bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of cardiovascular risk in post-menopausal women in Ghana
Authors: Afrifa Justice , Botchway Felix A. , Opoku Yeboah Kwaku , Badohu Joyce , Ocran Henrietta Ekua , Asare Kwame Kumi , Essien-Baidoo Samuel 
Published: June 2019

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be a major cause of death among post-menopausal women. We sought to assess cardiovascular risk among pre- and post-menopausal women living within the Cape Coast Municipality by comparing the lipid profiles and other emerging biomarkers of CVD, i.e. the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), body adiposity index (BAI) and Castelli index I (CRI-I). Methods: A comparative cross-section of 150 women (75 pre-menopausal women and 75 post-menopausal women) visiting the University of Cape Coast hospital for regular checkups were randomly recruited into the study. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of participants were obtained with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Blood pressure (BP) was measured and lipid profile was estimated using fasting blood samples. Other markers of cardiovascular risk such as BMI, AIP, VAI, BAI and CRI-I were estimated. Results: We report elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC) (p<0.0001), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (p<0.0001), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (p=0.0021), triglycerides (TG) (p<0.0001) and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL-C) cholesterol (p<0.0001) in post-menopausal women compared with pre-menopausal women. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p<0.0001) was, however, decreased in post-menopausal women. Mean AIP (p< 0.0001), VAI (p< 0.0001), BAI (p< 0.0038) and CRI-I (p<0.0001) were significantly increased in post-menopausal women compared to pre-menopausal women. We also report a positive correlation of TC, TG, VLDL and non-HDL with atherogenic markers AIP, VAI and CRI-I in post-menopausal women. A negative correlation of HDL with AIP, VAI, and CR in post-menopausal women was also observed. Conclusions: Menopause could lead to changes in lipid profile to atherogenicity with associated increase in the risk of CVD. Atherogenic markers such as AIP, VAI, BAI, and CR can serve as potential biomarkers for predicting CVD.
The effectiveness and safety of anti-fibrinolytics in patients with acute intracranial haemorrhage: statistical analysis plan for an individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Ker Katharine , Prieto-Merino David , Sprigg Nikola , Mahmood Abda , Bath Philip , Kang Law Zhe , Flaherty Katie , Roberts Ian 
Published: June 2019

Abstract Introduction: The Anti-fibrinolytics Trialists Collaboration aims to increase knowledge about the effectiveness and safety of anti-fibrinolytic treatment by conducting individual patient data (IPD) meta-analyses of randomised trials. This article presents the statistical analysis plan for an IPD meta-analysis of the effects of anti-fibrinolytics for acute intracranial haemorrhage. Methods: The protocol for the IPD meta-analysis has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019128260). We will conduct an individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials with 500 patients or more assessing the effects of anti-fibrinolytics in acute intracranial haemorrhage. The primary outcomes will be 1) death from stroke or head injury within 30 days of randomisation, and 2) death from stroke or head injury, or dependency within 90 days of randomisation. The primary outcomes will be limited to patients treated within three hours of injury or stroke onset. We will report treatment effects using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. We use logistic regression models to examine how the effect of anti-fibrinolytics vary by time to treatment, severity of intracranial bleeding, and age. We will also examine the effect of anti-fibrinolytics on secondary outcomes including death, dependency, vascular occlusive events, seizures, and neurological outcomes. Secondary outcomes will be assessed in all patients irrespective of time of treatment. All analyses will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. Conclusions: This IPD meta-analysis will examine important clinical questions about the effects of anti-fibrinolytic treatment in patients with intracranial haemorrhage that cannot be answered using aggregate data. With IPD we can examine how effects vary by time to treatment, bleeding severity, and age, to gain better understanding of the balance of benefit and harms on which to base recommendations for practice.
Perceived usefulness of receiving a potential smoking cessation intervention via mobile phones among smokers in Indonesia
Authors: Wibowo Mochammad Fadjar , Kumar Anil A. , Sumarsono Surahyo , Rodrigues Rashmi 
Published: June 2019

Background: The use of technology to support healthcare in Indonesia holds new promise in light of decreasing costs of owning mobile devices and ease of access to internet. However, it is necessary to assess end-user perceptions regarding mobile health interventions prior to its implementation. This would throw light on the acceptability of mobile phone communication in bringing about behavioural changes among the target Indonesian population. The aim of this study was to explore the perceived usefulness of receiving a potential smoking cessation intervention via mobile phones. Methods: This is an exploratory cross-sectional study involving current and former adult tobacco smokers residing in Indonesia. Online advertisement and snowballing were used to recruit respondents. Data was collected using a web-based survey over a period of 4 weeks. Those willing to participate signed an online consent and were subsequently directed to the online questionnaire that obtained demographics, tobacco usage patterns, perceived usefulness of a mobile phone smoking cessation application and its design. Results: A total of 161 people who smoked tobacco responded to the online survey. The mean age of the participants was 29.4. Of the 123 respondents, 102 were men. Prior experience with using a mobile phone for health communication (OR 3.6, P=0.014) and those willing to quit smoking (OR 5.1, P=0.043) were likely to perceive a mobile phone smoking cessation intervention as useful. A smartphone application was preferred over text messages, media messages or interactive voice response technology. Content comprising of motivational messages highlighting the methods and benefits of quitting smoking were requested. Conclusion: People who smoke in Indonesia perceived receiving a potential smoking cessation intervention via mobile phones as useful. A multi-component, personalized smartphone application was the desired intervention technique. Such an intervention developed and implemented within a public health program could help address the tobacco epidemic in Indonesia.
Infant contact in day-care centres in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study to understand infant infection risk
Authors: Toizumi Michiko , Yoshida Lay-Myint , Suzuki Motoi , Nguyen Hien Anh Thi , Pinsent Amy , Dang Duc Anh , Flasche Stefan 
Published: June 2019

Background: Infant contact information (skin-to-skin contact between infants and others) is important to understand Streptococcus pneumoniae transmission patterns. A few studies have investigated infant contact patterns by asking the mother/guardian to record all contacts a child makes in one day. However, this approach does not capture contact behaviour in day-care. Our study describes the frequency and nature of physical contacts of infants in day-care to understand infant infection risk in day-care in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled infants aged <12 months, attending 10 randomly selected day-care centres in Nha Trang. Physical contacts of each infant for one day at the day-care centre were observed. The mean number of infants’ contacts and factors associated with contact numbers were assessed using negative binomial regression. Results: In total 14 infants, aged 6-11 months, were enrolled, and a total of 96 contacts were recorded. The mean number of contacts an infant made in one day was 6.9. Infants who walked independently (age-adjusted rate ratio 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.06-2.68) and those cared for in a larger group (1.99, 1.42-2.79) had more contacts at day-care. About 50% of infants made contact with at least one person from a commune different from the infant’s, and 50% made contact with at least one other infant at day-care. Conclusion: This study found that day-care attendance may be one factor that increases contact rates of infants in Nha Trang and diversifies those contacts in terms of age and geographical spread. In this study, day-care attendance not only increased contact rates beyond those usually experienced by young children cared for at home but specifically increased contact rates with other children and adults from other communes. Day-care may play a key role in the transmission of respiratory pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae to infants.
Does anonymity matter? Examining quality of online peer assessment and students’ attitudes
Authors: Kobayashi Michiko 
Published: June 2019

The study investigated the effects of anonymity on online peer assessment and compared three different conditions. Fifty-eight preservice teachers at a mid-size US university engaged in a series of online peer assessments during fall 2017. Peer assessment was embedded in a blended course as a required asynchronous activity using the Canvas learning management system. Students were randomly assigned to three different peer assessment conditions: anonymous, partially anonymous, and identifiable. They were asked to provide feedback comments and rate the quality of peers’ work. The researcher examined to what extent three different conditions had influenced the quality of feedback comments, measured quantitatively through the number of words and negative statements. At the end of the semester, a survey that included a 5-point Likert scale and several open-ended questions was also distributed to analyse students’ perceptions about peer assessment and anonymity. The results indicate that although students prefer anonymity, it may not be a necessary condition for increasing student engagement.
Construction of Genetic Linkage Maps in Multiparental Populations
Authors: Zheng Chaozhi , Boer Martin P , van Eeuwijk Fred A 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Construction of genetic linkage maps has become a routine step for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL), particularly in animal and plant breeding populations. Many multiparental populations have recently been produced to increase genetic diversity and QTL mapping resolution. However, few software packages are available for map construction in these populations. In this paper, we build a general framework for the construction of genetic linkage maps from genotypic data in diploid populations, including bi- and multiparental populations, cross-pollinated (CP) populations, and breeding pedigrees. The framework is implemented as an automatic pipeline called magicMap, where the maximum multilocus likelihood approach utilizes genotypic information efficiently. We evaluate magicMap by extensive simulations and eight real datasets: one biparental, one CP, four multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC), and two nested association mapping (NAM) populations, the number of markers ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands. Not only is magicMap the only software capable of accommodating all of these designs, it is more accurate and robust to missing genotypes and genotyping errors than commonly used packages.
Borde svenska lärare bli mer franska?
Authors: Ackesjö Helena 
Published: June 2019

Under början av 2019 förs en intensiv debatt i nationella medier om lärare, lärarauktoritet och lärararbetets gränser. I TV, radio och tidningar lyfts exempel på händelser från olika delar av landet fram i ljuset. Ett sådant är elevers upplevda kränkningar, en diskussion som ställs i relation till lärares auktoritet men framför allt till lärares handlingsutrymme.
I denna text diskuteras lärarprofessionens gränser genom Frykmans (1998) teoretiska lins. I texten jämförs exempel från den svenska skolan med exempel från den franska i avsikt att föra en kontrasterande och teoretisk diskussion om professionens gränser. Frågan som ställs är Borde svenska lärare bli mer franska? I essän framförs argument om att tydligare gränser kan krävas för att lärares professionalitet och auktoritet ska bli mer markerad. Skolan borde kunna bygga broar mellan skola, hem och samhälle utan att träda över gränserna mellan dem. Stärkta gränser skulle i sin tur kunna leda till avlastning men också till ökad auktoritet och professionalitet vilket på sikt skulle kunna stärka både lärares position i samhället och yrkets attraktivitet.
Association Between Preanalytical Factors and Tumor Mutational Burden Estimated by Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Multiplex Gene Panel Assay
Authors: Quy Pham Nguyen , Kanai Masashi , Fukuyama Keita , Kou Tadayuki , Kondo Tomohiro , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Matsubara Junichi , Hiroshima Akinori , Mochizuki Hiroaki , Sakuma Tomohiro , Kamada Mayumi , Nakatsui Masahiko , Eso Yuji , Seno Hiroshi , Masui Toshihiko , Takaori Kyoichi , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Matsumoto Shigemi , Muto Manabu 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Tumor mutational burden (TMB) measured via next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based gene panel is a promising biomarker for response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in solid tumors. However, little is known about the preanalytical factors that can affect the TMB score.

Materials and Methods
Data of 199 patients with solid tumors who underwent multiplex NGS gene panel (OncoPrime), which was commercially provided by a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-licensed laboratory and covered 0.78 megabase (Mb) of capture size relevant to the TMB calculation, were reviewed. Associations between the TMB score and preanalytical factors, including sample DNA quality, sample type, sampling site, and storage period, were analyzed. Clinical outcomes of patients with a high TMB score (≥10 mutations per megabase) who received anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibodies (n = 22) were also analyzed.

Results
Low DNA library concentration (&lt;5 nM), formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE), and the prolonged sample storage period (range, 0.9–58.1 months) correlated with a higher TMB score. After excluding low DNA library samples from the analysis, FFPE samples, but not the sample storage period, exhibited a marked correlation with a high TMB score. Of 22 patients with a high TMB score, we observed the partial response in 2 patients (9.1%).

Conclusion
Our results indicate that the TMB score estimated via NGS-based gene panel could be affected by the DNA library concentration and sample type. These factors could potentially increase the false-positive and/or artifactual variant calls. As each gene panel has its own pipeline for variant calling, it is unknown whether these factors have a significant effect in other platforms.

Implications for Practice
A high tumor mutational burden score, as estimated via next-generation sequencing-based gene panel testing, should be carefully interpreted as it could be affected by the DNA library concentration and sample type.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Biomarkers for Preoperative Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis in Endometrial Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Reijnen Casper , IntHout Joanna , Massuger Leon F.A.G. , Strobbe Fleur , Küsters-Vandevelde Heidi V.N. , Haldorsen Ingfrid S. , Snijders Marc P.L.M. , Pijnenborg Johanna M.A. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
In endometrial carcinoma (EC), preoperative classification is based on histopathological criteria, with only moderate diagnostic performance for the risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM). So far, existing molecular classification systems have not been evaluated for prediction of LNM. Optimized use of clinical biomarkers as recommended by international guidelines might be a first step to improve tailored treatment, awaiting future molecular biomarkers.

Aim
To determine the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative clinical biomarkers for the prediction of LNM in endometrial cancer.

Methods
A systematic review was performed according to the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Studies identified in MEDLINE and EMBASE were selected by two independent reviewers. Included biomarkers were based on recommended guidelines (cancer antigen 125 [Ca-125], lymphadenopathy on magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography [18FDG PET-CT]) or obtained by physical examination (body mass index, cervical cytology, blood cell counts). Pooled sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC), and likelihood ratios were calculated with bivariate random-effects meta-analysis. Likelihood ratios were classified into small (0.5–1.0 or 1–2.0), moderate (0.2–0.5 or 2.0–5.0) or large (0.1–0.2 or ≥ 5.0) impact.

Results
Eighty-three studies, comprising 18,205 patients, were included. Elevated Ca-125 and thrombocytosis were associated with a moderate increase in risk of LNM; lymphadenopathy on imaging with a large increase. Normal Ca-125, cytology, and no lymphadenopathy on 18FDG PET-CT were associated with a moderate decrease. AUCs were above 0.75 for these biomarkers. Other biomarkers had an AUC &lt;0.75 and incurred only small impact.

Conclusion
Ca-125, thrombocytosis, and imaging had a large and moderate impact on risk of LNM and could improve preoperative risk stratification.

Implications for Practice
Routine lymphadenectomy in clinical early-stage endometrial carcinoma does not improve outcome and is associated with 15%–20% surgery-related morbidity, underlining the need for improved preoperative risk stratification. New molecular classification systems are emerging but have not yet been evaluated for the prediction of lymph node metastasis. This article provides a robust overview of diagnostic performance of all clinical biomarkers recommended by international guidelines. Based on these, at least measurement of cancer antigen 125 serum level, assessment of thrombocytosis, and imaging focused on lymphadenopathy should complement current preoperative risk stratification in order to better stratify these patients by risk.
Human Tissue-Resident Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) Cells in Renal Fibrosis and CKD
Authors: Law Becker M. P. , Wilkinson Ray , Wang Xiangju , Kildey Katrina , Giuliani Kurt , Beagley Kenneth W. , Ungerer Jacobus , Healy Helen , Kassianos Andrew J. 
Published: June 2019

Significance Statement
Although mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are emerging as a key player in chronic inflammatory diseases, their role in CKD’s hallmark fibrosis is unclear. Using multicolor flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, the authors identified tissue-resident MAIT cells in healthy kidneys and demonstrated that absolute numbers of activated tissue-resident MAIT cells within the tubulointerstitial compartment of fibrotic human kidneys correlate with histologic severity of CKD (levels of interstitial fibrosis). In addition, using an in vitro mechanistic model of human renal fibrosis, they found that hypoxia-damaged proximal tubular epithelial cells are potent drivers of MAIT cell activation and cytotoxicity within the inflammatory and fibrotic microenvironment. These findings suggest that kidney MAIT cells are a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of CKD.

Background
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells represent a specialized lymphocyte population associated with chronic inflammatory disorders. Little is known, however, about MAIT cells in diseases of the kidney, including CKD.

Methods
To evaluate MAIT cells in human native kidneys with tubulointerstitial fibrosis, the hallmark of CKD, we used multicolor flow cytometry to identify, enumerate, and phenotype such cells from human kidney tissue biopsy samples, and immunofluorescence microscopy to localize these cells. We cocultured MAIT cells and human primary proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) under hypoxic (1% oxygen) conditions to enable examination of mechanistic tubulointerstitial interactions.

Results
We identified MAIT cells (CD3+ TCR Vα7.2+ CD161hi) in healthy and diseased kidney tissues, detecting expression of tissue-resident markers (CD103/CD69) on MAIT cells in both states. Tissue samples from kidneys with tubulointerstitial fibrosis had significantly elevated numbers of MAIT cells compared with either nonfibrotic samples from diseased kidneys or tissue samples from healthy kidneys. Furthermore, CD69 expression levels, also an established marker of lymphocyte activation, were significantly increased on MAIT cells from fibrotic tissue samples. Immunofluorescent analyses of fibrotic kidney tissue identified MAIT cells accumulating adjacent to PTECs. Notably, MAIT cells activated in the presence of human PTECs under hypoxic conditions (modeling the fibrotic microenvironment) displayed significantly upregulated expression of CD69 and cytotoxic molecules perforin and granzyme B; we also observed a corresponding significant increase in PTEC necrosis in these cocultures.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that human tissue-resident MAIT cells in the kidney may contribute to the fibrotic process of CKD via complex interactions with PTECs.
On functional results of treatment of recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after multiple endovitreal interventions
Authors: Shchukin Andrei D. 
Published: June 2019

The present report is an extension of the study, in which on a large clinical material, the ratio of procedures used at this time for retinal detachment was shown, and the frequency of relapses after extrascleral and endovitreal surgeries was analyzed.
The purpose of the study is to determine the terms of relapse occurrence, and to estimate visual function after multiple endovitreal procedures.
Materials and methods. The study was carried out in the Ophthalmological Center of the City Hospital No. 2 of St. Petersburg. The data of 116 case histories of 23 patients (28 eyes) repeatedly admitted to the department of vitreoretinal surgery of the center and operated (2 to 7 times) for recurrent rhematogenous retinal detachment in 2015-2016 were analyzed.
Results. Multistage endovitreal surgery in patients with recurrent retinal detachment in most cases (78.6%) leads to significant decrease of visual functions; in incomplete retinal adherence in the lower segments after extrascleral surgery, additional scleral buckling or barrier laser retinal photocoagulation can be used.
Corrective Feedbacks and Grammar Teaching in a Situated Teaching Context of Process-Based Writing
Authors: Hartono Hartono , Anwar Choiril , Murtiningrum Afina 
Published: June 2019

This study was aimed at finding out 1) how learners in a specific teaching-learning context namely process-based academic essay writing perceived the importance of corrective feedbacks (CF); 2) what CF was expected the most; 3) in what way learners preferred to have their CF provided; and 4) how learners perceived the importance of grammar teaching. It was conducted at English Literature Department of a university in Central Java Indonesia. Forty two students who were taking Essay Writing course served as the subjects for the study. The course itself was delivered in a process-based writing in which content development and rhetoric were given more emphasis than grammar accuracy was. Data for the study were collected by questionnaire and a semi-structured interview with 5 guided questions. The findings suggest that learners still considered CFs as highly important and useful for their writing improvement. Learners expected to have comprehensive CFs of grammar, vocabulary, spelling, organization and punctuation, and CF on grammar was the most preferred one. In terms of CF provision technique, underlying and making notes were the most preferred techniques. Finally, this study concludes that the shift of approach from a product-based to a process-based did not significantly change learners’ focus from forms to content.