bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgically produced, controllable immunocompromised pigs
Authors: Kobayashi Eiji , Maki Toshiyuki , Igaki Keiko , Enosawa Shin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Majority of research on human regenerative medicine has focused on the use of human mature cells/tissues and stem cell derived products. To ensure their safety and efficacy for clinical application, preclinical testing in large animals such as pigs, using pre-clinical and clinical matching protocols, is required. However, presently, there is no universal, stable, adjustable immunosuppressed pig model in which human regenerative cell and tissue products may be evaluated. Consequently, we established a controllable immunocompromised pig model by surgical excision of immune organs and varying the administration of immunosuppressive agents based on the physical condition and pharmacokinetic profile. Here, we describe the precise experimental procedure and provide information on immunosuppression therapies in different breeds of laboratory pigs. We provide practical information for the production of operational SCID pigs. We believe that our procedure may be immediately implemented in human-to-pig experiments, resulting in cost-benefit perspectives and furthering the development of new regenerative medicine.
Predictive theory of CD4+ cells in HIV+ patients in antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Velásquez Javier Rodriguez , Herrera Sandra Catalina Correa , Díaz Carlos Eduardo Pérez 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Flow cytometry evaluates the number CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes in patients infected with HIV/AIDS in anti-retroviral management, which orientates therapies towards different targets. Previously, a methodology was designed based on probability and set theories from leukocyte and lymphocyte counts of complete blood count, although predictions in time were not developed, which is why is wanted to establish a methodology of clinical applicability to temporarily forecast the values of CD4+ greater than 500, between 200 and 500 and lesser than 200 from the values of CD4+ and leukocytes of each patient. Methods: From sequential counts of CD4+ and leukocytes of 200 cases, the registries of 10 prototypical patients were observed to establish predictive patterns, and then these patterns were are applied to the remaining patients in a blind study, finding the probability of success of the methodology as well as sensitivity and specificity values. Results: 5 patterns were found with percentages greater than 99% of predictive accuracy for the distinct conditions of the methodology, with values of sensitivity and specificity of 99%. Conclusions: through a mathematical theoretical simplification, a temporal self-organization in the sequence of measurements of leukocytes and CD4+ lymphocytes were established, highlighting the loading of probability in the dynamic of CD4+ counts, useful to conduct more appropriate following ups of patients in anti-retroviral management.
Predictors of Using Safe or Unsafe Contraception among Women with Unplanned Pregnancy: Applying BASNEF Model
Authors: Hazavehei Mohammad Mahdi , Rostami-Moez Masoumeh , Moeini Babak , Roshanaei Ghodratollah , Nazari Mojgan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Unplanned pregnancy is an important public health problem. Most of the unplanned pregnancies occur with using unsafe contraceptive methods. The psychological determinants for choosing contraceptive methods are not properly clear. This study aimed to determine psychological predictors for using safe and unsafe contraception among women with unplanned pregnancy.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 married women with unplanned pregnancy. The census sampling was used for data gathering. Participants were interviewed using a questionnaire. Chi-square, linear and logistic regression, and correlation tests have been used for data analysis.Results The most common contraceptive method in women with unplanned pregnancies was male condom (32.2%). Women's awareness of contraceptive methods was low. The mean of age of women with unwanted pregnancy was 30 years. The intention was significantly associated with contraceptive methods (OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.095-1.889). There was a significant relationship between attitude toward behavior and intention ( P <0.01). There was a significant association between the number of daughters, previous unplanned pregnancy, husband's job, and household income and contraceptive methods ( P <0.01).Conclusion The finding of this study suggest that public health strategies to reduce unplanned pregnancy, particularly among women around ages 30 years, should focus on addressing attitude and intention in contraceptive advice and healthy childbearing interval.
Regulation of highly hazardous pesticides in India - implications for suicide prevention
Authors: Bonvoisin Toby , Utyasheva Leah , Knipe Duleeka , Gunnell David , Eddleston Michael 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Pesticide self-poisoning is a common means of suicide in India. Banning highly hazardous pesticides from agricultural use has been successful in reducing total suicide numbers in several South Asian countries without affecting agricultural output. Here, we describe national and state-level regulation of highly hazardous pesticides and relate them to suicide rates across India. Methods: Information on pesticide regulation was collated from agriculture departments of central and state governments. National and state-level data on suicides for 1995 until 2015 was obtained from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). We used joinpoint analysis and negative binomial regression to investigate the possible effects of pesticide bans on trends in suicide rates. Results: As of August 2019, 314 pesticides were registered for use in India, of which 18 were extremely (Class Ia) or highly (Class Ib) hazardous according to World Health Organization toxicity criteria. Despite many highly hazardous pesticides still being available, a number of bans have been implemented during the period studied. In our quantitative analyses we focussed on the permanent bans in Kerala in 2005 (of endosulfan) and 2011 (of 14 other pesticides); and nationally in 2011 (of endosulfan). NCRB data indicate that pesticides were used in 441,918 reported suicides in India from 1995-2015, 90.3% of which occurred in 11 of the 29 states. Time series analysis demonstrated statistical evidence of lower than expected rates of pesticide suicides and total suicides nationally after the 2011 endosulfan ban. In Kerala, there was a lower than expected rate of pesticide suicides but no change to the already decreasing trend in total suicides after both the 2005 ban of endosulfan and the 2011 ban of 14 pesticides. Discussion: Highly hazardous pesticides continue to be used in India, and pesticide suicide remains a serious public health problem. However, some bans of pesticides do appear to have impacted previous trends in the rates of both pesticide suicides and all suicides. Comprehensive national bans of highly hazardous pesticides could lead to a reduction in suicides across India, in addition to reduced occupational poisoning, with minimal effects on agricultural yield.
‘SasCsvToolkit’ - A versatile parallel `bag-of-tasks` job submission application on heterogeneous and homogeneous platforms for Big Data Analytics such as for Biomedical Informatics
Authors: Singh Abhishek 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: The need for big data analysis requires being able to process large data which are being held fine-tuned for usage by corporates. It is only very recently that the need for big data has caught attention for low budget corporate groups and academia who typically do not have money and resources to buy expensive licenses of big data analysis platforms such as SAS. The corporates continue to work on SAS data format largely because of systemic organizational history and that the prior codes have been built on them. The data-providers continue to thus provide data in SAS formats. Acute sudden need has arisen because of this gap of data being in SAS format and the coders not having a SAS expertise or training background as the economic and inertial forces acting of having shaped these two class of people have been different. Method: We analyze the differences and thus the need for SasCsvToolkit which helps to generate a CSV file for a SAS format data so that the data scientist can then make use of his skills in other tools that can process CSVs such as R, SPSS, or even Microsoft Excel. At the same time, it also provides conversion of CSV files to SAS format. Apart from this, a SAS database programmer always struggles in finding the right method to do a database search, exact match, substring match, except condition, filters, unique values, table joins and data mining for which the toolbox also provides template scripts to modify and use from command line. Results: The toolkit has been implemented on SLURM scheduler platform as a `bag-of-tasks` algorithm for parallel and distributed workflow though serial version has also been incorporated. Conclusion: In the age of Big Data where there are way too many file formats and software and analytics environment each having their own semantics to deal with specific file types, SasCsvToolkit will find its functions very handy to a data engineer.
A German-language competency-based multisource feedback instrument for residents: Development and validity evidence
Authors: Hennel Eva K. , Subotic Ulrike , Berendonk Christoph , Stricker Daniel , Harendza Sigrid , Huwendiek Sören 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background In medical settings, multisource feedback (MSF) is a recognised method of formative assessment. It collects feedback on a doctor’s performance from several perspectives in the form of questionnaires. Yet, no validated MSF questionnaire has been publicly available in German. Thus, we aimed to develop a German MSF questionnaire and investigate the evidence of its validity. Methods We developed a competency-based MSF questionnaire in German, informed by the literature and expert input. Four sources of validity evidence were investigated: (i) Content was examined based on MSF literature, blueprints of competency, and expert-team discussions. (ii) The response process was supported by analysis of a think-aloud study, narrative comments, “unable to comment” ratings and evaluation data. (iii) The internal structure was assessed by exploratory factor analysis, and inter-rater reliability by generalisability analysis. Data was collected during two runs of MSF, in which 47 residents were evaluated once (first run) or several times (second and third run) on 81 occasions of MSF. (iv) To investigate consequences we analysed the residents’ learning goals, self-reported changes, and the progress reported via MSF. Results Our resulting MSF questionnaire (MSF-RG) consists of 15 items and one global rating, which are each rated on a scale and accompanied by a field for narrative comments and cover a construct of a physician´s competence. Additionally, there are five open questions for further suggestions. Investigation of validity evidence revealed: (i) The expert group agreed that the content comprehensively addresses clinical competence; (ii) The response processes indicated that the questions are understood as intended and supported the acceptance and usability; (iii) For the second run factor analysis showed a one-factor solution and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.951 and an inter-rater reliability of 0.797 with 12 raters; (iv) There are indications that residents benefitted, considering their individual learning goals, their self-reported changes, and based on their progress reported via MSF itself. Conclusions To support residency training with multisource feedback, we developed a German MSF questionnaire (MSF-RG), which is supported by four sources of validity evidence. This MSF questionnaire may be useful to implement MSF in residency training in German-speaking regions.
Wound management curriculum design and implementation evaluation: Evidence from Peking University First Hospital
Authors: Qi Xin , He Rui , Wen Bing , Li Qiang , Wu Hongbin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Backgroud: It is of vital importance to standardize wound management knowledge and operations in the early stage of resident training. A simulated wound management curriculum for postgraduate Year 1 surgery residents (PGY1s) was designed and its effectiveness evaluated.Methods: We used a quasi-experimental method. PGY1s in 2014 constituted the control group, while PGY1s in 2015 and 2016 constituted the intervention group. The traditional curriculum given to the control group comprised a one-hour lecture plus demonstrations by the instructor, followed by a three-hour practice session. Conversely, the curriculum given to the intervention group included a four-hour curriculum with four components. At the end of each year, the wound management curriculum was evaluated.Results: Subjective assessment showed the intervention group’s scores were significantly higher for dissociation of subcutaneous tissue and quality of suturing and knots. Objective assessment showed there was no obvious improvement in residual marking of incision margin, but the accuracy of debridement depth was greatly improved in the intervention group, the rate of spindle resection decreased and the number of key sutures was significantly higher.Conclusions: The simulated wound management curriculum for PGY1s revealed a generally satisfactory training outcome. It could be implemented in other Chinese universities.
Association of IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms with susceptibility to pseudoexfoliation syndrome, pseudoexfoliative and primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Fakhraie Ghasem , Parvini Farshid , Ghanavi Jalaledin , Saif Shima , Farnia Poopak 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: The involvement of cytokines in pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome and glaucoma has been demonstrated in several studies. The aim of the present study was to explore the association between three promoter polymorphisms -592C/A (rs1800872), -819C/T (rs1800871) and -1082A/G (rs1800896) of interleukin 10 (IL-10) gene promoter with susceptibility to pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX), pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG), and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Results: In all three SNPs studied, there was a significant difference in the genotype distribution between patients and control subjects. Results revealed that the AA genotype of IL-10 -592C/A SNP is associated with PEX. However, TT genotype of -819C/T and AA genotype of -1082A/G SNP are significantly associated with susceptibility to either PEX or PEXG and POAG disorders. Furthermore, the ACC haplotype containing the IL-10 -1082A allele was associated with PEX, PEXG and POAG. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to PEX, PEXG and POAG in Iranian population. Considering the fact that IL-10 polymorphisms are associated with various IL-10 expressions, further research is needed to explain its involvement in these disorders and the formation of extracellular fibrillar amyloid deposits in PEX and PEXG.
A maternal GOT1 novel mutation associated with early-onset severe preeclampsia identified by whole-exome sequencing
Authors: Zhang Lin , Cao Zheng , Feng Fan , Xu Ya-Nan , LI LIN , Gao Hong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Purpose: This study wants to know the genetic cause of preeclampsia (PE) which is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal death, but the underlying molecular mechanisms that cause PE remain poorly understood. Many single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified by genome-wide association studies and were found to be associated with PE; however, few studies have used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify PE mutations.Methods: Five patients with severe early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) were recruited, and WES was performed on each patient. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the potential causative genetic mutation. Results: After a stringent bioinformatics analysis, a rare mutation in the GOT1 gene, c.44C>G:p.P15R, was found in one patient. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the mutation site is highly conserved across several species and was predicted to be a pathogenic mutation according to several online mutational function prediction software packages. Further structural biology homology modeling suggested that P15R would change the electric environment of enzymatic center, and might affect the binding affinity of substrate or product. Conclusion: We demonstrated for the first time that the mutation in GOT1 may be associated with EOPE, the results of this study provide researchers and clinicians with a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie maternal severe EOPE.
Assessment of malaria as a public health problem in and around Arjo Didhessa Sugar Cane Plantation area, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Dufera Mebrate , Debsu Regea , Tiruneh Gemechu 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Although much progress has been made in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality worldwide in the last decade, malaria still remains the third leading cause of death and still considered as major public health problem. Objectives : The main objective of this study was to assess malaria as a public health problem in and around sugar cane plantation area of Arjo Didhessa sugar factory, Western Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross sectional study supplemented with clinical retrospective data, which included 452 study subjects was employed and the study period extended from May 2016 up to November of 2017. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess malaria risk factors and blood samples were received from all study participants and further subjected to Giemsa staining for determination of malaria prevalence. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.Malaria risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression at significance level of P < 0.05 . Results: The overall malaria prevalence was 3.1%; Plasmodium vivax being the main type of malaria parasite. Overnight outdoor sleeping and improper utilization of mosquito bed nets were found to be statistically significant as malaria risk factors in the community. In the retrospective studies of five years, the peak malaria cases (13.84%) were reported in 2013 and less cases (1.24%) in 2017. Conclusion: The prevalence of malaria observed in the area is still higher as compared to national prevalence of malaria. Therefore; we recommend further strengthening of malaria prevention and control strategies. Additionally, educative training opportunities must be provided for workers in the plantation area on malaria prevention and control. Key words : Arjo Didhessa, malaria, malaria risk factors
Causal Effect of Maternal HIV on Child Health Outcomes in the Context of Prevention of Mother to Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) in Malawi
Authors: Twabi Halima Sumayya , Manda Samuel O , Small Dylan S 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Evidence has shown that maternal HIV infection has adverse effects on child birth weight. However, the effect of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) on pregnancy outcome is not conclusive. Ascertaining causality of these associations remain largely unexamined and untested, and if confirmed would help policy makers to improve implementation and sensitization of PMTCT program. However, assessing causal effect has been limited due to ethical concerns if randomized controlled trials are appropriate. We aim to estimate the causal effect of maternal HIV on birth weight and the causal effect of knowledge of HIV status on exclusive breastfeeding while ascertaining the mediating effect of ART using observational data.
Data on over 18,000 and 16,000 children still alive and born within five years of the 2010 and 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health Surveys were analysed. A set of methods for confounder balance namely, the 1:1 nearest neighbour (NN) matching, matching on the propensity score (PS) and inverse weighting the propensity score (PS) were used.
Before matching, place of residence, region, anaemia level and age were statistically different between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected mothers for both the 2010 and 2015-16 data. After matching, the selected confounding variables were distributed similarly between HIV-infection statuses. Maternal HIV infection had a negative effect on infant birth weight for the 2010 data and had a positive effect on birth weight for the 2015-16 data with p-values <0.001. Uptake of ART did not mediate the effect of HIV infection on birth weight. Maternal knowledge of HIV status was not associated with behaviour concerning exclusive breastfeeding.
We have found conflicting evidence on the association between maternal HIV infection and birth weight. The adverse association between maternal HIV infection and child birth weight found for the 2010 data could more likely be causal. However, the increased birth weight among infants born to HIV infected mothers in 2015-16 may show the recent successes of policies and interventions within the PMTCT program in Malawi. However, the purported mediating effect of ART on the association between HIV infection and birth weight was not found. Prenatal care interventions should continue to be supported among ANC clinics in Malawi.
Third molar agenesis in modern humans with and without other tooth agenesis
Authors: Scheiwiller Maya , Oeschger Elias S. , Gkantidis Nikolaos 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background The number of teeth in the human dentition attracts special interest both from developmental and evolutionary aspects. The present case-control study focused on the formation of third molars in modern humans aiming to shed more light in this long lasting enigma.Methods For this reason, we investigated third molar formation in a sample of 303 individuals with tooth agenesis other than in third molars (agenesis group) and compared it to a sex and age matched control group of 303 individuals without tooth agenesis other than in third molars.Results The prevalence of third molar agenesis in the agenesis group was 50.8%, which is significantly higher than the 20.5% in the control group (p < 0.001). The chance of a missing third molar in the agenesis group was increased by 38.3% (p < 0.001), after controlling for the other tooth agenesis factor. When considering the percentages of the number of missing third molars per individual, a clear tendency towards more missing third molars was evident in the agenesis group compared to the control group. The frequency of bilaterally missing third molars in the agenesis group was 29% in the upper as well as in the lower jaw, which is about three times higher than the frequency of unilaterally missing third molars (p < 0.001). In the control group, bilaterally missing third molars occurred in 8.6% in the upper and 8.9% in the lower jaw.Conclusion The present results indicate that genetic factors involved in certain tooth agenesis also affect the entire dentition as a whole. Furthermore, the third molars are more vulnerable to factors involved in other tooth agenesis and they are more often affected as a total. These findings seem to be associated with the evolutionary trend in humans towards reduced molar number.