bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing Adolescent Girls and Young Women's participation in a Combination HIV Prevention Intervention in South Africa
Authors: Appollis Tracy McClinton , Duby Zoe , Jonas Kim , Dietrich Janan , Maruping Kealeboga , Abdullah Fareed , Slingers Nevilene , Mathews Catherine 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: For interventions to reach those they are intended for, an understanding of the factors that influence their participation, as well as the facilitators and barriers of participation are needed. This study explores factors associated with participation in a combination HIV prevention intervention targeting adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15–24-years-old, as well as the experiences of AGYW, intervention implementers, and facilitators who participated in this intervention.Methods: This study used mixed-methods approach with quantitative household survey data from 4399 AGYW aged 15-24-years-old in six of the ten districts in which the intervention was implemented. In addition, qualitative methods included semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions in five of the ten intervention districts with 185 AGYW who participated in one or more of the key components of the intervention, and 13 intervention implementers and 13 facilitators. Results: Findings reveal that almost half of AGYW (48.4%) living in the districts where the intervention took place, participated in at least one of the components of the intervention. For both 15-19-year-olds and 20-24-year-olds, factors associated with increased participation in the intervention included being HIV negative, in school, never been pregnant, and having had a boyfriend. Experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) and/or sexual violence in the past 12 months was associated with increased levels of participation in the intervention for 20-24-year-olds only. In our analysis of the qualitative data, facilitators to participation included motivating participants to join the interventions through explaining the benefits of the programme. Barriers included misguided expectations about financial rewards or job opportunities; competing responsibilities, interests or activities; family responsibilities including childcare; inappropriate incentives; inability to disrupt the school curriculum and difficulties with conducting interventions after school hours due to safety concerns; miscommunication about meetings; as well as struggles to reach out-of-school AGYW.Conclusion: Designers of combination HIV prevention interventions need to address the structural barriers to participation so that AGYW can attend without risking their safety and compromising their family, childcare and schooling responsibilities. Strategies to create demand need to include clear communication about the nature and potential benefits of such interventions, and the inclusion of valued incentives.
Fear of childbirth among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gelaw Tiruset , Ketema Teklemariam Gultie , Beyene Kassaw , Gurara Mekdes Kondale , Ukke Gebresilasea Gendisha 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Fear of childbirth is one of the life challenges the women encounter during pregnancy. It is an important source of distress for the women and their families and also increases the odds of obstetric complications during childbirth. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of fear of childbirth and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia.Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out among pregnant women who attended antenatal care at public health facilities in Arba Minch from November 1st –30th 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to include the participants. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview by using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire was used to score fear of childbirth. Epi Data version 3.1 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0 software were used for data management. Descriptive and analytic analyses were done and statistical significance was declared at a p-value <0.05 and 95% confidence level in multivariable analysis. Results: A total of 387 pregnant women have participated in this study. Forty (10.3%) of the pregnant women had a low degree fear, 154(39.8%) had a moderate degree fear, 98(25.3%) had a high degree fear, and 95(24.5%) had severe degree fear of childbirth. Unplanned pregnancy (AOR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.12, 4.74), current pregnancy-related complications (AOR=6.24, 95% CI: 2.72, 14.29), and poor social support (AOR=1.93, 95%CI: 1.01, 3.68) were factors significantly associated with severe degree fear of childbirth. Conclusion: Almost three-fourth of the pregnant women in this study area had moderate to severe degree fear of childbirth. Tailoring counseling during antenatal care visits is needed to address those women who are at a high risk of considerable childbirth fear and its health consequences.
Lasting consequences of psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli L.) infestation on tomato plant gene expression
Authors: Harrison Kyle , Mendoza-Herrera Azucena , Levy Julien Gad , Tamborindeguy Cecilia 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background.
The tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Šulc (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is a pest of solanaceous crops such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in the U.S. and vectors the disease-causing pathogen ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’. Currently, the only effective strategies for controlling the diseases associated with this pathogen involve regular pesticide applications to manage psyllid population density. However, such practices are unsustainable and will eventually lead to widespread pesticide resistance in psyllids. Therefore, new control strategies must be developed to increase host-plant resistance to insect vectors. For example, expression of constitutive and inducible plant defenses can be improved through selection. Currently, it is still unknown whether psyllid infestation has any lasting consequences on tomato plant defense or tomato plant gene expression in general.
Results.
In order to characterize the genes putatively involved in tomato defense against psyllid infestation, RNA was extracted from psyllid-infested and uninfested tomato leaves (Moneymaker) three weeks post-infestation. Transcriptome analysis identified 362 differentially expressed genes. These differentially expressed genes were primarily associated with defense responses to abiotic/biotic stress, transcription/translation, cellular signaling/transport, and photosynthesis. These gene expression changes suggested that tomato plants underwent a reduction in plant growth/health in exchange for improved defense against stress that was observable three weeks after psyllid infestation. Consistent with these observations, tomato plant growth experiments determined that the plants were shorter three weeks after psyllid infestation. Furthermore, psyllid nymphs had lower survival rates on tomato plants that had been previously psyllid infested.
Conclusion.
These results suggested that psyllid infestation has lasting consequences for tomato gene expression, defense, and growth.
Development of a risk scoring system for prognostication in HIV-related toxoplasma encephalitis
Authors: Li Yao , Zeng Yanming , Liu Min , Lu Yanqiu , Liu Xueyan , Zhang Yulin , Jiang Zhongsheng , Yang Tongtong , Sun Yan , Lan Ke , Chen Yaokai 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective: This study aims to evaluate specific risk factors influencing prognosis of HIV-infected patients with toxoplasma encephalitis (TE) in order to develop a prognostic risk scoring system for them.Methods: This is a six-center retrospective study of hospitalized HIV/TE patients. Data including six-week mortality after diagnosis, baseline characteristics, clinical features, laboratory tests and radiological characteristics of eligible patients were assimilated for risk model establishing.Results: In this study, the six-week mortality among 94 retrospective cases was 11.7% (11/94). Seven specific risk factors, viz. time from symptom onset to presentation, fever, dizziness, CD4+ T-cell counts, memory deficits, patchy brain lesions, and disorders of consciousness were calculated to be statistically associated with mortality. A criterion value of ‘9’ was selected as the optimal cut-off value of the established model. The AUC of the ROC curve of this scoring model was 0.976 (p<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the risk scoring model was 100.0% and 86.9%, respectively, which were 81.8% and 94.1% of this scoring model in the verification cohort, respectively. Conclusions: The developed scoring system was established with simple risk factors, which also allows expeditious implementation of accurate prognostication, and appropriate therapeutic interventions in HIV-infected patients with TE.
Dendritic cell responses to Plasmodium falciparum in a malaria-endemic setting
Authors: Turner Triniti C. , Arama Charles , Ongoiba Aissata , Doumbo Safiatou , Doumtabé Didier , Kayentao Kassoum , Skinner Jeff , Li Shanping , Traore Boubacar , Crompton Peter D. , Götz Anton 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Plasmodium falciparum causes the majority of malaria cases world-wide, mostly affecting children in sub-Saharan Africa. Non-sterile clinical immunity that protects from symptoms develops slowly and is relatively short-lived. Moreover, current malaria vaccine candidates fail to induce durable high-level protection in endemic settings, possibly due to the immunomodulatory effects of the malaria parasite itself. Because dendritic cells play a crucial role in initiating immune responses, here we sought to better understand the impact of cumulative malaria exposure as well as concurrent P. falciparum infection on dendritic cell phenotype and function.Methods: In this cross-sectional study we assessed the phenotype and function of dendritic cells freshly isolated from peripheral blood samples of Malian adults with a lifelong history of malaria exposure who were either uninfected (n=27) or asymptomatically infected with P. falciparum (n=8). Additionally, we measured plasma cytokine and chemokine levels in these adults and in Malian children (n=19) with acute symptomatic malaria.Results: With the exception of lower plasmacytoid dendritic cell frequencies in asymptomatically infected Malian adults, peripheral blood dendritic cell subset frequencies and HLA-DR surface expression did not differ by infection status. Peripheral blood myeloid dendritic cells of uninfected Malian adults responded to in vitro stimulation with P. falciparum blood-stage parasites by up-regulating the costimulatory molecules HLA-DR, CD80, CD86 and CD40 and secreting IL-10, CXCL9 and CXCL10. In contrast, myeloid dendritic cells of asymptomatically infected Malian adults exhibited no significant responses above the uninfected red blood cell control. IL-10 and CXCL9 plasma levels were elevated in both asymptomatic adults and children with acute malaria.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that myeloid dendritic cells of uninfected adults with a lifelong history of malaria exposure are able to up-regulate co-stimulatory molecules and produce cytokines. Whether mDCs of malaria-exposed individuals are efficient antigen-presenting cells capable of mounting an appropriate immune response remains to be determined. The data also highlights IL-10 and CXCL9 as important factors in both asymptomatic and acute malaria and add to our understanding of asymptomatic P. falciparum infections in malaria-endemic areas.
Sex-based clinical and immunological differences in COVID-19
Authors: Huang Bin , Li Ning , Cai Yun , Li Kening , Wang Zhihua , Li Lu , Wu Lingxiang , Zhu Mengyan , Li Jie , Wang Ziyu , Wu Min , Li Wanlin , Wu Wei , Zhang Lishen , Xia Xinyi , Wang Shukui , Chen Hongshan , Wang Qianghu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Males and females differ in their immunological responses to foreign pathogens. However, most of the current COVID-19 clinical practices and trials do not take sex as consideration.
Methods
We performed an unbiased sex-based comparative analysis for the clinical outcomes, peripheral immune cells, and SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody levels of 1,558 males and 1,499 females COVID-19 patients from a single center. The lymphocyte subgroups were measured by Flow cytometry. Total antibody, Spike protein (S)-, receptor binding domain (RBD)-, and nucleoprotein (N)- specific IgM and IgG levels were measured by chemiluminescence.
Results
We found that the mortality and ICU admission rates were approximately 2-fold higher in males than that in females (P < 0.005). Survival analysis revealed that sex is an independent prognostic factor for COVID-19 (Hazard ratio = 2.2, P = 0.003). The concentration of inflammatory factors in peripheral blood was significantly higher in males. Besides, the renal and hepatic abnormality induced by COVID-19 was more common in males during the hospitalization. The analysis of lymphocyte subsets revealed that the percentage of CD19 + B cell and CD4 + T cell was significantly higher in females (P < 0.001) during hospitalization, indicating the stronger humoral immunity in females than males. Notably, the protective RBD-specific IgG against SARS-CoV-2 sharply increased and reached a peak in the fourth week after symptom onset in females, while gradually increased and reached a peak in the seventh week in males.
Conclusions
The unfavorable prognosis of male COVID-19 patients may result from the weak humoral immunity and indolent antibody responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection and recovery. Early medical intervention and close monitoring are important, especially for male COVID-19 patients. Convalescent plasma therapy may help improve the immunity of males to fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Axonal TDP-43 Drives NMJ Disruption through Inhibition of Local Protein Synthesis
Authors: Altman Topaz , Ionescu Ariel , Ibraheem Amjad , Priesmann Dominik , Gradus-Pery Tal , Farberov Luba , Alexandra Gayster , Shelestovich Natalia , Shomron Noam , Dori Amir , Krueger Marcus , Perlson Eran 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Mislocalization of the predominantly nuclear RNA/DNA binding protein, TDP-43, occurs in motor neurons of ~95% of ALS patients, but the contribution of axonal TDP-43 to this fatal neurodegenerative disease is unclear. Here, we find TDP-43 accumulation in the axons of intra-muscular nerves from ALS patients, and in motor neurons and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of a mouse model with TDP-43 mislocalization. This leads to the formation of G3BP1- and TDP-43- positive RNA-granules in motor neuron axons, and to inhibition of local protein synthesis in axons and NMJs. Specifically, the axonal and synaptic levels of nuclear-encoded mitochondria proteins are reduced. Clearance of axonal TDP-43 restored local translation of the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins and rescued TDP-43-derived axonal and NMJ toxicity. These findings suggest that targeting TDP-43 axonal gain of function may mediate a therapeutic effect in ALS.
Food price volatility and socio-inequalities in household food insecurity during coronavirus disease-2019 lockdown in Nansana municipality, Wakiso district Uganda
Authors: Buzigi Edward , Onakuse Stephen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThis study assessed staple food price volatility, food consumption scores (FCS) and prevalence of household food insecurity (HHFI) and its socio-inequalities during enforcing and lifting corona virus disease -2019 (COVID-19) lockdown in Nansana municipality, Uganda.MethodsA repeated households (HHs) based cross-sectional study was conducted in urban Nansana Municipality, Uganda. A total of 405 HHs (205 slum and 200 non-slum) were selected using stratified random sampling. Data on social demographics and FCS in the previous 7 days were collected using questionnaire-based telephone interviews with HH heads. Prices for staple foods was collected by asking food sellers from local markets. Mean staple food price differences between before COVID-19 lockdown and during enforcing or lifting the lockdown was tested by paired t test. A binary outcome of HHFI (FCS of 0-35) and food secure (FCS>35) HHs was created. The association between exposure variables and HHFI was tested using multivariate logistic regression analysis at a probability value of 5%.ResultsMean price of staple food significantly increased between before and during enforcing the COVID-19 lockdown (p <0.0001). Mean FCS during COVID-19 lockdown were at borderline for either slum (22.8) or non-slum (22.9) HHs, and were not significantly different from each other (p=0.06). During partial lifting of the lockdown, FCS among slum HHs were significantly lower at 20.1 (poor) compared to non-slum HHs at 22.7 (borderline) (p=0.01). The mean FCS was significantly higher at borderline (24.5) among HHs that received food aid compared to poor FCS (18.2) among slum HHs that did not receive food aid (p<0.0001). The prevalence of HHFI was high and not significantly different (p>0.05) between slum (94.6%) and non-slum (93.5%) HHs during COVID-19 lockdown. HHFI was higher in slum (98.5%) than non-slum (94%) HHs (p<0.05) on partial lifting of the lockdown. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) showed that being a wage earner and employed HH head was positively (AOR: 8.3, 95% CI: 1.9-36.2) and negatively (AOR: 0.07, CI: 0.02-0.2) associated with HHFI, respectively. During partial lifting of COVID-19 lockdown, slum HHs (AOR: 11.8, 95% CI: 1.5-91.3), female headed HHs (AOR: 11.9, 95%CI: 1.5-92.7), wage earners (AOR: 10.7, 95% CI: 1.4-82.9) and tenants (AOR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.1- 14.7) were positively associated with HHFI. Conclusion Staple food prices increased during enforcing COVID-19 lockdown compared before lockdown. Food aid distribution during COVID-19 lockdown improved FCS among slum HHs, however, it did not prevent against slum HHFI.
Inhibitory effect of Fruitflow on platelet function: a randomized placebo-controlled trial in elderly subjects
Authors: Chen Huilian , Zhang Shenghao , Wang Hui , Jiang Yun , Bao Li , Wu Wei , Qi Ruomei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The elderly have a high risk of cardiovascular disease, which is often accompanied by platelet hyperactivity. Tomato extracts can inhibit platelet activation and have beneficial health effects. We aimed to investigate the effect of Fruitflow (FF), a water-soluble tomato extract, on platelet function in elderly subjects.Methods: This randomized group study was conducted with people over 50 years old. The participants were randomly divided into four groups: placebo (150 mg/day), FF (150 mg/day), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; 100 mg/day), and FF (150 mg/day) + ASA (100 mg/day). These groups received the respective supplements after dinner daily for 7 days. Fasting blood was collected from the participants on days 0 and 8 to analyze platelet aggregation and the content of thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α, and platelet factor 4 (PF4). Results: One hundred ninety elderly subjects were recruited and completed this clinical trial. The results showed that the FF intervention for 7 days decreased platelet aggregation by 7.7% in adenosine diphosphate-stimulated platelets, which was similar to the effect of ASA, which decreased platelet aggregation by 9.4%. Fruitflow reduced platelet aggregation by 10.2% in collagen-stimulated platelets, and ASA reduced platelet aggregation by 38.3% in collagen-activated platelets. This suggests that ASA exerts a stronger inhibitory effect than FF on collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. The combination of FF + ASA did not exert a synergistic inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. Treatment with FF significantly decreased plasma TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1α, and PF4 levels, and its effects were similar to ASA. Conclusion: Fruitflow suppressed platelet aggregation and decreased TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1α, and PF4 levels in elderly subjects. These findings indicate that FF might reduce the risk of thrombosis in cardiovascular diseases.Trial registration code: ChiCTR2000034647 at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Physician perceived barriers and solutions to DASH diet recommendations for hypertension prevention and management
Authors: Park Ha Eun , Billups Sarah J , Schilling Lisa M 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe Dietary Approach to Stopping Hypertension (DASH) is proven to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure up to 7.8 and 3.7 mmHg, respectively and is considered first-line therapy per national guidelines. Yet, implementation into clinical practice remains suboptimal. MethodsWe designed a provider survey to identify and characterize physician-identified barriers to providing DASH diet to eligible primary care patients to reduce blood pressure. The survey assessed four domains: (1) provider beliefs/knowledge of DASH benefits (2) patient characteristics influencing likelihood of recommendation, (3) practice barriers to provision of DASH diet advice/education, and (4) resources necessary to facilitate use. We conducted qualitative interviews with 4 primary care physicians and designed a 7-item Likert scale-based survey.Participants: University of Colorado affiliated primary care clinics and School of medicine faculty providers working in Denver metro.ResultsThe survey was sent electronically to 149 providers, with 49 (33%) responders. Most providers (65%) believed DASH diet is as effective at lowering blood pressure as adding a medication for patients with pre-hypertension and established hypertension. Providers identified perceived low patient motivation (88%) and low ability to implement DASH diet into patient’s lifestyle (88%) as patient factors influencing their decision to provide DASH diet education. The most significant practice barriers were lack of time (71%) and lack of patient-directed educational resources (67%). Resources providers would find useful included resources accessible through the electronic medical record, (88%), a dietician (83%), and printed patient education materials (59%).ConclusionMost physicians believe DASH diet is effective at lowering blood pressure. The most common barriers to providing DASH education are low perceived patient ability or motivation, lack of provider time, and lack of patient-directed educational resources. Providers identified that readily available electronic and printed materials and access to dieticians would help improve DASH counseling in practice.
Giant optical anisotropy in transition metal dichalcogenides for next-generation photonics
Authors: Ermolaev Georgy , Grudinin D. , Stebunov Y. , Voronin K. , Kravets Vasyl , Duan Jiahua , Mazitov A. , Tselikov G. , Bylinkin Andrei , Yakubovsky D. , Novikov S. , Baranov Denis , Nikitin Alexey , Kruglov Ivan , Shegai Timur , Alonso-González Pablo , Grigorenko Alexander , Arsenin Aleksey , Novoselov Kostya , Volkov V. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Large optical anisotropy observed in a broad spectral range is of paramount importance for efficient light manipulation in countless devices. Although a giant anisotropy was recently observed in the mid-infrared wavelength range, for visible and near-infrared spectral intervals, the problem remains acute with the highest reported birefringence values of 0.8 in BaTiS3 and h-BN crystals. This inspired an intensive search for giant optical anisotropy among natural and artificial materials. Here, we demonstrate that layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) provide an answer to this quest owing to their fundamental differences between intralayer strong covalent bonding and weak interlayer van der Walls interaction. To do this, we carried out a correlative far- and near-field characterization validated by first-principle calculations that reveals an unprecedented birefringence of 1.5 in the infrared and 3 in the visible light for MoS2. Our findings demonstrate that this outstanding anisotropy allows for tackling the diffraction limit enabling an avenue for on-chip next-generation photonics.