bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Communication Link Model using Trellis Coded Modulation for 5G Communication in The Tropical Regions
Authors: Patra Trilochan , Mitra Swarup Kumar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Signal fading is a major problem in the tropical regions. Here the signals get highly attenuated for torrential rain, hence the signal power diminishes and the bit error rate (BER) increases. To enhance the signal to noise ratio (SNR) or to minimize the BER a communication link model using trellis coded modulation (TCM) for 5G communication has been proposed in this paper for the tropical regions. Various diversity techniques have been applied to minimize BER in the tropical regions. STBC (Space-Time Block Coding) MIMO technique is a spatial diversity technique which has been used in the proposed model in this paper. Bit error rate values are obtained for MIMO multi path fading distributions viz. Rayleigh fading distribution and Rician fading distribution. BER values are also attained in respect of different MIMO techniques (2x2, 3x3 and 4x4). The 4x4 STBC MIMO System has been generated using hardware co-simulation block and the results are implemented in Xilinx kintex-7 FPGA board. From the analysis of the result it is observed that Rayleigh fading distribution reflects better performance than that of Rician fading distribution. 4x4 MIMO Technique renders better result in comparison with that of lower MIMO techniques.
Evaluation of Chest CT scan as a screening and diagnostic tool in trauma patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a cross-sectional study in southern Iran
Authors: Fard Hossein Abdolrahimzadeh , Mahmudi-Azer Salahaddin , Sefidbakht Sepideh , Iranpour Pooya , Bolandparvaz Shahram , Abbasi Hamid Reza , Paydar Shahram , Sabetian Golnar , Mahmoudi Mohamad Mahdi , Zare Masoume , Shayan Leila , Salimi Maryam 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The lack of enough medical evidence about COVID-19 regarding optimal prevention, diagnosis, and treatment contributes negatively to the rapid increase in the number of cases globally. A chest computerized tomography (CT) scan has been introduced as the most sensitive diagnostic method. Therefore, this research aimed to examine and evaluate the chest CT scan as a screening measure of COVID-19 in trauma patients. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Rajaee Hospital in Shiraz from February to May 2020. All patients underwent unenhanced CT with a 16-slice CT scanner. The CT-scans were evaluated in a blinded manner and main CT scan features were described and classified into four groups according to RSNA recommendation. Subsequently, the first two RSNA categories with the highest probability of COVID pneumonia (i.e. typical and indeterminate) were merged into the “positive CT scan group” and those with radiologic features with the least probability of COVID pneumonia into “negative CT scan group”.Results: Chest CT scan had a sensitivity (68%), specificity (56%), positive predictive value (34.8%), negative predictive value (83.7%), and accuracy (59.3%) in detecting COVID-19 among trauma patients. Also, for the diagnosis of COVID-19 by CT scan in asymptomatic individuals a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 66.7% and a negative predictive value of 100% was obtained.Conclusion: Findings of the study indicated that the CT scan's sensitivity and specificity is less effective in diagnosing trauma patients with COVID-19 in comparison to non-traumatic people.
Mutations in CD14 gene may have significant effect on mastitis resistance/susceptibility of buffalo.
Authors: Pal Aruna , Pal Abantika , Sharma Arjava , Bhattacharya Tarun kumar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: CD14 is an important pattern recognition receptor having innate immune function and has antibacterial activity. It binds with LPS of gram-negative bacteria, arachidonic acid, and lipoteichoic acid. Being a receptor, it binds with the pathogen with the help of other cytokines. Mutations in CD14 affect the binding ability which in turn affects the biological potentiality. Method: The present study was conducted on 228 nos. of buffaloes pertaining to four different breeds as Murrah, Mehsana, Surti and Bhadawari. CD14 gene was characterized and polymorphism was detected through Single nucleotide conformation polymorphism. Association study was conducted for different variants of CD14 with mastitis in buffalo, detected through somatic cell count, california mastitis test.Result: Eight variants of CD14 were detected and mutational hotspots were detected in bubaline CD14 with 58 number of non-synonymous SNP, out of which 18 were observed to be deleterious and 34 as thermodynamically unstable. In the present study, we had detected the mutations in CD14 gene and its association with the somatic cell score and other indicators for mastitis. In-silico studies were conducted to understand the molecular mechanism how the mutations affect the biological potentiality by analyzing different domains and structural analysis along with various post-translational modification sites.Conclusion: Deleterious mutations were observed in CD14 gene which have significant effect on mastitis of buffalo. It may be employed for marker assisted selection, therapeutic application of recombinant CD14, gene therapy, transgenic or gene edited animal production with wild type CD14 resistant to mastitis as future strategy.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations address health equity through action on the social determinants of health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.
Authors: Pearson Odette , Schwartzkopff Kate , Dawson Anna , Hagger Christina , Karagi Agape , Davy Carol , Brown Alex , Braunack-Mayer Annette 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Indigenous populations globally are continually striving for better health and wellbeing due to experiencing significant health and social inequities. The social determinants of health are important contributors to health outcomes. Comprehensive primary health care that is governed and delivered by Indigenous people extends beyond the biomedical model of care to address the social determinants of health. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) are known to provide culturally informed, holistic health services that directly and indirectly address the social determinants of health. The range and extent of their activities in addressing the social determinants of health, however, is not well documented. Methods: The most recent ACCHO annual reports were retrieved online or by direct correspondence. For coding consistency, a dictionary informed by the World Health Organization’s Conceptual Framework for Action on the Social Determinants of Health was developed . A document and textual analysis of reports coded ACCHO activities and the determinants of health they addressed, including intermediary determinants, socio-economic position and/or socio-political context. Summary statistics were reported. Representative quotes illustrating the unique nature of ACCHO service provision in addressing the social determinants of health were used to contextualise the quantitative findings. Results: Sixty-seven annual reports were collected between 2017 and 2018. Programs were delivered to population groups across the life span. Fifty three percent of reports identified programs that included work at the socio-political level and all annual reports described working to improve socioeconomic position and intermediary determinants of health through their activities. Culture had a strong presence in program delivery and building social cohesion and social capital emerged as themes. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of the considerable efforts of the ACCHO sector, as a primary health care provider, in addressing the social determinants of health and health inequity experienced by Indigenous communities. For the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, ACCHOs not only have an essential role in addressing immediate healthcare needs but also invest in driving change in the more entrenched structural determinants of health. These are important actions that are likely to have an accumulative positive effect in closing the gap towards health equity.
Qualitative views of Nigerian School Principals and Teachers on the barriers and opportunities for promoting students’ physical activity behaviour within the school settings
Authors: Oluwasanu Mojisola , Oladepo Oladimeji , Ibitoye Segun Emmanuel 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Insufficient physical activity is a growing public health challenge among Nigerian adolescents. Significant information gap exists on the school-related factors and its implication on the school-based physical activity participation of adolescents in Nigeria. This study was conducted to document the qualitative views of school principals and teachers on the barriers and opportunities for promoting the physical activity behaviours of adolescents within the school settings in light of the socio-ecological model. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in 12 public and private schools in two local government areas of Oyo state, Nigeria. Two key sources and data collection methods (i.e key informant interviews and focus group discussions) were used. Six key informant interviews were held with school principals and six focus group discussions with classroom teachers using pre-tested guides. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Fourteen sub-themes were identified as barriers to PA and linked to different levels of the socio-ecological model. Three themes were categorized as parental factors, three themes as socio-cultural and religious factors while the school-related factors had eight sub-themes. Specifically, the school related barriers were the declining number of trained physical health education teachers, limited opportunities for continuing education and low prioritisation of physical health education. Other school-related factors such as increasing demand for classroom academic time, negative attitudinal dispositions of other teachers and inadequate funding for schools which hampered the provision of facilities and equipment were identified as factors that limit the effective implementation of policies and programs for physical activity in schools. Opportunities to promote PA within the school settings during assemblies, breaktime, after-school and inter house sports competition exists. However; these opportunities are hampered by competing academic time, security threats, fear of causalities to students due to poor supervision after school, poor funding and brawling associated with competitive school-based sporting events. Conclusions: Factors that contribute to insufficient physical activity among in-school adolescents in the school settings are multifactorial. Implementation of holistic, multi-component interventions which address the social-cultural and school-level factors and enhance students’ opportunities for physical activity in schools are recommended.
Patterns and Correlates of Mis-implementation in State Chronic Disease Public Health Practice in the United States
Authors: Padek Margaret , Mazzucca Stephanie , Allen Peg , Weno Emily Rodriguez , Tsai Edward , Luke Douglas A. , Brownson Ross C. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Much of the disease burden in the United States is preventable through application of existing knowledge. State-level public health practitioners are in ideal positions to affect programs and policies related to chronic disease, but the extent to which mis-implementation occurring with these programs is largely unknown. Mis-implementation refers to ending effective programs and policies prematurely or continuing ineffective ones. Methods: A 2018 comprehensive survey assessing the extent of mis-implementation and multi-level influences on mis-implementation was reported by state health departments (SHDs). Questions were developed from previous literature. Surveys were emailed to randomly selected SHD employees across the Unites States. Spearman’s correlation and multinomial logistic regression were used to assess factors in mis-implementation. Results: Half (50.7%) of respondents were chronic disease program managers or unit directors. Forty nine percent reported that programs their SHD oversees sometimes, often or always continued ineffective programs. Over 50% also reported that their SHD sometimes or often ended effective programs. The data suggest the strongest correlates and predictors of mis-implementation were at the organizational level. For example, the number of organizational layers impeded decision-making was significant for both continuing ineffective programs (OR=4.70; 95% CI=2.20, 10.04) and ending effective programs (OR=3.23; 95% CI=1.61, 7.40). Conclusion: The data suggest that changing certain agency practices may help in minimizing the occurrence of mis-implementation. Further research should focus on adding context to these issues and helping agencies engage in appropriate decision-making. Greater attention to mis-implementation should lead to greater use of effective interventions and more efficient expenditure of resources, ultimately to improve health outcomes.
Snapshot of narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances in Kuwait: a qualitative analysis of illicit drugs and their associated mortality in Kuwait from 2015 to 2018
Authors: Al-Matrouk Abdullah , Al-Hasan Mohammed , Naqi Husain A , Al-Abkal Neamat , Mohammed Hanan , Haider Meshaal , Al-Shammeri Dalal , Bojbarah Haider 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The misuse of illicit substances is associated with increased morbidity and mortality; thus, substance abuse is a global health concern. However, a lack of laboratory-based research has limited the scientific assessment of drug misuse in the Arabian Gulf region. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to assess the problem of illicit drugs in Kuwait using laboratory-based analyses. Methods: We investigated the type and quantity of detained narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances from 2015 to 2018, number of abusers, and mortality among abusers. In total, 6220 cases from the Narcotic and Psychotropic Laboratory and 17,755 cases from the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory were reviewed and analyzed. Substances were identified and documented using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: Cannabis, including marijuana, was the most seized substance, followed by heroin, opium, and cocaine. Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, in the form of powder or pills, were seized in larger quantities than other psychoactive substances. Benzodiazepines, tramadol, Khat, synthetic cannabinoids, and psilocin were also seized. The most consumed substances were, in order, amphetamines (including methamphetamine), benzodiazepines, cannabis, and heroin. Drug misuse was considerably higher among men than among women. We report the death rate associated with the abuse of various illegal drugs according to sex. The mortality rate associated with single-drug use was the highest among abusers of heroin, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamine. The mortality rate asscoaited with multiple-drug use was the highest among abusers of heroin–benzodiazepines, cannabis–benzodiazepines, and cannabis–amphetamines. Conclusions: Our study shows the changing trends in quantity and variety of substances illegally abused and marketed in Kuwait. Additionally, we report a direct gender-based association between mortality and consumption of certain substances. These findings suggest that there is a growing need to conduct larger scale studies to implement new strategies, policies, and interventions in populations affected by illicit drugs.
Effectiveness of a Breastfeeding Program for Mothers Returning to Work in Japan: a quasi-experiment study
Authors: Nakada Kaori 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Maternal employment has been described as a barrier to breastfeeding in many countries. In Japan, many mothers quit breastfeeding after returning to work because they do not know how to continue breastfeeding. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a breastfeeding support program for mothers. The secondary objective was to explore the effectiveness of a pamphlet for mothers returning to work.Methods: This was a quasi-experimental design study with a program group (n=48), pamphlet group (n=46) and comparison group (n=47) that took place from February 2017 to August 2018. Participants in the program and pamphlet groups were women who planned to return to work within 4–12 months after giving birth, while the comparison group included women who had been back at work for at least 3 months. The program involved a 90-min breastfeeding class, a pamphlet, a newsletter, and email consultation. The pamphlet group was sent only the pamphlet, while the comparison group received no intervention. The outcome was breastfeeding continuation rate at 3 months after returning to work.Results: The breastfeeding continuation rate 3 months after returning to work was significantly higher in the program group than in the comparison group (79.2% vs. 51.1%, p=0.004). After adjusting for background factors, the program intervention had an effect on breastfeeding rates (adjusted odds ratio=4.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.57, 13.96; p=0.006). However, comparing the pamphlet and comparison groups revealed no significant differences in breastfeeding continuation rates at 3 months after returning to work (69.6% vs. 51.1%, p=0.07).Conclusions: Program intervention was associated with a significant increase in breastfeeding continuation rates 3 months after returning to work. Randomized controlled trials are needed to make this program applicable in practice. Pamphlet intervention resulted in no significant difference. Further study is necessary after examining the contents of the pamphlet.
Screening and selection strategy for the establishment of biosimilar to trastuzumab-expressing CHO-K1 cell lines
Authors: Lao-González Thailín , Soler Alexi Bueno , Hernandez Arnelys Duran , Aguiar Katya Sosa , Puerta Luis Eduardo Hinojosa , Garcia Tays Hernandez , Hernandez Kathya Rashida de la Luz , Oliva Julio Palacios , Ayo Tammy Boggiano 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The high prices of biopharmaceuticals or biologics used in the treatment of many diseases limit the access of patients to these novel therapies. One example is the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab, successfully used for breast cancer treatment. An economic alternative is the generation of biosimilars to these expensive biopharmaceuticals. Since antibody therapies may require large doses over a long period of time, robust platforms and strategies for cell line development are essential for the generation of recombinant cell lines with higher levels of expression. Here, we obtained trastuzumab-expressing CHO-K1 cells through a screening and selection strategy that combined the use of host cells pre-adapted to protein-free media and suspension culture and lentiviral vectors. The results demonstrated that the early screening strategy obtained recombinant CHO-K1 cell populations with higher enrichment of IgG-expressing cells. Moreover, the measurement of intracellular heavy chain polypeptide by flow cytometry was a useful metric to characterize the homogeneity of cell population, and our results suggest this could be used to predict the expression levels of monoclonal antibodies in early stages of cell line development. Additionally, we propose an approach using 25cm2 T-flasks in suspension and shaking culture conditions as a screening tool to identify high producing cell lines. Finally, trastuzumab-expressing CHO-K1 clones were generated and characterized by batch culture, and preliminary results related to HER2-recognition capacity were successful. Further optimization of elements such as gene optimization, vector selection, type of amplification/selection system, cell culture media composition, in combination with this strategy will allow obtaining high producing clones.
Phenotypic characterization of X-linked hypophosphatemia in pediatric Spanish population.
Authors: Rodríguez-Rubio Enrique , Gil-Peña Helena , Chocrón Sara , Madariaga Leire , Cerda-Ojeda Francisco De la , Fernández-Fernández Marta , de Lucas-Collantes Carmen , Gil Marta , Luis-Yanes Mª Isabel , Vergara Inés , González-Rodríguez Juan David , Ferrando Susana , Gamero Montserrat Antón , Hidalgo-Barquero Marta Carrasco , Fernández-Escribano Angustias , Fernández-Maseda Mª Ángeles , Espinosa Laura , Oliet Aniana , Vicente Antonio , Ariceta Gema , Santos Fernando 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUNDX-Linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a hereditary rare disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in PHEX gene leading tohypophosphatemia and high renal loss of phosphate. Rickets and growth retardation are the major manifestations of XLH in children, but there is a broad phenotypic variability. Few publications have reported large series of patients. Current data on the clinical spectrum of the disease, the correlation with the underlying gene mutations, and the long-term outcome of patients on conventional treatment are needed, particularly because of the recent availability of new specific medications to treat XLH. RESULTSThe RenalTube database was used to retrospectively analyze 48 Spanish patients (15 men) from 39 different families, ranging from 3 months to 8 years and 2 months of age at the time of diagnosis (median age of 2.0 years), and with XLH confirmed by genetic analysis. Bone deformities, radiological signs of active rickets and growth retardation were the most common findings at diagnosis. Mean (±SEM) height was -1.89 ± 0.19 SDS and 55% (22/40) of patients had height SDS below - 2. All cases had hypophosphatemia, serum phosphate being -2.81 ± 0.11 SDS. Clinical manifestations and severity of the disease were similar in both genders. No genotype – phenotype correlation was found. Conventional treatment did not attenuate growth retardation after a median follow up of 7.42 years (IQR = 11.26; n=26 patients) and failed to normalize serum concentrations of phosphate. Eleven patients had mild hyperparathyroidism and 8 patients nephrocalcinosis.CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that growth retardation and rickets were the most prevalent clinical manifestations at diagnosis in a large series of Spanish pediatric patients with XLH confirmed by mutations in the PHEX gene. Traditional treatment with phosphate and vitamin D supplements did not improve height or corrected hypophosphatemia and was associated with a risk of hyperparathyroidism and nephrocalcinosis. The severity of the disease was similar in males and females.