bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HPV self-sampling acceptability in rural and indigenous communities in Guatemala: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Murchland Audrey R. , Gottschlich Anna , Bevilacqua Kristin , Pineda Andres , Sandoval-Ramírez Berner Andrée , Alvarez Christian S , Ogilvie Gina S , Carey Thomas E , Prince Mark , Dean Michael , Mendoza Montano Carlos , Rivera-Andrade Alvaro , Meza Rafael 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionCervical cancer disproportionately burdens low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Guatemala. Self-collection testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) has been suggested as a form of cervical cancer screening to facilitate access in LMICs. This study assessed and compared the acceptability of self-collection HPV testing in two rural, indigenous and ethnically distinct communities in Guatemala: Santiago Atitlán, Sololá and Livingston, Izabal.MethodsAll participants, women between the ages of 18 and 60, completed a questionnaire. Eligible participants were also asked to self-collect a vaginal sample and complete a questionnaire regarding comfort and acceptability. Self-collected samples were tested for high-risk HPV using the real-time PCR Hybribio kit.ResultsIn the indigenous community of Santiago Atitlán, of 438 age-eligible participants, 94% completed self-collection. Of those, 81% found it comfortable and 98% were willing to use it as a form of screening. In the multiethnic (Afro-Caribbean, indigenous) community of Livingston, of 322 age-eligible participants, 53% chose to self-collect. Among those who took the test, 83% found it comfortable and 95% were willing to use it as a form of screening. In Livingston, literacy (can read and/or write vs cannot read or write) was higher in women who chose to self-collect (prevalence ratio 2.25; 95% CI 1.38 to 3.68). Ethnicity, history of screening and reproductive history were not associated with willingness to self-collect in Livingston. Women in Santiago reported less prior use of healthcare than women in Livingston. Overall, 19% (106/549) of samples tested positive for high-risk HPV.ConclusionAmong women willing to self-collect in rural and indigenous communities in Guatemala, self-collection for HPV testing is highly acceptable. However, willingness to try self-collection might vary across communities and settings. Women from a community that used less healthcare were more likely to choose self-collection. Further research is necessary to determine what factors influence a woman’s choice to self-collect.
The clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for acute and chronic pain: a protocol for a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
Authors: Johnson Mark I , Jones Gareth , Paley Carole A , Wittkopf Priscilla G 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionThe aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for any type of acute and chronic pain in adults.Methods and analysisWe intend to search electronic databases (Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, LILACS, PEDRO, Web of Science, AMED and SPORTDiscus) from inception to the present day to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCT) on the use of TENS in adults for any type of pain including acute pain, chronic pain and cancer-related pain. We will screen the RCTs against eligibility criteria for inclusion in our review. Two reviewers will independently undertake RCT selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Primary outcomes will be: (i) participant-reported pain relief of ≥30% expressed as frequency (dichotomous) data; and (ii) participant-reported pain intensity expressed as mean (continuous) data. We will conduct meta-analyses to determine risk ratio for dichotomous data, and mean difference (MD) or standardised MD for continuous data for TENS versus placebo TENS, no treatment or waiting list control, standard of care, and other treatments. Subgroup analyses will include different pain conditions (eg, acute vs chronic), TENS intensity, during versus after TENS, TENS as a sole treatment versus TENS in combination with other treatments and TENS administered as a single dose versus repetitive dose.Ethics and disseminationThis systematic review will not use data from individual participants, and the results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed publication and presented at a conference.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019125054.
Are the knowledge of non-malignant asbestos-related diseases and lung function impairment differentially associated with psychological well-being? A cross-sectional study in formerly asbestos-exposed workers in Germany
Authors: Lang Jessica , Felten Michael K , Kraus Thomas 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesThe knowledge of past asbestos exposure may lead to chronic psychological strain. In addition, the information about an increased cancer risk can place a psychological burden on individuals triggering mental health symptoms of depression or anxiety. This applies in particular to individuals with non-malignant asbestos-related disease (ARD) such as lung fibrosis and pleural thickening with or without lung function impairment. ARDs with or without lung function impairment may develop even years after exposure cessation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test for our cohort whether non-malignant ARD and lung function impairment have differential effects on mental health and psychological strain.DesignCross-sectional study.Participants and settingOverall, 612 male participants (mean age=66.2 years, SD=9.5) attending a surveillance programme for ARDs received routine examinations including lung function testing (24% refused to fill in the psychological questionnaire) at a German university hospital study centre from August 2008 to August 2013.Outcome measuresUsing multiple hierarchical regression analysis, ARD diagnosis and lung function impairment were used to predict psychological health as measured with validated questionnaires for depression and anxiety. Psychological strain was operationalised by intrusive thoughts and specific fear of cancer.ResultsThe strongest predictor for mental health was obstructive functional impairment (eg, anxiety: β=0.22, p<0.001). Psychological strain was predicted by the presence of a non-malignant ARD (eg, intrusive thoughts: β=0.17, p=0.003).ConclusionsThe presence of mental health symptoms is associated with ventilation disturbances, whereas the knowledge of an already initiated morphological change—caused by asbestos exposure—is primarily associated with psychological strain. Specifically, the affected individuals are more prone to intrusive thoughts and specific fear of asbestos-related cancer. As an implication, physicians should be sensitised about possible consequences of risk communication and functional impairment to counteract excessive fear or anxiety.
Does socially differentiated cardiac rehabilitation affect the use of healthcare services after myocardial infarction? A 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Hald Kathrine , Meillier Lucette Kirsten , Nielsen Kirsten M. , Breinholt Larsen Finn , Johansen Martin Berg , Larsen Mogens Lytken , Nielsen Claus Vinther , Christensen Bo 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveTo examine the long-term effect of a socially differentiated cardiac rehabilitation (CR) intervention tailored to reduce social inequalities in health regarding use of healthcare services in general practice and hospital among socially vulnerable patients admitted with first-episode myocardial infarction (MI).DesignA prospective cohort study with 10 years’ follow-up.SettingDepartment of cardiology at a university hospital in Denmark between 2000 and 2004.ParticipantsPatients <70 years admitted with first-episode MI categorised as socially vulnerable (n=208) or non-socially vulnerable (n=171) based on educational level and social network.InterventionA socially differentiated CR intervention. The intervention consisted of standard CR and expanded CR with focus on cross-sectional collaboration.Main outcome measuresParticipation in annual chronic care consultations in general practice, contacts to general practice, all-cause hospitalisations and cardiovascular readmissions.ResultsAt 2-year and 5-year follow-up, socially vulnerable patients receiving expanded CR participated significantly more in annual chronic care consultations (p=0.02 and p<0.01) but at 10-year follow-up, there were no significant differences in annual chronic care consultations (p=0.13). At 10-year follow-up, socially vulnerable patients receiving standard CR had significantly more contacts to general practice (p=0.03). At 10-year follow-up, there were no significant differences in the proportion of socially vulnerable patients receiving expanded CR in the mean number of all-cause hospitalisations and cardiovascular readmissions (p>0.05).ConclusionsThe present study found no persistent association between the socially differentiated CR intervention and use of healthcare services in general practice and hospital in patients admitted with first-episode MI during a 10-year follow-up.
Relationship between obesity indices and hypertension among middle-aged and elderly populations in Taiwan: a community-based, cross-sectional study
Authors: Lin Yen-An , Chen Ying-Jen , Tsao Yu-Chung , Yeh Wei-Chung , Li Wen-Cheng , Tzeng I-Shiang , Chen Jau-Yuan 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveObesity and hypertension (HTN) have become increasingly prevalent in Taiwan. People with obesity are more likely to have HTN. In this study, we evaluated several anthropometric measurements for the prediction of HTN in middle-aged and elderly populations in Taiwan.DesignCross-sectional observational study.SettingCommunity-based investigation in Guishan Township of northern Taiwan.ParticipantsA total of 396 people were recruited from a northern Taiwan community for a cross-sectional study. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were measured at the annual health exam. The obesity indices included body mass index (BMI), body fat (BF) percentage and waist circumference (WC).Outcome measuresStatistical analyses, including Pearson’s correlation, multiple logistic regression and the area under ROC curves (AUCs) between HTN and anthropometric measurements, were used in this study.ResultsOf the 396 people recruited, 200 had HTN. The age-adjusted Pearson’s coefficients of BMI, BF percentage and WC were 0.23 (p<0.001), 0.14 (p=0.01) and 0.26 (p<0.001), respectively. Multiple logistic regression of the HTN-related obesity indices showed that the ORs of BMI, BF percentage and WC were 1.15 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.23, p<0.001), 1.07 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.11, p<0.001) and 1.06 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.08, p<0.001), respectively. The AUCs of BMI, BF percentage and WC were 0.626 (95% CI 0.572 to 0.681, p<0.001), 0.556 (95% CI 0.500 to 0.613, p=0.052) and 0.640 (95% CI 0.586 to 0.694, p<0.001), respectively.ConclusionsWC is a more reliable predictor of HTN than BMI or BF percentage. The effect of abdominal fat distribution on blood pressure is greater than that of total BF amount.
Study protocol for enhanced CJD surveillance in the 65+ years population group in Scotland: an observational neuropathological screening study of banked brain tissue donations for evidence of prion disease
Authors: Peden Alexander Howard , Kanguru Lovney , Ritchie Diane L , Smith Colin , Molesworth Anna M 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionCreutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a human prion disease that occurs in sporadic, genetic and acquired forms. Variant CJD (vCJD) is an acquired form first identified in 1996 in the UK. To date, 178 cases of vCJD have been reported in the UK, most of which have been associated with dietary exposure to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent. Most vCJD cases have a young age of onset, with a median age at death of 28 years. In the UK, suspected cases of vCJD are reported to the UK National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Research & Surveillance Unit (NCJDRSU). There is, however, a concern that the national surveillance system might be missing some cases of vCJD or other forms of human prion disease, particularly in the older population, perhaps because of atypical clinical presentation. This study aims to establish whether there is unrecognised prion disease in people aged 65 years and above in the Scottish population by screening banked brain tissue donated to the Edinburgh Brain Bank (EBB).MethodsNeuropathological screening of prospective and retrospective brain tissue samples is performed. This involves histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis and prion protein biochemical analysis. During the study, descriptive statistics are used to describe the study population, including the demographics and clinical, pathological and referral characteristics. Controlling for confounders, univariate and multivariate analyses will be used to compare select characteristics of newly identified suspect cases with previously confirmed cases referred to the NCJDRSU.Ethics and disseminationBrain tissue donations to EBB are made voluntarily by the relatives of patients, with consent for use in research. The EBB has ethical approval to provide tissue samples to research projects (REC reference 16/ES/0084). The findings of this study will be disseminated in meetings, conferences, workshops and as peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration numbers10/S1402/69 and 10/S1402/70
Reintervention and survival in 1428 patients in the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Registry
Authors: Daley Michael , du Plessis Karin , Zannino Dianna , Hornung Tim , Disney Patrick , Cordina Rachael , Grigg Leeanne , Radford Dorothy J , Bullock Andrew , d'Udekem Yves 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivePatients undergoing single-ventricle palliation have experienced significant improvement in survival in the recent era. However, a substantial proportion of these patients undergo reoperations. We performed a review of the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Fontan Registry to determine the overall reintervention and reoperative burden in these patients.MethodsA retrospective longitudinal cohort study was performed using data from patients who underwent a Fontan operation between 1975 and 2016 from the ANZ Fontan Registry. The data obtained included Fontan operation, reinterventions and most recent follow-up status. We examined the type and timing of reinterventions and survival.ResultsOf the 1428 patients identified, 435 (30%) underwent at least one reintervention after the Fontan operation: 110 patients underwent early reintervention and 413 underwent late reinterventions. Excluding Fontan conversion and transplantation, 220 patients underwent at least one interventional procedure and 209 patients underwent at least one reoperation. Fenestration closure and pacemaker-related procedures were the most common catheter and surgical interventions, respectively. The cumulative incidence of reintervention following Fontan was 23%, 37% and 55% at 10, 20 and 30 years, respectively. Survival and freedom from failure were worse in patients requiring later reintervention after Fontan surgery (51% vs 83% and 42% vs 69%, respectively at 30 years, p<0.001). This difference persisted after excluding pacemaker-related procedures (p<0.001). Operative mortality for non-pacemaker late reoperations after Fontan was 6%.ConclusionsA substantial proportion of Fontan patients require further intervention to maintain effective single-ventricle circulation. Patients undergoing reoperation after Fontan have higher rates of mortality and failure, despite intervention.
Influence of feedlot manure amendments on runoff hydrology and sediment loss during transition between continuous and legacy phases
Authors: Miller J.J. , Beasley B.W. , Owen M.L. , Drury C.F. , Chanasyk D.S. 
Published: October 2019

Little research has been conducted on the effect of beef feedlot manure amendments on runoff hydrology and soil loss during the transition between continuous and legacy application phases. We conducted a 6 yr (2013–2018) study and utilized surface (0–5 cm) soil collected from a long-term (since 1998) field experiment on a clay loam soil in southern Alberta, Canada. The treatments were stockpiled or composted feedlot manure with straw (ST) or wood-chip (WD) bedding applied at 13, 39, and 77 Mg ha−1 (dry weight). There was also an unamended control and inorganic fertilized treatment (IN). Disturbed surface soil was collected from all treatments after 15 (C15), 16 (C16), and 17 (C17) continual annual applications (2013–2015), and then 1 (L1), 2 (L2), and 3 (L3) yr (2016–2018) after manure applications were discontinued in 2015. The soil was packed into runoff trays, and a Guelph rainfall simulator (70 mm h−1) was used to generate 30 min of runoff. The time to runoff, total runoff depth, and flow-weighted mean concentrations (FWMCs) and mass loads of total suspended solids (TSS) were determined. Mean values of runoff variables were significantly greater for ST than WD in certain years for time to runoff (by 28%–127%), runoff depth (44%), TSS FWMCs (58%–137%), and FWMC loads (28%–230%). Mean TSS was generally significantly greater at the two lower than highest manure rates for FWMC (48%–135%) and loads (21%–253%). Overall, choice of bedding material showed the most potential to maximize infiltration and reduce water and sediment loss.
Choosing the Best Chemotherapy Agent to Boost Immune Checkpoint Inhibition Activity
Authors: Garassino Marina Chiara , Torri Valter , Colombo Mario Paolo , Sica Antonio 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Despite the fact that reactivation of specific antitumor immunity through inhibition of immune checkpoints represents a formidable therapeutic weapon against cancer, many patients are poorly reactive to this treatment. To overcome this limitation, efforts are being made to characterize the immunostimulatory properties of chemotherapeutic agents and how they can be best combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The work by Wanderley and colleagues indicates that the TLR4 agonist taxol can restore the anticancer activity of tumor-associated macrophages and improve the clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cancer Res; 78(20); 5729–30. ©2018 AACR.
See related article by Wanderley et al., p. 5891
Mcl-1 Interacts with Akt to Promote Lung Cancer Progression
Authors: Chen Guo , Park Dongkyoo , Magis Andrew T. , Behera Madhusmita , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Owonikoko Taofeek K. , Sica Gabriel L. , Ye Keqiang , Zhang Chao , Chen Zhengjia , Curran Walter J. , Deng Xingming 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Mcl-1 is a unique antiapoptotic Bcl2 family protein that functions as a gatekeeper in manipulating apoptosis and survival in cancer cells. Akt is an oncogenic kinase that regulates multiple cellular functions and its activity is significantly elevated in human cancers. Here we discovered a cross-talk between Mcl-1 and Akt in promoting lung cancer cell growth. Depletion of endogenous Mcl-1 from human lung cancer cells using CRISPR/Cas9 or Mcl-1 shRNA significantly decreased Akt activity, leading to suppression of lung cancer cell growth in vitro and in xenografts. Mechanistically, Mcl-1 directly interacted via its PEST domain with Akt at the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. It is known that the interactions between the PH domain and kinase domain (KD) are important for maintaining Akt in an inactive state. The binding of Mcl-1/PH domain disrupted intramolecular PH/KD interactions to activate Akt. Intriguingly, Mcl-1 expression correlated with Akt activity in tumor tissues from patients with non–small cell lung cancer. Using the Mcl-1–binding PH domain of Akt as a docking site, we identified a novel small molecule, PH-687, that directly targets the PH domain and disrupts Mcl-1/Akt binding, leading to suppression of Akt activity and growth inhibition of lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. By targeting the Mcl-1/Akt interaction, this mechanism-driven agent provides a highly attractive strategy for the treatment of lung cancer.

Significance:
These findings indicate that targeting Mcl-1/Akt interaction by employing small molecules such as PH-687 represents a potentially new and effective strategy for cancer treatment.
Metastatic Conditioning of Myeloid Cells at a Subcutaneous Synthetic Niche Reflects Disease Progression and Predicts Therapeutic Outcomes
Authors: Oakes Robert S. , Bushnell Grace G. , Orbach Sophia M. , Kandagatla Pridvi , Zhang Yining , Morris Aaron H. , Hall Matthew S. , LaFaire Petrina , Decker Joseph T. , Hartfield Rachel M. , Brooks Michael D. , Wicha Max S. , Jeruss Jacqueline S. , Shea Lonnie D. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Monitoring metastatic events in distal tissues is challenged by their sporadic occurrence in obscure and inaccessible locations within these vital organs. A synthetic biomaterial scaffold can function as a synthetic metastatic niche to reveal the nature of these distal sites. These implanted scaffolds promote tissue ingrowth, which upon cancer initiation is transformed into a metastatic niche that captures aggressive circulating tumor cells. We hypothesized that immune cell phenotypes at synthetic niches reflect the immunosuppressive conditioning within a host that contributes to metastatic cell recruitment and can identify disease progression and response to therapy. We analyzed the expression of 632 immune-centric genes in tissue biopsied from implants at weekly intervals following inoculation. Specific immune populations within implants were then analyzed by single-cell RNA-seq. Dynamic gene expression profiles in innate cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, suggest the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. These dynamics in immune phenotypes at implants was analogous to that in the diseased lung and had distinct dynamics compared with blood leukocytes. Following a therapeutic excision of the primary tumor, longitudinal tracking of immune phenotypes at the implant in individual mice showed an initial response to therapy, which over time differentiated recurrence versus survival. Collectively, the microenvironment at the synthetic niche acts as a sentinel by reflecting both progression and regression of disease.

Significance:
Immune dynamics at biomaterial implants, functioning as a synthetic metastatic niche, provides unique information that correlates with disease progression.