bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interpreting HIV Diagnostic Histories into Infection Time Estimates: Analytical Framework and Online Tool
Authors: Grebe Eduard , Facente Shelley N. , Bingham Jeremy , Pilcher Christopher D. , Powrie Andrew , Gerber Jarryd , Priede Gareth , Chibawara Trust , Busch Michael P. , Murphy Gary , Kassanjee Reshma , Welte Alex 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
It is frequently of epidemiological and/or clinical interest to estimate the date of HIV infection or time-since-infection of individuals. Yet, for over 15 years, the only widely-referenced infection dating algorithm that utilises diagnostic testing data to estimate time-since-infection has been the ‘Fiebig staging’ system. This defines a number of stages of early HIV infection through various standard combinations of contemporaneous discordant diagnostic results, using tests of different sensitivity. To develop a new, more nuanced infection dating algorithm, we generalised the Fiebig approach to accommodate positive and negative diagnostic results generated on the same or different dates, and arbitrary current or future tests – as long as the test sensitivity is known. For this purpose, test sensitivity is the probability of a positive result as a function of time since infection.
Methods
The present work outlines the analytical framework for infection date estimation using subject-level diagnostic testing histories, and data on test sensitivity. We introduce a publicly-available online HIV infection dating tool that implements this estimation method, bringing together 1) curatorship of HIV test performance data, and 2) infection date estimation functionality, to calculate plausible intervals within which infection likely became detectable for each individual. The midpoints of these intervals are interpreted as infection time ‘point estimates’ and referred to as Estimated Dates of Detectable Infection (EDDIs). The tool is designed for easy bulk processing of information (as may be appropriate for research studies) but can also be used for individual patients (such as in clinical practice).
Results
In many settings, including most research studies, detailed diagnostic testing data are routinely recorded, and can provide reasonably precise estimates of the timing of HIV infection. We present a simple logic to the interpretation of ‘diagnostic testing histories’ into ‘infection time estimates’, either as a point estimate (EDDI) or an interval (earliest plausible to latest plausible dates of detectable infection), along with a publicly-accessible online tool that supports wide application of this logic.
Conclusions
This tool, available at https://tools.incidence-estimation.org/idt/, is readily updatable as test technology evolves, given the simple architecture of the system and its nature as an open source project.
Infection and RNA-seq analysis of a zebrafish tlr2 mutant shows a broad function of this Toll-like receptor in transcriptional and metabolic control and defense to Mycobacterium marinum infection
Authors: Hu Wanbin , Yang Shuxin , Shimada Yasuhito , Münch Magnus , Marín-Juez Rubén , Meijer Annemarie H. , Spaink Herman P. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
The function of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in host defense against pathogens, especially Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is poorly understood. To investigate the role of TLR2 during mycobacterial infection, we analyzed the response of tlr2 zebrafish mutant larvae to infection with Mycobacterium marinum (Mm), a close relative to Mtb, as a model for tuberculosis. We measured infection phenotypes and transcriptome responses using RNA deep sequencing in mutant and control larvae.
Results
tlr2 mutant embryos at 2 dpf do not show differences in the number of macrophages and neutrophils compared to control embryos. However, we found substantial changes in gene expression in these mutants, particularly in metabolic pathways, when compared with the heterozygote tlr2+/- control. At 4 days after Mm infection, the total bacterial burden and the presence of extracellular bacteria were higher in tlr2-/- larvae than in tlr2+/-, or tlr2+/+ larvae, whereas granuloma numbers were reduced, showing a function of Tlr2 in zebrafish host defense. RNAseq analysis of infected tlr2-/- versus tlr2+/- shows that the number of up-regulated and down-regulated genes in response to infection was greatly diminished in tlr2 mutants by at least 2 fold and 10 fold, respectively. Analysis of the transcriptome data and qPCR validation shows that Mm infection of tlr2 mutants leads to decreased mRNA levels of genes involved in inflammation and immune responses, including il1b, tnfb, cxcl11aa/ac, fosl1a, and cebpb. Furthermore, RNAseq analyses revealed that the expression of genes for Maf family transcription factors, vitamin D receptors, and Dicps proteins is altered in tlr2 mutants with or without infection. In addition, the data indicate a function of Tlr2 in the control of induction of cytokines and chemokines, such as the CXCR3-CXCL11 signaling axis.
Conclusion
The transcriptome and infection burden analyses show a function of Tlr2as a protective factor against mycobacteria. Transcriptome analysis revealed tlr2-specific pathways involved in Mm infection, which are related to responses to Mtb infection in human macrophages. Considering its dominant function in control of transcriptional processes that govern defense responses and metabolism, the TLR2 protein can be expected to be also of importance for other infectious diseases and interactions with the microbiome.
Spatiotemporal hydrochemical variations in river water in the Qilian Mountains and their sources: a case study of the Binggou River Basin
Authors: Zhou Junju , Xiang Juan , Zhu Guofeng , Lei Li , Cao Jianjun , Shi Wei , Wei Wei , Huang Meihua , Feng Wei 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The headwater region of inland China is immensely important for sustaining livelihoods and maintaining ecological balance, highlighting the need to characterize and assess water quality in this region. The aim of this study is to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of river water chemistry and to identify the sources of major ions in the Binggou River Basin, Northwest China. The results show that the water of the Binggou River is neutral freshwater. SO42− is the major anion, Ca2+ is the major cation and the river type is Ca–Na–SO4–HCO3. The concentrations of Na+, Mg2+, SO42−, NO3−, and total dissolved solid are slightly higher than the global average. The seasonal variations of major ion concentrations in the river are highest in winter but lowest in autumn, whereas the spatial variations are greater in the east branch than in the west branch and upstream compared with downstream. Source analysis of the ions indicates that rock weathering is the main source of ions, followed by human activities such as farmland fertilization and coal burning. Water quality analysis shows that the river water is suitable for drinking and irrigation, but the water quality is relatively poor in areas with more human activity, which indicates that human activity greatly influences water quality.
Adsorptive removal of azithromycin from aqueous solutions using raw and saponin-modified nano diatomite
Authors: Davoodi Siavash , Dahrazma Behnaz , Goudarzi Nasser , Gorji Hajar Ghasemian 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This study aims to investigate the performance and mechanism of raw (R-ND) and saponin-modified nano diatomite (M-ND) in the removal of azithromycin from aqueous solutions. Adsorbent characterization was performed using X-ray fluorescence, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses. It was shown that the specific surface area of R-ND was 119.5 m2/g, 14-fold higher than that for raw diatomite, and for M-ND it was 90.1 m2/g. Various adsorption conditions, i.e. adsorbent dosage, pH, initial concentration and contact time were investigated. According to the results, despite reducing the specific surface area by 25%, modification of nano diatomite by saponin markedly enhanced its performance in the removal of azithromycin. The maximum adsorption capacity of R-ND and M-ND in the removal of azithromycin was 68 and 91.7 mg/g, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results revealed that azithromycin was adsorbed by O-H groups on the diatomite surface. Weber–Morris intra-particle diffusion (IPD) model suggested that while IPD is not the rate-controlling step in high concentrations of azithromycin, it is the only step that controls the rate of adsorption in low concentrations. In comparison to R-ND, M-ND showed a higher efficiency in the removal of azithromycin and, therefore, it can be used as a promising low-cost adsorbent to remove azithromycin from aqueous solutions.
Various Presentations of Preeclampsia at Tertiary Care Hospital of Sindh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Khidri Feriha F. 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Preeclampsia is multi-systemic hypertensive pregnancy disorder accompanied
by proteinuria.

Objectives:
To determine the frequency of different presentations of preeclampsia in tertiary care
hospital and find out its risk factors.

Materials and Methods:
The present study was hospital-based cross-sectional study and conducted
from 1st August 2015 to 31st July 2016 in Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Liaquat
University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Hyderabad after ethical approval. A total of
112 pre-eclamptic women were enrolled during the study period by non-probability consecutive
sampling. Patients were divided on the basis of their presentations into mild preeclampsia, severe
preeclampsia, antepartum eclampsia, intrapartum eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, postpartum
preeclampsia, postpartum eclampsia and atypical preeclampsia/eclampsia. All the sociodemographic
factors and clinical variables were noted. Frequency and percentage were calculated
for categorical variable and mean/standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables.

Results:
Of the 112 preeclamptic women, 54.5% were admitted with antepartum eclampsia, 12.5%
with severe preeclampsia, 8.9% with atypical preeclampsia/eclampsia, 8% with mild preeclampsia,
8% with postpartum eclampsia, 3.6% with HELLP syndrome, 2.7% with intrapartum eclampsia
and 1.8% with postpartum preeclampsia. Overall, majority of the patients were primigravida (57%),
had gestational age >34 weeks at presentation (58.9%) and < 7 antenatal visits (88.3%) during their
pregnancy. Overall 17.8% had previous bad obstetrical events, 11.6% had previous history of
preeclampsia and 64.3% had consanguineous marriages.

Conclusion:
Different presentations of preeclampsia may help obstetricians to rule out high- risk
pregnancies and provide antenatal care to patients earlier to prevent complications to both mother
and fetus.
Hepatitis A Seroprevalence Among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran During 2016-2017
Authors: Manshadi Seyed Ali Dehghan , Alijani Neda , Salehi Mohammadreza , Dadras Omid , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Ahangari Ailar , Abdolahi Alireza , Davoudi Hamidreza , Alizade Ramazanali 
Published: October 2019

Introduction:
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of exposure to
hepatitis A by means of serologic markers in chronic hepatitis B patients, with the secondary aim
of finding the best prevention method for hepatitis A infection in susceptible groups of our setting.

Methods:
During the period between 2016 and 2017, we recruited 403 hepatitis B patients aged
more than 14 years and regularly attending the infectious diseases clinic at a referral university
hospital, Tehran, Iran. A blood sample was collected from all the patients and tested for hepatitis
A IgG. The data was analyzed by SPSS v.19.

Results:
Although none of the patients had previously received hepatitis A vaccine, the results for
serologic level of hepatitis A IgG, demonstrated positive results in 379 (94%) cases. The mean
age of patients with negative and positive IgG was 29.17 and 42.46 years, respectively; the difference
was statistically significant (P≤0.001). The majority of seronegative patients were young
adults aged < 25 years and 25 to 35 years (P <0.001).

Conclusion:
Seroprevalence of hepatitis A in chronic HBV patients in Iran is high. As HBV infected
patients younger than 35 years could be seronagative for HAV infection, evaluation of
these patients for HAV infection and vaccination of seronegative patients would be a reasonable
approach.
Differential Expression of Resistant and Efflux Pump Genes in MDR-TB Isolates
Authors: AlMatar Manaf , Var Işıl , Kayar Begüm , Köksal Fatih 
Published: October 2019

Background:Numerous investigations demonstrate efflux as a worldwide bacterial mode of action which contributes to the resistance of drugs. The activity of antibiotics, which subjects to efflux, can be improved by the combined usage of efflux inhibitors. However, the efflux role to the overall levels of antibiotic resistance of clinical M. tuberculosis isolates is inadequately comprehended and is still disregarded by many.Method:Here, we assessed the contribution of resistant genes associated with isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (R) resistance to the levels of drug resistance in the (27) clinical isolates of MDR-TB. Additionally, the role of the resistance for six putative drug efflux pump genes to the antibiotics was investigated. The level of katG expression was down-regulated in 24/27 (88.88%) of MDR-TB isolates. Of the 27 MDR-TB isolates, inhA, oxyR-ahpC, and rpoB showed either overexpression or up-regulation in 8 (29.62%), 4 (14.81 %), and 24 (88.88%), respectively. Moreover, the efflux pump genes drrA, drrB, efpA, Rv2459, Rv1634, and Rv1250 were overexpressed under INH/RIF plus fresh pomegranate juice (FPJ) stress signifying the efflux pumps contribution to the overall levels of the resistance of MDR-TB isolates.Conclusion:These results displayed that the levels of drug resistance of MDR-TB clinical isolates are due to combination among drug efflux pump and the presence of mutations in target genes, a truth which is often ignored by the specialists of tuberculosis in favour of the almost undoubted significance of drug target- gene mutations for the resistance in M. tuberculosis.
Technology Acceptance and Information System Success of a Mobile Electronic Platform for Nonphysician Clinical Students in Zambia: Prospective, Nonrandomized Intervention Study
Authors: Barteit Sandra , Neuhann Florian , Bärnighausen Till , Bowa Annel , Wolter Sigrid , Siabwanta Hinson , Jahn Albrecht 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundZambia is still experiencing a severe shortage of health workers, which is impacting the national health care system. Very few people are trained, educational infrastructure is inadequate, and senior human resources for training are not yet sufficient to produce the number of health care workers needed, especially for currently underserved rural areas. Therefore, to strengthen the medical education program of medical licentiates, we implemented a tablet-based electronic learning platform (e-platform) with a medical decision-support component.ObjectiveAs the primary objective, this study aimed to explore the acceptance and information system (IS) success of an e-platform focused on offline-based tablet usage for nonphysician clinical students in a low-resource context in Zambia, Africa. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate student demographic factors and prior technological experience, as well as medical lecturers’ acceptance of technology of the e-platform.MethodsWe collected data for the study before and after the intervention. Before the intervention, we collected student demographic data and prior technological experience using a questionnaire. After the intervention, we collected results of the questionnaire on technology acceptance of students and IS success of the e-platform, as well as technology acceptance of medical lecturers. We calculated statistical measures such as means, standard deviations, and correlations of investigated variables. The study report was compiled using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials-Electronic Health checklist.ResultsOverall, questionnaire results of students and medical lecturers indicated acceptance of the e-platform and showed higher ratings for overall net benefits and information quality (students) and perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness (medical lecturers) as compared with ratings of other categories. The lowest scores were conveyed for system use and service quality (students) and attitude and behavioral intention (medical lecturers).ConclusionsAcceptance of the e-platform as a learning technology for strengthening medical education in a low-resource context in Zambia was generally high for students and medical lecturers, but shortcomings were also identified. Results indicated low overall usage of the e-platform as a learning and teaching tool. One hindering factor was the tablets’ overall weak reliability with regard to its service life and battery life span, and another was the teachers’ low engagement with the e-platform. Next steps may include other hardware and more technology-based training for medical lecturers. The evaluation results indicated that the e-platform may open new promise for further strengthening and expanding medical education in this context, especially with more affordable and viable technologies that are available.
Experience of Developing Instruments for Measuring Firearm Functional Coating Thickness
Authors: Syas’ko V. A. , Golubev S. S. , Ivkin A. E. 
Published: October 2019

Рассмотрена задача измерения толщины различных функциональных неферромагнитных покрытий, применяемых при производстве огнестрельного стрелкового оружия. Для решения поставленной задачи предложен магнитоиндукционный метод измерения толщины покрытий. Обозначены основные источники погрешности, связанные с влиянием на получаемые результаты измерений внешних факторов и особенностей объекта измерения. В частности выявлено, что на результаты измерений существенное влияние оказывает геометрия объекта контроля, отнесенная к диаметру зоны измерения преобразователя, что позволило сформулировать критерии оптимизации его геометрических параметров.Представлены результаты оптимизации соотношений геометрических параметров первичных измерительных преобразователей и зависимость, позволяющая определить диаметр зоны измерения преобразователя при заданном диапазоне толщины.Возбуждение преобразователя негармоническим электромагнитным полем и использование в качестве первичного информативного параметра площадей наведенных ЭДС, тактирование цикла преобразования с привязкой к частоте сетевого напряжения позволило исключить влияние электропроводности покрытия и основания объекта контроля на результаты измерений, повысить помехозащищенность, временную и температурную стабильность, а также использовать износостойкие легированные стали в качестве материала сердечника преобразователя.Совокупность предлагаемых решений позволила разработать толщиномер с малогабаритными измерительными преобразователями для использования в условиях серийного производства предприятий концерна «Калашников» при неразрушающем контроле толщины разнообразных функциональных покрытий малогабаритных и сложнопрофильных деталей современных и перспективных видов стрелкового оружия.
Technological Features of Assembly and Testing of Modular Weapons
Authors: Pisarev S. A. , Minibaev R. V. , Romanov D. S. , Tokarev I. V. 
Published: October 2019

Статья посвящена актуальной на сегодняшний день теме развития модульного оружия как закономерному процессу развития технических систем общего машиностроения. Рассматриваются технологические особенности сборки стрелкового оружия в целом и относящиеся к модульному оружию в частности. Приведены требования и определены задачи технической подготовки производства. Оценена степень важности этапа сборки.Модульное оружие состоит из деталей и сборок. В свою очередь, детали и сборки имеют определенные размеры и размерные цепи. Анализируются методы решения размерных цепей на предмет применяемости в модульном оружии, в частности, подробно рассматривается применяемость метода абсолютной взаимозаменяемости и конструктивной компенсации.Определены документы, необходимые для рациональной разработки технологии сборки, к основным из которых относятся конструкторская документация и ТУ на изделие. Более детально рассмотрен процесс сборки ствола и ствольной коробки как наиболее сложный и важный момент изготовления модульного оружия. Описаны решения проблемы взаимозаменяемости стволов и определены наиболее проблемные места крепления ствола к ствольной коробке, требующие более детального анализа.Значительное внимание уделено проверкам модульного оружия после сборки. Приведены примеры оборудования и материалы, необходимые для контроля готовой продукции. Определены основные виды приемочно-контрольных испытаний: двумя выстрелами с усиленным зарядом; на меткость; на взаимодействие механизмов и др.
Situación actual de la educación financiera en jóvenes universitarios de Villavicencio Colombia
Authors: Pérez Paredes Alfredo , Cruz de los Ángeles José Aurelio , Gómez Pulido Andrea Milena 
Published: October 2019

La educación financiera, permite a las personas administrar correctamente los recursos y la economía de sus familiares.
Al respecto, la OECD sustenta que “la educación financiera es el proceso mediante el cual los individuos adquieren una mejor comprensión de los conceptos y productos financieros y desarrollan las habilidades necesarias para tomar decisiones informadas, evaluar riesgos y oportunidades financieras, y mejorar su bienestar”. (OECD, 2008). Por tanto, el presente trabajo de investigación persigue el objetivo de medir la educación financiera de los jóvenes universitarios de Villavicencio Colombia. Se aplicó un instrumento compuesto de 18 ítems, que permite identificar el conocimiento que se posee acerca de la educación financiera. Parte de los resultados conseguidos nos manifiesta que, del total de la población de alumnos encuestados, la mayoría, no tiene claro el tema de la educación financiera.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN CONTEXTUAL TEACHING AND LEARNING, QUANTUM TEACHING TERHADAP MOTIVASI BERPRESTASI DAN HASIL BELAJAR IPS SISWA KELAS VII
Authors: Sari Astiti Ni Nyoman , Lasmawan I Wayan , Akhmad Haris Iyus 
Published: October 2019

Penelitian ini adalah penelitian eksperimen semu, dengan rancangan post test only control group design, bertujuan untuk mengalisis perbedaan motivasi berprestasi dan hasil belajar IPS antara siswa yang mengikuti pembelajaran contextual teaching and learning dan quantum teaching siswa kelas VII, secara terpisah maupun simultan. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah semua siswa kelas VII. Setelah diadakan uji kesetaraan, diplih secara random 2 kelas sebagai sampel, 1 kelas menjadi kelas ekspeimen dan 1 kelas sebagai kelas kontrol. Data dalam penelitian dikumpulkan dengan kuesioner dan tes hasil belajar IPS dan dianalisis dengan anava dan manova. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa: (1) ada perbedaan motivasi berprestasi siswa antara yang mengikuti pembelajaran dengan model pembelajaran Contextual Teaching and Learning dan Quantum Teaching dengan Fhitung = 52,613 (p = 0,000 < 0,05), (2) ada perbedaan hasil belajar IPS siswa antara yang mengikuti pembelajaran dengan model pembelajaran Contextual Teaching and Learning dan Quantum Teaching dengan Fhitung = 30,384 (p = 0,000 < 0,05), dan (3) terdapat perbedaan motivasi berprestasi dan hasil belajar IPS siswa antara yang mengikuti pembelajaran dengan model pembelajaran Contextual Teaching and Learning dan Quantum Teaching dengan F- Wilks' Lambda= 48,307 (p = 0,000 < 0,05). Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa model pembelajaran Contextual Teaching and Learning dan Quantum Teaching berpengaruh signifikan terhadap motivasi berprestasi dan hasil belajar siswa kelas VII.Kata kunci: model pembelajaran contextual teaching and learning dan quantum teaching, motivasi berprestasi, hasil belajar IPS