bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding exclusive breastfeeding among HIV‐positive mothers in Uganda: A qualitative study
Authors: Operto Emily 
Published: December 2019

SummaryBackgroundIn Uganda, the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pregnant women was estimated at 6.1% in 2009, and in 2011, mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) of HIV resulted in 20 600 new paediatric HIV infections. A total of 50% of MTCT of HIV in Uganda occurs after birth, and this is partially attributable to poor adherence to infant feeding (IF) guidelines. Poor IF practices contribute to approximately 1.4 million deaths in children aged younger than five. In 2011, Uganda's rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 62% for infants aged 0 to 5 months. Identifying barriers provides information on how to improve support for HIV‐positive mothers' adherence to EBF, which may take the form of targeted interventions.AimThis study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HIV‐positive mothers in Kampala, Uganda, regarding EBF of infants aged younger than 6 months.MethodsFive focus group discussions, each consisting of five HIV‐positive mothers, were carried out at Kawempe Home Care using a semi‐structured guide. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsThe study findings showed that the main barriers to HIV‐positive mothers practising EBF include a lack of IF counselling, fear of HIV transmission through breast milk, returning to work, and breastfeeding difficulties. The main factors influencing HIV‐positive mothers' decisions regarding IF are IF counselling and partners' and families' recommendations.ConclusionThis study recommends increasing access to couples‐based HIV testing at antenatal clinics and couples‐based IF counselling, while ensuring that it addresses breastfeeding difficulties.
Occurrence of Trace Metals in Food Crops Grown on the Mbale Dumpsite, Uganda, and Human Health Risks
Authors: Awino Florence Barbara , Maher William Andrew , Krikowa Frank , Lynch A Jasmyn J 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Food crops can be used as biomonitors to assess potential public health food safety hazards from contaminated agricultural environments. Globally, more than 800 million people grow fruits, vegetables, and grains on urban garden soils with unknown health risks. This worldwide practice has exposed consumers to pathogenic and carcinogenic risks from locally grown and imported contaminated foodstuffs such as Amaranthus cruentus and Zea mays, traditional and widely consumed crops across the globe. This study used Z. mays and A. cruentus crops to investigate the occurrence and spatial variations of aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) concentrations across the Mbale dumpsite, Uganda. Mean concentrations for Fe, Al, Zn, Mn, and Cu were high in both crops, whereas Pb, Cr, Co, Cd, As, Hg, Se, and Ni occurred in trace amounts. Using the 2 crops as biomonitors, significant variations for Al, Zn, Fe, Cr, and Co concentrations in individual crops were identified across the dump center, hill slope, and riverbank. The variations in Al, Zn, Fe, Cr, and Co concentrations were specific for crop types, crop parts, and location. The highest overall accumulation of metals was at the dump center and in crop leaves. Except Pb concentrations in Z. mays seeds, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Al concentrations in other crop parts were above World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization consumer food safety limits. Therefore, Z. mays and A. cruentus consumption could pose health risks to consumers. Further health assessments and potential regulations are recommended to reduce potential health risks from metals in crops for human consumption. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:362–377. © 2019 SETAC
KEY POINTS
Spatial metal distribution across the Mbale dumpsite zones were assessed using Amaranthus cruentus and Zea mays crops. Al, Zn, Fe, Cr, and Co concentrations in individual crops significantly varied across the three zones. Pb, Cr, Al, and Zn in most crop parts were above the recommended WHO/FAO food safety limits. The highest metal accumulation was at the dump center and in crop leaves.
HPV‐based cervical cancer screening in low‐resource settings: Maximizing the efficiency of community‐based strategies in rural Kenya
Authors: Huchko Megan J. , Olwanda Easter , Choi Yujung , Kahn James G. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the efficiency of screening through high‐volume community health campaigns (CHCs) by comparing the costs and population reach and identify factors associated with gains in efficiency. Access to effective cervical cancer screening remains limited in low‐resource settings, especially in rural areas. Periodic CHCs are a novel method of offering screening for HPV at lower costs and higher population coverage than health facilities.MethodsA micro‐costing study was conducted within a cervical cancer screening trial to measure efficiency (cost per woman screened) and population uptake of HPV‐based screening offered through CHCs in Migori County, Kenya between January and September 2016. Regression analysis assessed relationships between population size and efficiency. Structured observations and qualitative interviews identified implementation factors that affected efficiency in individual campaigns.ResultsCommunities screening through CHCs had costs per woman screened ranging from US $22.06 to $30.21. Efficiency was directly correlated to overall numbers of women screened, but not to proportion of population screened. Modifiable factors that acted as context‐specific facilitators and barriers with a potential impact on efficiency were identified.ConclusionThere was substantial variation in efficiency among CHCs. Cultural factors, health beliefs, and poor coordination among implementation partners as potential key barriers to screening uptake were identified.
Strontium‐substituted biphasic calcium phosphate microspheres promoted degradation performance and enhanced bone regeneration
Authors: Chen Ying , Liu Zhongning , Jiang Ting , Zou Xinyu , Lei Lei , Yan Wenjuan , Yang Jingwen , Li Bo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBiphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics are the subject of much attention for use as bone replacement material. However, it remains a challenge to promote the degradation and osteoinductivity performances of BCP ceramics. In this work, novel BCP ceramic microspheres with good degradation and excellent osteoinductivity were prepared through high‐content strontium (Sr) doping. The in vitro results indicated that the Sr10‐BCP, Sr40‐BCP, and Sr80‐BCP microspheres all had their HA crystals partially transformed to the beta tricalcium phosphate phase following high‐temperature sintering because of Ca‐deficient HA formed by the partial substitution of Ca ions by Sr ions. In addition, the degradation rate was increased with the doping of increasing amounts of Sr. All prepared microspheres enhanced human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells attachment and proliferation. Specifically, among these modified microspheres, the Sr40‐BCP microspheres showed the highest osteogenic potential. Furthermore, Sr40‐BCP and HA microspheres were implanted in a calvarial defect model of rat to evaluate the in vivo bone augmentation ability. The results indicated that Sr40‐BCP microspheres degraded more completely and significantly promoted new bone regeneration compared with HA microspheres. In conclusion, Sr40‐BCP microspheres have excellent potential for degradation and bone regeneration and are promising osteogenic materials.
An examination of Black women's experiences in undergraduate engineering on a primarily white campus: Considering institutional strategies for change
Authors: Blosser Emily 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundBlack women are underrepresented in engineering and face barriers as a result of their race and gender. While existing research often focuses on strategies Black women can adopt to become successful engineers, this study asks how engineering institutions might change to better accommodate Black women.PurposeThe specific purpose of this study is to explore the following questions: (a) How does the educational environment in engineering marginalize Black women in ways that are beyond their control? (b) How can institutions transform their policies and practices to improve Black women's experiences and participation in engineering?Design/MethodI conducted interviews with 12 Black women studying engineering at one university. Informed by critical race theory and sociological theories of race, a constructivist grounded theoretical approach was used to identify and refine common themes across interviews.ResultsThe findings explore the ways Black women describe their marginalization. Common themes include an acute sense of isolation, grappling with hypervisibility, difficulties forming study groups, and regular exposure to microaggressions.ConclusionsBy drawing attention directly to Black women's stories and experiences, this study offers ways to begin thinking about how institutions can adopt policies to recruit and retain more Black women in engineering. Strategies discussed include promoting new messages of inclusivity in engineering, supporting and creating “counterspaces,” and encouraging engineering educators to create student study groups and recognize microaggressions.
Challenges of HIV diagnosis and management in the context of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP), test and start and acute HIV infection: a scoping review
Authors: Elliott Tamara , Sanders Eduard J , Doherty Meg , Ndung'u Thumbi , Cohen Myron , Patel Pragna , Cairns Gus , Rutstein Sarah E , Ananworanich Jintanat , Brown Colin , Fidler Sarah 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionKnowledge of HIV status relies on accurate HIV testing, and is the first step towards access to HIV treatment and prevention programmes. Globally, HIV‐status unawareness represents a significant challenge for achieving zero new HIV infections and deaths. In order to enhance knowledge of HIV status, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a testing strategy that includes the use of HIV‐specific antibody point‐of‐care tests (POCT). These POCTs do not detect acute HIV infection, the stage of disease when viral load is highest but HIV antibodies are undetectable. Complicating things further, in the presence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP), other currently available testing technologies, such as viral load detection for diagnosis of acute HIV infection, may yield false‐negative results. In this scoping review, we evaluate the evidence and discuss alternative HIV testing algorithms that may mitigate diagnostic dilemmas in the setting of increased utilization of ART for immediate treatment and prevention of HIV infection.DiscussionMissed acute HIV infection prevents people living with HIV (PLHIV) from accessing early treatment, increases likelihood of onward transmission, and allows for inappropriate initiation or continuation of PrEP, which may result in HIV drug resistance. While immediate ART is recommended for all PLHIV, studies have shown that starting ART in the setting of acute HIV infection may result in a delayed or complete absence of development of HIV‐specific antibodies, posing a diagnostic challenge that is particularly pertinent to resource‐limited, high HIV burden settings where HIV‐antibody POCTs are standard of care. Similarly, ART used as PrEP or PEP may supress HIV RNA viral load, complicating current HIV testing algorithms in resource‐wealthy settings where viral detection is included. As rollout of PrEP continues, HIV testing algorithms may need to be modified.ConclusionsWith increasing use of PrEP and ART in acute infection we anticipate diagnostic challenges using currently available HIV testing strategies. Research and surveillance are needed to determine the most appropriate assays and optimal testing algorithms that are accurate, affordable and sustainable.
HIV‐associated morbidity and mortality in a setting of high ART coverage: prospective surveillance results from a district hospital in Botswana
Authors: Barak Tomer , Neo Dayna T , Tapela Neo , Mophuthegi Patricia , Zash Rebbeca , Kalenga Ketenga , Perry Melissa EO , Malane Mompati , Makhema Joseph , Lockman Shahin , Shapiro Roger 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionAntiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly improved survival in Africa in recent years. In Botswana, where adult HIV prevalence is 21.9%, AIDS‐related mortality is estimated to have declined by 58% between 2005 and 2013 following the initial wide‐spread introduction of ART, and ART coverage has steadily increased reaching 84% in 2016. However, there remains little data about the burden of HIV and its impact on mortality in the hospital setting where most deaths occur. We aimed to describe the burden of HIV and related morbidity and mortality among hospitalized medical patients in a district hospital in southern Botswana in the era of widespread ART coverage.MethodsWe prospectively reviewed medical admissions to Scottish Livingstone Hospital from December 2015 to November 2017 and recorded HIV status, demographics, clinical characteristics and final diagnoses at discharge, death or transfer. We ascertained outcomes and determined factors associated with mortality. Results were compared with similar surveillance data collected at the same facility in 2011 to 2012.ResultsA total of 2316 admissions occurred involving 1969 patients; 42.4% were of HIV‐positive patients, 46.9% of HIV‐negative patients and 10.7% of patients with unknown HIV status. Compared to HIV‐negative patients, HIV‐positive patients had younger age (mean 42 vs. 64 years, p < 0.0001) and higher mortality (22.2% vs. 18.0%, p = 0.03). Tuberculosis was the leading diagnosis among mortality cases in both groups but accounted for a higher proportion of deaths among HIV‐positive admissions (44.5%) compared with HIV‐negative admissions (19.4%, p < 0.0001). Compared with similar surveillance in 2011 to 2012, HIV prevalence was lower (42.4% vs. 47.6%, p < 0.01), and among HIV‐positive admissions: ART coverage was higher (72.2% vs. 56.2%, p < 0.0001), viral load suppression was similar (78.6% vs. 80.3%, p = 0.77), CD4 counts were higher (55.0% vs. 44.6% with CD4 ≥200 cells/mm3, p < 0.001), mortality was similar (22.2 vs. 22.7%, p = 0.93), tuberculosis diagnoses increased (27.5% vs. 20.1%, p < 0.01) and tuberculosis‐associated mortality was higher (35.9% vs. 24.7%, p = 0.05).ConclusionsDespite high ART‐coverage in Botswana, HIV‐positive patients continue to be disproportionately represented among hospital admissions and deaths. Deaths from tuberculosis may be contributing to lack of reduction in inpatient mortality. Our findings suggest that control of HIV and tuberculosis remain top priorities for reducing inpatient mortality in Botswana.
Dual‐Venc acquisition for 4D flow MRI in aortic stenosis with spiral readouts
Authors: Callahan Sean , Singam Narayana S. , Kendrick Michael , Negahdar MJ , Wang Hui , Stoddard Marcus F. , Amini Amir A. 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundSingle Venc 4D flow MRI with Cartesian readout is hampered by poor velocity resolution and noise when imaging during diastole. Dual Venc acquisitions typically require the acquisition of two distinct datasets, which leads to longer scan times.Purpose/HypothesisTo design and develop a 4D Spiral Dual Venc sequence. The sequence allows for separate systolic and diastolic Vencs as part of a single acquisition with a prescribed switch time. The implemented sequence was hypothesized to be comparable to Cartesian 4D flow, but with increased velocity resolution in the diastolic phase and with better scan efficiency and reduced noise.Study TypeProspective.PopulationThe studied populations were two phantoms—a straight pipe with a stenotic narrowing and a phantom of the aortic arch which included a calcific polymeric valve—under both steady and pulsatile flows, six healthy volunteers, and eight patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).Field Strength/Sequence1.5T, Dual Venc 4D flow with spiral readouts.AssessmentData from the proposed sequence were compared with data from 4D Cartesian Dual Venc and Single Venc acquisitions. Noise was assessed from the acquired velocity data with the pump turned off and by varying Venc. Steady acquisitions were compared to the proximal slice of the lowest Single Venc acquisition.Statistical TestsSteady flows were compared using relative‐root‐mean‐squared‐error (RRMSE). For in vivo flows and pulsatile in vitro flows, net flow for corresponding timepoints were compared with the Pearson correlation test (P < 0.01).ResultsFor steady flows, RRMSEs for Single Vencs ranged from 17.6% to 19.4%, and 9.6% to 16.5% for Dual Vencs. The net flow correlation coefficient for the aortic arch phantom was 0.975, and 0.995 for the stenotic phantom. Normal volunteer and patient comparisons yielded a correlation of 0.970 and 0.952, respectively. in vitro and in vivo pulsatile flow waveforms closely matched.Data ConclusionThe Dual Venc offers improved noise properties and velocity resolution, while the spiral trajectory offers a scan efficient acquisition with short echo time yielding reduced flow artifacts.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy Stage: 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:117–128.
Relationship between self‐reported bruxism and periodontal status: Findings from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Botelho João , Machado Vanessa , Proença Luís , Rua João , Martins Leonardo , Alves Ricardo , Cavacas Maria Alzira , Manfredini Daniele , Mendes José João 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies seek to prove the relationship between bruxism and periodontal status although it remains unclear and debatable. We aimed to assess the association between self‐reported (SR) bruxism with the periodontal status in a large scale survey.MethodsA total of 1064 individuals from the southern region of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (Portugal) were enrolled. Patients were interviewed for the SR bruxism assessment through a self‐report questionnaire. Full‐mouth periodontal status was assessed with probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession (REC), and bleeding on probing (BoP) being measured. The American Association of Periodontology/European Federation of Periodontology 2018 case definitions were used. Logistic regression analyses provided information on the influence of SR bruxism towards periodontitis.ResultsSR bruxers exhibited lower prevalence of periodontitis. Additionally, SR bruxers with periodontitis had PD and CAL significantly lower than patients with only periodontitis. Multivariate analysis suggests that SR bruxism was significantly associated with a lower risk of periodontitis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.42 95% CI: 0.32‐0.56). Mean PD and CAL were significantly lower in SR bruxers. When assessing the type of SR bruxism, significant differences among mean PD, CAL, and BoP levels were also identified.ConclusionSR bruxism and periodontal status are negatively associated. SR bruxers exhibit lower odds towards periodontitis and better periodontal clinical characteristics. Further studies are mandatory to clarify these findings.
Revisiting the conformational adsorption of L‐ and D‐cysteine on Au nanoparticles by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Rodríguez‐Zamora P. , Salazar‐Angeles B. , Buendía F. , Cordero‐Silis C. , Fabila J. , Bazán‐Díaz L. , Fernández‐Díaz L.M. , Paz‐Borbón L.O. , Díaz G. , Garzón I.L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractUnderstanding the physical mechanisms of thiolated molecules adsorption on metal surfaces has required copious research, particularly on Au–cysteine systems due to the affinity of sulfur molecules to gold surfaces, as well as the interesting structural modifications that this strong interaction induces and the peculiar optical, chiroptical, and electronic properties of Au(SR) systems. Here, we present vibrational experimental data on the adsorption of L‐ and D‐cysteine on small gold nanoparticles (<2 nm) by means of Raman spectroscopy. L‐ and D‐cysteine molecules adopt the same strained conformation upon adsorption on colloidal gold nanoparticles, regaining structure due to the stabilization that the gold nanoparticle induces on the cysteine, reflected in the recuperation of vibrational bands from their polymorphically distinctive crystalline forms. Through the analysis of Raman vibrational modifications after adsorption, we found experimental evidence that confirms a stabilized cysteine conformation locating the carboxyl group in the antiposition (PC isomeric rotamer) for both molecules. This result is supported by extensive density functional theory (DFT) calculations and simulated Raman spectra, considering zwitterionic cysteine adsorbed on a Au34 cluster, emulating experimental nanoparticle sizes. Our Raman spectroscopy experimental and DFT results determine one of the oxygen atoms of the carboxyl group as a second adsorption site after the sulfur atom, confirming that independent of its polymorphism and enantiomerism, zwitterionic cysteine interacts with gold nanoparticles through the thiol group and the carboxyl group as adsorption sites.
Evaluation of accuracy and precision in an amplicon sequencing workflow for marine protist communities
Authors: Catlett Dylan , Matson Paul G. , Carlson Craig A. , Wilbanks Elizabeth G. , Siegel David A. , Iglesias‐Rodriguez M. Debora 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAdvances in high‐throughput DNA sequencing methods reveal the vast diversity of marine protists. Amplicon sequencing of “barcode” genes, such as the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (henceforth, 18S gene), is a cost‐effective and widely used genetic method for assessing the composition of marine protist communities. This method is now being applied from local to global scales to interrogate the causes and consequences of protist community variations. Significant efforts have been made to validate amplicon methods targeting prokaryotes, but the precision, accuracy, and quantitative potential of 18S gene amplicon sequencing methods for marine protists remain unclear. Here, we use artificial (mock) communities and environmental samples collected from the Santa Barbara Channel, CA to evaluate the precision and accuracy in an amplicon workflow targeting the V9 hypervariable region of the 18S gene for marine protists. Overall, we find that this amplicon workflow has high precision and reasonable accuracy, but the magnitude of analytical uncertainty can increase significantly unless certain procedural issues are avoided. Finally, we demonstrate the value of positive and negative controls in, and the quantitative potential of, amplicon sequencing assessments of marine protist communities.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel‐Based Cobalt Ferrite Nanopowder
Authors: Kumari Chanda , Lahiri Preeti 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn the present investigation, nickel‐substituted cobalt ferrite (Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4) nanoparticles are synthesized using chemical co‐precipitation method. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) base is used as precipitant. The formation of single‐phase cubic structure and the average crystalline sizes are evaluated by X‐ray diffraction technique. The microstructural features is examined by scanning electron microscopy. The high‐ and low‐frequency absorption bands (600–400 cm−1) of Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4 are investigated using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis.