bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PO 8289 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PLASMA LEVELS OF IL-27, IL-6 CYTOKINES ANDP. FALCIPARUMINFECTION IN PREGNANT WOMEN LIVING IN MBALMAYO, CAMEROON
Authors: Fogang Balotin , Djontu Jean C , Megnekou Rosette , Ayong Lawrence 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundThe appropriate balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines is necessary for protection against pregnancy-associated malaria and poor pregnancy outcomes. This study therefore aims to investigate the relationship between plasma levels of some regulatory cytokines andP. falciparuminfection in Cameroonian women during pregnancy.MethodsPeripheral blood was collected from 131 women during pregnancy and 27 non-pregnant women living in the Mbalmayo area between May and December 2014. Parasitaemia was determined by microscopy and haemoglobin level using a haematological counter. Plasma levels of IL-27 and IL-6 cytokines were measured using the Magnetic Luminex Screening Assay technique.ResultsParasitaemia associated negatively with haemoglobin level (rs=–0.43; p<0.001). The plasma level of IL-6 was higher in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women (p=0.05). Regarding parasitaemia, plasma level of IL-27 was significantly higher in non-infected than in infected women (p=0.028) while that of IL-6 was significantly higher in infected women (p<0.0001). Moreover, parasitaemia correlated negatively with the plasma level of IL-27 (p=0.034) and positively with that of IL-6 (p<0.0001). In addition, level of IL-6 was significantly higher in anaemia-positive than in anaemia-negative women (p=0.028). On the other hand, level of IL-27 negatively associated with the parity (p=0.022) and gestation age (p=0.014).ConclusionThese results show that in pregnant women,P. falciparummalaria infection is associated with high plasma level of IL-6 and low level of IL-27, suggesting that IL-27 could have a protective effect against pregnancy-associated malaria while IL-6 seem to be a potential biomarker of the disease.
OC 8360 GLOBAL HEALTH RESEARCH AND ITS ROLE IN IMPROVING HEALTH AND HEALTH EQUITY IN AFRICA
Authors: Munung Nchangwi Syntia , Vries Jantina De , Pratt Bridget F 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundHealth research has the potential to generate knowledge that may be used to improve health and health equity. This has led to calls for African governments to dedicate at least 2% of their national budgets to heath research, but such resource allocations have never been achieved. Rather, most of health research in Africa continues to be funded by high-income countries (HICs) and involves collaborative partnerships between researchers in high-income countries and those in Africa. These research partnerships have many benefits, but they also raise ethical issues related to justice and fairness in global health research.MethodsThe ‘Research for Health Justice Framework’ makes recommendations on how global health research partnerships may foster the ideals of justice through their selection of research populations and questions, research capacity strengthening, delivery of ancillary care and the provision of post-trial benefits. We applied these criteria to collaborative genomics research consortia in Africa (an example of global health research in Africa).ResultsThe results show that the lack of national health research priorities in most African countries hinders the intention of global health actors to use global health research as a means of promoting global health equity. Furthermore, capacity building efforts need to be more coordinated and monitored. The responsibility for this lies with several actors.ConclusionThe potential for global health research to improve the health capability of countries in Africa will require that attention is paid to research that improves the health of people in Africa and that global health research partnerships identify, first and foremost, what kind of capacity strengthening is required and who is responsible for this activity. African governments and research institutions can play a role to help global health research improve health and health equity in Africa, in ways that are sustainable.
PO 8296 REDUCING LOSS TO FOLLOW-UP OF CHILDREN EXPOSED TO HIV IN THE PROVINCES OF MANICA AND SOFALA, CENTER OF MOZAMBIQUE
Authors: Vieira Lúcia da Costa , Mahumane Arlete 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundEarly childhood diagnosis of HIV is a challenge in many developing countries, including Mozambique. Approximately 50% of exposed children and HIV-positive are lost to follow-up, i.e. during Postpartum Consultation (CPP), at-risk child consultation (CCR) or ART consultation in the country. The objective was to carry out an intervention to reduce the loss to follow-up of children exposed to and positive for HIV in Manica and Sofala provinces.MethodsIntervention study in HIV-positive women and their children in CPP and CCR in six health facilities in 2016. Stepped-wedge design with 3 cohorts for 3 months of two health facilities randomly selected. Interventions included activist allocation, telephone calls to contact the mothers, guide the mothers with exposed child from CPP to CCR, active outreach to missed mothers, and initiation of ART in the CCR for 3 months. Data were collected from the health facilities and study books. Analysis was binomial logistic regression model with mixed effects.ResultsOf the aggregated data, PCR +was 7.7%, and proportion of HIV-positive women in CPP 17.4%. In the control group only 24% of the mothers had more than 2 visits with us, compared with 60% in the intervention group [OR=2.05 (95% CI: 1.60, 2.62)]. In the intervention group, more children were transferred to CCR 52% vs 32% in the control [OR=1.7 (CI: 1.3–2.41)], 65% of the mothers in intervention group reached at CCR vs 57% of the mothers in the control group [OR=1.69 CI: 1.27–2.41)] and returned to receive the PCR result of their child, 6.7% in the control vs 8.2% in intervention [OR=2.3 (CI: 1.36, 3.87)].ConclusionThe intervention had a greater impact on the number of visits to CPP, the transfer of mothers from CPP to CCR, and the reception of PCR results in CCR by the companion.
PO 8302 IMPACT OF TWO ANNUAL ROUNDS OF MASS DRUG ADMINISTRATION WITH DIHYDROARTEMISININ-PIPERAQUINE ON MALARIA TRANSMISSION IN A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY
Authors: Mwesigwa Julia , Achan Jane , Wathuo Miriam , Worwui Archibald , Mohammed Nuredin , Kanuteh Fatomatta , Geertruyden Jean-Pierre Van , D Alessandro Umberto 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundMass drug administration (MDA) may reduce malaria transmission in low-transmission areas and interrupt transmission. The impact of MDA with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) on malaria infection and clinical malaria was determined in a prospective cohort study in The Gambia.MethodsSingle annual MDA rounds with DP were done in 2014 and 2015 in a prospective cohort among residents aged >6 months in twelve villages in The Gambia at the start of the transmission season in June. Monthly blood samples for microscopy and PCR were collected during the transmission season from July to December, post MDA and once before MDA during the dry season in April. The incidence of infection and clinical malaria post-MDA were compared to 2013 and mixed effects logistic regression models assessed the efficacy and risk of re-infection post MDA.ResultsCoverage of 3 DP doses was 68.22% in 2014 and 65.60% in 2015. Compliance to 3 doses was high, 83.11% in 2014 and 85.93% in 2015. Incidence of infection in 2014 (2014: IR=0.23 PPY, 2013: IR=1.12 PPY, p<0.01) and clinical malaria in 2014 (2014: IR=0.08 PPY, 2013: IR=0.39: IRR=0.22, p<0.01) and 2015 (2015: IR=0.19, 2013:IR=0.38, IRR=0.50, p<0.01) was significantly lower after MDA compared to 2013. The incidence of clinical malaria remained higher in eastern Gambia compared to the western region. Subjects that took 3 DP doses had lower odds of infection in 2014 at 28 days (OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.38–0.99) and 42 days (2014: OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.29–0.89)ConclusionA single annual MDA round with DP temporarily reduced malaria infection and clinical disease during the transmission season and subjects that took 3 doses had lower risk of infection. However, several MDA rounds covering the entire transmission season and some targeting the human reservoir during the dry season, are needed to achieve a more marked sustained reduction of transmission.
PO 8394 SOUTH-SOUTH AND NORTH-SOUTH CAPACITY STRENGTHENING WITHIN THE SCREENTB CONSORTIUM: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNT?
Authors: Dockrell Hazel , Schacht Claudia , Walzl Gerhard 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundMost research consortia and multicentre trials include capacity strengthening as one of their objectives. Activities are included in annual reports but the overall success or otherwise of these is hard to evaluate.MethodsThe training and capacity building work package in the EDCTP2-funded ScreenTB Consortium includes support for the individual career development of young researchers. We have made mentoring the central activity, building on what we had learnt in the previous AE-TBC Consortium. We carried out formal training sessions and provided dedicated time-slots for meetings of mentee and mentor during annual meetings. We also introduced the concept of personal development plans through presentations and small group work.ResultsFormal timetabled presentations and mentoring sessions have helped make capacity strengthening work. Challenges and solutions have been identified in group sessions and will be presented. This has enabled us to evaluate what works well and what is more challenging, when including capacity strengthening activities within a consortium with 5 African and 3 European partners.ConclusionDedicated time and commitment are required to make capacity strengthening work, but when it does, mentoring and personal development planning can provide both African and European researchers with an impartial opportunity to find solutions to their current challenges and to discuss their longer-term goals.
Impact of sleep disordered breathing on performance in judo players
Authors: Wada Hiroo , Nagata Kazumasa , Shirahama Ryutaro , Tajima Tomokazu , Kimura Manami , Ikeda Ai , Maruyama Koutatsu , Tamura Masahiro , Suzuki Keiji , Tanigawa Takeshi 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivePrevious studies have suggested that young sports players may suffer from sleep disordered breathing (SDB). It was hypothesised that SDB in heavy-class judo players was far more prevalent than expected and that it could reduce judo performance, which could be improved by appropriate therapies. To address this, the present study estimated the percentage of heavy-class judo players with SDB and investigated the effect of SDB treatment on judo performance.MethodsWe enrolled 19 young judo players from a university judo team with body weight >100 kg and/or body mass index >30 kg/m2. Both excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and respiratory disturbance index (RDI) were evaluated using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and an overnight type 3 sleep monitor.ResultsThe percentages of young heavyweight-class judo players with EDS (ESS ≥11) and those with SDB (RDI ≥5) were both 63%, which was unexpectedly high for the age class. Seven of the participants underwent continuous positive airway pressure therapy, which improved both RDI and ESS scores (p<0.05 for each) and subsequently the sleep quality and judo performance of the participants.ConclusionsOur study indicates that young judo players might silently suffer from SDB, leading to poorer judo performance and to future cardiovascular diseases. Clinicians should be aware of the possible presence of SDB in young sports players and consider the application of diagnostic and therapeutic remedies.
Relation of injuries and psychological symptoms in amateur soccer players
Authors: Jansen Petra , Lehmann Jennifer , Fellner Birgit , Huppertz Gunnar , Loose Oliver , Achenbach Leonard , Krutsch Werner 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesThe first main goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety as well as self-compassion in a heterogeneous sample of male amateur soccer players. The second main goal of this study was the examination of the relationship between injuries and psychological factors in amateur soccer players.MethodsPlayers were recruited from German amateur soccer clubs of the fourth to seventh league. 419 soccer players with the mean age of 22.88 years participated in the psychological and the injury assessment at the beginning of the season and at the end, 9 months later. For the psychological assessment, depression and anxiety rate as well as self-compassion was analysed. Furthermore, the frequencies of injuries were registered.ResultsThe results showed that players of the highest amateur league, the fourth league in German soccer, showed significantly higher anxiety values than players from a lower league (p=0.013). There were no differences in depression values dependent on the league. Furthermore, players who suffered from an injury before the start of the season demonstrated higher anxiety values (p=0.027). This result was independent of the respective league.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate that even in higher amateur soccer the anxiety level of the players varies between soccer players of different leagues. Because an injury before the start of the season influenced the anxiety level, a psychological treatment during injury should be considered.
Computed tomographic coronary angiography in risk stratification prior to non-cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Koshy Anoop N , Ha Francis Jonathan , Gow Paul J , Han Hui-Chen , Amirul-Islam FM , Lim Han S , Teh Andrew W , Farouque Omar 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesUtility of CT coronary angiography (CTA) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring in risk stratification prior to non-cardiac surgery is unclear. Although current guidelines recommend stress testing in intermediate-high risk individuals, over one-third of perioperative major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occur in patients with a negative study. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the value of CTA and CAC score in preoperative risk prognostication prior to non-cardiac surgery.MethodsMEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for articles published up to June 2018. Summary ORs for degree of coronary artery disease (CAD) and perioperative MACE were pooled using a random-effects model.ResultsEleven studies were included. Two hundred and fifty-two (7.2%) MACE occurred in 3480 patients. Risk of perioperative MACE rose with the severity and extent of CAD on CTA (no CAD 2.0%; non-obstructive 4.1%; obstructive single-vessel 7.1%; obstructive multivessel 23.1%, p<0.001). Multivessel disease (MVD) demonstrated the greatest risk (OR 8.9, 95% CI 5.1 to 15.3, p<0.001). Increasing CAC score was associated with higher perioperative MACE (CAC score: ≥100 OR 5.1, ≥1000 OR 10.4, both p<0.01). In a cohort deemed high risk by established clinical indices, absence of MVD on CTA demonstrated a negative predictive value of 96% (95% CI 92.8 to 98.4) for predicting freedom from MACE.ConclusionsSeverity and extent of CAD on CTA conferred incremental risk for perioperative MACE in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The ‘rule-out’ capability of CTA is comparable to other non-invasive imaging modalities and offers a viable alternative for risk stratification of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.Trial registration numberCRD42018100883
A marginal structural model approach to analyse work-related injuries: an example using data from the health and retirement study
Authors: Baidwan Navneet Kaur , Gerberich Susan Goodwin , Kim Hyun , Ryan Andrew D , Church Timothy , Capistrant Beatrix Davoli 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundBiases may exist in the limited longitudinal data focusing on work-related injuries among the ageing workforce. Standard statistical techniques may not provide valid estimates when the data are time-varying and when prior exposures and outcomes may influence future outcomes. This research effort uses marginal structural models (MSMs), a class of causal models rarely applied for injury epidemiology research to analyse work-related injuries.Methods7212 working US adults aged ≥50 years, obtained from the Health and Retirement Study sample in the year 2004 formed the study cohort that was followed until 2014. The analyses compared estimates measuring the associations between physical work requirements and work-related injuries using MSMs and a traditional regression model. The weights used in the MSMs, besides accounting for time-varying exposures, also accounted for the recurrent nature of injuries.ResultsThe results were consistent with regard to directionality between the two models. However, the effect estimate was greater when the same data were analysed using MSMs, built without the restriction for complete case analyses.ConclusionsMSMs can be particularly useful for observational data, especially with the inclusion of recurrent outcomes as these can be incorporated in the weights themselves.
Why visual aids need to be less visual
Authors: Yaffe Philip 
Published: April 2019

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.
Public speaking is not only about communicating your ideas orally, but also visually. Too many presentations are undermined by poorly chosen slides. An outstanding presentation is one that addresses two fundamental objectives, with the end goal of leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Visual perception of joint stiffness from multijoint motion
Authors: Huber Meghan E. , Folinus Charlotte , Hogan Neville 
Published: April 2019

Humans have an astonishing ability to extract hidden information from the movements of others. For example, even with limited kinematic information, humans can distinguish between biological and nonbiological motion, identify the age and gender of a human demonstrator, and recognize what action a human demonstrator is performing. It is unknown, however, whether they can also estimate hidden mechanical properties of another’s limbs simply by observing their motions. Strictly speaking, identifying an object’s mechanical properties, such as stiffness, requires contact. With only motion information, unambiguous measurements of stiffness are fundamentally impossible, since the same limb motion can be generated with an infinite number of stiffness values. However, we show that humans can readily estimate the stiffness of a simulated limb from its motion. In three experiments, we found that participants linearly increased their rating of arm stiffness as joint stiffness parameters in the arm controller increased. This was remarkable since there was no physical contact with the simulated limb. Moreover, participants had no explicit knowledge of how the simulated arm was controlled. To successfully map nontrivial changes in multijoint motion to changes in arm stiffness, participants likely drew on prior knowledge of human neuromotor control. Having an internal representation consistent with the behavior of the controller used to drive the simulated arm implies that this control policy competently captures key features of veridical biological control. Finding that humans can extract latent features of neuromotor control from kinematics also provides new insight into how humans interpret the motor actions of others. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Humans can visually perceive another’s overt motion, but it is unknown whether they can also perceive the hidden dynamic properties of another’s limbs from their motions. Here, we show that humans can correctly infer changes in limb stiffness from nontrivial changes in multijoint limb motion without force information or explicit knowledge of the underlying limb controller. Our findings suggest that humans presume others control motor behavior in such a way that limb stiffness influences motion.
Effect of sound pressure level on contralateral inhibition underlying duration-tuned neurons in the mammalian inferior colliculus
Authors: Valdizón-Rodríguez Roberto , Kovaleva Dominika , Faure Paul A. 
Published: April 2019

Duration tuning in the mammalian inferior colliculus (IC) is created by the interaction of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs. We used extracellular recordings and paired tone stimulation to measure the strength and time course of the contralateral inhibition underlying duration-tuned neurons (DTNs) in the IC of the awake bat. The onset time of a short, best duration (BD), excitatory probe tone set to +10 dB (re threshold) was varied relative to the onset of a longer-duration, nonexcitatory (NE) suppressor tone whose sound pressure level (SPL) was varied. Spikes evoked by the roving BD tone were suppressed when the stationary NE tone amplitude was at or above the BD tone threshold. When the NE tone was increased from 0 to +10 dB, the inhibitory latency became shorter than the excitatory first-spike latency and the duration of inhibition increased, but no further changes occurred at +20 dB (re BD tone threshold). We used the effective duration of inhibition as a function of the NE tone amplitude to obtain suppression-level functions that were used to estimate the inhibitory half-maximum SPL (ISPL50). We also measured rate-level functions of DTNs with single BD tones varied in SPL and modeled the excitatory half-maximum SPL (ESPL50). There was a correlation between the ESPL50 and ISPL50, and the dynamic range of excitation and inhibition were similar. We conclude that the strength of inhibition changes in proportion to excitation as a function of SPL, and this feature likely contributes to the amplitude tolerance of the responses of DTNs. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Duration-tuned neurons arise from excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs offset in time. We measured the strength and time course of inhibition to changes in sound level. The onset of inhibition shortened while its duration lengthened as the stimulus level increased from 0 to +10 dB re threshold; however, no further changes were observed at +20 dB. Excitatory rate-level and inhibitory suppression-level response functions were strongly correlated, suggesting a mechanism for level tolerance in duration tuning.