bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addressing key gaps in implementation of mosquito larviciding to accelerate malaria vector control in southern Tanzania: results of a stakeholder engagement process in local district councils
Authors: Mapua Salum A. , Finda Marceline F. , Nambunga Ismail H. , Msugupakulya Betwel J. , Ukio Kusirye , Chaki Prosper P. , Tripet Frederic , Kelly Ann H. , Christofides Nicola , Lezaun Javier , Okumu Fredros O. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Larval source management was historically one of the most effective malaria control methods but is now widely deprioritized in Africa, where insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are preferred. However, in Tanzania, following initial successes in urban Dar-es-Salaam starting early-2000s, the government now encourages larviciding in both rural and urban councils nationwide to complement other efforts; and a biolarvicide production-plant has been established outside the commercial capital. This study investigated key obstacles and opportunities relevant to effective rollout of larviciding for malaria control, with a focus on the meso-endemic region of Morogoro, southern Tanzania.

Methods
Key-informants were interviewed to assess awareness and perceptions regarding larviciding among designated health officials (malaria focal persons, vector surveillance officers and ward health officers) in nine administrative councils (n = 27). Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to assess awareness and perceptions of community members in selected areas regarding larviciding (n = 490). Thematic content analysis was done and descriptive statistics used to summarize the findings.

Results
A majority of malaria control officials had participated in larviciding at least once over the previous three years. A majority of community members had neutral perceptions towards positive aspects of larviciding, but overall support for larviciding was high, although several challenges were expressed, notably: (i) insufficient knowledge for identifying relevant aquatic habitats of malaria vectors and applying larvicides, (ii) inadequate monitoring of programme effectiveness, (iii) limited financing, and (iv) lack of personal protective equipment. Although the key-informants reported sensitizing local communities, most community members were still unaware of larviciding and its potential.

Conclusions
The larviciding programme was widely supported by both communities and malaria control officials, but there were gaps in technical knowledge, implementation and public engagement. To improve overall impact, it is important to: (i) intensify training efforts, particularly for identifying habitats of important vectors, (ii) adopt standard technical principles for applying larvicides or larval source management, (iii) improve financing for local implementation and (iv) improve public engagement to boost community awareness and participation. These lessons could also be valuable for other malaria endemic areas wishing to deploy larviciding for malaria control or elimination.
The integration of sex and gender considerations in health policymaking: a scoping review
Authors: Williams Allison , Lyeo Joonsoo Sean , Geffros Sophie , Mouriopoulos Alexander 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhile the terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ represent distinct concepts, their influence may intersect as important determinants of health. Despite their influence in shaping individual health outcomes, there is often inaccuracy and inconsistency in the degree to which sex and gender considerations are integrated in the health policymaking process. This primary aim of this paper is to fill the gap in the current understanding of how sex and gender considerations are integrated in this process. A scoping review methodology was used with the objective of assessing the extent to which sex and gender were considered inclusively and comprehensively in established examples of health policy planning and development. One hundred seventy-five documents from the academic and grey literature were found to meet the inclusion criteria for this scoping review. The authors charted the data from these publications, assessing the ways in which sex and gender were incorporated in their policy development process. Five key findings were ascertained from this review: (1) the terms sex and gender are often used interchangeably; (2) the terms sex and gender are often used with a limited and binary scope; (3) the most inclusive and comprehensive documents included transgender and gender diverse populations; (4) there are significant variations in the degree of inclusivity and comprehensivity of these documents based on geographic distribution; and (5) documents published within the last 5 years were more inclusive than older documents. This paper concludes with an acknowledgment of the limitations of the study design, a summary of the findings, future research directions, and implications for policymakers.
NIR-laser-triggered gadolinium-doped carbon dots for magnetic resonance imaging, drug delivery and combined photothermal chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Jiang Qunjiao , Liu Li , Li Qiuying , Cao Yi , Chen Dong , Du Qishi , Yang Xiaobo , Huang Dongping , Pei Renjun , Chen Xing , Huang Gang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Owing to high genetic diversities of tumor cells and low response rate of standard chemotherapy, patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) have short progression-free survivals and poor outcomes, which need to explore an effective approach to improve therapeutic efficacy.

Methods
Novel gadolinium doped carbon dots (Gd@CDs) have been designed and prepared through hydrothermal method with 3,4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid, 2,2′-(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine) and gadolinium chloride. The synthesized nanostructures were characterized. Taking advantage of good biocompatibility of Gd@CDs, a nanoplatform based on Gd@CDs has been developed to co-deliver chemotherapy drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox) and a near-infrared (NIR) photothermal agent, IR825 for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided photothermal chemotherapy for TNBC.

Results
The as-synthesized Dox@IR825@Gd@CDs displayed favorable MRI ability in vivo. Upon NIR laser irradiation, Dox@IR825@Gd@CDs could convert the NIR light to heat and efficiently inhibit tumor growth through photothermal chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the impact of photothermal chemotherapy on the murine motor coordination was assessed by rotarod test. Dox@IR825@Gd@CDs presented low toxicity and high photothermal chemotherapy efficiency.

Conclusion
A noble theranostic nanoplatform (Dox@IR825@Gd@CDs) was developed that could be tailored to achieve loading of Dox and IR825, intracellular delivery, favorable MRI, excellent combination therapy with photothermal therapy and chemotherapy to enhance therapeutic effect against TNBC cells. This study will provide a promising strategy for the development of Gd-based nanomaterials for MRI and combinational therapy for TNBC.

Graphic abstract
Meaningful measurements of maneuvers: People with incomplete spinal cord injury ‘step up’ to the challenges of altered stability requirements
Authors: Ochs Wendy L. , Woodward Jane , Cornwell Tara , Gordon Keith E. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Many people with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) have the ability to maneuver while walking. However, neuromuscular impairments create challenges to maintain stability. How people with iSCI maintain stability during walking maneuvers is poorly understood. Thus, this study compares maneuver performance in varying external conditions between persons with and without iSCI to better understand maneuver stabilization strategies in people with iSCI.

Methods
Participants with and without iSCI walked on a wide treadmill and were prompted to perform lateral maneuvers between bouts of straight walking. Lateral force fields applied to the participants’ center of mass amplified or attenuated the participants’ movements, thereby increasing the capability of the study to capture behavior at varied levels of challenge to stability.

Results
By examining metrics of stability, step width, and center of mass dynamics, distinct strategies emerged following iSCI. The minimum margin of stability (MOSmin) on each step during maneuvers indicated persons with iSCI generally adapted to amplified and attenuated force fields with increased stability compared to persons without iSCI, particularly using increased step width and reduced center of mass excursion on maneuver initiation. In the amplified field, however, persons with iSCI had a reduced MOSmin when terminating a maneuver, likely due to the challenge of the force field opposing the necessary lateral braking. Persons without iSCI were more likely to rely on or oppose the force field when appropriate for movement execution. Compared to persons with iSCI, they reduced their MOSmin to initiate maneuvers in the attenuated and amplified fields and increased their MOSmin to arrest maneuvers in the amplified field.

Conclusions
The different force fields were successful in identifying relatively subtle strategy differences between persons with and without iSCI. Specifically, persons with iSCI adopted increased step width and reduction in center of mass excursion to increase maneuver stability in the amplified field. The amplified field may provoke practice of stable and efficient initiation and arrest of walking maneuvers. Overall, this work allows better framing of the stability mechanisms used following iSCI to perform walking maneuvers.
An analysis of energy detector based on improved approximations of the chi-square distributions
Authors: Elias Felipe G. M. , Fernández Evelio M. G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractClosed-form expressions for the detection probability, the false alarm probability and the energy detector constant threshold are derived using approximations of the central chi-square and non-central chi-square distributions. The approximations used show closer proximity to the original functions when compared to the expressions used in the literature. The novel expressions allow gains up to 6% and 16% in terms of measured false alarm and miss-detection probability, respectively, if compared to the Central Limit Theorem approach. The throughput of cognitive network is also enhanced when these novel expressions are implemented, providing gains up to 9%. New equations are also presented that minimize the total error rate to obtain the detection threshold and the optimal number of samples. The analytical results match the results of the simulation for a wide range of SNR values.
Prevalence of IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in health care workers at a tertiary care New York hospital during the Spring COVID-19 surge
Authors: Talbot Lillian R. , Romeiser Jamie L. , Spitzer Eric D. , Gan Tong J. , Singh Sunitha M. , Fries Bettina C. , Bennett-Guerrero Elliott 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Health care workers (HCW) such as anesthesiologists, surgeons, and intensivists face high rates of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 through direct contact with COVID-19 patients. While there are initial reports of the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among the general population, there are few reports comparing the seroprevalence of IgM/IgG COVID-19 antibodies in HCW of different exposure levels as well as different HCW professions.

Methods
A convenience sample of health care workers provided blood for COVID-19 antibody testing and a review of medical history and work exposure for correlative analyses.

Results
Overall, 474 HCW were enrolled in April 2020 including 102 front-line physicians (e.g., anesthesiologists, surgeons, intensivists, emergency medicine), 91 other physicians, 135 nurses, 134 other clinical staff, and 12 non-clinical HCW. The prevalence of IgM or IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was 16.9% (95% CI 13.6–20.6) (80/474). The proportion of positive antibodies in the PCR + group was significantly higher than health care workers without symptoms (84.6% [95% CI 54.6–98.1] vs. 12.3% [95% CI 8.5–17.2], p < 0.001). No significant differences in proportions of COVID-19 antibodies were observed among the different exposure groups (e.g., high vs minimal/no exposure) and among the different HCW professionals.

Conclusions
Despite exposure to COVID-19 patients, the prevalence of antibodies in our HCW was similar to what has been reported for the general population of New York State (14%) and for another New York HCW cohort (13.7%). Health care workers with higher exposure rates were not more likely to have been infected with COVID-19. Therefore, these data suggest that infection of HCW may result from exposure in the community rather than at work.

Trial registration
This investigator-initiated study was observational; therefore, no registration was required. Not applicable.
Risk factors for postpartum intrauterine device expulsion among women delivering at a tertiary Hospital in Uganda: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Muhumuza Joy , Migisha Richard , Ngonzi Joseph , Kayondo Musa , Mugyenyi Godfrey 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) use refers to intrauterine device (IUD) insertion after delivery but within 48 h of birth. In Uganda, the general use of modern methods of contraception is low with < 1% of the women adopting the IUD as a method of contraception. An important limiting factor to increased uptake of immediate postpartum IUD insertion may be its expulsion rates which vary widely. There is minimal documentation PPIUD expulsion rates and factors associated with PPIUD expulsion during puerperium in Uganda.

Objective
We aimed to determine the proportion of TCu380A (copper) intrauterine devices expelled by 6 weeks postpartum, and identify risk factors for expulsion among women delivering at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in southwestern Uganda.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study from September 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015 at MRRH. We administered a structured questionnaire to all participants, to capture data on their baseline demographic, clinical and obstetric characteristics. We followed up women who accepted the PPIUD insertions at 6 weeks post insertion for any IUD expulsion. We fit multivariable log binomial regression models to identify risk factors for IUD expulsion.

Results
We enrolled 167 women who had PPIUDs inserted. Of the144 women who returned at 6 weeks for follow up, 13 (9%; 95%CI:4.9–15%) of them had the IUDs expelled. In the multivariable model, the significant risk factors for PPIUD expulsion were: IUD insertion more than 10 min post-delivery (aRR 8.1, 95%CI 1.26–51.98, p = 0.027) and bloody lochia flow of ≥15 days (aRR 8.5, 95%CI 1.47–48.47, p = 0.017).

Conclusion
The cumulative expulsion rate of postpartum IUDs among women delivering at MRRH was low and comparable to expulsion rates in interval insertions. Longer duration from delivery to IUD insertions and longer duration of bloody lochia flow were key risk factors for postpartum IUD expulsion. More emphasis should be put on prenatal counseling for postpartum family planning to allow for postplacental IUD insertions, which are associated with lower expulsion rates.
Shape memory polymer ovarian vein embolisation in a patient with nickel allergy
Authors: Castellano Davide , Boghi Andrea , Di Maggio Luca , Rapellino Alessandro , Savio Daniele 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Ovarian vein embolization in pelvic varicocele is usually obtained using nitinol coils. These devices can not be used in patients with proven nickel allergy.

Case presentation
Shape memory polymer is a new embolic material available to interventionalists. A patient presented with pelvic congestion syndrome requiring embolisation of the left ovarian vein. The target vessel consisted of two twisted branches, each 5–6 mm in diameter. The patient also had a known allergy to nickel. Considering the anatomy and allergy status, embolisation with polyurethane shape memory polymer vascular plugs was considered a good case strategy. The embolisation procedure was technically successful with the deployment of two shape memory polymer plugs into each of the two left ovarian vein branches. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging at 4 months showed sustained occlusion of the treated vessels and the patient showed no signs of allergy to the implanted material.

Conclusions
In conclusion, our case presented an opportunity to utilise a new embolic material and achieve a good outcome in a patient with an allergy that may have resulted in complications when using metallic implants.
Final analysis results from TITAN: A phase III study of apalutamide (APA) versus placebo (PBO) in patients (pts) with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
Authors: Chi Kim N. , Chowdhury Simon , Bjartell Anders , Chung Byung Ha , Pereira de Santana Gomes Andrea Juliana , Given Robert , Juárez Soto Álvaro , Merseburger Axel Stuart , Ozguroglu Mustafa , Uemura Hirotsugu , Ye Dingwei , Triantos Spyros , Mundle Suneel , McCarthy Sharon Anne , Larsen Julie S. , Sun Weili , Bevans Katherine , Zhang Ke , Bandyopadhyay Nibedita , Agarwal Neeraj ,   For the TITAN Investigators
Published: March 2021

11 Background: TITAN evaluated APA or PBO added to ADT in pts with mCSPC. Pts with high- and low-volume disease, prior docetaxel, prior treatment for localized disease, and prior ADT (≤ 6 mos) were eligible. At the first interim analysis, with 22.7 mos median follow-up, APA significantly improved dual primary end points of overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.67) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) (HR 0.48) compared with PBO (Chi et al. NEJM. 2019). At that time, OS analysis was first planned interim while rPFS was final. TITAN was unblinded, allowing pts without progression who were still receiving PBO to cross over to APA. Herein, we report the final analysis of efficacy and safety results from TITAN. Methods: 1052 mCSPC pts were randomized 1:1 to receive APA (240 mg QD) or PBO plus ADT. Time-to-event end points were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. A preplanned sensitivity analysis for OS, accounting for crossover using inverse probability censoring weighted (IPCW) log-rank test, was conducted. No formal statistical retesting was performed; nominal p values were reported without multiplicity adjustment. Change from baseline in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) total score was assessed using a mixed-effect repeated-measures model. Results: With 44 mos median follow-up, 405 OS events had occurred. After unblinding, 208 PBO pts (39.5%) crossed over to APA. Median treatment duration was 39.3 mos for the APA group, 20.2 mos for the entire PBO group, and 15.4 mos for the PBO→APA crossover group. OS was superior in the APA group compared with the PBO group despite crossover (Table). 48-mo survival rates were 65% (APA) vs 52% (PBO). Other end points also favored APA vs PBO (Table). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), per total FACT-P, was maintained in the APA group through the study and was not different from the PBO group. Safety was consistent with previous reports. Conclusions: With close to 4 yrs of follow-up, the final analysis of TITAN demonstrated that in a broad population of pts with mCSPC, APA plus ADT provides an improvement in OS with a 35% reduction in risk of death, which increased to 48% reduction after adjusting for pts who crossed over from PBO to APA. In addition, there was consistent benefit with APA in other end points, including delaying castration resistance, and HRQoL continued to be maintained with an acceptable safety profile. Clinical trial information: NCT02489318. [Table: see text]
Prevalence of oligoprogression in metastatic hormone-resistant prostate cancer patients on androgen targeted therapies: Could targeted radiotherapy improve patient outcomes?
Authors: Patel Priyanka , Tunariu Nina , Tree Alison 
Published: March 2021

110 Background: Androgen receptor-targeted therapies (ART) such as Abiraterone and Enzalutamide have shifted the management paradigm of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). These treatments are well-tolerated with less toxicities compared to chemotherapy, therefore methods to delay chemotherapy are beneficial to patients. Patients eventually become resistant to ARTs, and some patients will progress in a limited number of sites. This study investigated the prevalence of oligoprogressive disease (OPD) amenable to Stereotactic-body radiotherapy (SBRT). OPD is defined as ≤3 metastatic lesions which are progressing or new whilst all other sites of disease are well-controlled by ART. Methods: Retrospective analysis of electronic patient records and imaging studies of 95 patients treated with ART for mCRPC between April 2015 – 2017 from a single centre was undertaken. Data was analysed at the time of first tumour progression on ART. Results: The median (IQR) age of patients was 78.8 (74.4-83.6) years. OPD was found in 27 (28%) patients, 18 (19%) had lesions suitable for SBRT (Table). Seventeen (63%) patients were treated with abiraterone, 10 (27%) patients with enzalutamide. Median (IQR) time from starting ART to OPD was 16.4 (8.6-19.9) months. Five (19%) patients had 3 sites of OPD, 8 (29%) patients had 2 sites of OPD and 14 (52%) patients had 1 site of OPD. Nineteen patients continued ART beyond OPD for ≥3months. OPD was diagnosed using CT scan (56%), whole body diffusion-weighted MRI (22%), choline PET/CT (19%) and bone scan (3%). Six (22%) patients were treated with radiotherapy for OPD, 3 as participants of the TRAP trial (NCT03644303). Median time to subsequent progression after OPD for the 3 patients treated off trial with radiotherapy was 20.5 months. The OPD lesions treated with radiotherapy included the prostate (2 patients, 30 Gy in 5 and 24 Gy in 4 fractions) and para-aortic lymph node (1 patient, 30 Gy in 5 fractions). Median time to subsequent progression after OPD for those who did not receive radiotherapy was 6.4 months. There was no significant difference between median overall survival between patients with OPD and those who progressed with > 3 lesions (7 vs 9.2 years, P= 0.54). Ten (66%) patients who progressed after initial OPD on continuation of ART progressed with further OPD (≤3 lesions including original OPD lesion). Conclusions: OPD is prevalent in patients on ART for mCRPC. The most frequent site of OPD was in bone and majority of patients had only 1 site of OPD at presentation. These results identify a cohort of patients who may benefit from SBRT to maximise ART treatment. Fourteen (14%) patients met entry criteria for TRAP trial which is currently testing the role of SBRT to sites of OPD in mCRPC. [Table: see text]