bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of pesticide usage in agriculture in rural Tanzania call for integrating agricultural and public health practices in managing insecticide-resistance in malaria vectors
Authors: Matowo Nancy S. , Tanner Marcel , Munhenga Givemore , Mapua Salum A. , Finda Marceline , Utzinger Jürg , Ngowi Vera , Okumu Fredros O. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Unrestricted use of pesticides in agriculture is likely to increase insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors. Unfortunately, strategies for managing insecticide resistance in agriculture and public health sectors lack integration. This study explored the types and usage of agricultural pesticides, and awareness and management practices among retailers and farmers in Ulanga and Kilombero districts in south-eastern Tanzania, where Anopheles mosquitoes are resistant to pyrethroids.

Methods
An exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach was employed. First, a survey to characterize pesticide stocks was conducted in agricultural and veterinary (agrovet) retail stores. Interviews to assess general knowledge and practices regarding agricultural pesticides were performed with 17 retailers and 30 farmers, followed by a survey involving 427 farmers. Concurrently, field observations were done to validate the results.

Results
Lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin (both pyrethroids) and imidacloprids (neonicotinoids) were the most common agricultural insecticides sold to farmers. The herbicide glyphosate (amino-phosphonates) (59.0%), and the fungicides dithiocarbamate and acylalanine (54.5%), and organochlorine (27.3%) were also readily available in the agrovet shops and widely used by farmers. Although both retailers and farmers had at least primary-level education and recognized pesticides by their trade names, they lacked knowledge on pest control or proper usage of these pesticides. Most of the farmers (54.4%, n = 316) relied on instructions from pesticides dealers. Overall, 93.7% (400) farmers practised pesticides mixing in their farms, often in close proximity to water sources. One-third of the farmers disposed of their pesticide leftovers (30.0%, n = 128) and most farmers discarded empty pesticide containers into rivers or nearby bushes (55.7%, n = 238).

Conclusion
Similarities of active ingredients used in agriculture and malaria vector control, poor pesticide management practices and low-levels of awareness among farmers and pesticides retailers might enhance the selection of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. This study emphasizes the need for improving awareness among retailers and farmers on proper usage and management of pesticides. The study also highlights the need for an integrated approach, including coordinated education on pesticide use, to improve the overall management of insecticide resistance in both agricultural and public health sectors.
Health-related quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome attending to a tertiary hospital in Southeastern Spain: a case-control study
Authors: Sánchez-Ferrer María L. , Adoamnei Evdochia , Prieto-Sánchez María T. , Mendiola Jaime , Corbalán-Biyang Shiana , Moñino-García Miriam , Palomar-Rodríguez Joaquín A. , Torres-Cantero Alberto M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic condition with symptoms affecting many women at reproductive age and evaluating their health-related quality of Life (HRQoL) is an important issue. Moreover, differences in the HRQoL between women with different PCOS phenotypes have never been analyzed. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare the HRQoL between women with PCOS -and its phenotypes- and controls attending to a tertiary hospital.

Methods
A group of 117 women with PCOS and 153 controls were studied between 2014 and 2016. Controls were women without PCOS attending the gynecological outpatient clinic for routine examinations. Cases were women attending the same setting and diagnosed with PCOS. PCOS diagnose was performed following the Rotterdam Criteria and women were further classified by anovulatory or ovulatory phenotypic subtype. Women underwent physical and gynecological exams and completed health questionnaires including the Short Form-12v2. Eight scales and two component summary scores [Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS), respectively] were calculated. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess differences in HRQoL between women with PCOS and controls.

Results
All women with PCOS and anovulatory PCOS presented lower score in PCS compared to controls [mean (95%CI): 53.7 (52.5–54.9) and 52.9 (51.5–54.4) vs. 55.8 (54.8–56.8); p-values< 0.01], as well as lower scores for five out of the eight scales (p-values < 0.05) after adjusting by age, body mass index, infertility, educational level and current occupation. No significant differences were observed for the MCS between women with or without PCOS or its phenotypic subtypes.

Conclusions
HRQoL was significantly decreased in adult women with PCOS and its anovulatory phenotype compared to controls attending the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. These results may have implications for the clinical practice and suggest the need for specific interventions in women with PCOS.
A comprehensive study on the oncogenic mutation and molecular pathology in Chinese lung adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Zhang Xilin , Jiang Yan , Yu Huanming , Xia Hui , Wang Xiang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Several genetic driver alterations have been identified in micropapillary lung adenocarcinoma (MPA). However, the frequency of co-alteration of ROS1, EGFR, and EML4-ALK is yet unclear. Herein, we investigated the relationship between clinicopathologic characteristics and well-identified driver mutations of MPA compared with non-micropapillary lung adenocarcinoma (LA).

Methods
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections derived from lung adenocarcinoma patients who never received adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy prior to surgical resection were collected from October 2016 to June 2019. EGFR mutations, ROS1 rearrangements, and EML4-ALK fusion were identified in a set of 131 MPA and LA cases by using the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS). The response rate and duration of response were assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1).

Results
EGFR mutations had occurred in 42 (76.4%) MPA patients and 42 (55.3%) LA patients. Interestingly, ROS1 rearrangements were highly enriched only in the MPA cases (6/55, 10.9%) but rarely in the LA cases (1/76, 1.3%). Furthermore, 7.3% (4/55) MPA samples had double gene mutations, while only 1.3% (1/76) LA cases had double gene alterations. Of 5 patients with harboring two driver oncogene mutations, four patients (80%) obtained partial response, and one patient (20%) suffered recurrence.

Conclusions
A higher prevalence of ROS1 rearrangement or combined mutations of ROS1, EGFR, and EML4-ALK may play a critical role in the tumorigenesis of MPA. These findings provide a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with malignant MPA through combining TKIs than one TKI.
The impact of physical activity on healthy ageing trajectories: evidence from eight cohort studies
Authors: Moreno-Agostino Darío , Daskalopoulou Christina , Wu Yu-Tzu , Koukounari Artemis , Haro Josep Maria , Tyrovolas Stefanos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Prince Martin , Prina A. Matthew 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Research has suggested the positive impact of physical activity on health and wellbeing in older age, yet few studies have investigated the associations between physical activity and heterogeneous trajectories of healthy ageing. We aimed to identify how physical activity can influence healthy ageing trajectories using a harmonised dataset of eight ageing cohorts across the world.

Methods
Based on a harmonised dataset of eight ageing cohorts in Australia, USA, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and Europe, comprising 130,521 older adults (Mage = 62.81, SDage = 10.06) followed-up up to 10 years (Mfollow-up = 5.47, SDfollow-up = 3.22), we employed growth mixture modelling to identify latent classes of people with different trajectories of healthy ageing scores, which incorporated 41 items of health and functioning. Multinomial logistic regression modelling was used to investigate the associations between physical activity and different types of trajectories adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and other lifestyle behaviours.

Results
Three latent classes of healthy ageing trajectories were identified: two with stable trajectories with high (71.4%) or low (25.2%) starting points and one with a high starting point but a fast decline over time (3.4%). Engagement in any level of physical activity was associated with decreased odds of being in the low stable (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.19) and fast decline trajectories groups (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.50) compared to the high stable trajectory group. These results were replicated with alternative physical activity operationalisations, as well as in sensitivity analyses using reduced samples.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest a positive impact of physical activity on healthy ageing, attenuating declines in health and functioning. Physical activity promotion should be a key focus of healthy ageing policies to prevent disability and fast deterioration in health.
Possible role of plasma Galectin-9 levels as a surrogate marker of viremia in HIV infected patients on antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings
Authors: Shete Ashwini , Dhayarkar Sampada , Dhamanage Ashwini , Kulkarni Smita , Ghate Manisha , Sangle Shashikala , Medhe Uttam , Verma Vinita , Rajan Shobini , Hattori Toshio , Gangakhedkar Raman 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Early detection of viremia in HIV infected patients on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is important to prevent disease progression as well as accumulation of drug resistance mutations. This makes HIV viral load (VL) monitoring indispensable in HIV infected patients on ART. However VL, being an expensive test, results in heavy financial burden on health services. Hence, cheaper surrogate markers of viremia are desired to reduce overall cost of management of HIV infected patients.

Methods
We enrolled aviremic (n = 63, M:F = 31:32) and viremic (n = 43, M:F = 21:22) HIV infected patients at 1 year after ART initiation. Viremic individuals were identified as those having a plasma VL of more than 1000 copies/µl and aviremic individuals as less than 40 copies/µl. The study participants also included immuno-virologically discordant patients as they demonstrate differential degrees of immune-reconstitution and are likely to harbour concomitant infections influencing levels of immune-activation markers screened as the surrogate markers. Immune activation markers viz. plasma hs-CRP, soluble-CD14 and Galectin-9 levels were estimated by ELISA, IL-6 by luminex assay and percentages of CD38+ CD8+ cells were determined by flow cytometry. The levels were compared between viremic and aviremic patients and correlated with plasma viral load. Receiver operated curve (ROC) analysis was done for plasma Galectin-9 levels.

Results
Viremic patients had significantly higher levels of Galectin-9 and %CD38+ CD8+ cells (p values < 0.0001) than aviremic patients. Levels of the other activation markers did not differ between viremic and aviremic individuals. Galectin-9 levels (r = 0.76) and %CD38+ CD8+ cells (r = 0.39) correlated positively with VL. Area under curve for Galectin-9 levels for distinguishing between viremic and aviremic individuals was 0.98. Youden index, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for Galectin-9 levels were 0.87, 0.97, 0.90, 0.87 and 0.98, respectively, at the cut-off value of 5.79 ng/ml.

Conclusions
Plasma Galectin-9 levels could identify viremic individuals with sensitivity and specificity of more than 90%. Thus, they showed a potential to serve as a surrogate marker of viremia in HIV infected patients on ART and would have cost implications on HIV management especially in resource-limited settings. However, the findings need to be confirmed in the patients on ART for different durations of time.
Determinants of undisclosed HIV status to a community-based HIV program: findings from caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children in Tanzania
Authors: Charles John , Exavery Amon , Barankena Asheri , Kuhlik Erica , Mubyazi Godfrey M. , Abdul Ramadhani , Koler Alison , Kikoyo Levina , Jere Elizabeth 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundHIV status disclosure facilitates receipt of HIV prevention and treatment services. Although disclosure to sexual partners, family members or friends has been extensively studied, disclosure to community-based HIV programs is missing. This study assesses the magnitude of, and factors associated with undisclosed HIV status to a community-based HIV prevention program among caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Tanzania.MethodsData are from the USAID-funded Kizazi Kipya project that seeks to increase uptake of HIV, health, and social services by OVC and their caregivers in Tanzania. Data on OVC caregivers who were enrolled in the project during January–March 2017 in 18 regions of Tanzania were analyzed. Caregivers included were those who had complete information on their HIV status disclosure, household socioeconomic status, and sociodemographic characteristics. HIV status was self-reported, with undisclosed status representing all those who knew their HIV status but did not disclose it. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression, with caregivers’ HIV status disclosure being the outcome variable was conducted.ResultsThe analysis was based on 59,683 OVC caregivers (mean age = 50.4 years), 71.2% of whom were female. Of these, 37.2% did not disclose their HIV status to the USAID Kizazi Kipya program at the time of enrollment. Multivariate analysis showed that the likelihood of HIV status non-disclosure was significantly higher among: male caregivers (odds ratio (OR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.28); unmarried (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.23); widowed (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.18); those without health insurance (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.28–1.45); age 61 + years (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.59–1.88); those with physical or mental disability (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.25); and rural residents (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.34–1.86). HIV status non-disclosure was less likely with higher education (p < 0.001); and with better economic status (p < 0.001).ConclusionWhile improved education, economic strengthening support and expanding health insurance coverage appear to improve HIV status disclosure, greater attention may be required for men, unmarried, widowed, rural residents, and the elderly populations for their higher likelihood to conceal HIV status. This is a clear missed opportunity for timely care and treatment services for those that may be HIV positive. Further support is needed to support disclosure in this population.
Genetic variability, phylogeny and functional implication of the long control region in human papillomavirus type 16, 18 and 58 in Chengdu, China
Authors: Fang Liyuan , Lin Xiaoli , Yang Yasi , Song Zhilin , Ding Xianping , Tan Liping , Gao Peng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Long control region (LCR) of human papillomavirus (HPV) has shown multiple functions on regulating viral transcription. The variations of LCR related to different lineages/sub-lineages have been found to affect viral persistence and cervical cancer progression differently. In this study, we focused on gene polymorphism of HPV16/18/58 LCR to assess the effect variations caused on transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) and provided more data for further study of LCR in Southwest China.

Methods
LCR of HPV16/18/58 were amplified and sequenced to do polymorphic and phylogenetic anlysis. Sequences of each type were aligned with the reference sequence by MEGA 6.0 to identify SNPs. Neighbor-joining phylogenetic trees were constructed using MEGA 6.0. Transcription factor binding sites were predicted by JASPAR database.

Results
The prevalence of these three HPVs ranked as HPV16 (12.8%) > HPV58 (12.6%) > HPV18 (3.5%) in Chengdu, Southwest China. 59 SNPs were identified in HPV16-LCR, 18 of them were novel mutations. 30 SNP were found in HPV18-LCR, 8 of them were novel. 55 SNPs were detected in HPV58-LCR, 18 of them were novel. Also, an insertion (CTTGTCAGTTTC) was detected in HPV58-LCR between position 7279 and 7280. As shown in the neighbor-joining phylogenetic trees, most isolates of HPV16/18/58 were clustered into lineage A. In addition, one isolate of HPV16 was classified into lineage C and 3 isolates of HPV58 were classified as lineage B. JASPAR results suggested that TFBS were potentially influenced by 7/6 mutations on LCR of HPV16/18. The insertion and 5 mutations were shown effects in LCR of HPV58.

Conclusion
This study provides more data for understanding the relation among LCR mutations, lineages and carcinogenesis. It also helps performing further study to demonstrate biological function of LCR and find potential marker for diagnosis and therapy.
A response to the letter to the editor by Driscoll et al.
Authors: Saber Anne T. , Poulsen Sarah S. , Hadrup Niels , Jacobsen Nicklas R. , Vogel Ulla 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn response to the Letter to the Editor by Kevin Driscoll et al., we certainly agree that particle clearance halftimes are increased with increasing lung burden in rats, hamsters and mice, whereas complete inhibition of particle clearance has only been observed in rats, and only at high particle concentrations (50 mg/m3). Where we disagree with Kevin Driscoll and colleagues, is on the implications of the increased clearance halftimes observed at higher lung burden. We argue that it does not hamper the extrapolations from relatively high dose levels to lower dose levels.Furthermore, we highlight, again, the challenges of detecting particle-induced lung cancer in epidemiological studies where occupational, particle-induced lung cancer has to be detected on top of the background lung cancer incidence. Almost all available epidemiological studies on carbon black and titanium dioxide suffer from a number of limitations, including lack of control for smoking, the use of background population cancer rates as reference in the US studies, lack of information regarding particle size of the exposure, and incomplete follow-up for cause of death of the study population.
Comment on Saber et al. (2019), “Commentary: the chronic inhalation study in rats for assessing lung cancer risk may be better than its reputation”
Authors: Driscoll Kevin E. , Borm Paul A. , Chaudhuri Ishrat , Levy Len , Yong Mei , Warheit David , McCunney Robert , Oberdörster Günter 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn their Commentary Saber et al. (Part Fibre Toxicol 16: 44, 2019) argue that chronic inhalation studies in rats can be used for assessing the lung cancer risk of insoluble nanomaterials. The authors make several significant errors in their interpretation and representation of the underlying science. In this Letter to the Editor we discuss these inaccuracies to correct the scientific record. When the science is recounted accurately it does not support Saber et al’s statements and conclusions.
Ovarian cancer: diagnostic accuracy and tumor types distribution in East Africa compared to North America
Authors: Rambau Peter F. , Köbel Martin , Tilley Derek , Mremi Alex , Lukande Robert , Muller William 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Ovarian cancer is a spectrum of several histologically distinct tumor types that differ in etiology, response to therapy, and prognosis. In resource-limited settings, the diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be challenging. This study describes the distribution of ovarian cancer tumor types in East Africa as well as assessing the diagnostic accuracy by using contemporary methods.

Methods
Data from 210 women identified from the records with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in a period of 15 years were included. Two tissue microarrays were constructed and stained with 20 antibodies relevant to ovarian cancer subtyping. An integrated diagnosis was reached by the review of full Haematoxylin and Eosin stained sections, with consideration of immunohistochemical results. The integrated diagnoses were compared with the original diagnoses, and the degree of agreement was evaluated by percentage and Kappa statistics.

Results
Though limited by selection bias, the results suggest lower rates of ovarian cancer in East Africa compared to a North American population from Alberta, Canada. There was a higher proportion of sex cord stromal tumors and germ cell tumors in the East African population. Diagnostic accuracy for main ovarian tumor type categories was substantial (Kappa 0.70), but only fair for specific ovarian carcinoma histotypes (Kappa 0.34). Poor Haematoxylin and Eosin stain was the main factor hindering the correct diagnosis, which was not related to tissue processing.

Conclusions
In a resource-limited setting, where immunohistochemistry is not routinely carried out, diagnostic accuracy for the main categories of ovarian carcinoma is substantial and could be further improved by standardization of the basic Haematoxylin and Eosin stain.
A data workflow to support plant breeding decisions from a terrestrial field-based high-throughput plant phenotyping system
Authors: Thompson Alison L. , Thorp Kelly R. , Conley Matthew M. , Roybal Michael , Moller David , Long Jacob C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractField-based high-throughput plant phenotyping (FB-HTPP) has been a primary focus for crop improvement to meet the demands of a growing population in a changing environment. Over the years, breeders, geneticists, physiologists, and agronomists have been able to improve the understanding between complex dynamic traits and plant response to changing environmental conditions using FB-HTPP. However, the volume, velocity, and variety of data captured by FB-HTPP can be problematic, requiring large data stores, databases, and computationally intensive data processing pipelines. To be fully effective, FB-HTTP data workflows including applications for database implementation, data processing, and data interpretation must be developed and optimized. At the US Arid Land Agricultural Center in Maricopa Arizona, USA a data workflow was developed for a terrestrial FB-HTPP platform that utilized a custom Python application and a PostgreSQL database. The workflow developed for the HTPP platform enables users to capture and organize data and verify data quality before statistical analysis. The data from this platform and workflow were used to identify plant lodging and heat tolerance, enhancing genetic gain by improving selection accuracy in an upland cotton breeding program. An advantage of this platform and workflow was the increased amount of data collected throughout the season, while a main limitation was the start-up cost.