bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategic priorities for TB control in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines – Comparative Analysis of National TB Prevalence Surveys
Authors: Kak Neeraj , Chakraborty Krishnapada , Sadaphal Swati , AlMossawi Hala Jassim , Calnan Marianne , Vikarunnessa Begum 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Philippines, Indonesia, and Bangladesh are three high TB burden countries in Asia which account for 18% of the estimated global TB incidence (1.787m) and 15% of TB related deaths (192,000). In 2017 alone, approximately 785,000 of the incident TB cases in these countries remained missing including diagnosed but not notified. Methods: We reviewed the published data from the most recent TB prevalence surveys conducted in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The prevalence rates established by the surveys were used to estimate the disease burden of these countries for 2017. The Global TB Report 2017 and WHO’s global TB database were sourced for collection of incidence and notification data by age groups and types of TB to estimate prevalence to notification gaps 2017. Results: According to the surveys, the estimated prevalence rates of bacteriologically confirmed TB and smear-positive TB are 287 and 113 for Bangladesh (2015-16), 759 and 256 for Indonesia (2013-14) and 1159 and 434 for the Philippines (2016) per 100,000 population over the age of 15 years. The overall national TB prevalence estimates for all forms is 260 for Bangladesh, 660 for Indonesia, and 970 for the Philippines (2016). Compared with the incidence rate, the proportion of total notified cases is 67% Bangladesh, 52% for Indonesia, and 55% for Philippines. Bangladesh has been able to detect almost 100% of the prevalent pulmonary TB, while Indonesia and Philippines have detected only 30% and 22% of these infectious cases respectively. Although notification has been improving over the years, there is no impact on the incidence rate since a large proportion of the undiagnosed cases, and delayed diagnosis continue to feed the transmission process. Conclusion: The surveys have provided data that is critical for developing realistic strategies for the countries to eliminate TB. In general, this paper recommends interventions for strengthening diagnosis of pulmonary TB, targeted communication programs and active case finding to reduce patient level delays, expanding public-private mix to increase access to TB services, use of rapid diagnostics, and social protection for vulnerable populations, to accelerate the countries’ progress towards achieving End TB goals.
Impaired circadian heart rate variability in Parkinson’s disease: a time-domain analysis in ambulatory setting
Authors: Arnao Valentina , Cinturino Antonio , Mastrilli Sergio , Buttà Carmelo , Maida Carlo , Tuttolomondo Antonino , Aridon Paolo , D'Amelio Marco 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Heart rate variability (HRV) decreases in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and it can be considered a marker for cardiovascular dysautonomia.
Purpose To evaluate long-term time-domain analysis of HRV of PD patients and compare the results with those of matched healthy individuals.
Method Idiopathic PD patients without comorbidity impairing HRV, and age-matched healthy individuals were recruited in a pilot study. A long-term time domain analysis of HRV using 24-hour ambulatory ECG was performed.
Results Overall, 18 PD patients fulfilling inclusion criteria completed the evaluation (mean age was 55.6 ±8.8, disease duration: 5.0±4.7). Mean SCOPA-AUT score was 10.1±7.3. Patients were on Hoehn & Yahr stage 1-2 and mean Levodopa Equivalent Dose (LED) was 311 ± 239.9. Mean of the 5-minute standard deviation (SD) of R-R intervals distribution (SDNN) for all 5 min segments of the entire recording (ISDNN) was significantly lower in patients compared to controls. ISDNN was significantly different between Parkinson’s disease patients and healthy controls.
Conclusion In our population characterized by mild to moderate disease severity, time-domain assessment of HRV seemed to be a potential tool to characterize cardiovascular dysautonomia. Decrease of ISDNN in PD may reflect an autonomic derangement extending all day and night long.
Prognostic factors and survival according to tumour subtype in women presenting with breast cancer bone metastases at initial diagnosis: a SEER based study
Authors: Li Xiao , Zhang Xiaoli , Liu Jie 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : Tumour subtype have a significant effect on bone metastasis in breast cancer, but population-based estimates of the prognosis of bone metastases at diagnosis of breast cancer are lacking. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of tumour subtype and other factors in the prognostic and survival of patients with bone metastases of breast cancer.
Methods : Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) data of 2012 to 2016 conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate stage IV patients with bone metastases in breast cancer. Stage IV Patients characteristic according subtype were compared using chi-square, overall survival (OS), prognostic factor calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model.
Results : A total of 3384 stage IV patients were included in this study. 63.42% were HR+/HER2-, 19.86% were HR+/HER2+, 9.34% were HR-/HER2-, and 7.39% were HR-/HER2+. Median OS for the whole population was 38 months, and 33.9% of the patients were alive at five-year. The median OS and five-year survival rate among the different molecular subtype of breast cancer stage IV patients are significant differences ( p <0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age of 55-59 (HR=1.270 ), black race ( HR=1.317 ), grade in III or IV ( HR=1.960 ), HR-/HER2- (HR=2.808), lung metastases (HR=1.378), live metastases (HR=2.085), brain metastases (HR=1.903) are independent risk factors of prognosis; married (HR=0.819 ), HR+/HER2+ (HR=0.631 ), HR-/HER2+ (HR=0.716), insurance (HR=0.587 ) and surgery (HR=0.504) are independent protection factors of prognosis. There is interaction between HR+/HER2+ subtype and other metastases (except bone metastases, HR=0.694, 95%CI: 0.485-0.992）,but interaction between race and substype did not reach significance on prognosis.
Conclusions : There were substantial differences in OS according to tumour subtype. In addition to tumour subtype, other independent predictors of OS are age at diagnosis, race, marital status, insurance, grade, surgery and visceral metastases. There is interaction between HR+/HER2+ subtype and other metastases (except bone metastases) on prognosis. Tumour subtype, as a significant prognostic factor, warrant further investigation.
Keywords : Breast cancer, Bone metastases, Tumour subtype, Prognosis factor, Survival
Experiences, views and needs of first-time fathers in pregnancy related care: a qualitative study in south-east Nigeria.
Authors: Onyeze-Joe Chiemeka , Godin Isabelle 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Given the relevance of paternal involvement in maternal care, there is a need to prepare first-time fathers to participate in pregnancy and childbirth actively. This study explores the experiences and needs of first-time fathers; and how these influences their involvement during pregnancy and childbirth in Nigeria.
Methods
A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Semi-structured interviews with 50 men recruited from rural and urban workplaces, hospitals, and markets, generated data used to explore the experiences, views and needs of first-time fathers’ in pregnancy-related care in south-east Nigeria. All data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Six major themes were identified: gender roles, antenatal involvement, care costs and delivery choices, need to be informed, dealing with emotions, and dealing with the delivery day. The key finding reveals that inexperience and perceptions of gender roles greatly influenced the support provided by first-time fathers to their spouses and the support they received from their social support networks. Two primary needs were identified: need to be informed and the need to know about the cost of care in health settings. First-time fathers acknowledged the role of information on their decision making and final choices.
Conclusion
Findings reveal the influence of gender norms, beliefs, and social support on first-time fathers’ involvement in pregnancy and childbirth. This study also highlights the urgent need to provide informational support for first-time fathers and presents insights into what hospitals can do to achieve this need.
Keywords: male involvement, first-time fathers, pregnancy, qualitative, Nigeria
Adapting wellbeing research tools for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Nagel Tricia , Sweet Michelle , Dingwall Kylie , Puszka Stefanie , Hughes Jaquelyne T , Kavanagh David , Cass Alan , Howard Kirsten , Majoni Sandawana 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease is an increasingly common health problem for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is associated with multiple concurrent psychosocial stressors frequently resulting in negative impacts on emotional and social wellbeing. There is need for well-designed intervention studies to provide evidence of effective treatment for comorbid depression or other mental illness in this setting. Attention to early phase piloting and development work is recommended when testing complex interventions. This paper documents feasibility testing and adaptation of an existing culturally responsive brief wellbeing intervention, the Stay Strong App, and three commonly used wellbeing outcome measures, in preparation for a clinical trial testing effectiveness of the intervention. Methods: The Stay Strong App, which has not been used in the setting of Chronic Kidney Disease before, is reviewed and adapted for people with comorbid wellbeing concerns through expert consensus between research team and an Expert Panel. The outcome measures (Kessler 10, Patient Health Questionnaire 9, and EuroQoL) are valid, reliable, and commonly used tools to assess various aspects of wellbeing, which have also not been used in this context before. Feasibility and acceptability are examined and developed through 3 stages: Pilot testing in a purposive sample of five haemodialysis patients and carers; translation of outcome measures through collaboration between the Aboriginal Interpreter Service, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research officers and the research team; and conversion of translated outcome measures to electronic format. Results: Research team and expert panel consensus led to adaptation of the Stay Strong App for renal patients through selective revision of words and images. Pilot testing identified challenges in delivery of the wellbeing measures leading to word changes and additional prompts, integration of audio translations in 11 local Indigenous languages within an interactive Outcome Measures App, and related research protocol changes. Conclusion: Modelling the complex intervention prior to full-scale testing provided important information about the design of both the outcome measures and the intervention. These changes are likely to better support success in conduct of the clinical trial and future implementation of the intervention in clinical settings.
Gastrointestinal peptides in children before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Skoczeń Szymon , Rej Magdalena , Pietrys Danuta , Kwiecińska Kinga , Tomasik Przemysław J. , Wójcik Małgorzata , Strojny Wojciech , Dłużniewska Agnieszka , Klimasz Katarzyna , Fijorek Kamil , Korostyński Michał , Piechota Marcin , Balwierz Walentyna 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Gastrointestinal tract function and it's integrity are controlled by a number of peptides whose secretion is influenced by severe inflammation. In stomach the main regulatory peptide is ghrelin. For upper small intestine cholecystokinin and lower small intestine glucagon-like peptide- 1 are secreted, while fibroblast growth factor-21 is secreted by several organs, including the liver, pancreas, and adipose tissue [12]. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation causes serious mucosal damage, which can reflect on this peptides. Methods: The aim of the study was to determine fasting plasma concentrations of ghrelin, cholecystokinin, glucagon- like peptide-1, and fibroblast growth factor-21, and their gene expressions, before and 6 months after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.27 children were studied, control group included 26 healthy children. Results: Acute graft versus host disease was diagnosed in 11 patients (41%, n=27). Median pre-transplantation concentrations of gastrointestinal peptides, as well as their gene expressions, were significantly lower in studied group compared with the control group. Only median of fibroblast growth factor-21 concentration was near-significantly higher before stem cell transplantation than in the control group. The post–hematopoietic transplant results revealed significantly higher concentrations of the studied peptides (except fibroblast growth factor-21) and respective gene expressions as compare to pre transplant results. Median glucagone like peptide-1 concentrations were significantly decreased in patients with features of acute graft versus host disease. Moreover, negative correlation between glucagone like peptide-1 concentrations and acute graft versus host disease severity was found. Conclusions: Increased concentrations and gene expressions of gastrointestinal tract regulation peptides can be caused by stimulation of regeneration in the severe injured organ. Measurement of these parameters may be a useful method of assessment of severity of gastrointestinal tract complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Durvalumab in frail and elder patients with stage four NSCLC: Study protocol of the randomized phase II DURATION trial
Authors: Kuon Jonas , Hommertgen Adriane , Krisam Johannes , Lasitschka Felix , Stenzinger Albrecht , Blasi Miriam , Bozorgmehr Farastuk , Maenz Martin , Kieser Meinhard , Schneider Marc , Thomas Michael 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background:
Elderly patients represent a major fraction of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in routine clinical practice, but they are still underrepresented in clinical trials. In particular, data regarding efficacy and safety in frail or elderly patients with respect to immunotherapy are lacking. Importantly, immunosenescence in elderly patients might interfere with activities of immune-modulating drugs such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Thus, there is an urgent need to assess safety and efficacy of such inhibitors in this group.
Methods/design:
In this prospective, open label, treatment stratified, and randomized phase II study, 200 patients with stage IV NSCLC amenable at least to single-agent chemotherapy (CT). Eligible patients must be 70 years or older and/or “frail” (Charlson Comorbidity Index >1) or have a restricted performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, ECOG >1).
Patients are stratified according to modified Cancer and Age Research Group (CARG) score:”fit” patients are allocated to combination CT (carboplatin/ nab -paclitaxel), “less fit” patients receive single-agent CT (gemcitabine or vinorelbine). After allocation to strata, patients are randomized 1:1 to receive either 4 cycles of CT or 2 cycles of CT followed by 2 cycles of durvalumab and subsequent maintenance treatment with durvalumab every 4 weeks.
The primary endpoint is the rate of treatment related grade III/IV adverse events (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, CTCAE V4.03). As secondary endpoints, progression-free survival (PFS) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) version 1.1, response rate (RR), overall survival (OS), descriptive subgroup analyses according to PD-L1 expression, and quality of life are addressed. Geriatric screening assessments and functional tests will be performed to complete the phenotyping of a potential “frail” and “elderly” patient cohort. The trial is accompanied by a biomaterial repository to explore potential biomarkers.

Discussion:
The DURATION trial will prospectively investigate the safety and tolerability of anti-PD-L1 treatment with durvalumab after chemotherapy in elderly and frail patients and thereby provide new insights into the effect of PD-L1 blockade and the impact of immunosenescence in this cohort of patients.
Identifying essential proteins in dynamic protein networks based on an improved h-index algorithm
Authors: Dai Caiyan , Ju HE , Kongfa HU , Youwei DING 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : The essential proteins in protein networks play an important role in complex cellular functions and in protein evolution. Therefore, the identification of essential proteins in a network can help to explain the structure, function, and dynamics of basic cellular networks. The existing dynamic protein networks regard the protein components as the same at all time points; however, the role of proteins can vary over time.
Results: To improve the accuracy of identifying essential proteins, an improved h -index algorithm based on the attenuation coefficient method is proposed in this paper. This method incorporates previously neglected node information to improve the accuracy of the essential protein search. It can ensure the accuracy of the found proteins while identifying more essential proteins.
Conclusions: The described experiments show that this method is more effective than other similar methods in identifying essential proteins in dynamic protein networks. This study can better explain the mechanism of life activities and provide theoretical basis for the research and development of targeted drugs.
Psychometric Testing of the Support and Control in Birth Scale
Authors: Liu shuyu , Lu Yu-Ying , Gau Meei-ling , Liu Chieh-Yu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The Support and Control in Birth (SCIB) scale primarily measures the perceived support and control of expectant mothers during childbirth, thereby obtaining an understanding of their birth experiences. The advantages of this scale are its good reliability and validity and that it consolidates birth support and control. However, a Chinese version of the scale has yet to be developed. This study aim is evaluate the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Support and Control in Birth Scale (SCIB). Methods A total of 228 postpartum women participated in this study. The Chinese version of the SCIB (C-SCIB) scale was developed through a translation and back translation, followed by an evaluation of its expert validity and content validity. Cronbach's α and test-retest reliability were used to test the internal consistency reliability of the scale. In addition, criterion-related validity (predictive validity and concurrent validity) and construct validity were used to test the validity of the scale. Results 1. The confirmatory factor analysis results showed the overall goodness-of-fit was parsimony fit indices. 2. The reliability was .81, and its test-retest reliability was .96. 3. The criterion-related validity was test the predictive validity and concurrent validity. The predictive validity showed that a significant correlation ( r =.31, p <.01). There was a significant correlation between all the dimensions in the C-SCIB scale, such as internal control ( r =.15, p <.05), external control ( r =.30, p <.01), and support ( r =.21, p <.01). Furthermore, the concurrent validity showed a significant and moderate correlation ( r =.50, p < .01). Conclusion The C-SCIB scale was proven to have good reliability and validity, and thus can be used to measure the degree of support and the locus of control perceived by expectant women during labor.
The Barley Stripe Mosaic Virus expression system reveals the wheat C2H2 zinc finger protein TaZFP1B as a key regulator of drought tolerance
Authors: Cheuk Arnaud , Ouellet François , Houde Mario 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Drought stress is one of the major factors limiting wheat production globally. Improving drought tolerance is important for agriculture sustainability. Although various morphological, physiological and biochemical responses associated with drought tolerance have been documented, the molecular mechanisms and regulatory genes that are needed to improve drought tolerance in crops require further investigation. We have used a novel 4-component version (for overexpression) and a 3-component version (for underexpression) of a barley stripe mosaic virus-based (BSMV) system for functional characterization of the C2H2-type zinc finger protein TaZFP1B in wheat. These expression systems avoid the need to produce transgenic plant lines and greatly speeds up functional gene characterization. Results We show that overexpression of TaZFP1B stimulates plant growth and up-regulates different oxidative stress-responsive genes under well-watered conditions. Plants that overexpress TaZFP1B are more drought tolerant at critical periods of the plant’s life cycle. Furthermore, RNA-Seq analysis revealed that plants overexpressing TaZFP1B reprogram their transcriptome, resulting in physiological and physical modifications that help wheat to grow and survive under drought stress. In contrast, plants transformed to underexpress TaZFP1B are significantly less tolerant to drought and growth is negatively affected. Conclusions This study clearly shows that the two versions of the BSMV system can be used for fast and efficient functional characterization of genes in crops. The extent of transcriptome reprogramming in plants that overexpress TaZFP1B indicates that the encoded transcription factor is a key regulator of drought tolerance in wheat.
Transcriptomic profiling and discovery of key genes involved in adventitious root formation from green cuttings of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)
Authors: An Haishan , Zhang Jiaying , Xu Fangjie , Jiang Shuang , Zhang Xueying 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Propagation of cuttings is frequently used in various plant species, including blueberry, which shows special root characteristics that may hinder adventitious root (AR) formation. AR formation is influenced by various factors, and auxin is considered to play a central role; however, little is known of the related regulatory mechanisms. In this study, a comparative transcriptome analysis of green cuttings treated with or without indole-butyric acid (IBA) was performed via RNA_seq to identify candidate genes associated with IBA-induced AR formation. Results: Rooting phenotypes, especially the rooting rate, were significantly promoted by exogenous auxin in the IBA application. Blueberry AR formation was an auxin-induced process, during which adventitious root primordium initiation (rpi) began at 14 days after cutting (DAC), root primordium (rp) was developed at 21 DAC, mature AR was observed at 28 DAC and finally outgrowth from the stem occurred at 35 DAC. Higher IAA levels and lower ABA and zeatin contents might facilitate AR formation and development. A time series transcriptome analysis identified 14970 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during AR formation, of which there were 7467 upregulated and 7503 downregulated genes. Of these, approximately 35 candidate DEGs involved in the auxin-induced pathway and AR formation were further identified, including 10 auxin respective genes ( ARFs and SAURs ), 13 transcription factors ( LOB domain-containing protein ( LBD s)), 6 auxin transporters ( AUX22 , LAX3/5 and PIN-like 6 ( PIL6s )) and 6 rooting-associated genes ( root meristem growth factor 9 ( RGF9 ), lateral root primordium 1 ( LRP1s ), and dormancy-associated protein homologue 3 ( DRMH3 )). All these identified DEGs were highly upregulated in certain stages during AR formation, indicating their potential roles in blueberry AR formation. Conclusions: The transcriptome profiling results indicated candidate genes or major regulatory factors that influence adventitious root formation in blueberry and provided a comprehensive understanding of the rooting mechanism underlying the auxin-induced AR formation from blueberry green cuttings.