bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socio-demographic Determinants of Low Sexual Desire and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Population-based Study in Iran
Authors: Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab , malary mina , moosazadeh mahmood , Khani Soghra , Pourasghar mehdi , Alianmoghaddam Narges 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Various socio-demographic factors have been introduced as the determinants of Low Sexual Desire (LSD), but whether these variables can also contribute to the Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), remains uncertain. In this study, we sought to identify the socio-demographic determinants of LSD and HSDD in Iranian women of reproductive age. Methods: This was a population-based, cross-sectional study of 1000 married Iranian women of reproductive age (16-49 years) who met the inclusion criteria. The participants were chosen using the systematic random sampling method from all the healthcare centres in the city of Sari, Iran. LSD was defined as a score no higher than 33 on the Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female (SIDI-F). The sexually-related personal distress was considered as a score of at least 11.0 on the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and HSDD was determined based on the sum of those scores. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and a chi-square test was run for data analysis using grouping variables. Multivariate logistic regression test was also employed to adjust the effect of confounding variables. Results: The mean score of sexual interest/desire among women was 30.6±10.5. After adjusting the effect of confounding variables, logistic regression showed that socio-demographic variables including age at first intercourse, length of marriage and the level of satisfaction with income were significantly associated with both LSD and HSDD (P<0.01). While advancing age (P<0.001) and body mass index (P<0.01) were just predictors of LSD. Conclusion: Some socio-demographic factors could predict LSD in women, while they were not associated with HSDD. In other words, some factors associated with LSD do not instigate sexually-related personal distress, which is one of the criteria necessary for the diagnosis of HSDD.
High prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections in adults, Ashanti Region, Ghana, 2018
Authors: Heinemann Melina , Phillips Richard O. , Vinnemeier Christof D. , Rolling Christina , Tannich Egbert , Rolling Thierry 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Ghana is among the high-burden countries for malaria infection and recently reported a notably increase in malaria cases. While asymptomatic parasitaemia is increasingly recognized as a hurdle for malaria elimination, studies on asymptomatic malaria are scarce and usually focus on children and on non-falciparum species. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum and non-falciparum infections in Ghanaian adults in the Ashanti region during the high transmission season.
Methods
Asymptomatic adult residents from five villages in the Ashanti Region, Ghana, were screened for Plasmodium species by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during the rainy season. Samples tested positive were subtyped using species-specific real-time PCR. For all Plasmodium ovale infections additional sub-species identification was performed.
Results
Molecular prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection was 284/391 (73%); only 126 (32%) infections were detected by RDT. While 266 (68%) participants were infected with Plasmodium falciparum, 33 (8%) were infected with Plasmodium malariae and 34 (9%) with P. ovale. The sub-species P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri were identified to similar proportions. Non-falciparum infections usually presented as mixed infections with P. falciparum.
Conclusions
Most adult residents in the Ghanaian forest zone are asymptomatic Plasmodium carriers. The high Plasmodium prevalence not detected by RDT in adults highlights that malaria eradication efforts must target all members of the population. Beneath Plasmodium falciparum, screening and treatment must also include infections with P. malariae, P. o. curtisi and P. o. wallikeri.
High spatial resolution magnetic mapping using ultra-high sensitivity scanning SQUID microscopy on a speleothem from the Kingdom of Tonga, southern Pacific
Authors: Fukuyo Naoto , Oda Hirokuni , Yokoyama Yusuke , Clark Geoffrey , Yamamoto Yuhji 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Speleothems are an ideal archive of paleomagnetism since they retain continuous geomagnetic records in stable conditions and can be used for reliable radiometric dating using U-series and radiocarbon methods. However, their weak magnetic signals hinder the widespread use of this archive in the field of geoscience. While previous studies successfully reconstructed paleomagnetic signatures, including geomagnetic excursions, the time resolutions presented were not sufficient. Recently emerging scanning SQUID microscopy (SSM) in this field can image very weak magnetic fields while maintaining high spatial resolution that could likely overcome this obstacle. In this study, we employed SSM for paleomagnetic measurements on a stalagmite collected at Anahulu cave in Tongatapu Island, the Kingdom of Tonga. The samples were sliced to a thickness of ca. 0.2 mm and scanned for NRM using SSM, and the signal provides the indications of the influence from viscous remanent magnetization. It was thus removed by alternating field demagnetization (AFD) at 5mT. The average measured magnetic field after 5 mT AFD is ca. 0.27 nT with a sensor-to-sample distance of ~200 µm. A stronger magnetic field (average: ca. 0.62 nT) was observed above the grayish surface layer compared to that of the white inner layer (average: ca. 0.09 nT) associated with the laminated structures of a speleothem at the submillimeter scale with the SSM. The magnetization of the speleothem sample calculated by an inversion of isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) also suggests that magnetic mineral content in the surface layer is higher than the inner layer. This feature was further investigated by low-temperature magnetometry. The results reveal that it contains magnetite and maghemite. The first-order reversal curve (FORC) measurements and the decomposition of IRM curves show that this speleothem contains a mixture of magnetic minerals with different coercivities and domain states. The contribution from maghemite to the total magnetization of the grayish surface layer is much higher than the white inner layer. The gray and white-colored layers of the speleothem retaining magnetically distinct characters indicates that the depositional environment was shifted when the surface layer was deposited and was likely changed to the oxidative environment.
Dignity of informal caregivers of migrant patients in the last phase of life. A qualitative study.
Authors: de Voogd Xanthe , Willems Dick , Torensma Marieke , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje , Suurmond Jeanine 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: A key aim of palliative care is to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To help ensure quality of life for the families of patients with migrant backgrounds, this study sought insights into the dignity of informal caregivers in migrant communities. This could improve understanding of family-centered care for migrant patients.Methods: Twenty semi-structured interviews with informal caregivers of Turkish, Moroccan, or Surinamese background living in the Netherlands were analyzed thematically.Results: The dignity of the patient and that of their informal caregivers were found to be strongly interrelated. Most important for the dignity of caregivers was ensuring good care for their patients and preserving the patients’ dignity. Ensuring good care involved advocating for good and dignified care and for satisfaction of a patient’s wishes. For many informal caregivers, it also included delivering care to the patient by themselves or together with other family members, despite having to give up part of their own lives. Providing care themselves was part of maintaining a good relationship with the patient; the care was to cater to the patient’s preferences and help preserve the patient’s dignity, and it could be accompanied by valuable aspects such as times for good conversations. Positive interaction between an informal caregiver and a patient positively influenced the informal caregiver’s dignity. Informal caregiver and patient dignity were often compromised simultaneously; when informal caregivers felt healthcare professionals were undermining a patient’s dignity, their own dignity suffered. According to informal caregivers, healthcare professionals can help them preserve dignity by taking seriously their advice about the patient, keeping them informed about the prognosis of the disease and of the patient, and dealing respectfully with differences in values at the end of life. Conclusion: The dignity of migrant patients’ informal caregivers in the last phase of a patient’s life is closely entwined with ensuring good care and dignity for the patient. Healthcare professionals can strengthen the dignity of informal caregivers by supporting their caregiving role.
Optimization Strategy of Wireless Charger Node Deployment Based on Improved Cuckoo Search Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yang , wang feifan , Zhu Yujun , Liu Yiyang , Zhao Chuanxin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In wireless rechargeable sensor network, the deployment of charger node directly affects the overall charging utility of sensor network. Aiming at this problem, this paper abstracts the charger deployment problem as a multi-objective optimization problem that maximizes the received power of sensor nodes and minimizes the number of charger nodes. First, a network model that maximizes the sensor node received power and minimizes the number of charger nodes is constructed. Second, an Improved Cuckoo Search (ICS) algorithm is proposed. This algorithm is based on the traditional Cuckoo Search algorithm (CS) to redefine its step factor, and then use the mutation factor to change the nesting position of the host bird to update the bird ’s nest position, and then use ICS to find the ones that maximize the received power of the sensor node and minimize the number of charger nodes optimal solution. Compared with the traditional cuckoo search algorithm and multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm, the simulation results show that the algorithm can effectively increase the receiving power of sensor nodes, reduce the number of charger nodes and find the optimal solution to meet the conditions, so as to maximize the network charging utility.
Momordica Charantia Polysaccharides Modulate the Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells via SIRT1/Β-Catenin Axis in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Hu Zhaoli , Li Fengying , Zhou Xiaoling , Zhang Feng , Huang Linyan , Gu Bing , Shen Jiangang , Qi Suhua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Stroke is the leading cause of long-term motor disability and cognitive impairment. Recently, neurogenesis has become an attractive strategy for the chronic recovery of stroke. It is important to understand the molecular mechanism that promotes neural stem cell (NSC) neurogenesis for future NSC-based therapies. Our previous study showed that Momordica charantia polysaccharides (MCPs) exerted neuroprotective effects on stroke via their antioxidant and anti-inflammation activities. However, it remains unknown whether MCPs promote NSC neurogenesis after cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods We investigated MCPs’ function in differentiation of NSCs in vitro experiments. Primary NSCs and neural stem cell line C17.2 were cultured and subjected to glutamate stimulation to establish the cell model of ischemia / reperfusion injury (IRI). We evaluated the effect of MCPs on NSC differentiation in IRI cell model by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The SIRT1 activity of NSCs post glutamate stimulation were also evaluated by CELL SIRT1 COLORIMETRY ASSAY KIT. In addition, molecular mechanism was clarified by employing the activator and inhibitor of SIRT1. Results MCPs had no effects on the differentiation of neural stem cells under physiological conditions, while shifted NSC differentiation potential from the gliogenic to neurogenic lineage under pathological conditions. Activation of SIRT1 with MCPs was responsible for the neuronal differentiation of C17.2-NSCs. The neuronal differentiation effect of MCPs was attributed to upregulation SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of β-catenin. MCPs-induced deacetylation via SIRT1 promoted nuclear accumulation of β-catenin in NSCs. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the deacetylation of β-catenin by SIRT1 represents a critical mechanism of action of MCPs in promoting NSC neuronal differentiation. It provides an improved understanding of molecular mechanism underlying neuroprotective effects of MCPs in IRI, indicating its potential role on treating ischemic stroke especially chronic recovery.
Spatial variations in seismicity characteristics in and around the source region of the 2019 Yamagata-Oki Earthquake, Japan
Authors: Ueda Taku , Kato Aitaro , Ogata Yoshihiko , Yamaya Lina 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The 2019 MJ 6.7 Yamagata-Oki earthquake occurred adjacent to the northeastern edge of the source region of the 1964 MJ 7.5 Niigata earthquake, offshore of Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. Few aftershocks occurred in the source region of the Yamagata-Oki earthquake immediately following the Niigata earthquake, and the recent seismicity rate in this region is low compared with the source region of the Niigata earthquake. This spatial variation in seismicity may allow us to elucidate plausible physical processes that shape the spatiotemporal evolution of these shallow-crustal environments. Here, we investigate the spatial variations in seismicity characteristics by applying the HIerarchical Space–Time Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence (HIST-ETAS) model to an earthquake catalog compiled by the Japan Meteorological Agency for events in and around the Yamagata-Oki earthquake rupture region. We compare spatial variations in the background seismicity rate and aftershock productivity estimated from the HIST-ETAS model with the geophysical features in the study region. The background seismicity rate is high along the eastern margin of the Sea of Japan and correlates well with a previously identified zone that possesses a high geodetic E-W strain rate. The two major earthquakes occurred in and around a high E-W strain rate zone, suggesting that the background seismicity rate may serve as a key parameter for evaluating seismic hazard across the Japanese Archipelago. Furthermore, the source region of the Yamagata-Oki earthquake has a higher aftershock productivity, lower e-value, and lower seismic-wave velocity than that of the Niigata earthquake. We interpret this low-velocity zone to be a well-developed damaged rock that resulted in both a reduction in the b-value and an increase in aftershock productivity based on previous laboratory experiments and numerical results; this damage makes the rock more ductile at the macroscopic scale. The higher ductility in the source region of the Yamagata-Oki earthquake may have worked as a barrier against the propagation of dynamic rupture that occurred during the Niigata earthquake.
Risk factors affecting the 1-year outcomes of minor ischemic stroke: results from Xi’an stroke registry study of China
Authors: Liu Zhongzhong , Lin Wenjuan , Lu Qingli , Wang Jing , Liu Pei , Lin Xuemei , Wang Fang , Shi Yaling , Wang Qing , Liu Guozheng , Wu Songdi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of stroke recurrence, disability, and all-cause mortality of patients with minor ischemic stroke (MIS) remains problematic. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes at 1 year after MIS in the Xi’an region of China. Methods: This prospective cohort study included MIS patients above 18 years old with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤ 3 who were treated in any of four hospitals in Xi’an region of China between January and December 2015. The 1-year prevalence of stroke recurrence, disability, and all-cause mortality were evaluated, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between the identified risk factors and clinical outcomes. Results: In this study, 131(10.5%，131/1252) patients were lost to follow-up at 1 year. A total of 1,121 patients were included for analysis, the prevalence of stroke recurrence, disability, and all-cause mortality at 1 year after MIS were 3.4% (38/1121), 9.3% (104/1121), and 3.3% (37/1121), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, current smoking, and pneumonia as independent risk factors for stroke recurrence. Age, pneumonia, and alkaline phosphatase were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. Independent risk factors for disability were age, pneumonia, NIHSS score on admission, and leukocyte count. Conclusions: The 1-year outcomes of MIS in Xi’an region of China were not optimistic，especially with a high prevalence of disability. The present study indicated that age and pneumonia were the common independent risk factors affecting the 1-year outcomes of MIS in Xi’an region of China.
Applying SF-6D to measure Health State Utilities among the Middle and Old Aged Patients with Hypertension in China&nbsp;
Authors: Liu Xiaohan , Bai Guannan , Li Hui , Li Shunping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Hypertension is a growing public health problem in China; however, little is known about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) especially health state utility (HSU) of patients with hypertension in rural China. This study aimed to examine the HSU as measured by SF-6D and to investigate its associated factors among middle and old aged patients with hypertension in rural China.Methods: Data were collected from twelve villages in Shandong Province in 2016. SF-36 was administrated to measure HRQoL of middle and old aged patients with hypertension and was got to the SF-6D values using Hong Kong’s tariff. Descriptive analyses, such as demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, and utility, were stratified by hypertension classification. Multiple linear regression models were applied to assess the associated factors of HSU. Results: A total of 933(response rate:86.4%) middle and old aged patients (69.1±8.2 years) with hypertension participated in the study. 39.4% of participants were male; 44.2% had stage I hypertension; 26.4% had stage II and above. The mean score of SF-6D utility score was 0.743 (SD: 0.14, range: 0.32-1.00, median: 0.756, Interquartile range:0.634-0.859). Being female (β=-0.046), having two or more comorbidities (2 vs 1 β=-0.066; >3 vs 1 β=-0.098) and the health expenditure higher than 2000 RMB (2000-3999 vs<2000 β=-0.042; 4000-5999 vs<2000 β=-0.046; >6000 vs <2000 β=-0.071) were significantly associated with lower SF-6D overall score; while being farmer (β=0.032), having high household income (10000-14999 vs <5000 β=0.045; ＞15000 vs <5000 β=0.064) and having stage I and above hypertension (stage I vs Normotensive β=0.047; stage II vs Normotensive β=0.079; stage III vs Normotensive β=0.095) were significantly associated with higher SF-6D overall score.Conclusion: SF-6D was capable to measure quality of life middle and old aged patients with hypertension in China. And multiple factors were demonstrated to be significantly associated with quality of life.
Time in Therapeutic Range, Quality of Life and Treatment Satisfaction of Patients on Long-Term Warfarin for Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ng Diana-Leh-Ching , Malik Natasya Marliana Bt Abdul , Chai Chee-Shee , Goh Greta-Miranda-Kim-Choo , Tan Seng-Beng , Bee Ping-Chong , Gan Gin-Gin , Said Asri B 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The use of warfarin in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) can be challenging. In this study, we evaluate the time in therapeutic range (TTR), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and treatment satisfaction of patients on long-term warfarin for NVAF. The HRQoL and treatment satisfaction were compared based on the TTR.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients on warfarin for NVAF who attended the anticoagulant clinic of a tertiary cardiology referral center in Sarawak from 1st June 2018 to 31st May 2019. Patients’ TTR was calculated by using Rosendaal technique, while their HRQoL and treatment satisfaction were assessed by using Short Form 12 Health Survey version 2 (SF12v2) and Duke Anticoagulant Satisfaction Scale (DASS), respectively. Results: A total of 300 patients were included, with mean TTR score of 47.0 ± 17.3%. The physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) score of SF-12v2 were 47.0 ± 9.0 and 53.5 ± 9.6, respectively. The total score for DASS was 55.2 ± 21.3, while the score for limitations (L), hassles and burdens (H&B) and positive psychological impacts (PPI) were 18.0 ± 10.0, 15.6 ± 9.1 and 21.6 ± 5.9, respectively.Seventy-three (24.3%) patients had good TTR (≥ 60%), with mean of 70.2 ± 8.7%; while 227 (75.5%) patients with poor TTR had significantly lower mean of 39.5 ± 11.9% (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference in the score of PCS (p = 0.150), MCS (p = 0.919) and each domain of SF-12v2 (p = 0.184 – 0.684) between good and poor TTR, except for social functioning (p = 0.019). The total DASS score was also not significantly different between group (p = 0.779). Similar non-significant difference was also reported in all the DASS sub dimensions (p = 0.502 – 0.699).Conclusions: Majority of the patients on long-term warfarin for NVAF in the current study have poor TTR. Their HRQoL and treatment satisfaction are independent of their TTR. Achieving a good TTR do not compromise the HRQoL and treatment satisfaction. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to optimise INR control, failing which direct oral anticoagulant therapy should be considered.
Association between social capital and depression among older people: evidence from Anhui Province, China
Authors: Bai Zhongliang , Xu Zhiwei , Xu Xiaoru , Qin Xia , Hu Wenbiao , Hu Zhi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To examine the relationship between social capital and depression among community-dwelling older adults in Anhui Province, China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among older people selected from three cities of Anhui Province, China using a multi-stage stratiﬁed cluster random sampling method. Data were collected through questionnaire interviews and information on demographic characteristics, social capital, and depression was collected. The generalized linear model and classification and regression tree model were employed to assess the association between social capital and depression.Results: Totally, 1,810 older people aged ≥ 60 years were included in the final analysis. Overall, all of the social capital dimensions were positively associated with depression: social participation (coefficient: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.22 - 0.48), social support (coefficient:0.18, 95% CI:0.07 - 0.28), social connection (coefficient: 0.76, 95% CI:0.53 - 1.00), trust (coefficient:0.62, 95% CI:0.33 - 0.92), cohesion (coefficient:0.31, 95% CI:0.17 - 0.44) and reciprocity (coefficient:0.30, 95% CI:0.11 - 0.48), which suggested that older people with higher social capital had a smaller chance to develop depression. A complex joint effect of certain social capital dimensions on depression was also observed. The association with depression and the combinative effect of social capital varied among older adults across the cities.Conclusions: Our study suggests that improving social capital could aid in the prevention of depression among older adults.