bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
House Ball Community Leaders’ Perceptions of HIV and HIV Vaccine Research
Authors: Alio Amina P. , Sibley Candace , Ouedraogo Halimah S. , Wallace Stephaun E. , Wakefield Steven , Humes Damon L. , Fields Sheldon D. , Keefer Michael C. 
Published: February 2020

Background or Objectives: Worldwide, men who have sex with men (MSM) and Transgender persons are vulnerable to psychosocial factors associated with high risk for HIV, and suffer disproportionately high rates of HIV/AIDS. In the United States (US), the House Ball Community (HBC) is a social network comprised predominantly of Black and Hispanic MSM and Transgender persons who reside in communal settings. This study explores Western New York HBC leaders’ perceptions of HIV in their communities and their knowledge of HIV prevention strategies, including HIV vaccine trials.
Methods: The project was conducted using an exploratory approach based on the principles of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) methods. An HIV behavioral risk assessment provided descriptive data, while qualitative measures explored psychosocial and behavioral factors.
Results: Behavioral assessments indicated high levels of risky sexual behaviors and experiences of violence. Interviews with 14 HBC leaders revealed that knowledge of HIV and local HIV vaccines trials was limited. Barriers to HIV knowledge included fear of peer judgment, having inaccurate information, and lack of formal education. Experiencing violence was identified as barrier to positive health behavior. Nevertheless, the HBC was described as a safe and creative space for marginalized MSM and Transgender youth.
Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Findings suggest that the interrelation between health problems and social context amplify HIV risk in the HBC. The organizational structure and resources of the HBC, and MSM/Transgender communities worldwide can be instrumental in informing interventions to address HIV-related risk behaviors and create appropriate recruitment tools to ensure their representation in HIV research.
Key words: • LGBT • HIV • MSM • Transgender populations • MSM/Transgender psychosocial • HIV risk factors • HIV and black/Latino MSM • Syndemic factors • MSM/T ransgender communities

Copyright © 2020 Alio et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited
Variation of prevalence of malaria, parasite density and the multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infection throughout the year at three different health centers in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Authors: MAYENGUE - PEMBE ISSAMOU , Batsimba Dezi Kouhounina , Niama Roch Fabien , Ottia Reyna Ibara , Malonga-Massanga Alida , Fila-Fila Grâce Petula Urielle , Ahombo Gabriel , Kobawila Simon Charles , Parra Henri Joseph 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: In the Republic of Congo, hot temperature and seasons distortions observed may impact the development of malaria parasites. We investigate the variation of malaria cases, parasite density and the multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infection throughout the year in Brazzaville. Methods: From May 2015 to May 2016, suspected patients with uncomplicated malaria were enrolled at the Hôpital de Mfilou, CSI « Maman Mboualé», and the Laboratoire National de Santé Publique. For each patient, thick blood was examined and parasite density was calculated. After DNA isolation, MSP1 and MSP2 genes were genotyped.Results : A total of 416, 259 and 131 patients with suspected malaria were enrolled at the CSI «Maman Mboualé», Hôpital de Mfilou and the Laboratoire National de Santé Publique respectively. Proportion of malaria cases and geometric mean parasite density were higher at the CSI «Maman Mboualé» compared to over sites (P-value ˂0.001). However the multiplicity of infection was higher at the Hôpital de Mfilou ( P-value ˂0.001). At the Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, malaria cases and multiplicity of infection were not influenced by different seasons. However, variation of the mean parasite density was statistically significant ( P-value ˂0.01). Higher proportions of malaria cases were found at the end of main rainy season either the beginning of the main dry season at the Hôpital de Mfilou and the CSI «Maman Mboualé»; while, lowest proportions were observed in September and January and in September and March respectively. Higher mean parasite densities were found at the end of rainy seasons with persistence at the beginning of dry seasons. Lowest mean parasite densities were found during dry seasons, with persistence at the beginning of rainy seasons. Fluctuation of the multiplicity of infection throughout the year was observed without significance between seasons.Conclusion: The current study suggests that malaria transmission is still variable between the north and south parts of Brazzaville. Seasonal fluctuations of malaria cases and mean parasite densities were observed with some extension to different seasons. Thus, both meteorological and entomological studies are needed to update the season’s periods as well as malaria transmission intensity in Brazzaville.
Analysis of fungal bloodstream infection in intensive care units in the Meizhou region of China: species distribution and resistance and the risk factors for patient mortality
Authors: Xiao Guang-Wen , Liao Wan-qing , Zhang Yuenong , Luo Xiaodong , Zhang Cailing , Li Guodan , Yang Yingping , Xu Yunyao 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : Fungal bloodstream infections (FBI) among intensive care unit (ICU) patients are increasing. Our objective was to characterize the fungal pathogens that cause bloodstream infections and determine the epidemiology and risk factors for patient mortality among ICU patients in Meizhou, China. Methods Eighty-one ICU patients with FBI during their stays were included in the study conducted from January 2008 to December 2017. Blood cultures were performed and the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the resulting isolates were determined. Logistic multiple regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis were used to assess the risk factors for mortality among the cases. Results The prevalence of FBI in ICU patients was 0.38% (81/21,098) with a mortality rate of 35.8% (29/81). Ninety-eight strains of bloodstream-infecting fungi, mainly Candida spp., were identified from these patients. Candida albicans was most common (42.9%). Two strains of C. parapsilosis were no-sensitive to caspofungin, C. glabrata were less than 80% sensitive to azole drugs.. Logistic multiple regression showed that age, serum albumin, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, three or more underlying diseases, and length of stay in ICU were independent risk factors for mortality in FBI. ROC curve analysis showed that APACHE II scores > 19 and serum albumin ≤ 25g/L were the best predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Candida spp. predominated with high mortality rates among cases of FBI in ICU. Thus, clinical staff should enhance overall patient monitoring and concurrently monitor fungal susceptibility to reduce mortality rates.
H19/miR-194/E2F3 regulating loop promotes gastric cancer growth and metastasis
Authors: Qin Wanxiang , Shi Ying , Zhu Dan , Chen Yaohua , Li Yuping , Cui Jian 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequent malignant digestive tumors and second fatal cancer. This study was to investigate whether lncRNA-H19 can regulate E2F3 expression through competitive binding to microRNA-194 (miR-194), thus regulating GC growth and metastasis.
Methods
H19, miR-194, and E2F3 expression levels in GC tissues and cell lines were investigated using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of H19 and E2F3 in gastric cancer tissues were also analyzed through the GEPIA web tool. The binding condition of miR-194 with H19 and E2F3 was investigated using a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The regulatory effects of H19 on proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of AGS cells and SGC-7901 cells were detected by transwell assay and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Genes involved in proliferation, migration, and invasion (PCNA, Vimentin, and N-cadherin) were determined using QRT-PCR and western blot. The regulatory interaction between H19 and miR-194, miR-194, and E2F3 were investigated using rescue experiments.
Results
The results revealed that H19 was highly expressed in GC tissues and cell lines than those of controls. Downregulated H19 decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of AGS cells and SGC-7901 cells. H19 was demonstrated that being the molecular sponge of miR-194 in regulating the growth of the GC cells. The level of E2F3 expression was also found significantly higher in GC tissues and cell lines than those of controls. And then, the mimics of miR-194 inhibited the expression of E2F3 in the GC cells. CCK-8 assay showed decreased proliferative ability induced by miR-194 mimics were reversed by E2F3 overexpression. Transwell assays showed decreased migratory and invasive ability induced by miR-194 mimics were reversed by E2F3 overexpression.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that H19 promotes GC growth and metastasis by regulating E2F3 via competitive binding to miRNA-194.
Transgenic aspens (Populus tremula) with the xyloglucanase gene from Penicillium canescens keep faster growth under semi-natural conditions
Authors: Vidyagina Elena O. , Subbotina Natalia M. , Belyi Vladimir A. , Lebedev Vadim G. , Krutovsky Konstantin V. , Shestibratov Konstantin A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Recombinant carbohydrases genes are used to produce transgenic woody plants with improved phenotypic traits. However, cultivation of such plants in open field is challenged by a number of problems. Therefore, additional research is needed to alleviate them. Results Results of successful cultivation of the transgenic aspens (Populus tremula) carrying the recombinant xyloglucanase gene (sp-Xeg) from Penicillium canescens in semi-natural conditions are reported in this paper for the first time. Change of carbohydrate composition of wood was observed in transgenic aspens carrying the sp-Xeg gene. The transformed transgenic line PtXVXeg1b demonstrated accelerated growth and increased content of cellulose in wood of trees growing in both greenhouse and outside in comparison with the control untransformed line Pt. The accelerated growth was observed also in the transgenic line PtXIVXeg1c. Thicker cell-wall and longer xylem fiber were also observed in both these transgenic lines. Undescribed earlier considerable reduction in the wood decomposition rate of the transgenic aspen stems was also revealed for the transformed transgenic lines. The decomposition rate was approximately twice as lower for the transgenic line PtXVXeg3b in comparison with the control untransformedline Pt. Conclusion Our results showed that the plants carrying the recombinant sp-Xeg gene do not demonstrate a decrease in growth parameters in semi-natural conditions. However, in some transgenic lines, a change in the carbohydrate composition of the wood, an increase in the cell wall thickness and a decrease in the rate of decomposition of wood are observed.
Core Conflictual Relationship Theme: The reliability of a simplified scoring procedure.
Authors: Tallberg Peter , Ulberg Randi , Dahl Hanne-Sofie Johnsen , Høglend Per Andreas 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Creating a case formulation is an important and basic skill in psychotherapy meant to guide treatment. A patient’s interpersonal pattern is an essential part of a case formulation. Core Conflictual Relationship Theme (CCRT) is a well-known structured method to describe interpersonal patterns. The CCRT method is based on the assumption that humans display a central relationship theme, which is shown in most relationships as well as in the patient-therapist relation. The CCRT scoring is based on how the patient describes interactions with others, in therapy sessions or in a specific interview. These descriptions are transcribed. Raters then score the identified relational episodes by choosing elements from the clustered categories of Wishes, Response from Others and Response from Self. The method has shown high validity and reliability. Inter rater reliability is generally good: Cohen’s kappa ranging from 0.55 to 0.70.To decide CCRT pattern from transcribed material is time consuming and labour intensive This study investigates a labour- and timesaving version of the method.Methods: This study aimed to investigate rater agreement in a simplified method of scoring the CCRT, based directly on live semi-structured dynamic interviews without transcribing the material. 52 patients referred for psychotherapy in a clinical trial, were scored for CCRT pattern. Based on information that came forth during the two-hour interview, raters scored the patients choosing elements from the clustered categories of Wishes, Response from Others and Response from Self. More than one category in each component could be chosen without ranking. 5 raters compared two by two were investigated. Inter rater reliability was measured by Cohen’s kappa.Results: Mean kappa for Wishes, Response from Others and Response from Self was .33, .44 and .45 respectively. Mean kappa for CCRT in total was .44 among 5 raters.Conclusion: In this simplified method to score the CCRT based on oral dynamic interviews, fair to moderate IRR was obtained. Trial Registration: First Experimental Study of Transference-interpretations (FEST307/95) Registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00423462.
Functional comparison of PBMCs isolated by Cell Preparation Tubes (CPT) vs. Lymphoprep Tubes
Authors: Chen Han , Schürch Christian M , Noble Kevin , Kim Kenneth , Krutzik Peter , O'Donnell Erika , Tuig Jason V , Nolan Garry P , McIlwain David Robert 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Cryopreserved human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are a commonly used sample type for a variety of immunological assays. Many factors can affect the quality of PBMCs, and careful consideration and validation of an appropriate PBMC isolation and cryopreservation method is important for well-designed clinical studies. A major point of divergence in PBMC isolation protocols is the collection of blood, either directly into vacutainers pre-filled with density gradient medium or the use of conical tubes containing a porous barrier to separate the density gradient medium from blood. To address potential differences in sample outcome, we isolated, cryopreserved, and compared PBMCs using parallel protocols differing only in the use of one of two common tube types for isolation. Methods: Whole blood was processed in parallel using both Cell Preparation Tubesä (CPT, BD Biosciences) and Lymphoprepä Tubes (Axis-Shield) and assessed for yield and viability prior to cryopreservation. After thawing, samples were further examined by flow cytometry for cell yield, cell viability, frequency of ten cell subsets, and capacity for stimulation-dependent CD4+ and CD8+ T cell intracellular cytokine production. Results: No significant differences in cell recovery, viability, frequency of immune cell subsets, or T cell functionality between PBMC samples isolated using CPT or Lymphoprep tubes were identified.Conclusion: CPT and Lymphoprep tubes are effective and comparable methods for PBMC isolation for immunological studies.
Dihydroartemisinin exerts multiple effects in ameliorating CNS inflammation by enhancing AXL signaling in microglia from mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ran Qingsen , Li Qi , Liu Li , Sun Lidong , Yang Qing , Li Yujie , Chen Ying , Weng Xiaogang , Wang Yajie , Cai Weiyan , Zhu Xiaoxin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a bioactive sesquiterpenoids originated from Artemisia annua L. , extensively applied in traditional medicine for the treatment of multiple autoimmune diseases. AXL, shown to dampen the immune response, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, clear apoptotic cells and debris in Multiple sclerosis (MS), suggesting that it plays a role in disease pathogenesis. Thus, aiming to investigated whether DHA ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by modulating AXL signaling, we determined it both in vivo and vitro studies.Methods: Firstly, female C57BL/6 mice were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein MOG 35-55 peptide emulsified in complete Freund’s adjuvant and injected with pertussis toxin on day 0 and 2. Mice were monitored daily with DHA for clinical signs of disease and analyzed for pathology and ethology during the acute phase of disease. Moreover, functions of Immunological responses were assessed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope, chemokine were determined through ELISA and Transwell assay, proteins were monitored by Western blot and genes expression were explored by PCR.Results: Results identified mice immunized with MOG35-55 had a significantly more severe acute phase of EAE than negative control mice. In contrast, DHA treated mice had slighter spinal cord lesions with less inflammatory cuffs, less demyelination, and slighter axonal damage than EAE mice. Furthermore, by using gait analysis, DHA obviously ameliorated clinical features in EAE mice. Strikingly, DHA reduced the chemotactic ability of microglia, promoted the differentiation of T cells into Treg cells and enhanced the phagocytic ability of microglia. Moreover, DHA up-regulated expression of AXL, SOCS3, and STAT1 phosphorylation. By contrast, no significant differences were noted in these responses above by using SGI7079, inhibitor of AXL. Furthermore, DHA up-regulated expression of AXL, SOCS3, and STAT1 phosphorylation and enhanced the phagocytic ability of microglia when IFNAR was activated by IFN-β，however, no significant differences were noted in these responses above by using Fludarabine, inhibitor of STAT1 phosphorylation.Conclusions: Taken together, the present study demonstrated that DHA exerts multiple effects in ameliorating neuroinflammation process by enhancing AXL signaling that depending on modulating STAT1/SOCS3 axis in EAE, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
Genetic polymorphisms of PGF and TNFAIP2 genes related to cervical cancer risk among Uygur females from China
Authors: Han Lili , Husaiyin Sulaiya , Ma Chunhua , Wang Lin , Niyazi Mayinuer 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background PGF and TNFAIP2 are important angiogenic factors, which were abnormal expression in cervical cancer (CC). However, there is no report on investigating associations between the polymorphisms in the PGF and TNFAIP2 genes and CC risk. Methods We conducted a case-control study of 342 CC patients and 498 cancer-free controls matched by age and ethnicity in Chinese Uygur female population. Three selected SNPs ( PGF rs8019391, PGF rs2268615, and TNFAIP2 rs710100) were genotyped to investigate the possible association of the polymorphisms in PGF and TNFAIP2 with the risk of CC. The logistic regression analysis adjusted by age was used to assess associations of these SNPs with CC risk. Results GF rs2268615 (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.04-1.86, p = 0.024) and TNFAIP2 rs710100 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI =1.07-1.95, p = 0.018) polymorphisms were significantly associated with the increased risk of CC. Moreover, PGF rs8019391 T allele was highly represented in patients with III–IV tumor stage (OR = 2.17, p = 4.58×10 -4 ). MDR analysis revealed a positive interaction between the SNPs. Conclusions Our data suggested that PGF rs2268615, and TNFAIP2 rs710100 polymorphisms may be risk factors for susceptibility to CC, which contributed to the increased risk of CC, and this finding requires further validation by larger studies.
Relationship Between Medical Students’ Career Priority and Specialty Choice: A Nationwide Multicenter Survey
Authors: Ie Kenya , Murata Akiko , Tahara Masao , Komiyama Manabu , Ichikawa Shuhei , Takemura Yousuke C. , Onishi Hirotaka 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds The shortage of physicians in several specialties has been brought to public attention in several countries. However, little is known about factors affecting medical students’ specialty choice. The objectives of our study were to illustrate medical students’ career priority clusters and to assess their association with specialty preference. Methods We conducted a nationwide multicenter survey in 2015 at 17 medical schools. The study participants were asked their top three specialty preferences, demographic characteristics, and 14 career priority questions. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to determine the effect of each variables on student career choice. Results A total of 1,264 responses were included in the analyses. The top five specialty choice were internal medicine: 833, general practice: 408, paediatrics: 372, surgery: 344, and emergency medicine: 244. An exploratory factor analysis mapped the 14 career priorities into 3-factor solution; “primary care orientation”, “advanced and specific care”, and “personal life orientation”. Multilevel logistic regression models yielded satisfactory accuracy with the highest ROC curve (AUROC) noted in surgery (0.818), general practice (0.769), and emergency medicine (0.744). The career priorities under “primary care orientation” had positive association with choosing general practice, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and paediatrics. The “advanced and specific care” career priorities facilitated surgery and emergency medicine choice, while reducing the likelihood of choosing less procedure-oriented specialties, such as internal medicine, general practice, and paediatrics. Conclusions Our results demonstrated medical students’ career priorities and their association with specialty preference. Individualized career support may be beneficial for both medical students and each specialty fields.
Three-dimensional Construction of Micrometer Level in Rat Stomach by Synchrotron RadiationThree-dimensional Construction of Micrometer Level in Rat Stomach by Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Tao Qiang , Gao Chen-Chen , Tong Xue-Hong , Yuan Shizhen , Wang Tian-tian , Xu Jingdong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objectives This article shows an imaging method of the stomach that does not use imaging agents. X-ray phase-contrast images of different stages of gastric development were taken using X-ray in-line phase-contrast imaging (XILPCI). The aim of the study was to demonstrate that XILPCI is a micron imaging method for gastric structures. Methods The stomachs of 4-, 6- and 12-week-old rats were removed and cleaned. XILPCI has 1000 times greater soft tissue contrast than that of X-ray traditional absorption radiography. The projection images of the rats’ stomachs were recorded by an XILPCI charge coupled device (CCD) at 9 μm image resolution. Results The X-ray in-line phase-contrast images of the different stages of rat gastric specimens clearly showed the gastric architectures and the details of the gastroduodenal region. 3-dimensional stomach anatomical structure images were reconstruction. Conclusion The reconstructed gastric 3D images can clearly display the internal structure of the stomach. XILPCI may be a useful method for medical research in the future. Keywords: Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging, 3-dimensional gastric structure images