bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Hidden Community Detection for Protein Complex Prediction
Authors: Li Chao , He Kun , Liu Guang shuai , Hopcroft John E. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDiscovering functional modules in protein-protein interaction networks through optimization remains a longstanding challenge in Biology. Traditional algorithms simply consider strong protein complexes found in the original network by optimizing some metric, which may cause obstacles for discovering weak and hidden complexes that are overshadowed by strong complexes. Additionally, protein complexes have not only different densities but also various ranges of scales, making them extremely difficult to be detected. We address these issues and propose a hierarchical hidden community detection approach to predict protein complexes of various strengths and scales accurately. ResultsWe propose a meta-method called HirHide (Hierarchical Hidden Community Detection). It is the first combination of hierarchical structure with hidden structure, which provides a new perspective for finding protein complexes of various strengths and scales. We compare the performance of several standard community detection methods with their HirHide versions. Experimental results show that the HirHide versions achieve better performance and sometimes even significantly outperform the baselines. ConclusionsHirHide can adopt any standard community detection method as the base algorithm and enable it to discover hidden hierarchical communities as well as boosting the detection of strong hierarchical communities. Some biological networks are too complex for standard community detection algorithms to produce a positive performance. Most of the time, a better choice is to choose a corresponding algorithm based on the characteristics of a specific biological network. Under these circumstances, HirHide has clear advantages because of its flexibility. At the same time, according to the natural hierarchy of cells, organelle, intracellular compound etc., hierarchical structure with hidden structure is in line with the characteristics of the data itself, thus helping researchers to study biological interactions more deeply.
Seroprevalence and Knowledge of Viral Hepatitis and HIV Among People Who Use Drugs Attending Methadone Therapy Clinic in Tanzania: A Cross-sectional Study.
Authors: Kilonzo Semvua , Gunda Daniel W. , Majinge David C. , Jaka Hyasinta , Manyiri Paulina M. , Kalokola Fredrick , Mtui Grahame , Shao Elichilia R. , Bakshi Fatma A. , Stephano Alex 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Methadone therapy clinics have been recently introduced in Tanzania, aiming at reducing risk behaviors and infection rates of viral hepatitis and HIV among people who use drugs. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence, associated factors and knowledge level of these conditions among people who use drugs attending a methadone clinic in Tanzania.Methods: We enrolled 253 People who using drugs receiving Methadone therapy. Clinical data was retrospectively collected from the medical records and face-to face interviews were conducted to determine the behavioral risk factors and respondents’ knowledge on viral hepatitis and HIV.Results: An overall seroprevalence of viral hepatitis (either hepatitis B surface antigen or anti-hepatitis C virus) was 6.3%, while that of hepatitis B virus mono infection was 3.5% and anti-hepatitis C virus mono infection was 3.5%. Seroprevalence of HIV was 12.6%. Viral hepatitis was strongly predicted by advanced age (>35 years) (p=0.02) and staying at Kirumba area (p=0.004), and HIV infection was predicted by increased age (>37 years) (p=0.04) and female sex (p<0.001). Regarding the knowledge of viral hepatitis, majority of the respondents were unaware of the transmission methods and availability of hepatitis B virus vaccines and only 17% were classified as well informed (provided ≥ 4 correct answers out of 7 questions). Good knowledge was highly predicted by higher education level of the individual (p=0.001).Conclusions: Despite the efforts to curb viral hepatitis and HIV infections through Methadone clinics, infection rates among people who use drugs are still high and the general knowledge on preventive measures is inadequate.
Lateral Decubitus Position to Facilitate Pelvic Examination of the Patient with Severe Obesity
Authors: Breitkopf Daniel M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients with elevated BMI pose a number of challenges for the gynecologist. Pelvic examination may be more difficult due to adiposity in the perineum and labia, increasing the distance between the vulva and cervix. The objective of the current work was to describe use of the lateral decubitus position to improve visualization of the cervix in women with severe obesity. Methods: From 7/1/2010 until 1/31/2020, all records of patients with obesity and unsuccessful cervical visualization during pelvic exam in the dorsal lithotomy position in the author’s clinical practice were reviewed after obtaining Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board approval. For the lateral decubitus position, the patient was asked to lie on her side on the exam table, facing away from the examiner with knees bent. An assistant elevated the upper bent leg 45 degrees from horizontal, exposing the perineum. A vaginal speculum was then placed in the vagina with the posterior blade toward the anus. The speculum was opened gently as would be done with examination in dorsal lithotomy position until the cervix was visualized.Results: Eleven patients with severe obesity in the gynecologic practice of the author with prior unsuccessful cervical visualization in dorsal lithotomy position were examined in the lateral decubitus position. In all but one case the cervix was successfully visualized in the lateral decubitus position and all intended intrauterine procedures were successfully performed. Conclusions: The use of the lateral decubitus position appears to improve visualization of the cervix in the outpatient setting among women with severe obesity. Consideration should be given to use of the lateral decubitus position when the cervix cannot be visualized in the dorsal lithotomy position.Trial registration: not applicable
Is More Better? An Analysis of Toxicity and Response Outcomes From Dose-Finding Clinical Trials in Cancer
Authors: Brock Kristian , Homer Victoria , Soul Gurjinder , Potter Claire , Chiuzan Cody , Lee Shing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe overwhelming majority of dose-escalation clinical trials use methods that seek a maximum tolerable dose, including rule-based methods like the 3+3, and model-based methods like CRM and EWOC. These methods assume that the incidences of efficacy and toxicity always increase as dose is increased. This assumption is widely accepted with cytotoxic therapies. In recent decades, however, the search for novel cancer treatments has broadened, increasingly focusing on inhibitors and antibodies. The rationale that higher doses are always associated with superior efficacy is less clear for these types of therapies. MethodsWe extracted dose-level efficacy and toxicity outcomes from 115 manuscripts reporting dose-finding clinical trials in cancer between 2008 and 2014. We analysed the outcomes from each manuscript using flexible non-linear regression models to investigate the evidence supporting the monotonic efficacy and toxicity assumptions. ResultsWe found that the monotonic toxicity assumption was well-supported across most treatment classes and disease areas. In contrast, we found very little evidence supporting the monotonic efficacy assumption. ConclusionsOur conclusion is that dose-escalation trials routinely use methods whose assumptions are violated by the outcomes observed. As a consequence, dose-finding trials risk recommending unjustifiably high doses that may be harmful to patients. We recommend that trialists consider experimental designs that allow toxicity and efficacy outcomes to jointly determine the doses given to patients and recommended for further study.
Unique Circulating microRNA Profiles in Epidemic Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Authors: Muwonge Haruna , Kasujja Hassan , Atugonza Carolyne , Kasolo Josephine , Lugaajju Allan , Nfambi Joshua , Fred Sembajwe Larry , Damani Ali Moses , Kimuli Ivan , Nakazzi Faith , Nakanjako Damalie , Kateete David Patrick , Bwanga Freddie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), causes Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Kaposi sarcoma in HIV/AIDS patients is referred to as epidemic KS, and is the most common HIV-related malignancy worldwide. Lack of a diagnostic assay to detect latent and early stage disease has increased disease morbidity and mortality. Serum miRNAs have previously been used as potential biomarkers of normal physiology and disease. In the current study, we profiled the unique serum miRNAs in patients with epidemic KS to generate baseline data to aid in developing a miRNA-based non-invasive biomarker assay for Epidemic KS. MethodsThis was a comparative cross-sectional study involving 27 patients with epidemic KS, and 27 HIV-positive adults with no prior diagnosis, or clinical manifestation of KS. DNA and RNA were isolated from blood and serum collected from study participants respectively. Nested PCR for circulating HHV-8 DNA was performed on the isolated DNA, whereas miRNA library preparation and sequencing for circulating miRNA was performed on the RNA samples. The miRge2 pipeline and EdgeR were used to analyze the sequencing data. Results Fifteen out of the 27 epidemic KS positive subjects (55.6%) tested positive for HHV-8 DNA, whereas only 3 (11.1%) out of the 27 HIV positive, KS negative subjects tested positive for HHV-8 DNA. Additionally, we found a unique miRNA expression signature in 49 circulating miRNAs in epidemic KS subjects compared to subjects with no epidemic KS, with 41 miRNAs upregulated and 8 miRNAs down regulated. Subjects with latent KS infection had a differential upregulation of circulating miR-193a compared to HIV-positive, KS negative subjects for whom circulating HHV-8 DNA was not detected. Further analysis of serum from epidemic KS patients revealed a miRNA signature according to KS tumor status and time since first HIV diagnosis. ConclusionsThis study reveals unique circulating miRNA profiles in the serum of patients with epidemic KS versus HIV-infected subjects with no KS, as well as in subjects with latent KS. Many of the dysregulated miRNAs in epidemic KS patients were previously reported to have crucial roles in KS infection and latency, highlighting their promising roles as potential biomarkers of latent or active KS infection.
Atypical Respiratory Distress Suspect of COVID-19 in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo prior to the Pandemic. A Case Report
Authors: Mateso Guy-Quesney , BAGUMA Marius , Mwene-Batu Pacifique , Balemba Ghislain Maheshe , Nzabara Fabrice , Makali Samuel , Bedha Aline , Furaha Bonheur , Minani Jimmy , Muhindo Christian Tshongo , Malembaka Espoir Bwenge , Masimango Mannix Imani , Shindano Tony Akilimali , Cikomola Justin Cirhuza , Mubagwa Kanigula 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Predictions have been made that Africa would be the most vulnerable continent to the novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interestingly, the spread of the disease in Africa seems to have been delayed and initially slower than in many parts of the world. Here we report on two cases which make us suspect that COVID-19 might have been present in our region before the official declaration of the disease in December 2019. Case presentation: These two cases (one 55-year-old man and one 25-year-old woman) of acute respiratory distress secondary to atypical pneumonia were seen in Bukavu, in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), between September and December 2019. One patient had returned from China and the other had close contacts with travellers from China in the 2 weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. In either case, the aetiology could not be accurately determined. However, the two cases presented a clinical picture (progressive dyspnoea, preceded by dry cough and fever) and laboratory changes (procalcitonin within the normal range, slight inflammation, and lymphopenia) compatible with a viral infection. The chest X-Rays series of the first patient showed lesions (reticulations, ground glass, and nodules ≤ 6 mm) similar to those found in COVID-19. In addition, unlike the 25-year-old female patient who had no comorbidity, the 55-year-old male patient who had hypertension as comorbidity, developed a more severe acute respiratory distress which progressed to death.Conclusion: These cases bring to the attention a number of facts which make us suspect that COVID-19 may have already been present in the region months before the official beginning of the pandemic. This is important, as prior presence of the disease or infections with related virus may account for the delayed and less extensive development of the epidemic in the region.
Entry Point of Sports Network Course Resource Development and its Management Performance Evaluation
Authors: Qin Weifeng , Shi Qian , Shao Wei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
With the rapid development and popularization of network technology, the application of the network in the field of education has become more and more extensive. Currently, network technology is affecting all aspects of sports with unprecedented influence. At present, there are many researches on the development of sports network curriculum resources, but there are relatively few researches on the entry point of the development of sports network curriculum resources and which management mode to implement. In order to study the resource development entry point and management performance evaluation of sports network courses, This article uses the method of literature data to consult and refer to various domestic and foreign literature related to this article to study the management performance evaluation of sports network courses. The final results show that the development of physical education network curriculum resources should be based on the design concept of physical education network teaching, starting from physical education teaching materials, and combining the needs of students and schools to excavate and collect curriculum resources. In the experimental research on the performance evaluation of online course resource management, we found that the humanistic management mode and technical management mode of online course resources have a great influence on the performance evaluation of online course resource management. In the management model before the improvement, students choose courses based on their own interests and hobbies. The newly added course resources are more attractive to students, and the number of students who choose them accounts for about 50% of the total number; in the management model after the improvement , The effective management model is more attractive to students, and the number of students who choose the improved old curriculum resources has increased by 5%. Therefore, to manage the online course resources with a scientific and reasonable management mode is the focus of the development of sports online course resources.
Eco-geographic Study of Mahaleb (Prunus Mahaleb. L) in the Middle and Northern Parts of the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Husein Hussam Hag , Tawaklna Mahasen , Bäumler Rupert , Pham Quoc Bao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Mahaleb still exists in most of the eastern Mediterranean forests associated with Cilician fir (Abies cilicica) and Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani). However, there is an importance of conservation of its germplasm in hereditary banks due to their degradation in natural habitats, as well as there is growing interest in expanding Mahaleb cultivation due to its low requirements and endurance of harsh environments.Methods: The study used the approaches of the autecology concepts to study Mahaleb in situ. The field surveys have been conducted on an investigated homogeneous area of about 100m2 to 400m2 as a (relevé area).Results: Mahaleb occurs in its habitat in isolated individuals form and fragile structures of populations that were largely believed to have been in clumped or linear populations. The spatial distribution is restricted to small isolated zones in half-open, treeless or rocky outcrops areas of deciduous forests or rugged areas of barren mountains. The root sprouting seems to be the dominant mode of recruitment. However, all sites showed missing age classes that may indicate human infringement or the failure of recruitment in some years. The spatial distribution showed that Mahaleb exists in different environmental and climatic conditions regarding soil, landscape, rainfall, temperature. This can be attributed to its possession of genetic capabilities that enable it to adapt to varying environmental conditions in addition to the presence of different genotypes or higher taxa such as subspecies or even it may reflect the differences of environmental resilience inside some species themselves.Conclusions: this reflecting Mahaleb's high ability to withstand environmental, thermal, and water stresses. Notable, strong, long roots were found at different depths of soils, some within the joints of the rocks, and this strengthens its role in protecting soil conservation. The geo-distribution of Mahaleb suggests different genotypes or higher taxa such as subspecies or even the differences of environmental resilience inside some species themselves.It is also necessary to predict new potential areas for growth Mahaleb in the eastern Mediterranean to increase production either by introducing its cultivation in unconventional areas or by enhancing its productivity in the areas currently cultivated, which appears to be an important issue soon.
Trust in the Bangladeshi Health System During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Exploration
Authors: Joarder Taufique , Khaled Muhammad Nahian Bin , Zaman Shahaduz 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLack of trust in public health institutions hinders care-seeking and limits community support for contact tracing, information and communication uptake, and multi-sectoral or multi-stakeholder engagement. In light of these understandings, our aim was to determine levels of impersonal and interpersonal trust in the context of COVID-19 pandemic response in Bangladesh.MethodsAs this mixed-methods research was conducted during the pandemic, data was gathered via an online survey involving 508 respondents, along with seven online focus group discussions in which 50 purposively selected male and female clinicians and non-clinicians took part. Quantitative data was subjected to descriptive and comparative analysis, whereas content analysis was applied to the qualitative data.ResultsSurvey respondents have less trust in the health system (a mean score of 3.77/10) than in the service providers (4.95/10). In the context of impersonal trust, the lowest level of trust is observed in the Fairness domain (3.12/10), followed by the Confidence domain (3.38/10). In the context of interpersonal trust, the lowest level of trust is observed in the Fairness domain (3.81/10), followed by the Communication domain (4.83/10). While some non-clinical participants blamed doctors for shying away from caregiving during the early days of the pandemic, most praised them for providing care, risking their life due to the shortage of PPE, and even sacrificing their life in the process. Several participants also cited lack of fairness in pandemic management, such as imposing lockdown in periphery areas of the country without arranging transport for those requiring medical help to the centrally located modern health facilities, and visible attempts by the political decision-makers to protect the business interests without consideration for the safety of the poor. However, both clinicians and non-clinicians concurred on the need for the service providers to improve communication related to COVID-19 management.ConclusionsHealth sector stewards in Bangladesh should learn the lessons from other countries, ensure multi-sectoral engagement involving the community and political forces, and empower public health experts to organize and consolidate a concerted health system effort in gaining trust in the short term while striving to build a resilient and responsive health system in the long term.
Gender and Socioeconomic Disparities in Reasons for Not Smoking Cigarettes Among Danish Adolescents
Authors: Kjeld Simone Gad , Lauemøller Stine Glenstrup , Bast Lotus Sofie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: To examine gender and socioeconomic differences in adolescents’ reasons for not smoking cigarettes using self-reported data from Danish 14-year-olds (N = 1,559) collected in 2018. χ2-tests were used to assess whether the proportion of students who rated 12 statements as important reasons for not smoking cigarettes differed according to gender and family occupational social class (OSC).Results: More girls than boys stated that thinking the taste of cigarettes is disgusting, not being allowed to smoke by parents, knowing smoking is dangerous, not being allowed to smoke before the age of 18, not wanting to be addicted to smoking, and that smoking makes you smell bad were important reasons for choosing not to smoke cigarettes. More boys than girls reported exercising a lot and having a partner that does not smoke as important reasons for not smoking cigarettes. More students with a high OSC compared with a low OSC stated exercising a lot and that smoking makes you smell bad were important reasons. In conclusion, reasons for not smoking cigarettes differed substantially across gender and less according to socioeconomic position.
Relationship of Anthropometric Indices with Rate Pressure Product, Pulse Pressure and Mean Arterial Pressure Among Secondary Adolescents of 12-17 Years
Authors: Katamba Godfrey , Musasizi Abdul , Kinene Mivule Abdul , Namaganda Agnes , Muzaale Francis 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives: To determine the correlation between anthropometric indices and the selected hemodynamic parameters among secondary adolescents aged 12-17 years.Results: Our findings showed weak positive correlation between generally body surface area, neck circumference and conicity index with the hemodynamic parameters (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, resting pulse rate, mean arterial pressure, rate pressure product and pulse pressure). However, the ponderosity index, body mass index and waist hip ratio showed negative weak correlations with the hemodynamic parameters. There was a significant difference in pulse pressure among the BMI categories. All parameters showed significant (p<0.05) differences across the categories of neck circumference and waist hip ratio. Generally, in multivariate regression analysis, anthropometric indices showed significant prediction of the hemodynamic parameters.