 2004 to until recent, were eligible for inclusion. Identified key words were used to search articles from the databases. Following title screening, two reviewers independently reviewed the abstracts and full articles. Inclusion and exclusion criteria was considered to guide the screening. Results A total of 451 900 articles were identified from all the databases searched. Of these, four articles meet inclusion criteria after full article screening and were included for data extraction. The included articles were conducted in the following countries: Eastern Uganda, Gauteng, South Africa, Myanmar and Nepal. The themes that emerged from our study are as follows: accessibility, financial accessibility/affordability, connectivity and challenges. This study demonstrated that, there are minimal interventions that enable women of reproductive age to access healthcare information in terms of accessibility, financial accessibility and connectivity. The study further revealed that with the minimal strategies tried, such as telemedicine and text messages, a large population of women could be reached and this strategies are less cost. Conclusion The findings of the study revealed poor access and utilization of maternal healthcare information by women of reproductive age. We therefore recommend primary studies in other LMICs to determine the accessibility, financial accessibility, connectivity and challenges faced by women of reproductive age in LMICs to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rate and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3.
Detection of Gastrointestinal Parasitism at Recreational Canine Sites in the United States (the DOGPARCS study)
Authors: Stafford Kristina , Kollasch Todd M , Duncan Kathryn T , Horr Stephanie , Goddu Troy , Heinz-Loomer Christine , Rumschlag Anthony J , Ryan William G , Sweet Sarah , Little Susan E 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The rapid growth in off-leash dog parks provides opportunity for canine socialization activities but carries risk of exposure to intestinal parasites. This study assessed the prevalence of these infections in dogs visiting dog parks.Methods: Fresh defecations were collected from dogs visiting parks in 30 metropolitan areas across the United States. Samples were analyzed by coproantigen immunoassay (CAI) (FecalDx® and Giardia Test, IDEXX Laboratories) and zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation (CF). Owners responded to a questionnaire on their dog’s signalment and use of heartworm/intestinal parasite control medications (HWCM). Results: Samples were examined from 3,006 dogs, 87.9% aged at least 12 months, visiting 288 parks. At least one intestinal parasite was detected in 622 (20.7%) samples, nematodes in 263 (8.8%), with hookworm, whipworm, and ascarids in 7.1, 1.9, and 0.6% of samples, respectively. A sample positive for one or more intestinal parasites was found in 245 (85.1%) parks, with nematodes found in 143 (49.7%). Combined, CAI and CF detected 78.4% more intestinal nematode infections than CF alone. Hookworm and whipworm were detected in all age groups, but ascarids were only detected in dogs less than 4 years. Approximately 42% of dogs aged less than 1 year were positive for nematodes or Giardia. Based on owner reports, HWCM was current for 68.8% of dogs, dogs previously diagnosed with intestinal parasitism were more likely to be receiving a HWCM than those without such history, and a significantly lower (P = 0.0003) proportion of dogs receiving a HWCM were positive for intestinal nematodes compared with those not on such medication.Conclusion: Intestinal parasites, the most common of which were Giardia, Ancylostoma caninum and Trichuris vulpis, were found in 20% of dogs and 85% of dog parks across the United States. Optimal detection of canine intestinal parasitism was achieved by combining CF and CAI. Canine intestinal parasites are common across the United States, and dog health can be enhanced by regular testing of fecal samples and routine administration of medications effective against the most common infections.
Pulmonary Vasodilation by Sildenafil in Acute Pulmonary Embolism—A Randomized Explorative Trial
Authors: Andersen Asger , Waziri Farhad , Schultz Jacob Gammelgaard , Holmboe Sarah , Becker Søren Warberg , Jensen Tage , Søndergaard Hanne Maare , Dodt Karen Kaae , May Ole , Mortensen Ulrik Markus , Kim Won Yong , Mellemkjær Søren , Nielsen-Kudsk Jens Erik 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate if acute pulmonary vasodilation by sildenafil improves right ventricular function in patients with acute intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism (PE).Methods: Patients with PE were randomized to a single oral dose of sildenafil 50mg (n=10) or placebo (n=10) as add-on to conventional therapy. Right ventricular function was evaluated immediately before and shortly after (0.5-1.5h) randomization by right heart catheterization (RHC), trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The primary efficacy endpoint was cardiac index measured by CMR.Results: Patients had acute intermediate-high risk PE verified by computed tomography pulmonary angiography, systolic blood pressure of 135 ± 18 (mean ± SD) mmHg, increased right ventricular/left ventricular ratio 1.1 ± 0.09 and increased troponin T 167 ± 144 ng/L. Sildenafil treatment did not improve cardiac index compared to baseline (0.02 ± 0.36 l/min/m2, p=0.89) and neither did placebo (0.00 ± 0.34 l/min/m2, p=0.97).Conclusion: A single oral dose of 50 mg sildenafil did not improve cardiac index but lowered systemic blood pressure in patients with acute intermediate-high risk PE.Trial Registration: The trial was retrospectively registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04283240) February 2nd 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04283240?term=NCT04283240&draw=2&rank=1
Curcumin Inhibits the Proteolytic Process of SREBP-2 by First Inhibiting the Expression of S1P rather than Directly Inhibiting SREBP-2 Expression.
Authors: Li Yongnan , Wu Shuodong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective: Many studies have demonstrated that curcumin can downregulate mRNA levels of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP-2), however, our study did not find similar results. This study was designed to demonstrate that curcumin inhibits the proteolytic process of SREBP-2 by first inhibiting the expression of membrane-bound transcription factor site-1 protease (S1P) rather than directly inhibiting SREBP-2 expression.Methods: After curcumin treatment, Caco-2 cells were collected to observe the dose- and time-dependent dynamics of precursor and mature SREBP-2, transcription factor specific protein 1 (SP-1) and SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP). After curcumin treatment, SREBP-2 distribution was detected in the cells and S1P protein expression were examined.Results: Curcumin could downregulate mRNA levels of SREBP2, SP-1 and SCAP, but it did not simultaneously downregulate the expression of precursor SREBP-2 (pSREBP-2) and SCAP. Curcumin can inhibit the proteolytic process of SREBP-2, reduce the production of mature SREBP-2 (mSREBP-2) and change the cellular distribution of SREBP-2. The inhibitory effect of curcumin on SP-1 protein expression is short-acting. Conclusion: Curcumin can inhibit the SREBP-2 proteolytic process to reduce mSREBP-2 which functions as a transcription factor, affecting the regulation of cholesterol metabolism-related genes. This process may be achieved by regulating the expression of S1P. Curcumin does not directly inhibit the expression of mSREBP-2 protein, and it has no such inhibitory effect for at least a short period of time, although curcumin does reduce the amount of mSREBP-2 protein.
Midwives’ experiences of implementing respectful maternity care knowledge in daily maternity care practices after participating in a four-day RMC training
Authors: Dzomeku Veronica Millicent , Bemah Boamah Mensah Adwoa , Emmanuel Nakua Kweku , Pascal Agbadi , Jody Lori R. , Peter Donkor 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: In Ghana, studies documenting the effectiveness of evidence-based specialized training programs to promote respectful maternity care (RMC) practices in healthcare facilities are few. Thus, we designed a four-day RMC training workshop and piloted it with selected midwives of a tertiary healthcare facility in Kumasi, Ghana. The present paper evaluated the impact of the training by exploring midwives’ experiences of implementing RMC knowledge in their daily maternity care practices four months after the training workshop. Methods: Through a descriptive qualitative research design, we followed-up and conducted 14 in-depth interviews with participants of the RMC training, exploring their experiences of applying the acquired RMC knowledge in their daily maternity care practices. Data were managed and analysed using NVivo 12. Results: The findings have been broadly categorized into three themes: experiences of practising RMC in daily maternity care, health facility barriers to practising RMC, and recommendations for improving RMC practices. The midwives mentioned that applying the newly acquired RMC knowledge has positively improved their relationship with childbearing women, enhanced their thoughtfulness for clients’ overall wellbeing, and position them to recognize and respect the autonomy of childbearing women. Despite the positive influence of the training on clinical practice, the midwives mentioned that the policy and the built environment in the hospital does not support the exploration of alternative birthing positions as well as the lack of the required logistics to simultaneously ensure privacy for multiple childbearing women in the open labour ward. In view of these, the trained midwives recommended that logistics for alternative birthing positions and for privacy in the ward should be provided as well as all midwives and staff of the hospital should be taken through the RMC training program to encourage good practice. Conclusion: Despite the report of some RMC implementation challenges, the midwives noted that the 4-day RMC training has had a positive impact on their maternity caregiving practice in the hospital. Policies and programs aimed at addressing the issue of disrespect and abusive practices during maternity care should advocate and include the building of facilities that support alternative birthing positions and privacy of childbearing women during childbirth.
Bioinformatics profiling intergrating a three immune-related long non-coding RNA signature as a prognostic model for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Gou Xin , Wei Zongjie , Tan Jianyu , Yu Haitao , Li Xinyuan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Immune related long non-coding RNAs (IRlncRs) plentiful in immune cells and immune microenvironment (IME) are potential in evaluating prognosis and assessing the effects of immunotherapy. A complete and meaningful IRlncRs analysis based on abundant clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) gene samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) will provide insight in this field. Methods: Based on the TCGA dataset, we integrated the expression profiles of IRlncRs and overall survival (OS) in the 611 ccRCC patients. The immune score of each sample was calculated based on the expression level of immune-related genes and used to identify the most meaningful IRlncRs. Survival-related IRlncRs (sIRlncRs) was estimated by calculating the algorithm of difference and COX regression analysis in ccRCC patients. Based on the median immune-related risk score (IRRS) developed from the screened sIRlncRs, the high-risk and low-risk components were distinguished. Functional annotation was detected by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and principal component analysis (PCA), and the immune composition and purity of the tumor was evaluated by microenvironment cell population records. The expression levels of three sIRlncRs were verified in various tissues and cell lines. Results: A total of 39 IRlncRs were collected by Pearson correlation analyses among immune score and the lncRNA expression. A total of 7 sIRlncRs were significantly associated with the clinical outcomes of ccRCC patients. Three sIRlncRs (ATP1A1-AS1, IL10RB-DT and MELTF-AS1) with the most significant prognostic values were enrolled to build the IRRS model in which the OS of in the high-risk group was shorter than that in the low-risk group. The IRRS was identified as an independent prognosis factor and correlated with the OS. The high-risk group and low-risk group illustrated different distributions in PCA and different immune status in GSEA. Besides, we found the more significant expression in certain ccRCC cell lines and tumor tissues of ccRCC patients compared with the HK-2 and adjacent tissues respectively. Additionally, the expression levels of lncR-MELTF-AS1 and IL10RB-DT were remarkably enhanced along the more advanced T-stages, but the lncR-ATP1A1-AS1 showed the inverse gradient. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated some sIRlncRs with remark clinical relevance shown the latent monitoring and prognosis value of ccRCC patients and may provide new insight for immunological research and treatment strategies in ccRCC patients.
Identification of Prognostic Alternative Splicing Signature in Triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhou Shuqi , Guan Shu , Lv Xuemei , Ma Rong , Zhang Yifan , Yan Yuanyuan , Wang Jue , Sun Xiaoyu , Gao Mengcong , Di Di , Zhao Hongliang , Han Li , Wei Minjie , He Miao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Alternative splicing (AS) is a pervasive and vital mechanism involved in the progression of various cancer. Studies confirm the importance of prognostic value of AS events in tumor patients, but systematic analysis of AS in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still lacking. Methods: Information from 115 TNBC patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were extracted. And we performed a comprehensive analysis of whole-genome AS events with corresponding clinical information to evaluate the roles of seven AS patterns. Prognostic analyses were performed with predictive models and splicing network built for TNBC patients. Results: Among 28,744 mRNA AS events in 20,353 genes, we detected 1,428 AS in 138 important survival genes related to the overall survival of TNBC patients event. Through functional and pathway enrichment analysis, we found that these genes are involved in ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic pathways. At 1800 days overall survival, the area under the ROC curve for prognostic signatures was 0.8. It shows that this model is very effective in differentiating patient prognosis. The use of Spearman's test to establish a potential regulatory network between survival-related AS events and abnormal SF indicates a clear trend in the role of SF in TNBC. Conclusions: In summary, we established a reliable and powerful TNBC prognostic signature. A splicing network that could be its underlying mechanism was discovered. Keywords: Alternative splicing; Triple-negative breast cancer; Prognosis; Splicing factor