bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Video intervention to Inspire Treatment Adherence for Life (VITAL Start): protocol for a multisite randomized controlled trial of a brief video-based intervention to improve antiretroviral adherence and retention among HIV-infected pregnant women in Malawi
Authors: Kim Maria H. , Tembo Tapiwa A. , Mazenga Alick , Yu Xiaoying , Myer Landon , Sabelli Rachael , Flick Robert , Hartig Miriam , Wetzel Elizabeth , Simon Katie , Ahmed Saeed , Nyirenda Rose , Kazembe Peter N. , Mphande Mtisunge , Mkandawire Angella , Chitani Mike J. , Markham Christine , Ciaranello Andrea , Abrams Elaine J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundImproving maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) retention and adherence is a critical challenge facing prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programs. There is an urgent need for evidence-based, cost-effective, and scalable interventions to improve maternal adherence and retention that can be feasibly implemented in overburdened health systems. Brief video-based interventions are a promising but underutilized approach to this crisis. We describe a trial protocol to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a standardized educational video-based intervention targeting HIV-infected pregnant women that seeks to optimize their ART retention and adherence by providing a VITAL Start (Video intervention to Inspire Treatment Adherence for Life) before committing to lifelong ART.MethodsThis study is a multisite parallel group, randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of a brief facility-based video intervention to optimize retention and adherence to ART among pregnant women living with HIV in Malawi. A total of 892 pregnant women living with HIV and not yet on ART will be randomized to standard-of-care pre-ART counseling or VITAL Start. The primary outcome is a composite of retention and adherence (viral load < 1000 copies/ml) 12 months after starting ART. Secondary outcomes include assessments of behavioral adherence (self-reported adherence, pharmacy refill, and tenofovir diphosphate concentration), psychosocial impact, and resource utilization. We will also examine the implementation of VITAL Start via surveys and qualitative interviews with patients, partners, and health care workers and conduct cost-effectiveness analyses.DiscussionThis is a robust evaluation of an innovative facility-based video intervention for pregnant women living with HIV, with the potential to improve maternal and infant outcomes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov,NCT03654898. Registered on 31 August 2018.
Effect of polymorphisms in porcine guanylate-binding proteins on host resistance to PRRSV infection in experimentally challenged pigs
Authors: Khatun Amina , Nazki Salik , Jeong Chang-Gi , Gu Suna , Mattoo Sameer ul Salam , Lee Sim-In , Yang Myun-Sik , Lim Byeonghwi , Kim Kwan-Suk , Kim Bumseok , Lee Kyoung-Tae , Park Choi-Kyu , Lee Sang-Myeong , Kim Won-Il 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGuanylate-binding proteins (GBP1 and GBP5) are known to be important for host resistance against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection. In this study, the effects of polymorphisms in GBP1 (GBP1E2 and WUR) and GBP5 on host immune responses against PRRSV were investigated to elucidate the mechanisms governing increased resistance to this disease. Seventy-one pigs [pre-genotyped based on three SNP markers (GBP1E2, WUR, and GBP5)] were assigned to homozygous (n = 36) and heterozygous (n = 35) groups and challenged with the JA142 PRRSV strain. Another group of nineteen pigs was kept separately as a negative control group. Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected at 0, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-challenge (dpc). Viremia and weight gain were measured in all pigs at each time point, and a flow cytometry analysis of PBMCs was performed to evaluate T cell activation. In addition, 15 pigs (5 pigs per homozygous, heterozygous and negative groups) were sacrificed at 3, 14 and 28 dpc, and the local T cell responses were evaluated in the lungs, bronchoalveolar lavage cells (BALc), lymph nodes and tonsils. The heterozygous pigs showed lower viral loads in the serum and lungs and higher weight gains than the homozygous pigs based on the area under the curve calculation. Consistently, compared with the homozygous pigs, the heterozygous pigs exhibited significantly higher levels of IFN-α in the serum, proliferation of various T cells (γδT, Th1, and Th17) in PBMCs and tissues, and cytotoxic T cells in the lungs and BALc. These results indicate that the higher resistance in the pigs heterozygous for the GBP1E2, WUR and GBP5 markers could be mediated by increased antiviral cytokine (IFN-α) production and T cell activation.
The challenges of estimating the distribution of flight heights from telemetry or altimetry data
Authors: Péron Guillaume , Calabrese Justin M. , Duriez Olivier , Fleming Christen H. , García-Jiménez Ruth , Johnston Alison , Lambertucci Sergio A. , Safi Kamran , Shepard Emily L. C. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundGlobal positioning systems (GPS) and altimeters are increasingly used to monitor vertical space use by aerial species, a key aspect of their ecological niche, that we need to know to manage our own use of the airspace, and to protect those species. However, there are various sources of error in flight height data (“height” above ground, as opposed to “altitude” above a reference like the sea level). First the altitude is measured with a vertical error from the devices themselves. Then there is error in the ground elevation below the tracked animals, which translates into error in flight height computed as the difference between altitude and ground elevation. Finally, there is error in the horizontal position of the animals, which translates into error in the predicted ground elevation below the animals. We used controlled field trials, simulations, and the reanalysis of raptor case studies with state-space models to illustrate the effect of improper error management.ResultsErrors of a magnitude of 20 m appear in benign conditions for barometric altimeters and GPS vertical positioning (expected to be larger in more challenging context). These errors distort the shape of the distribution of flight heights, inflate the variance in flight height, bias behavioural state assignments, correlations with environmental covariates, and airspace management recommendations. Improper data filters such as removing all negative flight height records introduce several biases in the remaining dataset, and preclude the opportunity to leverage unambiguous errors to help with model fitting. Analyses that ignore the variance around the mean flight height, e.g., those based on linear models of flight height, and those that ignore the variance inflation caused by telemetry errors, lead to incorrect inferences.ConclusionThe state-space modelling framework, now in widespread use by ecologists and increasingly often automatically implemented within on-board GPS data processing algorithms, makes it possible to fit flight models directly to the output of GPS devices, with minimal data pre-selection, and to analyse the full distribution of flight heights, not just the mean. In addition to basic research about aerial niches, behaviour quantification, and environmental interactions, we highlight the applied relevance of our recommendations for airspace management and the conservation of aerial wildlife.
Design of a bio-conditioner prototype for the treatment of degraded soils: biomass production and lignite formulation for Microbacterium sp. CSB3
Authors: Pantoja-Guerra Manuel , Valero-Valero Nelson 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
A new prototype of bio-conditioner useful in rehabilitation of degraded soils was performed. In order to obtain this aim two stages were established: production of biomass of Microbacterium sp. CSB3 and formulation of this inoculum in a sediment supplemented with low-rank coal (LRC).

Materials and methods
The effect of agitation and pH on microbial growth was determined. As response variables, the final production of biomass (Xf) and yield (Yx/s) were determined. Growth dynamics of CSB3 in a 2-L reactor was also evaluated through Xf, Yx/s and the determination of kinetic parameters (specific growth rate [μ] and duplication time [Dt]). The formulation of CSB3 was evaluated; mixtures of several LRC proportions with a sediment from a municipal aqueduct were made. During 90 days, the viability of CSB3 was monitored by counting CFU.

Results
The optimal pH and agitation for Xf and Yx/x were 7.5 and 232 rpm, respectively; the values of Xf, Yx/s, μ and Dt in 2-L reactor were: 1.5 gL−1, 0.28 g/g, 0.0208 h−1, 33.3 h, respectively. Regarding the formulation, the most suitable combination to conserve the viability of CSB3 was LRC 25%–sediment 75%; the heavy metals content of LRC allow to infer that the prototype of bio-conditioner does not represent a pollution risk for environment soil.

Conclusions
It was possible to optimize the growth of CSB3 under laboratory conditions. The viability of CSB3 could be maintained by a formulation in a sediment supplemented with lignite; this formulation constitutes a new prototype of soil bio-conditioner.
Acceleration mechanism of radiation belt electrons through interaction with multi-subpacket chorus waves
Authors: Hiraga Ryoko , Omura Yoshiharu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe conduct test particle simulations to examine the acceleration mechanism of relativistic electrons through interaction with multi-subpacket chorus waves. As the analysis of recent observations reveals, amplitude of a rising tone element of chorus wave consists of many short wave packets. We call this single rising tone chorus element with the collective structure of multiple short wave packets as a multi-subpacket chorus wave. In this simulation, we develop the wave model with rapidly fluctuating amplitude and phase discontinuities across each subpacket, in order to examine how these features of multi-subpacket chorus wave influence the nonlinear trapping processes in efficient acceleration of relativistic electrons such as relativistic turning acceleration (RTA) and ultra-relativistic acceleration (URA). To conduct comprehensive examinations, we test more than nine million particles with various initial conditions covering the energy range from 100 to 6 MeV, and the equatorial pitch angles from 10° to 89°. The test particles interact with a single rising tone element of multi-subpacket chorus wave set up with the maximum amplitude of about 2 nT and the frequency rise from about 1.3 kHz to 3.8 kHz over 0.25 s. Relativistic electrons are accelerated by about 160 keV under preferable conditions. The energy increase verifies the high efficiency of acceleration by the wave–particle interactions, based on the fact that it is achieved by a short time interaction less than 1 s with a single element of chorus wave. By analyzing the detailed behavior of the accelerated electrons, we find successive trapping of the resonant electrons resulting in the efficient accelerations from the consecutive multiple subpackets of a chorus wave element.
Should we transfer poor quality embryos?
Authors: Kirillova Anastasia , Lysenkov Sergey , Farmakovskaya Maria , Kiseleva Yulia , Martazanova Bella , Mishieva Nona , Abubakirov Aydar , Sukhikh Gennady 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate if it is safe and effective to transfer poor quality embryos.MethodsIt was a retrospective analysis using individual patient data with positive controls. All patients undergoing embryo transfers of poor quality embryos on day 3 or on day 5 as part of fresh In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycles performed between 2012 and 2016. This study assessed a total of 738 poor quality embryos from 488 IVF programs. 261 embryo transfers were performed on day 3 (402 embryos were transferred) and 227 on day 5 (336 embryos were transferred). Control group consisted of 9893 fair and good quality embryos from 5994 IVF programs. Outcome rates were compared with two-tailed Fisher exact test using fisher.test function in R software. 95% confidence intervals for proportions were calculated using the Clopper-Pearson method with binom.test function in R. The groups of patients with poor vs. good and fair quality embryos were compared by age, body mass index(BMI), number of oocytes, female and male main diagnosis, cycle type, controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol, the starting day of gonadotropin administration, the starting dose of gonadotropins, the total dose of gonadotropins, the total number of days of gonadotropins administration, the starting day of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist administration, the total number of ampoules of GnRH-agonist used, day of the trigger of ovulation administration and the type of the trigger of ovulation using the Student’s t-test for interval variables and with the chi-square test for nominal variables.ResultsNo significant differences in the implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live births, and the number of children born were found between the groups of poor quality embryos transferred on day 3 and day 5. Though the implantation rate was lower for the group of poor quality embryos, than for the control (13.9% vs 37.2%), statistically significant differences between the proportion of implanted embryos which resulted in clinical pregnancies and live births in both groups were not observed (72% vs 78.2 and 55.8% vs 62.0% respectively).ConclusionTransfer of poor quality embryos at either day 3 or day 5 have a low potential for implantation, though those embryos which successfully implanted have the same potential for live birth as the embryos of fair and good quality. This study supports that it is safe to transfer poor quality embryos when they are the only option for fresh embryo transfer (ET).
Can electrophysiological tests be used as screening tools in detection of cognitive impairment in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome?
Authors: Nada Mona M. , Maher Eman A. , Basheer Mye A. , El-Mekkawy Leqaa A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
One of the most prevalent sleep disorders is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients with OSA have increased risk of car and work place accidents which may be attributed to cognitive impairment due to poor sleep quality. Thus, there is an increasing need to implement simple, reliable and rapid screening for cognitive impairment in OSA patients.

Objectives
To assess auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) and quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) as screening tools for detection of cognitive impairment in OSA patients taking circadian effects into consideration.

Subjects and methods
Twenty OSA patients as well as 20 gender- and age-matched volunteers were subjected to trail making test (TMT), auditory ERPs and QEEG before and after at least 6 h polysomnographic recording. Correlating electrophysiological tools with TMT and clinical parameters was done as well

Results
Statistically significant changes in P300 latency and reaction time, in addition to occipital alpha power were noted in cases; however, TMT failed to detect such changes. Electrophysiological results were not constantly correlated to clinical parameters.

Conclusion
Auditory ERPs and QEEG before and after polysomnography can be of benefit as cognitive screening test for suspected cognitive impairment in OSA patients.
Single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion versus dynamic cervical implant: clinical and radiological outcome
Authors: Ahmed Omar El Farouk , Galal Ahmed 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Although anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is considered a gold standard approach for surgical management of cervical disc herniation syndromes, the use of dynamic cervical implant (DCI) provided a novel technique that aims at reconstruction of the anterior column while facilitating controlled neck motion and reducing stress across the facet joints.

Aim of the work
The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of the DCI surgery in comparison to that achieved with ACDF using a conventional polyethylethylketone (PEEK) cage.

Materials and methods
This is a retrospective comparative study of 30 patients, with single level cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD), managed by the authors, either by DCI (n = 15) or ACDF (n = 15). Clinical and radiologic outcomes were assessed at 1, 3, and 12 months postoperatively. Clinical scoring systems included the Visual Analog Scale for Neck (VAS-N) and Arm (VAS-A), the Neck Disability Index score (NDI), as well as the evaluation of incidence of complications and neurological deterioration postoperatively. Radiographic evaluation included the assessment of postoperative cervical implant fusion, as well as evaluating the incidence of implant migration. Study duration was for two years from October 2016 to October 2018.

Results
Both the ACDF and DCI groups showed significant clinical improvement at 12 months postoperatively regarding the clinical outcome including VAS-A, VAS-N, and NDI values (P = 0.001), while there was no significant difference on comparing between the two groups as regard the VAS-N, the VAS-A, and the NDI at 1,3 and 12 months after surgery. The ACDF group however showed better rate of implant fusion at 12 months postoperatively in contrast to the DCI group (80% and 26,7%, respectively) also, the ACDF group showed a lower rate of implant subsidence at 12 months after surgery (P = 0.002). Besides, the incidence of implant migration was relatively high in the DCI group (20%).

Conclusion
The clinical results for DCI arthroplasty for the management of single-level cervical DDD are equivalent to those for ACDF; however, though providing an immediate dynamic stability, DCI is associated with a low fusion rate, higher rates of implant subsidence, and relatively high implant migration rate. Larger series and further studies should be considered with longer follow-up periods giving special attention to these issues.
Olaparib Versus Nonplatinum Chemotherapy in Patients With Platinum-Sensitive Relapsed Ovarian Cancer and a Germline BRCA1/2 Mutation (SOLO3): A Randomized Phase III Trial
Authors: Penson Richard T. , Valencia Ricardo Villalobos , Cibula David , Colombo Nicoletta , Leath Charles A. , Bidziński Mariusz , Kim Jae-Weon , Nam Joo Hyun , Madry Radoslaw , Hernández Carlos , Mora Paulo A.R. , Ryu Sang Young , Milenkova Tsveta , Lowe Elizabeth S. , Barker Laura , Scambia Giovanni 
Published: February 2020

PURPOSE A phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00628251 ) showed activity of olaparib capsules versus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in patients with germline BRCA-mutated platinum-resistant or partially platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer. We conducted a phase III trial (SOLO3) of olaparib tablets versus nonplatinum chemotherapy in patients with germline BRCA-mutated platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer who had received at least 2 prior lines of platinum-based chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this randomized, open-label trial, patients were randomly assigned 2:1 to olaparib 300 mg twice a day or physician’s choice single-agent nonplatinum chemotherapy (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, or topotecan). The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) in the measurable disease analysis set assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR). The key secondary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by BICR in the intent-to-treat population. RESULTS Of 266 randomly assigned patients, 178 were assigned to olaparib and 88 to chemotherapy. In patients with measurable disease (olaparib, n = 151; chemotherapy, n = 72), the BICR-assessed ORR was significantly higher with olaparib than with chemotherapy (72.2% v 51.4%; odds ratio [OR], 2.53 [95% CI, 1.40 to 4.58]; P = .002). In the subgroup who had received 2 prior lines of treatment, the ORR was 84.6% with olaparib and 61.5% with chemotherapy (OR, 3.44 [95% CI, 1.42 to 8.54]). BICR-assessed PFS also significantly favored olaparib versus chemotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.43 to 0.91]; P = .013; median, 13.4 v 9.2 months). Adverse events were consistent with the established safety profiles of olaparib and chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Olaparib resulted in statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in ORR and PFS compared with nonplatinum chemotherapy in patients with germline BRCA-mutated platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer who had received at least 2 prior lines of platinum-based chemotherapy.
Results of a phase I/II prospective dose-escalation trial evaluating safety and efficacy of combination 177LuPSMA-617 and NOX66 in men with mCRPC post androgen signalling inhibition and two lines of taxane chemotherapy (LuPIN trial).
Authors: Emmett Louise , Pathmanandavel Sarennya , Nguyen Andrew , Crumbaker Megan , Yam Andrew On Wah , Chan Wai Ling , Fullard Karen , Ho Bao , Azad Arun , Joshua Anthony M. 
Published: February 2020

120 Background: Despite treatment advances, metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) remains a lethal disease. Trials in 177LuPSMA-617 have demonstrated good efficacy and safety, but synergistic combinations may further improve treatment responses. NOX66 inhibits external NADH oxidase type 2 with downstream pro-apoptotic actions including radio-sensitization. We present results of a prospective open label single arm phase 1/2 dose escalation/expansion trial of 177LuPSMA-617 and NOX66 in mCRPC. Methods: Men with progressive mCRPC post androgen signalling inhibition (ASI) and taxane chemotherapy were eligible. Inclusion criteria included PSMA PET/CT intensity > SUV max 15, with no discordant disease on FDG PET/CT, Hb > 100 g/L, Platelets > 90 x 106/L and GFR > 40 mL/min. Protocol allowed up to 6 doses of 177 Lu-PSMA 617 (7.5Gbq) on day 1 with NOX66 (suppository) given day 1-10 at 6-weekly intervals; the first 8 men received 400mg NOX66. After safety review, dose was escalated to 800mg. Data regarding safety, efficacy, pain scores, and QOL were collected. Results: 32/43 (26% imaging screen failures) screened men were enrolled (November 2017 – June 2019), of whom 100% had prior docetaxel and ASI, and 94% (30/32) cabazitaxel. All men received ≥ 2 cycles, with 12/32 completing 6 cycles, and 16/32 2 - 5 cycles, while 4/32 remain on treatment. Any PSA response was seen in 84% (27/32), with a PSA response > 50% in 62.5% (20/32). Median PSA PFS was 6.5 months (95%CI 3.54-9.3). To date, 72% (23/32) of patients have progressed. 34% (11/32) men have died with median OS not reached. 50% (12/24) of men with baseline pain scores ≥3 (24/32) had significant reduction in pain. Adverse events are summarized below. Conclusions: Combination 177LuPSMA-617 with NOX66 appears safe and efficacious in men with heavily pre-treated mCRPC. Clinical trial information: ACTRN12618001073291. [Table: see text]