bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Definable Two-Dimensional Mesoporous Polydopamine-Graphene Heterostructure as Multi-Functional Ion Redistributor for Ultrastable Sodium Metal Anodes
Authors: Qin Jieqiong , Shi Haodong , Huang Kai , Lu Pengfei , Wen Pengchao , Xing Feifei , Yang Bing , Ye Mao , Yu Yan , Wu Zhong-Shuai 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Sodium metal batteries are widely acknowledged as one of the most promising low-cost high-energy-density batteries, but limited by uncontrollable dendritic growth and short cyclability. Herein, two-dimensional (2D) mesoporous polydopamine-graphene (mPG) heterostructures with definable pore size and sheet thickness are demonstrated as multi-functional ion redistributors to realize ultrastable, dendrite-free Na metal anodes. Benefitting from abundant sodiophilic groups (-OH, C=O and -NH-), 2D nanoporous graphene, and ordered mesoporous ion channels in mPG, the Na metal anodes show high Coulombic efficiency of >99.5%, outstanding cyclability of ~2000 h, and unprecedented rate performance of 25 mA cm-2 with 25 mAh cm-2, outperforming all the reported Na anodes stabilized by diversified strategies. What’s more, the mPG based Na/Na3V2(PO4)3 full batteries deliver exceptionally enhanced cyclability (90% retention rate after 500 cycles) and rate capacity (75 mAh g-1 at 30 C), demonstrative of impressive potential of well-designed 2D mesoporous polymers for precisely regulating Na deposition.
Individual, Community, and Structural Factors Associated With Linkage to HIV Care Among People Diagnosed with HIV in Tennessee
Authors: Ahonkhai Aima A , Rebeiro Peter , Jenkins Cathy , Rickles Michael , Cook Mekeila , Conserve Donaldson , Pierce Leslie , Shepherd Bryan , Brantley Meredith , Wester Carolyn 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
We assessed trends and identified individual- and county-level factors associated with linkage to HIV care in Tennessee (TN).
Methods
TN residents diagnosed with HIV from 2012–2016 were included in the analysis (n = 3,750). Linkage was defined by the first CD4 or HIV RNA test date at or after HIV diagnosis. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate probability of 30-day linkage to care at the individual- and county-levels.
Results
Both MSM (aRR 1.16, 95%CI 1.01–1.32) and women who reported heterosexual sex risk factors (aRR 1.28, 95%CI 1.11–1.48) were more likely to link to care within 30-days than heterosexual males. Non-Hispanic Black individuals had poorer linkage than White individuals (aRR 0.77, 95%CI 0.72–0.83). County-level mentally unhealthy days were negatively associated with linkage (aRR 0.59, 95%CI 0.40–0.88).
Conclusions
Disparities persist at both individual and county levels and may warrant structural interventions to address racism and mental health needs.
Prevalence of Headaches Among Undergraduates in Sri Lanka: Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Premarathna H.B.C.M , Madushani J.S. , Tennakoon T.M.I.U.K , Sudeshika Thilini 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Headache is one of the common health problems in the world which can be frequently seen among undergraduates. The current research was mainly focused to explore the prevalence of headaches among undergraduates in Sri Lanka.Method: This cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among undergraduates of five Sri Lankan universities including various disciplines from science to non- science. A purposive sample of undergraduates was recruited to complete a self-administered questionnaire after obtaining their consent. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS v25 IBM, New York, USA) and the significant differences among variables were assessed by using Chi-square test. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Review committee of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.Results: The majority of respondents were males (51%, n=146) and who were following science courses (55%, n=158). Undergraduates (76%, n=218) had experienced headache. Common trigger factors were stress related to work (72%, n=171), mental fatigue (54%, n=129), and sleeplessness (33%, n=79). Undergraduates 43% (n=123) who perceived the experience of headache sought the treatments. Usage of non-prescribed medication was significantly high (73, n=90) among them. There was a statistically significant difference between the occurrence of headache for non-science students with the participation for lectures (p=0.021); health status with the academic year (p=0.00); perceived current headache problem with gender (p=0.03) and the avoidance in participating lectures with academic years (p=0.006). Conclusions: It can be concluded that most undergraduates in Sri Lankan universities have been affected by headaches. Stress-related to work, Irregular sleep behavior, mental fatigue and prolonged computer work were the most common trigger factors for headaches among undergraduates in Sri Lanka.
PD-L1 Tumour Expression is Predictive of Pazopanib Response in Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Kim Sang Kyun , Kim Jee Hung , Kim Seung Hyun , Lee Young Han , Han Jung Woo , Woo Ha Young , Jeon Min Kyung , Kim Hyo Song 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Pazopanib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is recommended as the standard treatment for refractory soft tissue sarcoma (STS). However, there are comparatively few molecular determinants for predicting pazopanib efficacy. Based on correlative studies regarding the predictive impact of PD-L1, we investigated the clinical relevance of PD-L1 expression and evaluated its value for predicting pazopanib efficacy. Methods Tumour tissues from patients with advanced STS who went on to receive pazopanib were assessed for PD-L1 expression. Immunohistochemistry was performed using an anti-PD-L1 antibody, and the PD-L1 tumour proportion score (TPS) was calculated as the percentage of at least 100 viable cells with positive expression, defined as TPS ≥ 1%. ResultsAmong the 67 patients, 8 (11.9%) achieved partial response and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 4.8 months (95% CI 3.8-5.7). PD-L1 expression in tumour cells was detected in 13 (19.4%) cases and the TPS scores ranged from 1‒100%, as follows: 0 (n=54, 80.6%), 1‒9% (n=3, 4.5%), 10‒49% (n=9, 13.4%), and ≥50% (n=1, 1.5%). PD-L1 positive tumours exhibited a poorer response to pazopanib treatment than the PD-L1 negative tumours (0% vs 14.8%, P=0.07). PD-L1-positive tumours had significantly shorter PFS than the PD-L1-negative tumours (median PFS 2.8 vs 5.1 months, P=0.003), and PD-L1 positivity was an independent predictor of poor response to pazopanib treatment (HR 2.77, 95% CI; 1.45-5.56, P=0.006). ConclusionWe identified that PD-L1 expression can help predict the clinical outcome of patients with advanced STS treated with pazopanib. Based on our study, stratification should be actively considered in order to identify patients who will benefit from pazopanib or further therapeutic strategies for future clinical trials.
Estimation of The Transitional Probability Among Esophageal Cancer and Its Precancerous Lesions
Authors: YU Yong , XIE Yue , YANG Xue , WANG Jing-Xuan , CHEN Zhi-Yu , ZHAO Fei , MA Jian-Qiao , Wei Wen-Qiang , Qiao You-Lin , Yang Chun-Xia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To estimate the transition probabilities of esophageal cancer (EC) and its precancerous lesions during the process of canceration by Markov model, which could provide important information for EC screening with regard to choosing reasonable screening and follow-up intervals.Methods: The transition probabilities among pathological stages were estimated by establishing Markov models for the natural history of EC and repeatedly adjusting and calibrating Markov models through comparing the modeled incidence and distributions of pathological stages (alone or combined) with observed data in real world condition. Results: In one year, the probabilities were 0.024, 0.05, 0.12 for people from health state progressing to mild dysplasia (mD), mild dysplasia (mD) to moderate dysplasia (MD), and moderate dysplasia (MD) to severe dysplasia/carcinoma in situ (SD/CIS), respectively. The age-specific transition probabilities were 0.08~0.18 for severe dysplasia/carcinoma in situ (SD/CIS) progressing to intramucosal carcinoma(IC), 0.4~0.87 for intramucosal carcinoma (IC) to submucosal carcinoma (T1N0M0) (SC), and 0.2~0.85 for submucosal carcinoma (T1N0M0) (SC) to invasive carcinoma (INC). The progression probabilities increased with age and the severity of the disease. Based on the estimated transition probabilities, we predicted the incidence of EC and distributions of its pathological stages. Comparisons between modeled results with observed data confirmed the validation of our transition probabilities.Conclusion: The estimating transition probabilities of EC and its precancerous lesions were reliable and could be used to address questions such as the optimal screening frequency, screening intervals, and health economic evaluation of screening strategies.
Evaluation of Health Surveillance System Attributes: The Case of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Kenya
Authors: Ng'etich Arthur Kipkemoi Saitabau , Voyi Kuku , Mutero Clifford Maina 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Control of preventive chemotherapy-targeted neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs) relies on strengthened health systems. Efficient health information systems provide an impetus to achieving the sustainable development goal aimed at ending PC-NTD epidemics. However, there is limited assessment of surveillance system functions linked to PC-NTDs that is hinged on optimum performance of surveillance system attributes. The study aimed to evaluate surveillance system attributes based on healthcare workers’ perceptions in relation to PC-NTDs endemic in Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional health facility survey was used to purposively sample respondents involved in surveillance activities. Consenting respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed their perceptions towards surveillance system attributes on a five-point likert scale. Frequency distribution for each point in the likert scale was analysed to determine health worker’s overall perception. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and estimated median values with corresponding interquartile ranges used to summarise reporting rates. Factor analysis identified variables measuring specific latent attributes. Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests examined associations between categorical variables. Thematic analysis was performed for the questionnaire open-ended responses.Results: Most (88%) respondents worked in public facilities with 71% in second-tier facilities. Regarding PC-NTDs, 55% of respondents perceived the surveillance system to be simple, 50% to be acceptable, 41% to be stable, 41% to be flexible, 51% to be useful and 25% to providing quality data. Facility locality, facility type, respondents’ education level and years of work experience were associated with perceived opinion on acceptability (p = 0.046; p = 0.049; p = 0.032 and p = 0.032) and stability (p = 0.030; p = 0.022; p = 0.015 and p =0.024) respectively. Median monthly reporting timeliness and completeness rates for facilities were 75 (58.3, 83.3) and 83.3 (58.3, 100) respectively. Higher-level facilities met reporting timeliness (p <0.001) and completeness (p <0.001) thresholds compared to lower-level facilities.Conclusion: Health personnel had lower perceptions on the stability, flexibility and data quality of the surveillance system. Reporting timeliness and completeness rates decreased in 2017 compared to previous surveillance periods. Strengthening all surveillance functions would influence health workers’ perceptions and improve surveillance system overall performance regarding PC-NTDs.
Capacity and Site Readiness for Hypertension Control Program Implementation in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Orji Ikechukwu Anthony , Baldridge Abigail S. , Omitiran Kasarachi , Guo Mainzhao , Ajisegiri Whenayon Simeon , Ojo Tunde M. , Shedul Gabriel , Kandula Namratha R. , Hirschhorn Lisa R. , Huffman Mark D. , Ojji Dike B. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Nigeria faces an increase in the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), leading to an estimated 29% of all deaths in the country. Nigeria has an estimated hypertension prevalence ranging from 25% to 40% of her adult population. Despite this high burden, awareness (14-30%), treatment (<20%), and control (9%) rates of hypertension are low in Nigeria. Against this backdrop, we sought to perform capacity and readiness assessments of public Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) to inform Nigeria's system-level hypertension control program's implementation and adaptation strategies.Methods: The study employed a multi-stage sampling to select 60 from the 243 PHCs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) Service Availability and Readiness Assessment was adapted to focus on hypertension diagnosis and treatment and was administered to PHC staff from May 2019 – October 2019. Indicator scores for general and cardiovascular service readiness were calculated based on the proportion of sites with available amenities, equipment, diagnostic tests, and medications. Results: Median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of full-time staff was 5 (3-8), and were predominantly community health extension workers (median = 3 [IQR 2-5]). Few sites (n=8; 15%) received cardiovascular disease diagnosis and management training within the previous two years, though most had sufficient capacity for screening (n=58; 97%), diagnosis (n=56; 93%), and confirmation (n=50; 83%) of hypertension. Few PHCs had guidelines (n=7; 13%), treatment algorithms (n=3; 5%), or information materials (n=1; 2%) for hypertension. Most sites (n=55; 92%) had one or more functional blood pressure apparatus. All sites relied on paper records, and few had a functional computer (n=10; 17%) or access to internet (n=5; 8%). Despite inclusion on Nigeria’s essential medicines list, 35 (59%) PHCs had zero 30-day treatment regimens of any blood pressure-lowering medications in stock. Conclusions: This first systematic assessment of capacity and readiness for a system-level hypertension control program within the FCT of Nigeria demonstrated implementation feasibility based on the workforce, equipment, and paper-based information systems, but a critical need for essential medicine supply strengthening, health-worker training, and protocols for hypertension treatment and control in Nigeria.
Factors Associated With Participation in an Ongoing National Catch-up Campaign Against Rubella: A Cross-sectional Internet Survey Among 1,680 Adult Men in Japan
Authors: HORI AI , YOSHII SHIHO , ISAKA YUKARI , WADA KOJI 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSince 2019, aiming to eliminate periodic rubella outbreaks, the Japanese government has provided a rubella immunization program targeting men born in fiscal years 1972 to 1978, who lacked the opportunity to be vaccinated against rubella in childhood. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with participation in the rubella vaccination program among the first-year target population in 2019.MethodsA total of 11,754 adult men in Japan born in fiscal years 1972 to1978 living in seven rubella epidemic areas (Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka) were selected from a list of a survey agency and invited to complete an Internet questionnaire in March 2020. Recruitment ended when the participants reached 1,680 individuals. Multivariable log binomial regression analyses were performed to explore the association between awareness of rubella prevention and rubella antibody testing in fiscal year 2019, adjusting for social characteristics.ResultsOf the 1,680 men aged 41–47 years who completed the survey, approximately half (51.3%) said that they had received a voucher for the rubella antibody testing and vaccination program. One-quarter (25.9%) of the respondents had used the voucher for rubella antibody testing in 2019, and 6.0% had used the voucher for rubella vaccination in fiscal year 2019. Respondents who understood the government recommendation for rubella antibody testing and vaccination for men of their generation (odds ratio [OR]: 5.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.01–7.53), those with acquaintances who had undergone rubella testing (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.22–1.59), and those who knew that about their lack of opportunity for rubella vaccination (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.11–1.60) tended to undergo rubella antibody testing. Receiving the most recent seasonal influenza vaccination (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.10–1.43) and being able to confirm a rubella vaccination history (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.13–1.46) were also associated with rubella antibody testing.ConclusionsThe ongoing Japanese test-and-vaccinate rubella program has yet to achieve its participation rate goal for 2019. Further dissemination of the government recommendation to the population is necessary, along with improvements in the accessibility of the rubella vaccination program.
Association Between cardiometabolic risk factor and responsiveness to vitamin D supplementation: A New Approach using Artificial Neural Network analysis
Authors: Allahyari Elahe , Hanachi Parichehr , Mirmoosavi Seyed Jamal , Ferns Gordon A. , Bahrami Afsane , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAccumulating data have highlighted the prominence of supplementation as an effective approach for vitamin D deficiency. But individuals vary in their response to vitamin D supplementation. In this study, the effect of cardiometabolic risk factors were evaluate on magnitude of response to vitamin D supplementation by using novel statistical analysis, artificial neural networks(ANNs).Methods608 participants aged between 12 to 19 years old were assed in this prospective interventional study. Nine vitamin D capsules containing 50000IU vitamin D/weekly were given to all participants over the 9 week period. The change in serum 25(OH)D level was calculated as the difference between post-supplementation and basal levels. Suitable ANNs model were selected between different algorithms in the hidden and output layers and different numbers of neurons in the hidden layer. Then, the major determinants in predicting response to vitamin D supplementations were identified (Trial registration: IRCT201509047117N7; 2015-11-25; Retrospectively registered)ResultsSigmoid in both hidden and output layers with 4 hidden neurons had acceptable sensitivity, specificity and accuracy area under the ROC curve in our study. Baseline serum vitamin D (30.4%), waist to hip ratio (10.5%), BMI (10.5%), systolic blood pressure (8%), heart rate (6.4%), and waist circumference (6.1%) were the greatest importance in predicting the response in serum vitamin D levels. ConclusionWe provide the first attempt to relate anthropometric specific recommendations to attain serum vitamin D targets. With the exception of cardiometabolic risk factor, the relative importance of other factors and the mechanisms by which these factors may affect the response requires further analysis in future studies.
Immune Infiltration in Gastric Cancer Microenvironment and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Zhang An Zhi , Yuan Xin , Li Ya , Xie Yu Fang , Li Jiang Fen , Jiang Chen Hao , Li Fan Ping , Liang Wei Hua , Zhang Hai Jun , Liu Chun Xia , Pang Li Juan , Shen Xi Hua , Li Feng , Hu Jian Ming 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background In recent years, immunotherapy has developed rapidly and has gradually become one of the important methods for treatment of gastric cancer. The research on immune cells and immune-related genes in the tumor microenvironment greatly encourages the development of immunotherapy. Methods : The devolution algorithm (CIBERSORT) was applied to infer the proportion of 22 immune infiltrating cells based on gene expression profiles of gastric cancer tissue, which were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. The TCGA database was utilized to analyze the differential expression of immune-related genes, and explore the potential molecular functions of these genes.ResultsWe have observed the enrichment of multiple immune cells in the microenvironment of gastric cancer. Some of these cells are closely related to Fuhrman grade and TNM staging. Survival analysis showed that the infiltration level of CD8 + T cells, activated CD4 + memory T cells and M2 macrophages was significantly related to the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. The functional enrichment analysis of immune-related genes revealed that these genes were mainly associated with cytokine activation and response. Four significant modules were screened by PPI network and 20 key genes were screened from the modules, and the expression levels of CALCR and PTH1R are strikingly related to the prognosis of gastric cancer patients.ConclusionsThe type and number of infiltrating immune cells in the microenvironment of gastric cancer, as well as immune-related genes are closely related to tumor progression, and can be used as important indicators for patient prognosis assessment.
Persistence of P. Falciparum Ring-stage Parasites 42 Days After Artemisinin and Non-artemisinin Combination Therapy in Naturally Infected Malians
Authors: Mahamar Almahamoudou , Lanke Kjerstin , Graumans Wouter , Diawara Halimatou , Sanogo Koualy , Diarra Kalifa , Niambele Sidi Mohamed , Gosling Roly , Drakeley Chris , Chen Ingrid , Dicko Alassane , Bousema Teun , Roh Michelle 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMalaria control in sub-Saharan Africa relies upon prompt case management with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Ring-stage parasites, measured by sbp1 quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR), were previously reported to persist after ACT treatment and hypothesized to reflect temporary arrest of the growth of ring-stage parasites (dormancy) following exposure to artemisinins. Here, the persistence of ring-stage parasitemia following ACT and non-ACT treatment was examined. MethodsSamples were used from naturally infected Malian gametocyte carriers who received dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP-AQ) with or without gametocytocidal drugs. Gametocytes and ring-stage parasites were quantified by qRT-PCR during 42 days of follow-up. ResultsAt baseline, 89% (64/73) of participants had measurable ring-stage parasites. Following treatment, the proportion of ring-stage parasite-positive individuals and ring-stage parasite densities declined for all four treatment groups. Participants who received DP had 81% lower post-treatment ring-stage parasite density compared to participants who received SP-AQ (p<0.001). Gametocytocidal drugs did not influence ring-stage parasite persistence. Ring-stage parasite densities on days 14 and 28 after initiation of treatment were higher among individuals who subsequently experienced recurrent parasitemia compared to those who remained free of parasites until day 42 after initiation of treatment (pday 14=0.011 and pday 28=0.068). No association of ring-stage persistence with gametocyte carriage was observed. Conclusions Our findings of lower ring-stage persistence after ACT treatment without an effect of gametocytocidal partner drugs affirms the use of sbp1 as ring-stage marker. Lower persistence of ring-stage parasites after ACT treatment suggests the marker may not reflect dormant parasites whilst it was predictive of re-appearance of parasitemia.