bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uptake and willingness to use PrEP among Chinese men who have sex with men with experience of sexualized drug use
Authors: Wang Zixin , Mo Phoenix K.H. , Ip Mary , Fang Yuan , Lau Joseph T.F. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Sexualized drug use (SDU, use of any psychoactive substance before/during sexual intercourse) is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study investigated uptake and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among MSM with experience of SDU. Methods A total of 580 Hong Kong Chinese speaking MSM self-reported to be HIV negative/unknown sero-status completed a cross-sectional anonymous telephone interview. Results Of the participants, 107 (18.4%) and 56 (9.7%) had experience of SDU and chemsex in their lifetime. The prevalence of PrEP use was 4.0% among all participants and 12.1% among those with experience of SDU. Among MSM with experience of SDU who were not on PrEP (n=94), 59.6% were willing to use daily oral PrEP in the next six months. After adjustment for significant background variables (age group, HIV testing in the past year, and anal intercourse with non-regular male sex partners), having ≥3 episodes of SDU per month (adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 3.87, 95%CI: 1.01, 15.28), presence of condomless anal intercourse during SDU (AOR: 2.96, 95%CI: 1.03, 9.55), positive attitudes toward PrEP (AOR: 2.01, 95%CI: 1.37, 2.95), perceived support from significant others to use PrEP (AOR: 11.63, 95%CI: 3.93, 34.37)), and perceived behavioral control of using PrEP (AOR: 20.82, 95%CI: 6.51, 66.64) were significantly associated with higher willingness to use PrEP. Conclusion MSM with experience of SDU are potential good candidates of PrEP implementation. Effective strategies to increase PrEP coverage are needed even if affordable PrEP became available, future health promotion may make use of HIV testing and counseling settings and modify perception related to PrEP.
Geographical clustering of hantavirus isolates from Apodemus agrarius identified in the Republic of Korea indicate the emergence of a new hantavirus genotype
Authors: Jalal Sehrish , Kim Choon-Mee , Kim Dong-Min , Song Hyeon Je , Lee Jeong-Chi , Shin Mi Yeong , Lim Hyun Cheol 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Several studies on hantavirus evolution have shown that genetic reassortment plays an important role in the evolution and epidemiology of this disease. Hantaan virus, a prototype hantavirus carried by Apodemus agrarius, is found throughout China, Russia, and Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of hantaviruses in rodents in the Republic of Korea (ROK) and perform phylogenetic comparisons using the geographical distribution of their natural reservoir rodent hosts as a point of reference.Methodology To understand the genetic epidemiology of human pathogenic hantaviruses, we examined viral isolates from rodent reservoirs, captured at three different locations in the ROK, between 2017 and 2018. Each sample collected was subjected to reverse-transcription nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-N-PCR) targeting the L- and S-segments of the hantavirus genome. Positive isolates from Gwangju, Boseong-gun (Jeollanam-do Province), and Jeju Island were confirmed as Hantaan virus using DNA sequencing.Results Phylogenetic analysis showed that all isolates grouped together as Hantaan virus. The isolates from Jeju, Boseong-gun, and Gwangju tended to cluster together, but with each region forming a distinct cluster. In addition, these three clusters were distinct from other Hantaan isolates reported in previous studies from Korea and its neighboring countries China and Russia. This suggests the emergence of a new hantavirus genotype in southwestern ROK.Conclusion Hantaan viruses exhibit a considerable degree of geographical clustering, and there may be a novel Hantaan genotype in southwestern ROK. This study helps expand our knowledge regarding the emergence of new hantavirus strains and their degree of geographical variation.
Self-assessed competence and need for further training among registered nurses in somatic hospital wards: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Allvin Renée , Bisholt Birgitta , Blomberg Karin , Bååth Carina , Wangensteen Sigrid 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Professional competence and continuous professional development is essential for ensuring high quality and safe nursing care, and it might be important for motivating nurses to stay in the profession. Thus, there is a need to identify the developmental process of nursing competency. Assessment of competence and need for further training helps to identify areas for quality improvement, and to design interventions in order to facilitate continuous competence development in different work contexts. The current study aimed to 1) describe registered nurses’ self-assessment of clinical competence as well as the need for further training, and 2) explore possible differences between registered nurses with varying lengths of professional experience as a nurse (≤ 0,5 year, >0,5-5 year, and ≥ 6 year). Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was applied, using the Professional Nurse Self-Assessment Scale of clinical core competencies II. Registered nurses (n=267) working in medical and surgical contexts in hospitals in Sweden responded (response rate 51 %). Independent student t-test and analysis of variance were carried out. Results: Registered nurses assessed their competence highest in statements related to cooperation with other health professionals; taking full responsibility; and acting ethically. They assessed their need for further training most for statements related to assessing patients’ health needs by telephone; giving health promotion advice and recommendations to patients by telephone; as well as improving a creative learning environment for staff at the workplace. For self-assessed competence and need for further training, differences between the groups for 35 and 46 items respectively, out of 50 were statistically significant. Conclusions: Although the registered nurses assessed their competence high for important competence components expected of professionals such as cooperation with other healthcare professionals, it is problematic that knowledge of interactions and side-effects of different types of medication were reported as having the highest need of training. Longitudinal follow up of newly graduated nurses regarding their continuous development of competence as well as further training is needed.
Usefulness of ultrasensitive anti-Müllerian hormone assay to predict follicle growth in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Kasahara Yukiyo , Osuka Satoko , Bayasula Bayasula , Nakanishi Natsuki , Murase Tomohiko , Nakamura Tomoko , Goto Maki , Kotani Tomomi , Iwase Akira , Kikkawa Fumitaka 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) present with follicle growth occasionally, however, it is difficult to predict the exact cycles with follicle growth. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a useful marker for ovarian reserve, is produced in early-stage follicles. Therefore, AMH levels should reflect the existence of small follicles which are difficult to detect using ultrasonography and may be useful for predicting follicle growth in patients with POI. Methods: Using an ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, we found very low serum AMH levels of patients with POI; we further assessed the follicle growth of each patient and their cycles to clarify the usefulness of measuring serum AMH levels for predicting the follicle growth in patients with POI. Results: A total of 91 cycles of 19 patients with POI were analyzed in this study. Five patients presented with positive serum AMH levels during the observational periods and all five experienced follicle growth. Only two of the 14 patients with negative serum AMH levels had follicle growth. Serum AMH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in cycles with follicle growth were significantly higher than in cycles without follicle growth. The median serum AMH level (2.77 pg/mL; 25th, 75th percentiles: 0.0, 9.64) in cycles with follicle growth were lower than the lower limit of detection of conventional AMH ELISA kits. The positive predictive value of positive serum AMH levels for follicle growth was higher than that of FSH (<10 mIU/mL).Conclusions: Measuring very low levels of serum AMH using picoAMH assays is useful for the prediction of follicle growth in patients with POI.
Three-dimensional morphometric analysis reveals time-dependent structural changes in microglia and astrocytes in the central amygdala and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of heart failure rats
Authors: Althammer Ferdinand , Ferreira-Neto Hildebrando Candido , Rubaharan Myurajan , Roy Ranjan Kumer , Stern Javier E 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCardiovascular diseases, including heart failure are the most common cause of death globally. Recent studies support a high degree of comorbidity between heart failure and cognitive and mood disorders resulting in memory loss, depression and anxiety. While neuroinflammation in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus has been shown to contribute to autonomic/cardiovascular dysregulation in heart failure, mechanisms underlying cognitive and mood disorders in this disease remain elusive. The goal of this study was to quantitatively asses several markers of neuroinflammation in the central amygdala, a critical forebrain region involved in emotion and cognition, and to compare the time course of neuroinflammation between the central amygdala and paraventricular nucleus during the progression of heart failure. MethodsWe developed and implemented a comprehensive microglial/astrocyte profiler for precise three-dimensional morphometric analysis of individual microglia and astrocytes in specific brain nuclei at different time points during the progression of heart failure. To this end, we used a well-established ischemic heart failure rat model. Morphometric studies were complemented with quantification of various proinflammatory cytokines and A1/A2 astrocyte markers via qPCR. ResultsWe report a drastic structural remodeling of central amygdala microglia and astrocytes during heart failure that affected cell volume, surface area, filament length, dendritic branches, resulting overall in somatic swelling and deramification, indicative of an activated microglial state. These changes occurred in a time-dependent manner and were delayed compared to changes in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Morphometric changes correlated with elevated mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines and markers of reactive neurotoxic astrocytes in the paraventricular nucleus and central amygdala during heart failure. ConclusionWe provide evidence that in addition to the previously described hypothalamic neuroinflammation implicated in sympathohumoral activation during heart failure, microglia and astrocytes within the central amygdala also undergo structural remodeling indicative of glial shifts towards an activated and neurotoxic phenotype, respectively. Thus, our studies suggest that neuroinflammation in the amygdala stands as a novel pathophysiological mechanism and therapeutic target for alleviating comorbid emotional and cognitive deficits commonly observed at later stages during the course of heart failure.
Exposure to varied cage-size habitats alters pain sensitivity and inflammation-related biomarkers
Authors: OYEWOLE Aboyeji Lukuman , OYAFEMI Kehinde Olumide , BADMUS Kolade Samson , OMOLEYE Janet Omotola , ABUBAKAR Midrar Folahanmi , ADENIYI-RAHEEM Omolade , AMEDU Abdul-hameed , LAWAL Dolapo Latifah , IJIYODE Aishat Oluwakemi , YUSSUF Ateeqah Oreoluwa , ISHOLA Solomon Sunday , SULAIMON Fatimo Ajoke , ALLI-OLUWAFUYI Abdulmusawwir O. , NAFIU Abdulrazaq Bidemi , AKINOLA Olugbenga , OLAJIDE Olayemi Joseph , AMIN Abdulbasit , ABDULMAJEED Wahab Imam , MICHAEL Olugbenga Samuel , ADEYANJU Oluwaseun Aremu , OGUNJIMI Gbowoloye Lanre 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Nature and size of rodent cages vary from one laboratory or country to another. Little is however known about the physiological implications of exposure to diverse cage sizes in animal-based experiment. Here, we exposed male Swiss mice to various cage sizes used across laboratories in Nigeria, top-rated paradigms were used to profile changes in physiological behaviours, and this was followed by evaluation of modified biochemical metrics. Results The study showed a better systemic regulation of glucose metabolism in cage migrated mice compared to cage stationed. Strikingly, peripheral oxidative stress and pain sensitivity decreased significantly in cage-to-cage migrated mice despite increased pro-inflammation mediators (IL-6 and NF-κB) which contrast the norm reported in inflammatory conditions. Interestingly, emotion-linked behaviours, neurotransmitters (serotonin, noradrenaline and GABA) and body electrolytes were not altered by cage-to-cage migration. Conclusion Taken together, these results suggest that varied size cage-to-cage migration of experimental mice could affect targeted behavioural and biomolecular parameters of pain and inflammation, thus diminishing research reproducibility, precipitating false negative/positive results and leading to poor translational outcomes.
Sustainable high impact community health worker programs for low-income urban settings: Designing of ANCHUL (AnteNatal and Child Health Care in Urban sLums) intervention for Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHAs) in Delhi, India
Authors: Ghosh-Jerath Suparna , Devasenapathy Niveditha , Rana Monika , Zodpey Sanjay , Shankar Anuraj 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Urbanization in India has led to increasing economic disparities and health inequalities with worse maternal and child health indicators among the urban poor. Community health workers (CHW) within the urban community health systems (UCHS) can play important role in addressing the health needs of urban poor. We present here a 3-stage process of development of a remodelled program for the existing CHWs called Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) working in urban poor settlements of Delhi, India, in collaboration with Delhi State Health Mission (DSHM); the implementers of the program. The intervention was called ANCHUL (Antenatal and Child Health in Urban sLums) intervention and was designed in three phases; formative phase, design phase and evaluation phase. In this paper we discuss the formative and design phase.Methods: We used a mixed methods approach including surveys, qualitative enquires, desk reviews and consultations with key stakeholders (program implementers, decision makers in the health system, ASHAs, clients and healthcare providers) during the formative and design phase. The goal was to create a dynamic adaptive model for the urban ASHA program based on current evidence yet bound within the decision space and options of program implementers. Principles of implementation research was applied to design the ANCHUL intervention. A pragmatic quasi experimental design was used to evaluate this complex intervention.Results: The formative phase identified the current maternal and child health needs of the urban poor, the programmatic challenges of the ASHA program and helped in creating a conceptual framework for the intervention. The design phase formalised the key components of the ANCHUL intervention namely selection, training, monitoring and supervision, and execution of ASHAs' day to day activities; identify the standardized components and flexible functions, and list the process indicators for evaluating this intervention.Conclusion: Principles of implementation research was used for designing a context specific intervention directed towards ASHAs while engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. Such an approach may prove to be time consuming yet is feasible to address implementation challenges of an ongoing program and remodel it with evidence based components planned within the decision space of implementers.
Prednisolone versus placebo addition in the treatment of patients with recent-onset psychotic disorder: A trial design
Authors: Nasib Lyliana G. , Sommer Iris E. , Rossum Inge Winter-van , de Vries Jacqueline , Gangadin Shiral S. , Oomen Priscilla P. , Judge Gurmeet , Blom Renske E. , Luykx Jurjen J. , Beveren Nico J.M. van , Veen Natalie D. , Kroken Rune A. , Johnsen Erik 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The symptom severity of a substantial group of schizophrenia patients (30-40%) does not improve through pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medication, indicating a clear need for new treatment options to improve schizophrenia outcome. Meta-analyses, genetic studies, randomized controlled trials and post-mortem studies suggest that immune dysregulation plays a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Some anti-inflammatory drugs have shown beneficial effects on the symptom severity of schizophrenia patients. Corticosteroids are effective in various chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Prednisolone, a potent glucocortisteroid, has minor mineral-corticosteroid potencies, can adequately pass the blood-brain barrier and its side-effects and safety profile are well known. Therefore, the effect of prednisolone can be studied as a proof of concept for immune modulation as a treatment for schizophrenia.
Method: In total 90 subjects, aged 18-70 years, diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or schizophreniform disorder (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) 295.*) or psychosis NOS (not otherwise specified) (298.9) will be included. The time interval between the onset of psychosis and study entry should not exceed seven years. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to either prednisolone or placebo daily for a period of six weeks in addition to a stable dose of antipsychotic medication. Study medication will be initiated at 40 mg for three days, after which it will be tapered down within six weeks after initiation, following current treatment guidelines. Primary outcome is change in symptom severity, expressed as change in total score on the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) from baseline to end of treatment. Cognitive functioning (measured through the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia; BACS) and change in Global Assessment Functioning (GAF) will be assessed, in addition to various immunological biomarkers. Secondary outcomes are a 4- and 6-month follow-up assessment of PANSS, BACS, GAF scores and immunological biomarkers. Additionally, a subgroup of patients will be included in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) part of the study where MR spectroscopy, structural, functional and diffusion MRI will be conducted.
Discussion: It is expected that prednisolone addition to current antipsychotic medication use will reduce symptom severity and will improve cognition when compared to placebo.
The role of brief intervention in achieving and maintaining abstinence in patients with alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Lunkov V. D. , Maevskaya M. V. , Ivashkin V. T. 
Published: January 2020

Objective of the study. prove the effectiveness of brief psychological intervention (BPI) conducted by an internist in achieving and maintaining abstinence in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD).Materials and methods. A total of 65 patients were included in the study: 29 patients in the BPI group and 36 in the historical control group. A comparative analysis of the frequency of achievement and maintenance of abstinence and analysis of factors associated with these parameters were conducted.Results of the study. The frequency of achieving abstinence was significantly higher in the BPI group compared with the control group after 6, 9, 12 and 24 months from the date of inclusion in the study (p <0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.001, p = 0.017, respectively; criterion χ2). The frequency of failures to achieve abstinence in the CPC group was significantly lower than in the control group after 6 months and in general for the entire observation period (p = 0.004, p = 0.005, respectively; criterion χ2). Provision of BPIs for 12 months after alcohol-induced decompensation serves as a factor that is reliably associated with achieving total abstinence within 24 months (p = 0.001, criterion χ2). Decompensated cirrhosis of the liver serves as factors independently associated with failures to achieve abstinence within 24 months after alcohol-induced illness (OS: 10.72 [95% CI 2.17–52.81]; p = 0.004) and the absence of BPI after discharge from the hospital (OSH BPI: 0.80 [95% CI 0.14–0.479]; p = 0.006)Conclusion. BPIs provided by an internist to the patients with ABD for 12 months after alcohol-induced decompensation leads to a higher rate of achieving total abstinence and decrease in the frequency of failures to achieve abstinence within 24 months after discharge from the hospital.
CFD-based process optimization of a dissolved air flotation system for drinking water production
Authors: Satpathy K. , Rehman U. , Cools B. , Verdickt L. , Peleman G. , Nopens I. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Dissolved air flotation (DAF) has received more attention recently as a separation technique in both drinking water as well as wastewater treatment. However, the process as well as the preceding flocculation step is complex and not completely understood. Given the multiphase nature of the process, fluid dynamics studies are important to understand and optimize the DAF system in terms of operation and design. The present study is intended towards a comprehensive computational analysis for design optimization of the treatment plant in Kluizen, Belgium. Setting up the modelling framework involving the multiphase flow problem is briefly discussed. 3D numerical simulations on a scaled down model of the DAF design were analysed. The flow features give better confidence, but the flocs escape through the outlet still prevails which is averse to the system performance. In order to improve the performance and ease of maintenance, design modifications have been proposed by using a perforated tube for water extraction and are found to be satisfactory. The discussion is further reinforced through validating the numerical model against the experimental findings for stratified flow conditions.
Unveiling the Targets Involved in the Quest of Antileishmanial Leads Using In silico Methods
Authors: Boniface Pone K. , Sano Cinthya M. , Elizabeth Ferreira I. 
Published: January 2020

Background:
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease associated with several clinical
manifestations, including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral forms. As currently available drugs
have some limitations (toxicity, resistance, among others), the target-based identification has been an
important approach to develop new leads against leishmaniasis. The present study aims to identify targets
involved in the pharmacological action of potent antileishmanial compounds.

Methods:
The literature information regarding molecular interactions of antileishmanial compounds
studied over the past half-decade is discussed. The information was obtained from databases such as
Wiley, SciFinder, Science Direct, National Library of Medicine, American Chemical Society, Scientific
Electronic Library Online, Scopus, Springer, Google Scholar, Web of Science, etc.

Results:
Numerous in vitro antileishmanial compounds showed affinity and selective interactions with
enzymes such as arginase, pteridine reductase 1, trypanothione reductase, pyruvate kinase, among others,
which are crucial for the survival and virulence of the Leishmania parasite.

Conclusion:
The in-silico activity of small molecules (enzymes, proteins, among others) might be
used as pharmacological tools to develop candidate compounds for the treatment of leishmaniasis. As
some pharmacologically active compounds may act on more than one target, additional studies of the
mechanism (s) of action of potent antileishmanial compounds might help to better understand their
pharmacological action. Also, the optimization of promising antileishmanial compounds might improve
their biological activity.