bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Using Infant Testing during Immunization to Estimate HIV Mother-to-Child-Transmission Rates in Zambia
Authors: Simbaya Joseph , Funjika Patricia , Moonga Arthur , Mwale John , Kankasa Chipepo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background : This study piloted the feasibility of infant testing in immunization services as a strategy for estimating MTCT rates among the population of HIV exposed infants in Zambia. Methods : The study recruited a cross-sectional sample of 8,042 caregiver-baby pairs in 38 high volume immunization sites in 7 towns across 3 provinces of Zambia. All mothers who brought their children below the age of one year for immunization at the study facilities were invited to participate in the study. All consenting mothers were interviewed and blood drawn from their babies for; rapid HIV antibody test to determine exposure and DNA PCR test for samples of all HIV-exposed babies to determine HIV infection. Results : Of 8,042 recruited caregiver-baby pairs, 1,409 (17.5 %) babies were HIV-exposed. Approximately 90.2 percent of all mothers of HIV exposed infants reported that they attended ANC visits more than two times and facility based deliveries stood at 91.6 percent. Exclusive breastfeeding among HIV exposed infants reduced with increase in age of infant; it was highest at 6 weeks (82.2 %) followed by 10 weeks (74.0 %) and 14 weeks (58.2 %) . MTCT rates were relatively lower than what was reported before at 4.7 percent among Penta 1 seekers, 2.8 percent among Penta 2 seekers, 2.1 percent among Penta 3 seekers and 5.0 percent among Measles vaccination seekers. The overall MTCT rate stood at 3.8 percent. About 48.1 percent of HIV positive babies were male compared to 51.9 percent females. Babies of mothers below the age of 25 years accounted almost half (51.9 %) of all HIV infected babies in the study. Reported exclusive breastfeeding among HIV positive babies was 77.8 percent for Penta 1 seekers, 75.0 percent for Penta 2 seekers and 100 percent for Penta 3 seekers. Conclusion: The study succeeded in estimating MTCT rates using infant testing in immunization services, demonstrating that it is feasible to use routine infant testing in immunization services as a strategy for estimating MTCT rates among the population of HIV-exposed infants in countries with high HIV burden and immunization coverage.
The awareness, visibility and support for young carers across Europe: a Delphi study
Authors: Nap Henk Herman , Hoefman Renske , de Jong Nynke , Lovink Lieke , Glimmerveen Ludo , Lewis Feylyn , Santini Sara , D’Amen Barbara , Socci Marco , Boccaletti Licia , Casu Giulia , Manattini Alessandra , Brolin Rosita , Sirk Karina , Hlebec Valentina , Rakar Tatjana , Hudobivnik Tjasa , Leu Agnes , Berger Fabian , Magnusson Lennart , Hanson Elizabeth 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Across Europe there is limited attention paid in media, policy and empirical research to the situation of young carers (YCs) and their needs for support, while similarly to adult carers, they provide care to ill family members. The Delphi study, a qualitative research methodology, which provides the focus for this article, had the overall aim of exploring existing successful strategies to support YCs. Compared to YCs, even less is known about AYCs (Adolescent Young Carers), a group that is in a critical life transition phase. The study forms part of an EU Horizon 2020 funded research project on AYCs aged 15-17 years. MethodsA two-round Delphi study was conducted with 66 experts on YCs from 10 European countries. Topics included: (1) visibility and awareness raising of YCs at local, regional, and national levels, (2) current interventions to support YCs, and (3) future strategies to support YCs. ResultsExperts reported that there is a lack of visibility and awareness about YCs in general and AYCs in particular. Although awareness is slowly increasing in most countries, with the UK ranked highest, experts acknowledged that it remains challenging to identify YCs in many countries. Furthermore, the level and type of support available for YCs differs, with most countries mainly offering support on a local level. Diverse views were expressed regarding future strategies to support YCs. Experts highlighted the importance of specific legislation to formalize the rights of YCs, and the issue of whether young people should be safeguarded from caregiving or if this is part of regular family life. They also emphasised the relevance of available integrated support services for YCs, including schools, family, health and social care.Conclusion(s) with key messageIn most European countries, there is a lack of awareness and visibility on YCs. Identification of YCs is a crucial first step and a common definition of YCs is called for, together with greater opportunities for young adults to identify themselves as YCs.StatementIdentification alone is not sufficient, rather recognition of YCs by society is needed combined with the necessary resources to ensure integrated YC friendly support services.
RNAi mediated silencing of Nanog expression suppresses the growth of human colorectal cancer stem cells
Authors: Zhang Chen , Zhao Yuanyuan , Yang Yongjing , Zhong Chunlian , Ji Tianju , Duan Jinyue , Wang Yi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world known for its poor recurrence-free prognosis. Previous studies have shown that it is closely linked with cancer stem cells (CSCs), which have self-renewal potential and the capacity to differentiate into diverse populations. Nanog is an important transcription factor that functions to maintain the self-renewal and proliferation of embryonic stem cells; however, many recent studies have shown that Nanog is also highly expressed in many cancer stem cells. Methods: To investigate whether Nanog plays a crucial role in maintaining the stemness of colorectal CSCs (CCSCs), RNA interference was used to downregulate Nanog expression in the CRC stem cell line, EpCAM + CD44 + HCT-116. We examined the anti-tumor function of Nanog in vitro and in vivo, using small interfering RNA. Results: Our results revealed that the Nanog mRNA expression level in CCSCs was higher than that in HCT-116 cells. We found that the depletion of Nanog inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in EpCAM + CD44 + HCT-116 cells. In addition, the invasive ability of EpCAM + CD44 + HCT-116 cells was markedly restricted when Nanog was silenced by small interfering RNA. Furthermore, we found that the silencing of Nanog decreased tumor size and weight and improved the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice. Conclusions: In conclusion, these findings collectively demonstrate that Nanog, which is highly expressed in CRC stem cells, is a key factor in the development of tumor growth, and it may serve as a potential marker of prognosis and a novel and effective therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC.
Outcomes of Treatment With CHOP and EPOCH in Patients With HIV Associated NHL in a Low Resource Setting
Authors: Okello Clement Dove , Omoding Abrahams , Ddungu Henry , Mulumba Yusuf , Orem Jackson 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The optimal chemotherapy regimen for treating HIV associated NHL in low resource settings is unknown. We conducted a retrospective study to describe survival rates, treatment response rates and adverse events in patients with HIV associated NHL treated with CHOP and dose adjusted-EPOCH regimens at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Methods: A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with HIV and lymphoma and treated at the Uganda Cancer Institute from 2016 – 2018 was done. Results: One hundred eight patients treated with CHOP and 12 patients treated with DA-EPOCH were analysed. Patients completing 6 or more cycles of chemotherapy were 51 (47%) in the CHOP group and 8 (67%) in the DA-EPOCH group. One year overall survival (OS) rate in patients treated with CHOP was 54.5% (95% CI, 42.8 – 64.8) and 80.2% (95% CI, 40.3 – 94.8) in those treated with DA-EPOCH. Factors associated with favourable survival were BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m 2 , (p=0.03) and completion of 6 or more cycles of chemotherapy, (p<0.001). The overall response rate was 40% in the CHOP group and 59% in the DA-EPOCH group. Severe adverse events occurred in 19 (18%) patients in the CHOP group and 3 (25%) in the DA-EPOCH group; these were neutropenia (CHOP=13, 12%; DA-EPOCH=2, 17%), anaemia (CHOP=12, 12%; DA-EPOCH=1, 8%), thrombocytopenia (CHOP=7, 6%; DA-EPOCH=0), sepsis (CHOP=1), treatment related death (DA-EPOCH=1) and hepatic encephalopathy (CHOP=1). Conclusion: Treatment of HIV associated NHL with curative intent using CHOP and infusional DA-EPOCH is feasible in low resource settings and associated with >50% one year survival.
Evaluation of Small Bowel Motion and Feasibility of using the Peritoneal Space to Replace Bowel Loops for Dose Constraints during Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Li Siyuan , Gong Yanping , Yang Yongqiang , Guo Qi , Qian Jianjun , Tian Ye 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

The goal of this study was to assess small bowel motion and explore the feasibility of using peritoneal space (PS) to replace bowel loops (BL) via the dose constraint method to spare the small bowel during intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for rectal cancer.

Methods

A total of 24 patients with rectal cancer who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy were selected. Weekly repeat CT scans from pre-treatment to the fourth week of treatment were acquired and defined as Plan, 1W, 2W, 3W, and 4W. BL and PS contours were delineated in all of the scans. Two IMRT plans called P PS and P BL were designed on Plan CT using two dose PS and BL constraint methods, respectively, and then copied to CT 1~4W. The shift%, dose volume, and NTCP of the small bowel in P PS and P BL during treatment were evaluated.

Results

Overall, 109 sets of CT scans from 24 patients were acquired, and 218 plans were designed and copied. The PS and BL volumes were 1339.28 cc and 250.27 cc. The BL and PS shift% V 15 was 28.48% and 11.79% ( p =0.000), which was less in the prone position than in the supine position (25.24% vs 32.10%, p =0.000; 9.9% vs 14.85%, p =0.000). On all of the CT scans, most P PS small bowel dose volumes were less than from P BL . V 15 was 170.07 cc vs 178.58 cc ( p =0.000), and they had a significant correlation. The NTCP of chronic and acute side effects from P PS was significantly less than P BL (2.80% vs 3.00%, p =0.018; 57.32% vs 58.64%, p =0.000).

Conclusions

This study indicated that small bowel motion may lead to uncertainties in its dose volume and NTCP evaluation during IMRT for rectal cancer. The BL movements were significantly greater than PS, and the prone position was significantly less than the supine position. Using PS instead of BL can spare the small bowel. V 15 <830 cc is the dose constraint standard.
Levels, Trends and Determinants of Technical Efficiency of General Hospitals in Uganda: Data Envelopment Analysis and Tobit Regression Analysis
Authors: Ayiko Rogers , Mujasi Paschal N. , Abaliwano Joyce , Turyareeba Dickson , Enyaku Rogers , Anguyo Robert , Odoch Walter , Bakibinga Pauline , Aliti Tom 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: General hospitals provide a wide range of primary and secondary healthcare services. They accounted for 38% of government funding to health facilities, 8.8% of outpatient department visits and 28% of admissions in Uganda in the financial year (FY) 2016/17. We assessed the levels, trends and determinants of technical efficiency of general hospitals in Uganda from FY 2012/13 to FY 2016/17. Methods: We undertook input-oriented Data Envelopment Analysis to estimate technical efficiency of 78 general hospitals using data abstracted from the Annual Health Sector Performance Reports for FYs 2012/13, 2014/15 and 2016/17. Trends in technical efficiency was analysed using Excel while determinants of technical efficiency were analysed using Tobit Regression Model in STATA 15.1. Results: Average Constant Returns to Scale, Variable Returns to Scale and Scale Efficiency of general hospitals for FY 2016/17 were 49% (95% CI, 44% - 54%), 69% (95% CI, 65% - 74%) and 70% (95% CI, 65% - 75%) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the efficiency scores of public and private hospitals. Technical efficiency generally increased from FY 2012/13 to 2014/15, and dropped by FY 2016/17. Some hospitals were persistently efficient while others were inefficient over this period. Hospital size, geographical location, training status and average length of stay were statistically significant determinants of efficiency at 5% level of significance.Conclusion: The 69% average variable returns to scale technical efficiency indicates that the hospitals could generate the same volume of outputs using 31% (3,439) less staff and 31% (3,539) less beds. Benchmarking performance of the efficient hospitals would help to guide performance improvement in the inefficient ones. There is need to incorporate hospital size, geographical location, training status and average length of stay in the resource allocation formula and adopt annual hospital efficiency assessments.
Nationwide population-based cohort study of adverse obstetric outcomes in pregnancies with myoma or following myomectomy: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Se Jin , Ko Hyun Sun , Na Sunghun , Bae Jin Young , Seong Won Joon , Kim Jong Woon , Shin Jaeeun , Cho Hae Joong , Choi Gyu Yeon , Kim Jinsil , Cho Geum Joon , Park In Yang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Our objective was to evaluate risks of adverse obstetric outcomes in pregnancies with myoma(s) or in pregnancies following myomectomy.Methods: We analyzed the national health insurance database, which covers almost the entire Korean population, between 2004 and 2015. The risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies with myoma(s) or in pregnancies following myomectomy, compared to those in women without a diagnosed myoma, were analyzed in multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results: During the study period, 38,402 women with diagnosed myoma(s), 9,890 women with a history of myomectomy, and 740,675 women without a diagnosed myoma gave birth. Women with a history of diagnosed myoma(s) and women with a history of myomectomy had significantly higher risks of cesarean section (aOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.1-1.16 and aOR 7.46, 95% CI 6.97-7.98, respectively) and placenta previa (aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.29-1.54 and aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.35-1.83, respectively), compared to women without a diagnosed myoma. And the risk of uterine rupture was significantly higher in women with previous myomectomy (aOR 12.78, 95% CI 6.5-25.13), compared to women without a diagnosed myoma, which was much increased (aOR 41.35, 95% CI 16.18-105.69) in nulliparous women. The incidence of uterine rupture was the highest at delivery within one year after myomectomy and decreased over time after myomectomy. Conclusions: Women with a history of myomectomy had significantly higher risks of cesarean section and placenta previa compared to women without a diagnosed myoma.
Analysis across diverse fish species highlights no conserved transcriptome signature for proactive behaviour.
Authors: Planellas Sonia Rey , Jin Xingkun , Damsgard Borge , Begout Marie-Laure , Mackenzie Simon 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundConsistent individual differences in behaviour, known as animal personalities, have been demonstrated within and across species. In fish, studies applying an animal personality approach have been used to resolve variation in physiological and molecular data suggesting a linkage, genotype-phenotype, between behaviour and transcriptome regulation. In this study, using three fish species (zebrafish; Danio rerio, Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar and European sea bass; Dicentrarchus labrax), we firstly address whether personality-specific mRNA transcript abundances are transferrable across distantly-related fish species and secondly whether a proactive transcriptome signature is conserved across all three species.ResultsPrevious zebrafish transcriptome data was used as a foundation to produce a curated list of mRNA transcripts related to animal personality across all three species. mRNA transcript copy numbers for selected gene targets show that differential mRNA transcript abundance in the brain appears to be partially conserved across species relative to personality type. Secondly, we performed RNA-Seq using whole brains from S. salar and D. labrax scoring positively for both behavioural and molecular assays for proactive behaviour. We further enriched this dataset by incorporating a zebrafish brain transcriptome dataset specific to the proactive phenotype. Our results indicate that cross-species molecular signatures related to proactive behaviour are functionally conserved where shared functional pathways suggest that evolutionary convergence may be more important than individual mRNAs.ConclusionsOur data supports the proposition that highly polygenic clusters of genes, with small additive effects, likely support the underpinning molecular variation related to the animal personalities in the fish used in this study. The polygenic nature of the proactive brain transcriptome across all three species questions the existence of specific molecular signatures for proactive behaviour, at least at the granularity of specific regulatory gene modules, level of genes, gene networks and molecular functions.
Circular DNA intermediates in the generation of large human segmental duplications.
Authors: Chicote Javier Ugarte , López-Sánchez Marcos , Marquès-Bonet Tomàs , Callizo José , Pérez-Jurado Luis Alberto , Garcia-España Antonio 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Duplications of large genomic segments provide genetic diversity in genome evolution. Despite their importance, how these duplications are generated remains uncertain, particularly for distant duplicated genomic segments.

Results

Here we provide evidence of the participation of circular DNA intermediates in the single generation of some large human segmental duplications. A specific reversion of sequence order from A-B / C-D to B-A / D-C between duplicated segments and the presence of only microhomologies and short indels at the evolutionary breakpoints suggest a circularization of the donor ancestral locus and an accidental replicative interaction with the acceptor locus.

Conclusions

This novel mechanism of random genomic mutation could explain several distant genomic duplications including some of the ones that took place during recent human evolution.
Cluster analysis in 975 patients with current cough identifies a phenotype with several cough triggers, many background disorders, and low quality of life
Authors: Koskela Heikki Olavi , Selander Tuomas A , Lätti Anne M 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Recognition of disorder phenotypes may help to estimate prognosis and to guide the clinical management. Current cough management guidelines classify patients according to the duration of the cough episode. However, this classification is not based on phenotype analyses. The present study aimed to identify cough phenotypes by clustering.

Methods

An email survey among employed, working-age subjects identified 975 patients with current cough. All filled in a comprehensive 80-item questionnaire including the Leicester Cough Questionnaire. Phenotypes were identified utilizing K-means partitional clustering. A subgroup filled in a follow-up questionnaire 12 months later to investigate the possible differences in the prognosis between the phenotypes.

Results

Two clusters were found. The cluster A included 608 patients (62.4% of the population) and the cluster B 367 patients (37.6%). The three most important variables to separate the clusters were the number of the triggers of cough (mean 2.63 (SD 2.22) vs . 6.95 (2.30), respectively, p<0.001), the number of the cough background disorders (chronic rhinosinusitis, current asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, 0.29 (0.50) vs . 1.28 (0.75), respectively, p<0.001), and the Leicester Cough Questionnaire physical domain (5.33 (0.76) vs . 4.25 (0.84), respectively, p<0.001). There were significant interrelationships between these three variables (each p<0.001). Duration of the episode was not among the most important variables to separate the clusters. At 12 months, 27.0% of the patients of the cluster A and 46.1% of the patients of the cluster B suffered from cough that had continued without interruptions from the first survey (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Two cough phenotypes could be identified. Cluster A represents phenotype A, which includes the majority of patients and has a tendency to heal by itself. The authors propose that cluster B represents phenotype TBQ (Triggers, Background disorders, Quality of life impairment). Given the poor prognosis of this phenotype, it urges a prompt and comprehensive clinical evaluation regardless of the duration of the cough episode.
The Treatment of Microbubble Disease of 20th Century Cellulose Acetate Microfilm: Application of Ethyecellulose and Microrepair Method&nbsp;
Authors: Jia Zhihui , Li Jing , Li Yuhu , Qi Yunpeng , Hu Daodao , Xing Huiping , Chao Xiaolian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Microbubble disease observed in cellulose acetate microfilm was accompanied by the production of vinegar syndrome, which has a negative influence on the integrity of image. In the present study, cellulose acetate microfilm with microbubble disease from the Republic of China (AD 1912-1949) collected in the Second Historical Archives of China was chosen as a prototype to investigate its treatment methods. A combination of optical microscopy and a stainless-steel needle was used to remove plasticizer exudation within microbubbles. The plasticizer was effectively removed by infiltrating butan-1-ol into the microbubble from a small hole made by the stainless-steel needle. The SEM and laser confocal microscopy were used to study the morphology and roughness of the internal surface of microbubble. It was found that the blurry image could be attributed to the light scattering from the rough surface. Based on the advantages of ethyl cellulose in conservation science, the optimal concentration of ethyl cellulose was selected and used to fill the interior of the microbubble to obtain a clearer image. To determine the protective potential of this filling material, the chemical and mechanical properties of coated film after dry heat, hygrothermal and UV accelerated ageing were measured. Based on the above-mentioned results, it is encouraging that a new microrepair method and its corresponding method are offered in film treatment work.