bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can a penalized-likelihood estimation algorithm be used to reduce the injected dose or the acquisition time in 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT studies?
Authors: Chicheportiche Alexandre , Goshen Elinor , Godefroy Jeremy , Grozinsky-Glasberg Simona , Oleinikov Kira , Meirovitz Amichay , Gross David J. , Ben-Haim Simona 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Image quality and quantitative accuracy of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) depend on several factors such as uptake time, scanner characteristics and image reconstruction methods. Ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) is considered the gold standard for image reconstruction. Penalized-likelihood estimation (PL) algorithms have been recently developed for PET reconstruction to improve quantitation accuracy while maintaining or even improving image quality. In PL algorithms a regularization parameter β controls the penalization of relative differences between neighboring pixels and determines image characteristics. In the present study, we aim to compare the performance of Q.Clear (PL algorithm, GE Healthcare) and OSEM (3 iterations, 8 subsets, 6 mm post-processing filter) for 68Ga-DOTATATE (68Ga-DOTA) PET studies, both visually and quantitatively.Thirty consecutive whole-body 68Ga-DOTA studies were included. The data were acquired in list mode and were reconstructed using 3D OSEM and Q.Clear with various values of β, and various acquisition times per bed position (bp), thus generating images with reduced injected dose (1.5 min/bp: β=300-1100; 1.0 min/bp: β=600-1400 and 0.5 min/bp: β=800-2200). An additional analysis adding β values up to 1500, 1700 and 300 for 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 min/bp, respectively, was performed for a random sample of 8 studies. Evaluation was performed using a phantom and clinical data. Two experienced nuclear medicine physicians blinded to the variables assessed the image quality visually.Results: Clinical images reconstructed with Q.Clear, set at 1.5, 1.0 min/bp and 0.5 min/bp using β = 1100, 1300, 3000 respectively, resulted in images with noise equivalence to 3D OSEM (1.5 min/bp) with a mean increase in SUVmax of 14%, 13% and 4%, an increase in SNR of 30%, 24% and 10%, and in SBR of 13%, 13% and 2%, respectively. Visual assessment yielded similar results for β values of 1300-1500 and 1500-1700 for 1.5 and 1.0 min/bp, respectively although for 0.5 min/bp there was no significant improvement compared to OSEM. Conclusion: 68Ga-DOTA reconstructions with Q.Clear, 1.5 and 1.0 min/bp resulted in increased tumor SUVmax and in improved SNR and SBR at a similar level of noise compared to 3D OSEM. Q.Clear with β =1500-1700 enables one-third reduction of acquisition time or injected dose, with similar image quality compared to 3D OSEM.
Prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence against mothers of children under-five years in central Malawi
Authors: Chilanga Emmanuel , Collin-Vezina Delphine , Khan Mohammad Nuruzzaman , Riley Liam 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a global human rights violation and a public health problem. The phenomenon is linked to adverse health effects for women and children. Mothers of young children in Malawi can be particularly at risk because of gender-based power imbalances. The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence and the risk factors of IPV against mothers of children under-five years of age in rural Malawi.MethodsA multistage, cross-sectional study design was used. A sample of 538 mothers of young children was randomly selected from postnatal clinics in Dowa district. The WHO's Violence against women screening instrument was used to collect data. Logistic regressions were used to determine risk factors that were associated with IPV against mothers.ResultsOverall prevalence of all four forms of IPV against mothers of under-five children was 60.2%. The prevalence of IPV controlling behavior, psychological, physical, and sexual violence were 74.7%, 49.4%, 43.7% and 73.2% respectively. In multivariate analyses, mothers whose partners had extra marital affairs were more likely to experience controlling behavior (AOR: 4.97, 95% CI: 2.59-8.55, P = 0.001), psychological (AOR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.486-3.472, P = 0.001) and physical (AOR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.48-3.94, P = 0.001) violence than mothers whose partners did not have extra marital affairs. Mothers whose partners consume alcohol were more likely to experience sexual violence (AOR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.17-3.41, P = 0.001) than mothers whose partners did not drink. Finally, mothers who spent more than 30 minutes drawing water were at greater risk of experiencing IPV than mothers who spent less than 30 minutes.ConclusionThis study found a significantly higher prevalence of IPV against mothers of under-five children in rural Malawi compared to women in the general population. Micro and macro-level programs aimed at mitigating the partners’ potential risk behaviors identified in this study are suggested. Public health programs that support increased household access to safe water are also recommended to help undermine IPV against mothers.
Learning curve of trans-sacral epiduroscopic laser decompression in herniated lumbar disc disease
Authors: Son Seong , Yoo Chan Jong , Yoo Byung Rhae , Kim Woo Seok , Jeong Tae Seok 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Trans-sacral epiduroscopic laser decompression (SELD) using slender epiduroscope and a holmium YAG laser is one of the minimally invasive surgical options for lumbar disc herniation.However, the learning curve of SELD and the effect of surgical proficiency on clinical outcome have not yet been established. We investigated patients with lumbar disc herniation undergoing SELD to report the clinical outcome and learning curve.Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical outcome and learning curve were performed at a single center from clinical data collected from November 2015 to November 2018. A total of 82 patients who underwent single-level SELD for lumbar disc herniation with a minimum follow-up of 6.0 months were enrolled. Based on the findings that the cut-off of familiarity was 20 cases according to the cumulative study of operation time, patients were allocated to two groups: early group (n = 20) and late group (n = 62). The surgical, clinical, and radiological outcomes were retrospectively evaluated between the two groups to analyze the learning curve of SELD.Results: According to linear and log regression analyses, the operation time was obtained by the formula: operation time = 58.825 - (0.181 × [case number]) (p < 0.001). The mean operation time was significantly different between the two groups (mean 56.95 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], 49.12–64.78 in the early group versus mean 45.34 minutes; 95% CI, 42.45–48.22 in the late group; p = 0.008, non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test).Baseline characteristics, including demographic data, clinical factors, and findings of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, did not differ between the two groups. Also, there was no significant difference in terms of surgical outcomes, including complication and failure rates, as well as clinical and radiological outcomes between the two groups.Conclusion: The learning curve of SELD was not as steep as that of other minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques, and the experience of surgery was not an influencing factor for outcome variation.
Abnormal rich club organization in end-stage renal disease patients before dialysis initiation and undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Ma Shaohui , Zhang Ming , Liu Yang , Ding Dun , Li Peng , Ma Xueying , Liu Hongjuan , Mu Junya 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are at a substantially higher risk for developing cognitive impairment compared with the healthy population. Dialysis is an essential way to maintain the life of ESRD patients. Based on previous research, there isn’t an uncontested result whether cognition was improved or worsened during dialysis.Methods: To explore the impact of dialysis treatment on cognitive performance, we recruited healthy controls (HCs), predialysis ESRD patients (predialysis group), and maintenance hemodialysis ESRD patients (HD group). All ESRD patients performed six blood biochemistry tests (hemoglobin, urea, cystatin C, Na+, K+, and parathyroid hormone). Neuropsychological tests were used to measure cognitive function. By using diffusion tensor imaging and graph-theory approaches, the topological organization of the whole-brain structural network was investigated. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were performed to investigate blood biochemistry predictors of the neuropsychological tests and the results of graph analyses in the HD group and predialysis group.Results: Neuropsychological analysis showed the HD group exhibited better cognitive function than the predialysis group, but both were worse than HCs. Whole-brain graph analyses revealed that increased global efficiency and normalized shortest path length remained in the predialysis group and HD group than the HCs. Besides, a lower normalized clustering coefficient was found in the predialysis group relative to the HCs and HD group. For the GLM analysis, only the Cystatin C level was significantly associated with the average fiber length of rich club connections in the predialysis group.Conclusions: Our study revealed that dialysis had a limited effect on cognitive improvement.
Protein synthesis inhibitors stimulate MondoA transcriptional activity by driving an accumulation of glucose 6-phosphate
Authors: Wilde Blake R , Kaadige Mohan R , Guillen Katrin P , Butterfield Andrew , Welm Bryan E , Ayer Don 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein synthesis is regulated by the availability of amino acids, the engagement of growth factor signaling pathways and ATP levels sufficient to support translation. Crosstalk between these inputs is extensive, yet other regulatory mechanisms remain to be characterized. For example, the translation initiation inhibitor Rocaglamide A (RocA) induces Thioredoxin Interacting Protein (TXNIP). TXNIP is a negative regulator of glucose uptake, thus its induction by RocA links translation to the availability of glucose. MondoA is the principal regulator of glucose-induced transcription and its activity is triggered by the glycolytic intermediate, glucose 6-phosphate (G6P). MondoA responds to G6P generated by cytoplasmic glucose and mitochondrial ATP (mtATP), suggesting a critical role in the cellular response to these energy sources. TXNIP expression is entirely dependent on MondoA, therefore, we investigated how protein synthesis inhibitors impact its transcriptional activity.METHODS We investigated how translation regulates MondoA activity using cell line models and loss-of-function approaches. We examined how protein synthesis inhibitors effect gene expression and metabolism using RNA-sequencing and metabolomics, respectively. The biological impact of RocA was evaluated using cell lines and Patient-Derived xenograft Organoid (PDxO) models. RESULTS We discovered that multiple protein synthesis inhibitors, including RocA, increase TXNIP expression in a manner that depends on MondoA, a functional electron transport chain and mtATP synthesis. Furthermore, RocA increases mtATP and G6P levels and TXNIP induction depends on interactions between the Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel (VDAC) and hexokinase, which generates G6P. RocA treatment impacts the regulation of ~1200 genes and ~250 of those genes are MondoA-dependent. RocA treatment is cytotoxic to Triple Negative Breast Cancer cell lines and shows preferential cytotoxicity against ER- PDxO breast cancer models. Finally, RocA-driven cytotoxicity is partially-dependent on MondoA or TXNIP.CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that protein synthesis inhibitors rewire metabolism, resulting in an increase in mtATP and G6P, the latter driving MondoA-dependent transcriptional activity. Further, MondoA is a critical component of the cellular transcriptional response to RocA. Our functional assays suggest that RocA or similar translation inhibitors may show efficacy against ER- breast tumors and that the levels of MondoA and TXNIP should be considered when exploring these potential treatment options.
A Cross-Sectional Study On The Practice Of Wet Nursing Among Muslim Mothers
Authors: Rahim Norsyamlina Che Abdul , Hamjah Salasiah Hanin , Majid Latifah Abdul , Kusrin Zuliza , Hashim Nurhidayah Muhammad , Saidon Rafeah , Bahari Nora’inan , Ilias Muhamad Zariff , Ahmad Noor Ani 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding and wet nursing have been synonymous since ancient times. The practice of wet nursing of another woman’s child in Malaysia is on the rise due to the emergence of awareness among the public about the importance and advantages of breast milk. However, problems arise when there is no systematic system to record and trace the milk mother and milk child data, especially for Muslim participants as milk kinship could affect their relationship status in Islam. Therefore, this study aims to determine the practice of wet nursing among Muslim mothers in Selangor. Simultaneously, this study intends to provide the authorities with an accurate picture of the more aggressive compilation of steps to prevent duplication of consanguinity in wet nursing. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 women who had breastfed another child in Selangor. Data were obtained using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha=0.8) and processed using the SPSS software. Results: Results showed 43.0% of respondents had at least breastfed one someone else’s child. Meanwhile, there were 3.0% of the respondents were nursing seven to ten other children. A total of 237 children have been breastfed by the respondents (n = 100). Of these, 21.5% children were breastfed less than five times, while 78.5% children were breastfed less than five times. Most mothers recorded their milk child background data, and this shows that the community is aware of the importance of data documentation and it indirectly proves that the authorities should act on these current needs. Conclusions: This study shows that there is a wet nursing practice in the society. Obviously, a phenomenon, trend and practice in the society has the ground and basis as to why it existed and is upheld. Researches related to wet nursing and matters connected to it should continue so as to bring about much good to society.
Factors affecting birthweight decline in recent Japan based on birth certificates
Authors: Kato Noriko , Sauvaget Catherine , Yoshida Honami , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Yoshiike Nobuo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Birthweight has been declining consistently for >30 years in Japan. This rapid rise in low birthweight in infants is the worst among the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.Objective: To contribute to the literature and provide new information to clarify the risk factors associated with birthweight decline in Japan.Methods: We used population-based birth certificate data from vital statistics records with prior permission and retrieved 40,968,266 birth certificates of neonates born between 1980 and 2004 to analyze time trends using linear regression analysis for examining whether the decline in birthweight could be explained by obstetrical variables such as gestational age and multiple gestations.Results: From 1980 to 2004, we observed a decline in mean birthweight with a yearly effect of -8.07 g, which became steeper after 1985, persisted until 1999, and plateaued thereafter. After adjusting for gestational age, neonatal gender, birth order, multiple gestations, and fathers’ age, the yearly effect between 1980 and 2004 reduced to -5.13 g. Conclusion: Recent decreases in birthweight among Japanese neonates were not explained fully by trends in gestational age, neonatal gender, birth order, multiple gestations, and fathers’ age. Thus, additional factors such as pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index and maternal diet should be considered.
The use of dried tube specimens of Plasmodium falciparum in an External Quality Assessment program to evaluate health worker performance for malaria rapid diagnostic testing in healthcare centers in Togo
Authors: DORKENOO Monique Ameyo , Kouassi Kafui Codjo , Koura Adjane K. , Adams Martin L , Gbada Komivi , Katawa Gnatoulma , Yakpa Kossi , Charlebois Remi , Milgotina Ekaterina , Merkel Michele O , Aidoo Michael 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to diagnose malaria is common in Sub-Saharan African laboratories, remote primary health facilities and in the community. Currently, there is a lack of reliable methods to ascertain health worker competency to accurately use RDTs in the testing and diagnosis of malaria. Dried tube specimens (DTS) have been shown to be a consistent and useful method for quality control of malaria RDTs, however, its application in National Quality Management programs has been limited.Methods: A P. falciparum strain was grown in culture and harvested to create DTS of varying parasite density (0, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 parasites/µL). Using the dried tube specimens as quality control material, a proficiency testing (PT) program was carried out in 80 representative health centers in Togo. Health worker competency for performing malaria RDTs (mRDTs) was assessed using five blinded DTS samples, and the DTS were tested in the same manner as a patient sample would be tested by multiple testers per health center. Results: All the DTS with 100 parasites/µl and 50% of DTS with 200 parasites/µl were classified as non-reactive during the pre-PT quality control step. Therefore, data from these parasite densities were not analyzed as part of the PT dataset. PT scores across all 80 facilities and 235 testers was 100% for 0 parasites/µl, 63% for 500 parasites/µl and 93% for 1,000 parasites/µl. Overall, 59% of the 80 healthcare centers that participated in the PT program received a score of 80% or higher on a set of 0, 500 and 1,000 parasites/ µl DTS samples. Sixty percent of health workers at these centers recorded correct test results for all three samples. Conclusions: The use of DTS for a malaria PT program was the first of its kind ever conducted in Togo. The ease of use and stability of the DTS illustrates that they this type of samples can be considered for the assessment of staff competency. The implementation of quality management systems, refresher training and expanded PT at remote testing facilities are essential elements to improve the quality of malaria diagnosis.
Aqueous alteration without initial water: Possibility of organic-induced hydration of anhydrous silicates in meteorite parent bodies
Authors: Hirakawa Naoki , Kebukawa Yoko , Furukawa Yoshihiro , Kondo Masashi , Nakano Hideyuki , Kobayashi Kensei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Early evolution of Solar System small bodies proceeded through interactions of mineral and water. Melting of water ice accreted with mineral particles to the parent body results in the formation of secondary minerals, the so-called aqueous alteration. Formation of phyllosilicates from anhydrous silicates is a typical alteration effect recorded in primitive meteorites. In addition to mineral and water, organic matter could have been also a significant component in meteorite parent bodies. However, the role of organic matter in the alteration of silicates is not well understood. We conducted a heating experiment of anhydrous silicate (olivine) with a mixture of organic compounds which simulated primordial organic matter in the Solar System. Dissolution and precipitation features were confirmed on the olivine surface after heating at 300 °C for 10 days, and proto-phyllosilicates were formed in the precipitation area. Magnesite was also detected as concomitant mineral phase. These minerals could be the evidence of aqueous alteration and carbonation of olivine induced by water generated through decomposition of the organic compounds with hydroxy groups. Our result showed that the in-situ formation of hydrated silicates through a mineral-organic interaction without the initial presence of water. It further implies that formation of phyllosilicates on the olivine surface in contact with organic matter can occur in meteorite parent bodies which formed inside the H2O snow line but accreted with organic matter, initially without water. Water formed through decomposition of organic matter could be one candidate for hydrous silicate formation, for example in ordinary chondrites from S-type asteroids inside the H2O snow line. Although the origin of water in ordinary chondrites is under debate, water generation from organic matter may also explain the D-rich water in ordinary chondrites because primordial organic matter is known to be D-rich.
A nonsense mutation of bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15) causes both infertility and increased litter size in pigs.
Authors: Flossmann Gabriele , Wurmser Christine , Pausch Hubert , Tenghe Amabel , Dodenhoff Jörg , Dahinten Günther , Götz Kay-Uwe , Russ Ingolf , Fries Ruedi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Atypical external genitalia are often a sign of reproductive organ pathologies and infertility with both environmental or genetic causes, including karyotypic abnormalities. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide a means for identifying chromosomal regions harboring deleterious DNA-variants causing such phenotypes. We performed a GWAS to unravel the causes of incidental cases of atypically small vulvae in German Landrace gilts. Results: A case-control GWAS involving Illumina porcine SNP60 BeadChip-called genotypes of 17 gilts with atypically small vulvae and 1,818 control animals (fertile German Landrace sows) identified a significantly associated region on the X-chromosome (P = 8.81 × 10 -43 ). Inspection of whole-genome sequencing data in the critical area allowed us to pinpoint a likely causal variant in the form of a nonsense mutation of bone morphogenetic protein-15 ( BMP15 , Sscrofa11.1_X:g.44618787C>T, BMP15:p.R212X). The mutant allele occurs at a frequency of 6.2% in the German Landrace breeding population. Homozygous gilts exhibit underdeveloped, most likely not functional ovaries and are not fertile. Male carriers do not seem to manifest defects. Heterozygous sows produce 0.41±0.02 (P=4.5 × 10 -83 ) piglets more than wildtype animals. However, the mutant allele’s positive effect on litter size accompanies a negative impact on lean meat growth. Conclusion: Our results provide an example for the power of GWAS in identifying the genetic causes of a fuzzy phenotype and add to the list of natural deleterious BMP15 mutations that affect fertility in a dosage-dependent manner, the first time in a poly-ovulatory species. We advise eradicating the mutant allele from the German Landrace breeding population since the adverse effects on the lean meat growth outweigh the larger litter size in heterozygous sows.