bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pilot study on a potential relationship between leg bone length and sprint performance in sprinters; Are there any event-related differences in 100-m and 400-m sprints?
Authors: Tomita Daichi , Suga Tadashi , Terada Masafumi , Tanaka Takahiro , Miyake Yuto , Ueno Hiromasa , Otsuka Mitsuo , Nagano Akinori , Isaka Tadao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: This study examined the relationship between leg bone length and sprint performance in sprinters. The leg bone lengths in 28 100-m specialized sprinters and 28 400-m specialized sprinters were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. The lengths of the upper and lower leg bones were assessed by calculating the lengths of the femur and tibia, respectively. To minimize differences in body size among participants, both bone lengths were normalized to body height. The ratio of the tibial length to femoral length was calculated to evaluate the interaction between the lengths of the upper and lower leg bones. International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) scores, based on the personal best times of the sprinters in each group were used as parameters for sprint performance. Results: There were no significant correlations between absolute and relative lengths of the femur and tibia and IAAF scores in both 100-m and 400-m sprinters. By contrast, the ratio of the tibial length to femoral length correlated significantly with IAAF score in 400-m sprinters (r = 0.445, P = 0.018), but not 100-m sprinters. These findings suggest that the leg bone lengths may play an important role in achieving superior long sprint performance in 400-m specialized sprinters.
“You talk about problems until you feel free”: South African adolescent girls' and young women’s narratives on the value of HIV prevention peer support clubs
Authors: Baron Deborah , Scorgie Fiona , Ramskin Lethabo , Khoza Nomhle , Schutzman Jennifer , Stangl Anne , Harvey Sheila , Delany-Moretlwe Sinead 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce HIV infection in adolescent girls and young women if used consistently during periods of risk. The EMPOWER study evaluated peer-based clubs incorporating an empowerment curriculum offered to adolescent girls and young women (16-24 years) in South Africa and Tanzania for adherence support. Methods: Using serial in-depth interviews (n=33), we assessed the benefits and challenges of club attendance among 13 EMPOWER participants in the Johannesburg site who were randomised to clubs. We used a summary matrix of coded data to support a narrative, case-based analysis. Four case studies are presented. Results: Club participants reported benefits such as increased self-esteem and self-efficacy, reduced isolation, and greater insight into gender-based violence and strategies to address it. Day-to-day PrEP adherence was not the only topic discussed in clubs; participants also appreciated the safe space for sharing problems (such as relationship conflict and PrEP stigma) and found interactive exercises helpful in improving partner communication.Conclusions: Findings support the use of peer-based clubs using a structured empowerment approach, which may offer valuable PrEP initiation support to adolescent girls and young women in settings with high HIV and gender-based violence prevalence.Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR202006754762723, 10 June 2020, retrospectively registered
An unlabeled probe based real time PCR and modified semi nested PCR as molecular tools for analysis of chloroquine resistant in Plasmodium vivax isolates from Afghanistan
Authors: Mosawi Sayed Hussain , Dalimi Abdolhossein , Safi Najibullah , Fotouhi-Ardakani Reza , Ghaffarifar Fatemeh , Sadraei Javid 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Plasmodium vivax isolate resistance to Chloroquine (CQ) has been reported from many endemic regions in the world. P. vivax is responsible for 95% of malaria cases in Afghanistan and CQ is the first-line treatment given for treatment of vivax malaria. The pvmdr-1 and pvcrt-o (K10 insertion) genes are the possible markers for CQ-resistance P. vivax isolates. There have been no studies done on the presence or absence of molecular markers for CQ-resistance P. vivax in Afghanistan. The present work aimed to evaluate the frequency of mutations in the pvmdr-1 and K10 insertion in the pvcrt-o genes of P. vivax.Methods: P. vivax isolates were collected from Laghman, Baghlan and Khost provinces. For investigation of polymorphisms of desired regions in pvmdr-1 and pvcrt-o genes, sequencing was applied on the PCR products. A new asymmetric qPCR and melting analysis assay based on unlabeled probe developed for scanning of K10 insertion in pvcrt-o gene. Results: The analysis of sequencing data of the pvmdr-1 gene showed wild type Y976 and K997 and mutant M958 and L1076 in 33 isolates from three provinces and submitted in GenBank (accession number MK419882-MK419914)Of 36 samples that evaluated for K10 insertion in pvcrt-o, 2/18(11%), 0/10(0%) and 0/8(0%) isolates from Laghman, Baghlan and Khost province possessed K10 insertion, respectively, that confirmed by either sequencing and unlabeled probes and submitted in GenBank (accession number MK292011-MK292046).Conclusion: Two samples with K10 insertion and 33 samples with pvmdr1 polymorphism, indicating on the possibility of CQ resistance P. vivax populations in Afghanistan. Furthermore, unlabeled probes are simple and inexpensive alternative tools for screening of P. vivax mutations.
Progress towards the 2020 Fast Track HIV/AIDS reduction targets across ages in Ethiopia as compared to neighboring countries using Global Burden of Diseases 2017 data
Authors: Mirkuzie Alemnesh H. , Ali Solomon , Abate Ebba , Worku Asnake , Misganaw Awoke 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3, targets to eliminate HIV from being a public health threat by 2030. For better tracking of this target interim Fast Track milestones for 2020 and composite complementary measures have been indicated. This study measured the Fast Track progress in the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia across ages compared to neighboring countries. Methods The National Data Management Center for health's research team at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute has analyzed the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 secondary data for the year 2010 to 2017 for Ethiopia and its neighbors. GBD 2017 data sources were census, demographic and a health survey, prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, antiretroviral treatment programs, sentinel surveillance, and UNAIDS reports. Age-standardized and age-specific HIV/AIDS incidence, prevalence, mortality, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), incidence:mortality ratio and incidence:prevalence ratio were calculated with corresponding 95% confidence intervals.Results Ethiopia and neighboring countries recorded slow progress in reducing new HIV infection since 2010. Only Uganda would achieve the 75% target by 2020. Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda already achieved the 75% mortality reduction target set for 2020. The incidence: prevalence ratio for Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda were < 0.03, indicating the countries were on track to end HIV by 2030. Ethiopia had an incidence: mortality ratio <1 due to high mortality; while Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda had a ratio of >1 due to high incidence. The HIV incidence rate in Ethiopia was dropped by 76% among under 5 children in 2017 compared to 2010 and the country would likely to attain the 2020 national target, but far behind achieving the target among the 15-49 age group.Conclusions Ethiopia and neighboring countries have made remarkable progress towards achieving the 75% HIV/AIDS mortality reduction target by 2020, although they progressed poorly in reducing HIV incidence. By recording an incidence:prevalence ratio benchmark of less than 0.03, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda are well heading towards epidemic control. Nonetheless, the high HIV/AIDS mortality rate in Ethiopia for its incidence requires innovative strategies to reach out undiagnosed cases and to build institutional capacity for generating strong evidence to ensure sustainable epidemic control.
Treatment Effects of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty – A Simple Method to Measure Outcomes at 6, 12, 24 and 60 Months for Each Patient
Authors: Huber Joerg , Irlenbusch Ulrich , Kääb Max J , Reuther Falk , Kohut Georges , Judge Andy 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Although shoulder arthroplasty is less common than knee or hip arthroplasty, the number of procedures being performed is increasing rapidly. The treatment effect is a simple method to measure outcome of joint replacement. The method was applied to measure results of total hip/knee arthroplasty but not yet for shoulder arthroplasty. Methods Included were patients with unilateral cuff arthropathy (Hamada grades >=2) treated with reversed total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in this prospective multicenter study. The patients were assessed with the ASES questionnaire. The treatment effects (TE) was calculated for each patient. TE = score reduction/baseline score. A positive TE means amelioration, TE = 0 unchanged, and a negative TE means worse. The primary aim was to calculate the TE’s for RSA at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively. The secondary aim was to analyze the influence of confounders (preoperative Hamada grade, age, gender, dominance, side of the affected shoulder, general co-morbidities measured using ASA grade).Results 203 patients were included for this analysis of whom 183 patients had a complete 2 year follow up. Two years postoperatively the mean ASES score augmented significant from 20.5 to 78.7 (p<0.001). The 2 year TE's ranged from 1 to 0.09. We had no patient with a negative TE. A higher Hamada grade was associated with better TE’s (Hamada grade 4+ vs. 2, p-value 0.042). For age and dominant side there were weak associations where those aged 80+ and dominant side had better TE’s. The patients with higher ASA grade had lower TE’s (ASA grade 4+ vs. 1, p-value 0.013). The mean TE’s were 0.77 at 6-months, 0.81 at 1 year, 0.76 at 2 years and 0.73 at 5 years. Conclusions The outcome for reverse shoulder arthroplasty can be measured with the treatment effect method; the 2 years TE's vary from 1 to 0.09. The mean treatment effects change little in the first five postoperative years (from 0.73 to 0.81). The confounders for better TE’s were: higher severity of cuff arthropathy (Hamada grade 3, 4 and 5), less co-morbidities (ASA Grade 1), higher age (80+) and dominant side. Gender did not influence the 2-year TE’s. Trial registration: Comité intercantonal d'éthique (Jura, Fribourg, Neuchâtel), number 01/2008, 24.09.2008
Effect of intraoperative goal-directed balanced crystalloid versus colloid administration on postoperative maximum NT-proBNP concentration in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery
Authors: Reiterer Christian , Kabon Barbara , Taschner Alexander , Zotti Oliver , Kurz Andrea , Fleischmann Edith 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and troponin T are released during myocardial wall stress and/or ischemia and are strong predictors for postoperative cardiovascular complications. However, the effect of goal-directed crystalloid versus colloid administration on NT-proBNP and troponin T, especially in relatively healthy patients undergoing moderate- to high risk abdominal surgery, still remains unclear. Thus, we evaluated in this sub-study the effect of a goal-directed crystalloid versus a goal-directed colloid fluid regimen on postoperative maximum NT-proBNP concentration. We further evaluated the incidence of MINS between both study groups. Methods: 30 patients were randomly assigned to receive additional intravenous fluid boluses of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 and 30 patients to receive lactated Ringer´s solution. Intraoperative fluid management was guided by oesophageal Doppler-according to a previously published algorithm. The primary outcome were differences in postoperative maximum NT-proBNP (maxNT-proBNP) between both groups. As our secondary outcome we evaluated the incidence of MINS between both study groups. We defined maxNT-proBNP as the maximum value measured within 2 hours after surgery and on the first and second postoperative day. Results: In total 56 patients were analysed. There was no significant difference in postoperative maximum NT-proBNP between the colloid group (258.7 ng/L (IQR 199.4 to 782.1)) and the crystalloid group (440.3 ng/L (IQR 177.9 to 691.2)) during the first 2 postoperative days (P = 0.29). 5 patients in the colloid group and 7 patients in the crystalloid group developed MINS (P = 0.75).Conclusions: Based on this relatively small study goal-directed colloid administration did not decrease postoperative maxNT-proBNP concentration as compared to goal-directed crystalloid administration. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01195883)
Frequently abnormal serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity is associated with future development of fatty liver: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fujii Hideki , Doi Haruna , Ko Tetsuhisa , Fukuma Taito , Kadono Toru , Asaeda Kohei , Kobayashi Reo , Nakano Takahiro , Doi Toshifumi , Nakatsugawa Yoshikazu , Yamada Shinya , Nishimura Takeshi , Tomatsuri Naoya , Sato Hideki 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation. Some individuals frequently present elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels without fatty liver ultrasound images and other abnormal liver enzymes levels. However, whether these individuals are at an elevated risk for developing fatty liver is unclear. We compared fatty liver change rates and risk factors between individuals with frequently elevated GGT levels and those with normal levels.Methods We designed a retrospective cohort study on the basis of complete medical checkup records. One group of individuals had presented normal serum GGT levels during the observation period (Normal-GGT group, n = 2713). Another group had had abnormal elevated serum GGT levels frequently (Abnormal-GGT group, n = 264). We determined the fatty liver change incident rates before and after propensity score matching. We explored confounding factors affecting fatty changes in each group using univariate and multivariate Cox models.Results The change incidence rates were 5.80/1000 and 10.02/1000 person-years in the Normal-GGT and Abnormal-GGT groups, respectively. After propensity score matching, the incidence rates were 3.08/1000 and 10.18/1000 person-years in the Normal-GGT and Abnormal-GGT groups, respectively (p = 0.026). The factors associated with fatty liver changes in the Normal-GGT group included body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, triglyceride (TG), fasting blood sugar, and high-density lipoprotein levels. Those in the Abnormal-GGT group were platelet counts and TG. In our multivariable analysis, BMI, ALT, albumin, and TG levels were independent predictors of fatty changes in the Normal-GGT group, and high TG level was the only independent predictor in the Abnormal-GGT group.Conclusions The incidence rate of fatty liver change in the Abnormal-GGT group was higher than that in the Normal-GGT group. Consecutive elevated GGT levels increase the risk for fatty liver, and high TG levels in those individuals further independently increase the risk.Trial registration: NA
Mercury distribution in the surface soil of China is potentially driven by precipitation, vegetation cover and organic matter
Authors: Zhang Zhao-Yang , Li Gang , Yang Lei , Wang Xin-Jun , Sun Guo-Xin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Understanding the mechanism of Hg accumulation in soil, which is a net Hg sink, at a national scale is important to protecting the environment and improving food safety. The mercury (Hg) distribution in surface soil in China is quite uneven, with relatively high concentrations in southeastern China and low concentrations in northwestern China. The reason for this distribution is inconclusive, especially at the continental scale. In this study, the relative contributions of the key impact factors, including dry and wet deposition, soil organic matter (SOM) and solar radiation to soil Hg, were evaluated.Results: Wet and dry deposition associated with precipitation and vegetation cover and emissions influenced by SOM are key factors controlling Hg distribution in surface soil. In southeastern China, high levels of wet deposition associated with the South Asia monsoon and dry deposition, enhanced by vegetation canopies, together with low levels of emissions caused by highly vegetated surfaces and solar radiation, are responsible for the high Hg levels in soil (>0.08 mg/kg). In northeastern China, moderate levels of wet Hg deposition, high levels of dry deposition via throughfall and litterfall, low emissions due to weak solar radiation and high levels of SOM are responsible for high Hg accumulation in soil. In northwestern China, low levels of wet deposition, together with high emissions levels, low vegetation cover (bare soil) and SOM and strong solar radiation, contributed to the low Hg level in the surface soil (<0.03 mg/kg).Conclusions: We suggest that wet deposition derived from the Asian monsoon, dry deposition linked to vegetated surfaces and Hg emissions associated with vegetation cover, SOM and solar radiation play key roles in the soil Hg level in China. In other terrestrial environments worldwide, especially in regions with significantly high levels of wet deposition and high amounts of vegetation cover and soil SOM, high Hg concentrations may exist in surface soil.
ICON: A randomized phase IIb study evaluating immunogenic chemotherapy combined with ipilimumab and nivolumab in patients with metastatic hormone receptor positive breast cancer
Authors: Kyte Jon Amund , Andresen NK , Russnes HG , Fretland Signe Øien , Falk RS , Lingjærde OC , Naume B 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) targeting PD-1 or CTLA-4 has emerged as an important treatment modality for several cancer forms. In hormone receptor positive breast cancer (HR+ BC), this therapeutic approach is largely unexplored. We have started a clinical trial, ICON (CA209-9FN), evaluating CPI combined with selected chemotherapy in patients with metastatic HR+ BC. The tumor lymphocyte infiltration is predictive for the effect of chemotherapy in BC. In ICON, we use anthracycline, which are considered as “immunogenic” chemotherapy, and low-dose cyclophosphamide, which has been reported to counter immunosuppressive cells. Methods: ICON is a randomized exploratory phase IIb study evaluating the safety and efficacy of combining nivolumab (nivo; anti-PD-1) and ipilimumab (ipi; anti-CTLA-4) with chemotherapy in subjects with metastatic HR+ BC. Primary objectives are aassessment of toxicity and progression-free survival.The trial will enrol 75 evaluable subjects, randomized 2:3 into two arms (A:B). Patients in Arm A receive only chemotherapy, i.e. pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD 20mg/m2 intravenously every 2nd week) + cyclophosphamide (cyclo; 50 mg per day, first 2 weeks in each 4 week cycle). Patients in Arm B receive PLD + cyclo + ipilimumab (1mg intravenously every 6th week) + nivolumab (240mg intravenously every 2nd week). Patients in arm A will be offered ipi+nivo after disease progression. Discussion: ICON is among the first clinical trials combining chemotherapy with PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade, and the first in BC. There is a strong preclinical rationale for exploring if anthracycline, which are considered to induce immunogenic cell death, synergize with CPI, and for combining PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade, as these checkpoints are important in different phases of the immune response. If the ICON trial suggests acceptable safety and provide a signal of clinical efficacy, further studies are warranted. The cross-overpatients from Arm A receiving ipilimumab/nivolumab without concomitant chemotherapy represent the first BC cohort receiving this therapy. The ICON trial includes a series of translational sub-projects addressing clinically important knowledge gaps. These studies may uncover biomarkers or mechanisms of efficacy and resistance, thereby informing the development of novel combinatory regimes and of personalised biomarker-based therapy. Trial registration: NCT03409198, Jan 24th 2018; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT03409198
Modulation of Plasma Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Levels via Dietary Salt Intervention in Chinese Adults:an Intervention Trial
Authors: Ma Qiong , Chu Chao , Xue Yan-bo , Hu Jia-wen , Zheng Wen-ling , Yan Yu , Wang Ke-ke , Wang Yang , Yuan Yue , Liao Yue-yuan , Chen Chen , Mu Jianjun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a pleiotropic bioactive sphingolipid metabolite, is involved in various pathophysiological processes,including blood pressure regulation. Salt is a crucial factor for blood pressure modulation,especially in salt-sensitive individuals who may develop earlier, more severe subclinical target organ damage than salt-resistant individuals.However, the relationships among salt intake, circulating S1P levels, and blood pressure changes are unknown. Thus, we conducted this intervention trial to explore the effect of dietary salt intake on plasma S1P levels and examine the relationship between S1P and blood pressure in Chinese adults.Methods:Forty-two participants (aged 18–65 years) were recruited from a rural community in Shaanxi, China. All participants first maintained their normal diet for 3 days, then sequentially ate a low-sodium diet (3.0 g/day NaCl) for 7 days, followed by a high-sodium diet (18.0 g/day NaCl) for 7 days. We assessed their plasma S1P concentrations on the last day of each intervention phase by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. We classified the subjects who demonstrated at least a 10% increase in mean arterial pressure upon transitioning from a low-salt to a high-salt diet as salt-sensitive and the others as salt-resistant. Differences in repeated measures were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results:Plasma S1P levels decreased significantly from the baseline to low-salt diet period and increased from the low-salt tohigh-salt diet period. We observed this response in both salt-sensitive and salt-resistant individuals. Plasma S1P levels positively correlated with 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, but not 24-hour urinary potassium excretion. In line with plasma S1P level responses to salt intervention, systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure decreased from the baseline to low-salt diet period and increased from the low-salt to high-salt period.Systolic blood pressure positively correlated with plasma S1P; the correlation was stronger in salt-sensitive individuals than in salt-resistant individuals. Conclusion:Low-salt intervention decreased plasma S1P levels, whereas high-salt intervention reversed this changein Chinese adults. This finding provides evidence that salt moderation may be a high-efficiency, low-cost intervention for regulating circulating S1P levels, with implications for salt-induced blood pressure modulation. Trial registration: NCT02915315.Registered 27 September，2016,http://www.clinicaltrials.gov