bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low Engagement in HIV Services and Progress through the Treatment Cascade among Key Populations Living with HIV in Mozambique: Alarming Gaps in Knowledge of Status
Authors: Boothe Makini , Sathane Isabel , Baltazar Cynthia Semá , Chicuecue Noela , Horth Roberta , Fazito Erika , Raymond Henry Fisher 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background. Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic of 13.5% among the general population. Early modeling exercises in Mozambique estimate that key populations (KP), defined as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID), along with their partners account for about one third of all new infections. There is limited data describing the engagement of KP living with HIV in testing, care and treatment services.Methods. We conducted a secondary data analysis of HIV-positive participants in the first Bio-behavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys in Mozambique conducted 2011-2014 in order to assess service uptake and progress though the HIV treatment cascade among MSM, FSW, and PWID. Unweighted pooled estimates were calculated for each key population group.Results. Among HIV-positive MSM, 63.2% of participants had ever received an HIV test, 8.8% were aware of their status, 6.1% reported having been linked to care, while 3.5% initiated ART and were currently on treatment. Of the HIV-infected FSW participants, 76.5% reported a previous HIV test and 22.4% were previously aware of their status. Linkage to care was reported by 20.1%, while 12.7% reported having initiated ART and 11.8% reported being on treatment at the time of the survey. Among HIV-infected PWID participants, 79.9% had previously received an HIV test, 63.2% were aware of their HIV status, and 49.0% reported being linked to care for their HIV infection. ART initiation was reported by 42.7% of participants, while 29.4% were on ART at the time of the survey.Conclusion. Among the three high risk populations in Mozambique, losses occurred throughout critical areas of service uptake with the most alarming breakpoint occurring at knowledge of HIV status. Special attention should be given to increasing HIV testing and linkage to ART treatment. Future surveys will provide the opportunity to monitor improvements across the cascade in line with global targets and should include viral load testing to guarantee a more complete picture of the treatment cascade.
Factors Influencing Cancer Genetic Somatic Mutation Test Ordering By Cancer Physicians
Authors: Demeshko Anastassia , Pennisi David J. , Narayan Sushil , Gray Stacy W. , Brown Matthew A. , McInerney-Leo Aideen M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Clinical whole exome sequencing was introduced in an Australian centre in 2017, as an alternative to Sanger sequencing. We aimed to identify predictors of cancer physicians’ somatic mutation test ordering behaviour. Methods: A validated instrument assessed somatic mutation test ordering, genomic confidence, perceived utility of tumour molecular profiling, and percent of patients eligible for targeted therapy. A cash incentive was included in 189/244 questionnaires which were mailed to all Queensland cancer specialists in November 2018. Results: 110 participated (response rate 45%); 54.7% oncologists, and the remainder were surgeons, haematologists and pulmonologists. Oncologists were more likely to respond (p=0.008), and cash incentive improved the response rate (p<0.001). 67/102 (65.7%) of physicians ordered ≥5 somatic mutation tests annually. Oncologists saw 86.75 unique patients monthly and ordered 2.33 somatic mutation tests (2.2%). An average of 51/110 (46.1%) reported having little/no genomic confidence. Logistic regression identified two significant predictors of somatic mutation test ordering: being an oncologist (OR 3.557, CI 1.338-9.456; p=0.011) and having greater confidence in interpreting somatic results (OR 5.926, CI 2.230-15.74; p<0.0001). Conclusions: Consistent with previous studies, the majority of cancer physicians ordered somatic mutation tests. However, the percentage of patients on whom tests were ordered was low. Almost half respondents reported low genomic confidence. Somatic mutation test ordering was higher amongst oncologists and those with increased confidence in interpreting somatic variants. It is unclear whether genomically confident individuals ordered more tests or whether ordering more tests increased genomic confidence. Educational interventions could improve confidence and enhance test ordering behaviour.
The Association between Depressive Symptoms and Self-Rated Health among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in France and Japan
Authors: Ishida Mami , Montagni Ilaria , Matsuzaki Keiichi , Shimamoto Tomonari , Cariou Tanguy , Kawamura Takashi , Tzourio Christophe , Iwami Taku 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Depressive disorders in University students have risen dramatically in the past few decades to the extent that students’ mental health has become a current global public health priority. Obtaining information from University students about their mental health is challenging because of potential embarrassment of disclosing one’s concerns and fear of stigmatization. Self-rated health might be a good solution to evaluate mental health state by a simple and neutral indicator. The aim of the study is to investigate the association between depressive symptoms and self-rated health by sex among University students in France and Japan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using two large cohorts of students aged ≥18 years (n=5,655 in Bordeaux, France and n=17,148 in Kyoto, Japan). Depressive symptoms (PHQ-2 scale), Likert scale of self-rated health, socio-demographic characteristics and health habits were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to describe the association between depressive symptoms and other variables including self-rated health, stratified by sex.
Results: A high score of PHQ-2 (high depressive symptoms) was associated with poor self-rated health in both cohorts independently of all other variables (OR 2.82, 95%CI 1.99-4.01 in France, OR 7.10, 95%CI 5.76-8.74 in Japan). Although the prevalence of depressive symptoms between sexes was different in French students (males 15.4%, females 25.0%, p<0.001), it was similar in Japanese students (males 3.5%, females 3.3%, p=0.466), who reported less depressive symptoms than French students. The association between depressive symptoms and poor self-rated health was greater in Japanese females (OR 12.40, 95%CI 7.74-20.00) than in males (OR 6.30, 95%CI 4.99-7.95), whereas the strength of the association was almost similar in French students (OR 2.17, 95%CI 0.86-5.47 in males, OR 2.98, 95%CI 2.03-4.38 in females).
Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were associated with self-rated health among University students in both countries with slightly differences in sex. Self-rated health would be a simple, reliable and universal indicator for healthcare professionals and University staff to identify students at risk of depression.
Evaluation of successfulness of a capacity building workshop on smokeless tobacco and areca nut cessation conducted among Dental Surgeons of Sri Lanka: A cross sectional study
Authors: Jayasinghe Ruwan Duminda , Jayasooriya PR , Amarasinghe H , Hettiarachchi PVKS , Siriwardena BSMS. , Wijerathne UKYGDM , Kithalawarachchi SK. , Tilakaratne WM 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background- Prevalence of smoking in Sri Lanka shows a gradual reduction whilst the use of smokeless tobacco and areca nut shows an increasing trend. At present, to the best of our knowledge only a few well structured smokeless tobacco/areca nut cessation programmes are conducted in Sri Lanka, which is a gross underachievement considering that betel chewing related oral squamous cell carcinoma being the commonest cancer in Sri Lankan males. As General Dental Practitioners (GDP) do not contribute significantly to smokeless tobacco / areca nut cessation activities at present, capacity building programmes on smokeless tobacco/ areca nut control were carried out. The study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practices related to smokeless tobacco/ areca nut control among dental surgeonsMethods: Following an one day educational programme on smokeless tobacco / areca nut control, two self administered questionnaires were used to assess the improvement of knowledge and change of attitudes among 663 GDPs .Results - 27.1% of the participants them had received formal tobacco cessation training in the past. Majority had a good knowledge on harmful effects of smokeless tobacco but not on areca nut. Their knowledge on the current legislation on smokeless tobacco control in Sri Lanka and carcinogenicity of areca nut was not satisfactory. Almost all agreed that proper counseling leads to patient quitting the habit, a formal training is necessary to conduct tobacco control activities and it should be the part of the regular treatment modalities. More than 80% of the Dental surgeons believed that they should support strict legislation. Almost 50% agreed on tobacco and areca nut free environment in their dental clinics. Most important factors leading to poor involvement in tobacco cessation activities were lack of expertise and inadequate educational material, not breach of patient privacy and lack of financial incentives. Surprisingly, 20.1% of the dental surgeons had consumed smokeless tobacco / areca nut products in the past and only a few were current users of tobacco and/or areca nut.Conclusions - Well planned workshops are efficient and cost effective in improving knowledge, practices and attitudes of Dental surgeons towards smokeless tobacco / areca nut cessation.
Self-esteem instability and affective instability in everyday life after remission from borderline personality disorder
Authors: Santangelo Philip Samuel , Kokler Tobias D. , Zeitler Marie-Luise , Knies Rebekka , Kleindienst Nikolaus , Bohus Martin , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich W. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is defined by a pervasive pattern of instability. According to prior findings and clinical theories, self-esteem instability and affective instability are key features of BPD. Previous e-diary studies showed that instability in self-esteem is heightened and that it is highly intertwined with affective instability in BPD in comparison to healthy controls (HC). The present study sought to extend these findings by adding symptomatologically remitted BPD patients (BPD-REM), i.e. former patients with BPD who met four or fewer BPD criteria within the past year, as a comparison group.Methods: To examine differences regarding self-esteem instability and affective instability, we used e-diaries for repeatedly collecting data on self-esteem, valence, and tense arousal 12 times a day for four consecutive days while participants underwent their daily life activities. Determining three different state-of-the-art instability indices and applying multilevel analyses, we compared 35 BPD-REM participants with previously reported 60 acute BPD patients (BPD-ACU) and 60 HC.Results: Our results revealed that self-esteem instability was significantly lower in the BPD-REM compared to the BPD-ACU group, irrespective of the instability index. In contrast, there were no significant differences regarding affective instability between the BPD-REM participants and those in the BPD-ACU group. The comparison between the BPD-REM with the HC indicated both a significantly higher instability in self-esteem as well as significantly heightened affective instability in the BPD-REM participants. Moreover, even though the associations were not significant, we found tentative support for the assumption that affective changes that are accompanied by changes in self-esteem are experienced as more burdensome and negatively impact the quality of life of remitted BPD participants.Conclusions: This study builds on growing evidence for the importance of self-esteem instability in BPD. Whereas affective instability has been reported in various psychiatric disorders and might indeed constitute a transdiagnostic marker of affective dysregulation, our results indicate that self-esteem instability might be a specific symptom that construes the unique pathology in BPD.
The C allele of the reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1) polymorphism rs6060566 is a biomarker predicting coronary artery stenosis in Slovenian subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tibaut Miha , Ramuš Sara Mankoč , Petrovic Daniel 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: We aimed to examine the role of the rs6060566 polymorphism of the reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1) gene in the development of myocardial infarction (MI) in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods: A total of 1072 subjects with T2DM were enrolled in this cross-sectional case-control study: 335 subjects with MI and 737 subjects without clinical signs of coronary artery disease (CAD). The genetic analysis of the rs6060566 polymorphism was performed in all subjects. To assess the degree of coronary artery obstruction, a subpopulation of 128 subjects with T2DM underwent coronary computed tomography angiography. Next, endarterectomy samples were obtained during myocardial revascularization from diffusely diseased coronary arteries in 40 cases, which were analysed for ROMO1 expression according to their genotype.Results: There were no statistically significant associations between different genotypes or alleles of the rs6060566 polymorphism and MI in subjects with T2DM. The carriers of the C allele of the ROMO1 rs6060566 had a threefold increased likelihood of having 50%-75% coronary artery stenosis (AOR= 3.27, 95% CI 1.16 – 9.20). Subjects with two affected coronary arteries had a 3.72 fold higher prevalence of MI (OR= 3.72, 95% CI 1.27 – 10.84). With CAD in LMCA or LAD, MI prevalence was about 3.5-fold higher (p=0.07 for LMCA and p=0.01 for LAD). Furthermore, the carriers of the rs6060566 C allele showed higher number of positive cells for ROMO1 expression in endarterectomy samples of coronary arteries.Conclusions: According to our study, the rs6060566 polymorphism of the ROMO1 gene is not a risk factor for MI in Caucasians with T2DM. However, we found that subjects carrying the C allele were at a 3.27-fold increased risk of developing severe CAD compared with those who had non-obstructive CAD. Moreover, C allele carriers showed a statistically higher number of cells positive for ROMO1 compared with T allele carriers in coronary endarterectomy samples.
Water treadmill training attenuates blood-spinal cord barrier disruption in rats by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 expression following spinal cord injury
Authors: Ying Xinwang , Xie Qingfeng , Li Shengcun , Yu Xiaolan , Zhou Kecheng , Yue Jingjing , Chen Xiaolong , Tu Wenzhan , Yang Guanhu , Jiang Songhe 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The permeability of blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is mainly determined by the junction complex between adjacent endothelial cells, including tight junctions (TJ) and adhesion junctions (AJ), which can be severely damaged after spinal cord injury (SCI). Exercise training is a recognized method for the treatment of SCI. The destruction of the BSCB mediated by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) leads to inflammation, neurotoxin production, and apoptosis of neurons. The failure of effective regeneration of new blood vessels is also an important reason for delayed recovery after SCI. We introduced water treadmill training (TT) for the first time, which can help SCI rats successfully exercise and measured the effect of TT in promoting recovery after SCI and possible mechanisms involved.Methods: Sprague-Dawley (200–250g) rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham operated, SCI, and SCI + TT. Animals were sacrificed 7 d or 14 d post-surgery. The degree of neurological deficit as assessed by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan motor rating scale, tissue water content, BSCB permeability, apoptosis, protein expression and ultrastructure of vascular endothelial cells were assessed, Western blot, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Our experiments showed that TT reduced the permeability of BSCB and decreased tissue structural damage. TT improved functional recovery significantly when compared with the SCI group; TJ and AJ proteins expression increased significantly after TT training and training reduced apoptosis induced by SCI. TT can promote angiogenesis and the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was significantly inhibited by TT.Conclusions: In this study, the results indicate that TT promotes functional recovery for the following reasons: (1) TT protects residual BSCB structure from further damage; (2) it promotes vascular regeneration; and (3) it inhibits the expression of MMP-2/9 to mitigate BSCB damage.
Defining malaria risks among forest workers in Aceh, Indonesia: A formative assessment
Authors: Ekawati Lenny Lia , Johnson Kelly C. , Jacobson Jerry O. , Cueto Carmen A. , Zarlinda Iska , Elyazar Iqbal RF , Fatah Abdul , Sumiwi Maria E. , Noviyanti Rintis , Cotter Chris , Smith Jennifer L. , Coutrier Farah N. , Bennett Adam 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background. Following a dramatic decline of malaria cases in Aceh province, geographically-based reactive case detection (RACD) was recently evaluated as a tool to improve surveillance with the goal of malaria elimination. While RACD detected few cases in households surrounding index cases, engaging in forest work was identified as a risk factor for malaria and infections from Plasmodium knowlesi—a non-human primate malaria parasite—were more common than expected. This qualitative formative assessment was conducted to improve understanding of malaria risk from forest work and identify strategies for targeted surveillance among forest workers, including adapting reactive case detection.Methods. Between June and August, 2016, five focus groups and 18 in-depth interviews with forest workers and key informants were conducted in each of four subdistricts in Aceh Besar and Aceh Jaya districts. Themes included: types of forest activities, mobility of workers, interactions with non-human primates, malaria prevention and treatment-seeking behaviors, and willingness to participate in malaria surveys at forest work sites and using peer-referral.Results. Reported forest activities included mining, logging, and agriculture in the deep forest and along the forest fringe. Forest workers, particularly miners and loggers, described often spending weeks to months at work sites in makeshift housing, rarely utilizing mosquito prevention and, upon fever, self-medicating and seeking care from traditional healers or pharmacies rather than health facilities. Non-human primates are frequently observed near work sites, and most forest work locations are within a day’s journey of health clinics. Employers and workers expressed interest in undertaking malaria testing and in participating in survey recruitment by peer-referral and at work sites.Conclusions. Diverse groups of forest workers in Aceh are potentially exposed to malaria through forest work. Passive surveillance and household-based screening may under-estimate malaria burden due to extended stays in the forest and health-seeking behaviors. Adapting active surveillance to specifically target forest workers through work-site screening and/or peer-referral appears promising for addressing currently undetected infections.
Effects of corn steep liquor on ß-poly(L-malic acid) production in Aureobasidium melanogenum
Authors: Wang Genan , Shi Bingyi , Zhang Pan , Zhao Tingbin , Yin Haisong , Qiao Changsheng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
ß-poly(L-malic acid) (PMLA) is a water-soluble biopolymer used in medicine, food, and other industries. However, the low level of PMLA biosynthesis in microorganisms limits its further application in the biotechnological industry. In this study, corn steep liquor(CSL), which processes high nutritional value and low-cost characteristics, was selected as a growth factor to increase the PMLA production in strain, Aureobasidium melanogenum, and its metabolomics change under the CSL addition was investigated. The results indicated that, with 3g/L CSL, PMLA production, cell growth, and yield (Yp/x) were increased by 32.76%, 41.82%, and 47.43%, respectively. The intracellular metabolites of A. melanogenum, such as amino acids, organic acids, and key intermediates in the TCA cycle, increased after the addition of CSL, and the enrichment analysis showed that tyrosine may play a major role in the PMLA biosynthesis. The results presented in this study demonstrated that the addition of CSL would be an efficient approach to improve PMLA production.
Feasibility and long-term safety of Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy in broncholithiasis patients
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Wang Guangfa , Zhang Wei , Zhang Hong , Wang Xi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Treatment of broncholithiasis is complex, especially in the case of a large or transbronchial broncholith. Holmium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy may be a useful treatment in broncholithiasis; however, as it is not yet common practice, the optimal parameters are unknown. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 13 broncholithiasis patients who underwent Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy from May 2012 to October 2018. Results: For the 13 patients (2 males and 11 females), Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy was performed 17 times, in total. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with rigid bronchoscopy. We initially set the Ho:YAG laser to a pulse frequency of 5 Hz and a pulse energy of 0.8 J, gradually increasing these as required. The pulse frequency range we employed was 5-15 Hz, and the pulse energy range was 0.8-1.6 J. All broncholiths were successfully extracted after lithotripsy, and all symptoms improved. Hemoptysis, bronchial esophageal fistula, and pneumonia were the most common complications; however, there were no long-term complications. Conclusions: Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy is an effective and safe treatment for broncholithiasis, over a long-term follow up.
Spatial scale of geomagnetic Pc5/Pi3 pulsations as a factor of their efficiency in generation of geomagnetically induced currents
Authors: Yagova Nadezda V. , Pilipenko Vyacheslav , Sakharov Yaroslav , Selivanov Vasily 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in a meridional power transmission line on the Kola Peninsula are analyzed during the intervals of Pc5/Pi3 (frequency range from 1.5 to 5 mHz) pulsations recorded at the IMAGE magnetometer network. We have analyzed GIC in a transformer at the terminal station Vykhodnoj (68 N, 33 E) during the entire year of 2015, near the maximum of 24-th Solar cycle. To quantify the efficiency of GIC generation by geomagnetic pulsations, a ratio between power spectral densities of GIC and magnetic field variations is introduced. Upon examination of the geomagnetic pulsation efficiency in GIC generation, the emphasis is given to its dependence on frequency and spatial scale. To estimate pulsation spatial scales in latitudinal and longitudinal directions, the triangle of stations KEV-SOD-KIL has been used. Large-scale pulsations (with a high spectral coherence, low phase difference, and similar amplitudes at latitudinally separated stations) are found to be more effective in GIC generation than small-scale pulsations. The GIC response also depends on the pulsation scale across the electric power line.