bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIV Prevention at Drug Shops: Awareness and Attitudes Among Shop Dispensers and Young Women About Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and The Dapivirine Ring in Shinyanga, Tanzania
Authors: Tubert Julia , Packel Laura , Hunter Lauren A. , Mfaume Rashid , Njau Prosper , Ramadhani Angela A. , Liu Jenny X. , McCoy Sandra I. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: HIV risk remains high among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW, ages 15-24) in Tanzania. Many AGYW experience stigma and provider bias at health facilities, deterring their use of HIV prevention services. Privately-owned drug shops, ubiquitous in many communities, may be an effective and accessible channel to deliver HIV prevention products to AGYW, including oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the dapivirine vaginal ring. Methods: In July-August 2019, we enrolled 26 drug shops in Shinyanga, Tanzania in an ongoing study to create “girl-friendly” drug shops where AGYW can access HIV self-testing and contraception. At baseline, all shop dispensers were given basic information about oral PrEP and the dapivirine ring and were asked about their interest in stocking each. During the next 3-5 months, we surveyed AGYW (n=56) customers about their interest in oral PrEP and the ring. Results: Among dispensers, the median age was 42 years and 77% were female. Overall, 42% of dispensers had heard of a medication for HIV prevention. Almost all dispensers reported some interest in stocking oral PrEP (92%) and the dapivirine ring (96%). Most (85%) reported they would provide oral PrEP to AGYW who requested it. Among AGYW customers, the median age was 17 years; 18% of AGYW were married and 7% had children. Only 20% of AGYW had heard of a medication to prevent HIV, yet 64% and 43% expressed some interest in using oral PrEP and the dapivirine ring, respectively, after receiving information about the products. PrEP interest was higher among AGYW who were partnered and had children.Conclusions: Despite low prior awareness of PrEP among shop dispensers and AGYW, we found high levels of interest in oral PrEP and the dapivirine ring in both groups. Community-based drug shops represent a promising strategy to make HIV prevention more accessible to AGYW.
The Effect of Zinc and/or Herbal Nutraceuticals on Rumen Fermentation, Microbiota and Histopathology in Lambs
Authors: Petrič Daniel , Mravčáková Dominika , Kucková Katarína , Kišidayová Svetlana , Cieslak Adam , Szumacher-Strabel Malgorzata , Huang Haihao , Kolodziejski Pawel , Lukomska Anna , Slusarczyk Sylwester , Čobanová Klaudia , Varadyova Zora 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diets containing organic zinc and a mixture of medicinal herbs on rumen microbial fermentation and histopathology in lambs.Methods: Twenty-eight lambs were divided into four groups: unsupplemented animals (Control), animals supplemented with organic zinc (Zn, 70 mg Zn/kg diet), animals supplemented with a mix of dry medicinal herbs (Herbs, 100 g DM/d) and animals supplemented with both zinc and herbs (Zn+Herbs). Each lamb was fed a basal diet composed of meadow hay (700 g DM/d) and barley (300 g DM/d). Fumaria officinalis L. (FO), Malva sylvestris L. (MS), Artemisia absinthium L. (AA) and Matricaria chamomilla L. (MC) were mixed in equal proportions. The lambs were slaughtered after 70 days of the experiment. The rumen content was used to determine the fermentation parameters in vitro and in vivo and to quantify the microbes by molecular and microscopic methods. Samples of fresh rumen tissue were used for histopathological evaluation.Results: Quantitative analyses of the bioactive compounds identified 3.961, 0.654, 6.482 and 12.084 g/kg DM phenolic acids and 12.211, 6.479, 0.349 and 2.442 g/kg DM flavonoids in FO, MS, AA and MC, respectively. The alkaloids content in FO was 6.015 g/kg DM. The effect of diets on values of total gas, methane and n-butyrate in vitro was observed (P < 0.046 and P < 0.001, respectively). Relative quantification by real-time PCR revealed a decrease in the total rumen bacterial population in the lambs in the Zn and Zn+Herbs groups (P < 0.05). A shift in the relative abundance of Ruminococcus albus, Streptococcus bovis, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus and R. flavefaciens was observed in the Zn group. Morphological observation showed focal mixed infiltration of inflammatory cells within the lamina propria of the rumen in the Zn+Herbs group. Conclusion: The effect of the organic zinc and the herbal mix on rumen fermentation parameters in vitro was not confirmed in vivo because the rumen microbiota of lambs probably adapted to the zinc-supplemented diets. However, long-term supplementation of a diet combining zinc and medicinal herbs can diminish the health of the ruminal epithelium of lambs.
Radiographic Bone Texture Analysis Using Deep Learning Models for Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis
Authors: Huang Yun-Ju , Shun Miao , Zheng Kang , Lu Le , Lu Yuhang , Lin Chihung , Kuo Chang-Fu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by altered bone microarchitecture (radiographically referred to as ‘texture’) of periarticular regions. We hypothesize that deep learning models can quantify periarticular texture changes to aid in the classification of early RA.MethodsThe second, third, and fourth distal metacarpal areas from hand radiographs of 892 early RA and 1236 non-RA patients were segmented for the Deep Texture Encoding Network (Deep-TEN; texture-based) and residual network-50 (ResNet-50; texture and structure-based) models to predict the probability of RA. The performances were measured using the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC). Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for RA.ResultsThe AUROC for RA was 0.69 for the Deep-TEN and 0.73 for the ResNet-50 model. The positive predictive values of a high texture score to classify RA using the Deep-TEN and ResNet-50 models were 0.64 and 0.67, respectively. High mean texture scores were associated with age- and sex-adjusted ORs (95% CI) for RA of 3.42 (2.59–4.50) and 4.30 (3.26–5.69) using the Deep-TEN and ResNet-50 models, respectively. The moderate and high RA risk groups determined by the Deep-TEN model were associated with adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of 2.48 (1.78–3.47) and 4.39 (3.11–6.20) for RA, respectively, and those using the ResNet-50 model were 2.17 (1.55–3.04) and 6.91 (4.83–9.90), respectively.ConclusionFully automated quantitative assessment for periarticular texture by deep learning models can help the classification of early RA.
Adult post COVID-19 multisystem inflammatory syndrome and thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Boudhabhay Idris , Rabant Marion , Coupry Louis-Marie , Marchal Armance , Roumenina Lubka T , El-Karoui Khalil , Monchi Mehran , Pourcine Franck 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide but medium and long-term consequences are unknown. Clinical series of Kawasaki-like multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), occurring after SARS-Cov-2 spreading, have been recently described. Case presentation: We describe a case of post COVID-19 MIS in a 46-year-old man, with biopsy-proven renal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Specific complement inhibition with Eculizumab was initiated promptly and lead to a dramatic improvement of renal function. Conclusion: Our case suggests that post COVID-19 MIS is not restricted to children and that TMA could play a central role in the pathophysiology of this syndrome
Meta-analysis of tumor and T cell intrinsic mechanisms of sensitization to checkpoint inhibition
Authors: Litchfield Kevin , Reading James L. , Puttick Clare , Abbosh Chris , Bentham Robert , Watkins Thomas B. K. , Rosenthal Rachel , Biswas Dhruva , Lim Emilia , AL-Bakir Maise , Turati Virginia , Guerra-Assunção José Afonso , Conde Lucia , Furness Andrew J.S. , Saini Sunil Kumar , Hadrup Sine R , Herrero Javier , Rowan Andrew , Enver Tariq , Hellmann Matthew D. , Larkin James , Turajlic Samra , Quezada Sergio , McGranahan Nicholas , Swanton Charles 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) augment adaptive immunity. Systematic pan-tumor analyses may reveal the relative importance of tumour cell intrinsic and microenvironmental features underpinning CPI sensitization. Here we collated whole-exome and transcriptomic data for >1000 CPI-treated patients across eight tumor-types, utilizing standardized bioinformatics-workflows and clinical outcome-criteria to validate multivariate predictors of CPI-sensitization. Clonal-TMB was the strongest predictor of CPI response, followed by TMB and CXCL9 expression. Subclonal-TMB, somatic copy alteration burden and HLA-evolutionary divergence failed to attain significance. Discovery analysis identified two additional determinants of CPI-response supported by prior functional evidence: 9q34.3 (TRAF2) loss and CCND1 amplification, both independently validated in >1600 CPI-treated patients. We find evidence for collateral sensitivity, likely mediated through selection for CDKN2A-loss, with 9q34.3 loss as a passenger event leading to CPI-sensitization. Finally, scRNA sequencing of clonal neoantigen-reactive CD8-TILs, combined with bulk RNAseq analysis of CPI responding tumors, identified CCR5 and CXCL13 as T cell-intrinsic mediators of CPI-sensitisation.
Sexual assault examination and COVID-19: risk reduction strategies in conducting forensic medical examinations of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 positive patient in Melbourne hospital hot zones
Authors: Rowse Janine , Cunningham Nicola , Parkin Jo Ann 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The rapidly evolving context of the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated profound modifications to the provision of health care services on a global scale. The concomitant requirements of lockdowns and social isolation has had marked ramifications for vulnerable individuals at risk of violence. This ripple effect of the pandemic has been observed globally. It is crucial that clinical forensic medical units continue to provide quality and timely essential services to those affected by interpersonal violence. As such, processes in this field must be modified as COVID-19 cases present and knowledge about the disease changes. The experiences of conducting sexual assault forensic examinations of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 positive (S/COVID-19) patients in a hospital hot zone are presented, and additional forensic issues specific to the emerging COVID-19 context are discussed.
Quality and readability of web-based Arabic health information on COVID-19: Infodemiology study
Authors: Halboub Esam , Al-Akhali Mohammed Sultan , Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M , Alhajj Mohammed Nasser 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective: The study sought to assess the quality and readability of the web-based Arabic health information on COVID-19. Methods: Selected search engines were searched on 13 April 2020 for specific Arabic terms on COVID-19. The first 100 consecutive websites from each engine were obtained. The quality of the websites was analyzed using the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONcode), the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and the DISCERN benchmarks instrument. The readability was assessed using an online readability calculator tool. Results: Overall, 36 websites were found eligible for quality and readability analyses. Only one website (2.7%) was HONcode certified. No single website attained a high score based on the DISCERN tool; the mean score of all websites was 31.5±12.55. Regarding JAMA benchmarks, a mean score of 2.08±1.05 was achieved by the websites; however, only 4 (11.1%) websites achieved all JAMA criteria. The average grade levels for readability were 7.2±7.5, 3.3±0.6 and 93.5±19.4 for Flesch Kincaid Grade level, SMOG, Flesch Reading Ease, respectively. Conclusion: Most of the available web-based Arabic health information on COVID-19 doesn’t have the required level of quality, irrespective of being easy to read and understand by most of the general people.
Metformin Affects Cancer Regulation and Metabolism of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Partially Through Upregulation of H3K27ac&nbsp;
Authors: Liu Shan , Shi Congyu , Hou Xiaoru , Li Chunjie , Ma Xiangrui , Wang Xiaoyi , Gao Pan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objectives Metformin, a first-line drug that has been used for type 2 diabetes treatment, recently attracts broad attention for its therapeutic effects on diverse human cancers. However, its effect and underlying mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are not well known. Materials and Methods OSCC cells were used to detect the effect of metformin on cell proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle and migration in vitro. Tumor growth of nude mice was conducted to detect the effect of metformin in vivo. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the effect of metformin on the expression of histone modification in vitro and vivo. The combined effect on cell proliferation and histone modification of metformin and downregulation of EZH2 was detected by CCK8 and western blotting. Additionally, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms of metformin in OSCC.Results Metformin could inhibit OSCC cell proliferation and tumor growth with the increased acetylation at lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27ac) in vitro and vivo. The underlying mechanisms were related to cancer regulation and cancer metabolism, affected by the increased H3K27ac. Additionally, metformin could synergize with siRNA-EZH2 to inhibit OSCC cell proliferation independent on the increased H3K27ac.Conclusions Metformin could play anti-cancer role in OSCC progression, with the reprogramming of cancer regulation and metabolism partially regulated by the increased H3K27ac.
Externalizing Behavior Problems and Influencing Factors Among Hui Nationality Left-behind Children in Rural Areas of China
Authors: Yu Xue , Wang Ling ling , Liu Miao miao , Li Qiu li , Dai Xiu ying 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Externalizing behavior problems (EBP) is being increasingly viewed as a public health problem. Few studies have addressed EBP in Chinese hui nationality left-behind children (LBC). The aims of this current study to explore the prevalence of EBP and its influencing factors among hui nationality LBC in rural areas of China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school students from the southern rural areas in Ningxia, China (2012-2013). The general self-made questionnaire, Egma Minnen av Bardndosnauppforstran (EMBU), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ for Children), Piers-Harri Children's Self-concept Scale (PHCSS) and Achenbach's Child behavior Checklist (CBCL for parents) were used to investigate the related information. Descriptive analysis and logistic regressions were conducted. Results: The prevalence of EBP in hui nationality LBC and non-left-behind children(non-LBC) were 12.01% (46/383) and 8.57% (49/572), respectively, and there was no significant difference between them (χ2 = 3.037, P=0.081). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low self-concept of behavioral (OR =13.709), introversion (OR =11.188) and intermediate personality (OR =9.349) were risk factors for EBP of hui nationality LBC, while the intermediate type of mother refusal and denial (OR =0.430) was their protective factor. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that parental migration is a risk factor for EBP among hui nationality LBC in rural China. And measures should be taken from self-concept development, personality development, and family education for the prevention of EBP of hui nationality LBC in rural areas of China.
Metabolic Consequences Of Obesity On The Hypercoagulable State Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Risk For Severe SARS-Cov-2 Infection?
Authors: M Abu Saleh Md , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Diboun Ilhame , Elrayess Mohamed , Butler Alexandra E , Atkin Stephen L 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women have a hypercoagulable state and are also at high risk for severe COVID-19 leading to thromboembolic complications and increased mortality; however, whether this is intrinsically due to PCOS or, alternatively, a consequence of its metabolic complications is unclear. Methods: We determined plasma coagulation pathway protein levels in PCOS (n=146) and control (n=97) women recruited to a PCOS biobank. Circulating levels of a panel of 18 clotting pathway proteins were determined by Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA)-scan plasma protein measurement.Results: Cohorts were age matched, though PCOS had elevated body mass index (BMI)(p<0.001), insulin (p<0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP)(p<0.0001). Eight pro-coagulation proteins were elevated in PCOS: plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)(p<0.0001), fibrinogen (p<0.01), fibrinogen gamma chain (p<0.0001), fibronectin (p<0.01), von Willebrand factor (p<0.05), D-dimer (p<0.0001), P-selectin (p<0.05), and plasma kallikrein (p<0.001). However, two anticoagulant proteins, vitamin K-dependent protein-S (p<0.0001) and heparin cofactor-II (p<0.001) were elevated and prothrombin was decreased (p<0.05). CRP, as a marker of inflammation, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) correlated with 11 and 6 of the clotting proteins, respectively (p<0.05). When matched for BMI<25 (16 PCOS, 53 controls) HOMA-IR remained elevated (p<0.05) and heparin cofactor-II was increased (p<0.05). In a multivariate analysis accounting for inflammation, insulin resistance and BMI, there was no correlation of PCOS with any of the coagulation proteins.Conclusion: The hypercoagulable State in PCOS can be fully accounted for by BMI, inflammation and insulin resistance suggesting that only obese PCOS women would be predisposed to an enhanced risk for severe COVID-19-related disease.
A fractional order approach to modeling and simulations of the novel COVID-19
Authors: Owusu-Mensah Isaac , Akinyemi Lanre , Oduro Bismark , Iyiola Olaniyi S. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2.) has emerged and spread at fast speed globally; the disease has become an unprecedented threat to public health worldwide. It is one of the greatest public health challenges in modern times, with no proven cure or vaccine. In this paper, our focus is on a fractional order approach to modeling and simulations of the novel COVID-19. We introduce a fractional type Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) model to gain insight into the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19. Our proposed model incorporates transmission rate, testing rates, and transition rate (from asymptomatic to symptomatic population groups) for a holistic study of the coronavirus disease. The impacts of these parameters on the dynamics of the solution proles for the disease are simulated and discussed in detail. Furthermore, across all the different parameters, the effects of the fractional order derivative are also simulated and discussed in detail. Various simulations carried out enable us gain deep insights into the dynamics of the spread of COVID-19. The simulation results confirm that fractional calculus is an appropriate tool in modeling the spread of a complex infectious disease such as the novel COVID-19. In the absence of vaccine and treatment, our analysis strongly supports the significance reduction in the transmission rate as valuable strategy to curb the spread of the virus. Our results suggest that tracing and moving testing up has an important benefit. It reduces the number of infected individuals in the general public and thereby reduce the spread of the pandemic. Once the infected individuals are identified and isolated, the interaction between susceptible and infected individuals diminishes and transmission reduces. Furthermore, aggressive testing is also highly recommended.
Virtual Screening of Phytochemical Compounds as Potential Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Kothandan Ram , Rajan Cashlin Anna Suveetha Gnana , Arjun Janamitra , Raj Rejoe Raymond Michael , Syed Sowﬁa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The present pandemic situation due to coronavirus has led to the search for newer prevention, diagnostic and treatment methods. The onset of the corona infection in a human results in acute respiratory illness followed by death if not diagnosed and treated with suitable anti-retroviral drugs. With the unavailability of the targeted drug treatment, several repurposed drugs are being used for treatment, However, the side-eﬀects of the drugs urges us to move to a search for newer synthetic or phytochemical based drugs. The present study investigates the use of various phytochemicals virtually screened from various plant sources in Western Ghats, India and subsequently molecular docking studies were performed to identify the eﬃcacy of the drug in retroviral infection particularly coronavirus infection.Results: Out of 57 phytochemical screened initially based on the structural and physicochemical properties, 39 were eﬀectively used for the docking analysis. Finally 5 lead compound with highest hydrophobic interaction and number of H-bonds were screened. Results from the interaction analysis suggests, Piperolactam A to be pocketed well with good hydrophobic interaction with the residues in the binding region R1. ADME and toxicity proﬁling also reveals Piperolactam A with higher LogS vlaues indicating higher permeation and hydrophilicity. Toxicity proﬁling suggests that the 5 screened compounds to be relatively safe.Conclusion: The insilico methods used in this study suggests that the compound Piperolactum A to be the most eﬀective inhibitor of S-protein from binding to the GRP78 receptor. By blocking the binding of the S-protein to the CS-GRP78 cell surface receptor, they can inhibit the binding of the virus to the host.
COVID-19 outbreak and control in Kenya- Insights from a mathematical model
Authors: Mbogo Rachel Waema , Orwa Titus Okello 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID -19) pandemic reached Kenya in March 2020 with the initial cases reported in the capital city Nairobi and in the coastal area Mombasa. As reported by the World Health Organization, the outbreak of COVID -19 has spread across the world, killed many, collapsed economies and changed the way people live since it was first reported in Wuhan, China, in the end of 2019. As of May 25,2020 It had led to over 100,000 confirmed cases in Africa with over 3000 deaths. The trend poses a huge threat to global public health. Understanding the early transmission dynamics of the infection and evaluating the effectiveness of control measures is crucial for assessing the potential for sustained transmission to occur in new areas. We employed a SEIHCRD mathematical transmission model with reported Kenyan data on cases of COVID -19 to estimate how transmission varies over time. The model is concise in structure, and successfully captures the course of the COVID -19 outbreak, and thus sheds light on understanding the trends of the outbreak. The next generation matrix approach was adopted to calculate the basic reproduction number ( $R_0$ ) from the model to assess the factors driving the infection . The results from the model analysis shows that non-pharmaceutical interventions over a relatively long period is needed to effectively get rid of the COVID -19 epidemic otherwise the rate of infection will continue to increase despite the increased rate of recovery.