bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Structured Mentor Mother Programs on Presentation for Early Infant Diagnosis Testing in Rural North-Central Nigeria: A Prospective Paired Cohort Study
Authors: Sam-Agudu Nadia A. , Ramadhani Habib O. , Isah Christopher , Erekaha Salome , Fan-Osuala Chinenye , Anaba Udochisom , Adejuyigbe Ebunoluwa A. , Charurat Manhattan 
Published: May 2017

Background:
Early infant diagnosis (EID) by 2 months of age is an important prevention of mother-to-child cascade step that serves as an early postpartum indicator of program success. Uptake and timely presentation for infant HIV diagnosis are significant challenges in resource-limited settings. Few studies on maternal peer support (PS) have demonstrated impact on EID. The MoMent study evaluated the impact of structured PS on timely presentation for EID testing in rural North-Central Nigeria.

Methods:
A total of 497 HIV-positive pregnant women were consecutively recruited at 10 primary health care centers with structured, closely supervised Mentor Mother (MM) support, and 10 pair-matched primary health care centers with routine but ad hoc PS. EID was assessed among HIV-exposed infants delivered to recruited women, and was defined by presentation for DNA polymerase chain reaction testing between 35 and 62 days of life. A logistic regression model with generalized estimating equation to account for clustering was used to assess the effect of MMs on EID presentation.

Results:
Data from 408 live-born infants were available for analysis. Exposure to MM support was associated with higher odds of timely EID presentation among infants, compared with routine PS (adjusted odds ratios = 3.7, 95% confidence interval: 2.8 to 5.0).

Conclusions:
Closely supervised, organized MM support significantly improved presentation for EID among HIV-exposed infants in a rural Nigerian setting. Structured PS can improve rates of timely EID presentation and potentially the uptake of EID testing in resource-limited settings.
The Impact of Structured Mentor Mother Programs on 6-Month Postpartum Retention and Viral Suppression among HIV-Positive Women in Rural Nigeria: A Prospective Paired Cohort Study
Authors: Sam-Agudu Nadia A. , Ramadhani Habib O. , Isah Christopher , Anaba Udochisom , Erekaha Salome , Fan-Osuala Chinenye , Galadanci Hadiza , Charurat Manhattan 
Published: May 2017

Background:
Peer support (PS) has reportedly improved Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) outcomes in high HIV-burden settings; however, evidence of impact on retention in care is limited. Retention in care implies consistent engagement and treatment adherence. The MoMent study evaluated the impact of structured vs unstructured PS on postpartum retention and viral load suppression among rural Nigerian women.

Methods:
A total of 497 HIV-positive pregnant women were consecutively enrolled at 10 primary health care centers with structured mentor mother (MM) support, and at 10 pair-matched primary health care centers with routine, ad hoc PS. The structured MM intervention comprised an outcome-specific scope of work, close MM supervision, standardized documentation, performance evaluations, and retraining as appropriate. Retention was defined by clinic attendance during the first 6-month postpartum. Participants with ≥3 of 6 expected monthly visits were considered retained. Women with a 6-month postpartum plasma viral load of <20 copies/mL were considered suppressed. A logistic regression model with generalized estimating equation was used to assess the effect of MMs on retention and viral suppression.

Results:
Exposure to structured MM support was associated with higher odds of retention than routine PS (adjusted odds ratio = 5.9, 95% confidence interval: 3.0 to 11.6). Similarly, the odds of viral suppression at 6-month postpartum were higher for MM-supported women (adjusted odds ratio = 4.9, 95% confidence interval: 2.6 to 9.2).

Conclusions:
Structured PS significantly improved postpartum PMTCT retention and viral suppression rates among women in rural Nigeria. Introduction of structure can enhance the impact of PS interventions on PMTCT outcomes.
Impact of Facility- and Community-Based Peer Support Models on Maternal Uptake and Retention in Malawi's Option B+ HIV Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Program: A 3-Arm Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (PURE Malawi)
Authors: Phiri Sam , Tweya Hannock , van Lettow Monique , Rosenberg Nora E. , Trapence Clement , Kapito-Tembo Atupele , Kaunda-Khangamwa Blessings , Kasende Florence , Kayoyo Virginia , Cataldo Fabian , Stanley Christopher , Gugsa Salem , Sampathkumar Veena , Schouten Erik , Chiwaula Levison , Eliya Michael , Chimbwandira Frank , Hosseinipour Mina C. ,   the PURE Malawi Consortium
Published: May 2017

Background:
Many sub-Saharan African countries have adopted Option B+, a prevention of mother-to-child transmission approach providing HIV-infected pregnant and lactating women with immediate lifelong antiretroviral therapy. High maternal attrition has been observed in Option B+. Peer-based support may improve retention.

Methods:
A 3-arm stratified cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in Malawi to assess whether facility- and community-based peer support would improve Option B+ uptake and retention compared with standard of care (SOC). In SOC, no enhancements were made (control). In facility-based and community-based models, peers provided patient education, support groups, and patient tracing. Uptake was defined as attending a second scheduled follow-up visit. Retention was defined as being alive and in-care at 2 years without defaulting. Attrition was defined as death, default, or stopping antiretroviral therapy. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate risk differences (RDs) in uptake. Cox proportional hazards regression with shared frailties was used to estimate hazard of attrition.

Results:
Twenty-one facilities were randomized and enrolled 1269 women: 447, 428, and 394 in facilities that implemented SOC, facility-based, and community-based peer support models, respectively. Mean age was 27 years. Uptake was higher in facility-based (86%; RD: 6%, confidence interval [CI]: −3% to 15%) and community-based (90%; RD: 9%, CI: 1% to 18%) models compared with SOC (81%). At 24 months, retention was higher in facility-based (80%; RD: 13%, CI: 1% to 26%) and community-based (83%; RD: 16%, CI: 3% to 30%) models compared with SOC (66%).

Conclusions:
Facility- and community-based peer support interventions can benefit maternal uptake and retention in Option B+.
Impact of Facility-Based Mother Support Groups on Retention in Care and PMTCT Outcomes in Rural Zimbabwe: The EPAZ Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Foster Geoff , Orne-Gliemann Joanna , Font Hélène , Kangwende Abigail , Magezi Vhumani , Sengai Tonderai , Rusakaniko Simba , Shumba Bridget , Zambezi Pemberai , Maphosa Talent 
Published: May 2017

Background:Prevention of mother-to-child transmission elimination goals are hampered by low rates of retention in care. The Eliminating Paediatric AIDS in Zimbabwe project assessed whether mother support groups (MSGs) improve rates of retention in care of HIV-exposed infants and their HIV-positive mothers, and maternal and infant outcomes.Methods:The study involved 27 rural clinics in eastern Zimbabwe. MSGs were established in 14 randomly selected clinics and met every 2 weeks coordinated by volunteer HIV-positive mothers. MSG coordinators provided health education and reminded mothers of MSG meetings by cell phone. Infant retention in care was defined as “12 months postpartum point attendance” at health care visits of HIV-exposed infants at 12 months of age. We also measured regularity of attendance and other program indicators of HIV-positive mothers and their HIV-exposed infants.Results:Among 507 HIV-positive pregnant women assessed as eligible, 348 were enrolled and analyzed (69%) with mothers who had disclosed their HIV status being overrepresented. In the intervention arm, 69% of infants were retained in care at 12 months versus 61% in the control arm, with no statistically significant difference. Retention and other program outcomes were systematically higher in the intervention versus control arm, suggesting trends toward positive health outcomes with exposure to MSGs.Discussion:We were unable to show that facility-based MSGs improved retention in care at 12 months among HIV-exposed infants. Selective enrollment of mothers more likely to be retained-in-care may have contributed to lack of effect. Methods to increase the impact of MSGs on retention including targeting of high-risk mothers are discussed.
Volatile Decay Products in Breath During Peritonitis Shock are Attenuated by Enteral Blockade of Pancreatic Digestive Proteases
Authors: DeLano Frank A. , Chow Jason , Schmid-Schönbein Geert W. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT
There is a need to develop markers for early detection of organ failure in shock that can be noninvasively measured at point of care. We explore here the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in expired air in a rat peritonitis shock model. Expired breath samples were collected into Tedlar gas bags and analyzed by standardized gas chromatography. The gas chromatograms were digitally analyzed for presence of peak amounts over a range of Kovach indices. Following the induction of peritonitis, selected volatile compounds were detected within about 1 h, which remained at elevated amounts over a 6 h observation period. These VOCs were not present in control animals without peritonitis. Comparisons with know VOCs indicate that they include 1,4-diaminobutane and trimethylamine N-oxide. When pancreatic digestive proteases were blocked with tranexamic acid in the intestine and peritoneum, a procedure that serves to reduce organ failure in shock, the amounts of VOCs in the breath decreased spontaneously to control values without peritonitis. These results indicate that peritonitis shock is accompanied by development of volatile organic compounds that may be generated by digestive enzymes in the small intestine. VOCs may serve as indicators for detection of early forms of autodigestion by digestive proteases.
Topical Application of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Ameliorated Liver Parenchyma Damage After Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in an Animal Model
Authors: Lam Ping Kuen , Chong Charing Ching Ning , Lo Anthony Wing Ip , Chan Anthony Wing Hung , Tong Cindy See Wai , Chin Don Wai Ching , Wong Kenneth Hoi Kin , Choy Richard Kwong Wai , Fung Andrew Kai-Yip , Wang Yi Xiang , To Ka Fai , Lai Paul Bo San 
Published: May 2017

Background
Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is commonly encountered after liver surgery. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of topically applied adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADMSCs) on hepatic IRI in a rat model.

Methods
ADMSCs from transgenic green fluorescent protein Sprague-Dawley rats were topically applied to the liver surface of Sprague-Dawley rats after hepatic IRI and fixed in position by fibrin glue (group A, n = 24). An equivalent amount of ADMSCs were administered through the portal (group B, n = 24) or tail vein (group C, n = 24). In the control group (group D, n = 20), no treatment was given to the IRI liver.

Results
All the rats in group A and group D survived. Within 2 days after hepatic IRI, only 50% of rats survived in group B, and ADMSCs were detected in thromboemboli within large vessels. 62.5% of the rats died in group C because most of the ADMSCs were trapped in the lungs. ADMSCs migrated across the liver capsule and homed to the injured liver parenchyma 3 days after topical application in group A. The homed ADMSCs expressed hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α and hepatocyte nuclear factor-1. Compared with group D, the rate of hepatic regeneration in group A was enhanced with less inflammation, smaller necrotic areas, and improved liver function. Proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-21, and CD70 were significantly downregulated in group A by 6.3-, 2.7-, and 12.7-fold, respectively (P < 0.05). The neurogenic locus NOTCH homolog protein pathway was activated in the topical ADMSCs.

Conclusions
Topically applied adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells demonstrated hepatoprotective effects on hepatic IRI in an animal model.
Deep-Learning Based, Automated Segmentation of Macular Edema in Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Lee Cecilia S. , Tyring Ariel J. , Deruyter Nicolaas P. , Wu Yue , Rokem Ariel , Lee Aaron Y. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractEvaluation of clinical images is essential for diagnosis in many specialties and the development of computer vision algorithms to analyze biomedical images will be important. In ophthalmology, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is critical for managing retinal conditions. We developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) that detects intraretinal fluid (IRF) on OCT in a manner indistinguishable from clinicians. Using 1,289 OCT images, the CNN segmented images with a 0.911 cross-validated Dice coefficient, compared with segmentations by experts. Additionally, the agreement between experts and between experts and CNN were similar. Our results reveal that CNN can be trained to perform automated segmentations.
Interpreting Temporal Fluctuations in Resting-State Functional Connectivity MRI
Authors: Liégeois Raphaël , Laumann Timothy O. , Snyder Abraham Z. , Zhou Juan , Yeo B.T. Thomas 
Published: May 2017

AbstractResting-state functional connectivity is a powerful tool for studying human functional brain networks. Temporal fluctuations in functional connectivity, i.e.,dynamicfunctional connectivity (dFC), are thought to reflect dynamic changes in brain organization andnon-stationaryswitching of discrete brain states. However, recent studies have suggested that dFC might be attributed to sampling variability of static FC. Despite this controversy, a detailed exposition of stationarity and statistical testing of dFC is lacking in the literature. This article seeks an in-depth exploration of these statistical issues at a level appealing to both neuroscientists and statisticians.We first review the statistical notion of stationarity, emphasizing its reliance on ensemble statistics. In contrast, all FC measures depend on sample statistics. An important consequence is that the space of stationary signals is much broader than expected, e.g., encompassing hidden markov models (HMM) widely used to extract discrete brain states. In other words, stationarity does not imply the absence of brain states. We then expound the assumptions underlying the statistical testing of dFC. It turns out that the two popular frameworks - phase randomization (PR) and autoregressive randomization (ARR) - generate stationary, linear, Gaussian null data. Therefore, statistical rejection can be due to non-stationarity, nonlinearity and/or non-Gaussianity. For example, the null hypothesis can be rejected for the stationary HMM due to nonlinearity and non-Gaussianity. Finally, we show that a common form of ARR (bivariate ARR) is susceptible to false positives compared with PR and an adapted version of ARR (multivariate ARR).Application of PR and multivariate ARR to Human Connectome Project data suggests that the stationary, linear, Gaussian null hypothesis cannot be rejected for most participants. However, failure to reject the null hypothesis does not imply that static FC can fully explain dFC. We find that first order AR models explain temporal FC fluctuations significantly better than static FC models. Since first order AR models encode both static FC and one-lag FC, this suggests the presence of dynamical information beyond static FC. Furthermore, even in subjects where the null hypothesis was rejected, AR models explain temporal FC fluctuations significantly better than a popular HMM, suggesting the lack of discrete states (as measured by resting-state fMRI). Overall, our results suggest that AR models are not only useful as a means for generating null data, but may be a powerful tool for exploring the dynamical properties of resting-state fMRI. Finally, we discuss how apparent contradictions in the growing dFC literature might be reconciled.
The Neural System of Metacognition Accompanying Decision-Making in The Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Qiu Lirong , Su Jie , Ni Yinmei , Bai Yang , Li Xiaoli , Wan Xiaohong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDecision-making is usually accompanied by metacognition, through which a decision maker monitors the decision uncertainty and consequently revises the decision, even prior to feedback. However, the neural mechanisms of metacognition remain controversial: one theory proposes that metacognition coincides the decision-making process; and another addresses that it entails an independent neural system in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Here we devised a novel paradigm of “decision-redecision” to investigate the metacognition process in redecision, in comparison with the decision process. We here found that the anterior PFC, including dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and lateral frontopolar cortex (lFPC), were exclusively activated after the initial decisions. dACC was involved in decision uncertainty monitoring, whereas lFPC was involved in decision adjustment controlling, subject to control demands of the tasks. Our findings support that the PFC is essentially involved in metacognition and further suggest that functions of the PFC in metacognition are dissociable.
Effects of curcumin nanoformulations on cellular function in Niemann-Pick disease type C astrocytes
Authors: Maguire Emily , Haslett Luke J. , Welton Joanne L. , Waller-Evans Helen , Goike Jule , Clark Emily H. , Knifton Harry R. , Shrestha Ravin , Wager Kim , Webb Richard , Lloyd-Evans Emyr 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNiemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC disease) is a neurodegenerative multi-lipid lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in theNPC1gene presenting with reduced lysosomal Ca2+signalling and inhibited late endosome-lysosome transport. Elevating cytosolic Ca2+levels in NPC cells has been shown to reduce lysosomal lipid storage. TreatingNpc1-/-mice with the Ca2+modulator curcumin led to reduced lipid storage, improved life expectancy and function. These studies led to reported utilisation of curcumin supplements by NPC disease families despite there being no clinical evidence of benefit and a report indicating no benefit of nanoformulated curcumin inNpc1-/-mice. The aim of this study was to determine whether various commercially available curcumin nanoformulations were capable of reproducing the findings obtained with unformulated pharmaceutical grade curcumin. We compared seven curcumin nanoformulations inNpc1-/-mouse astrocytes. All the nanoformulations elevate cytosolic Ca2+levels but only two lowered lysosomal lipid storage. Importantly, some caused elevations in NPC lysosomal storage and/or decreased cellular viability. Although this is anin vitrostudy, our findings suggest that care should be taken when contemplating the use of curcumin supplements for NPC disease.
Brain structural differences between 73- and 92-year olds matched for childhood intelligence, social background, and intracranial volume
Authors: Ritchie Stuart J. , Dickie David Alexander , Cox Simon R. , Valdés Hernández Maria del C. , Pattie Alison , Anblagan Devasuda , Redmond Paul , Royle Natalie A. , Corley Janie , Muñoz Maniega Susana , Taylor Adele M. , Karama Sherif , Booth Tom , Gow Alan J. , Starr John M. , Bastin Mark E. , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Deary Ian J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractFully characterizing age differences in the brain is a key task for combatting ageing-related cognitive decline. Using propensity score matching on two independent, narrow-age cohorts, we used data on childhood cognitive ability, socioeconomic background, and intracranial volume to match participants at mean age 92 years (n= 42) to very similar participants at mean age 73 (n= 126). Examining a variety of global and regional structural neuroimaging variables, there were large differences in grey and white matter volumes, cortical surface area, cortical thickness, and white matter hyperintensity volume and spatial extent. In a mediation analysis, the total volume of white matter hyperintensities and total cortical surface area jointly mediated 24.9% of the relation between age and general cognitive ability (tissue volumes and cortical thickness were not significant mediators in this analysis). These findings provide an unusual and valuable perspective on neurostructural ageing, in which brains from the eighth and tenth decades of life differ widely despite the same cognitive, socio-economic, and brain-volumetric starting points.
Self-crafting vegetable snacks: testing the IKEA-effect in children
Authors: Raghoebar Sanne , van Kleef Ellen , de Vet Emely 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to test whether the IKEA-effect (Norton et al., 2012) – better liking for self-crafted products than for identical products crafted by others – can be exploited to increase liking and consumption of vegetable snacks in children.

Design/methodology/approach
A between-subjects experiment was conducted at an after school care facility. In total, 86 children aged four to six either crafted a peacock with vegetables or with non-food objects following an example. After the task, children ate snack vegetables ad libitum, and rated their liking for the vegetables and pride in crafting the peacock.

Findings
No significant main effect of the vegetable snack creation on consumption and liking was observed. Also, perceived pride did not mediate the effect of self-crafting vegetable snacks on consumption of and liking for vegetables.

Research limitations/implications
Vegetable consumption did not differ between children who were either simply exposed to vegetable snacks while crafting or those who were crafting the vegetable snacks themselves. The equal consumption might suggest that this is caused by simple exposure, but more research is needed comparing self-crafting and exposure to a condition where there is no initial exposure to vegetables.

Originality/value
Although the IKEA-effect has been demonstrated in adults, this is one of the first studies evaluating the IKEA-effect in children and as a means to increase liking for a generally disliked product in this target group, i.e. vegetables. The IKEA-effect could not be replicated under these more stringent conditions, where the experimental set-up enabled disentangling exposure and crafting effects.