bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between breastfeeding and cognitive function in children from early childhood to school age: a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: Kim Min Kyoung , Choi Jae-Won 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite evidences of breastfeeding for preventing acute physical illnesses in infants, the evidence for the association between breastfeeding and long-term cognitive development is not yet convincing.Methods: The data of nationwide representative sample of 1,752 children born between 2008 and 2009 in Korea were prospectively assessed from the fetal period to examine the benefits of breastfeeding and cognitive development. Breastfeeding duration was prospectively assessed by parents. The Korean Ages and Stages Questionnaire and the Korean version of Denver II were used to assess early development annually from 5.5 to 26.2 months of age. Language development at 3 years of age was assessed with Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary Tests. Cognitive function at 8 years of age was assessed using multifactorial intelligence test.Results: Children who were breastfed for 1–3 months displayed significantly higher odds ratios for delayed development assessed at 14.1 months than those breastfed for 3–6 months. Children who were breastfed for >3 months also scored significantly higher on the communication and problem-solving subscales at 14.1 months of age, the expressive language subscale at 3 years. The performances on the calculation subscale at 8 years of age differed significantly among the groups of breastfeeding duration. Conclusion: We found that cognitive development was improved in children that were breastfed for >3 months. Although these results are supported by previous studies, it is important to note that other factors were reported as larger determinants of cognitive development than breastfeeding. Future studies that examine the underlying mechanism for the association between breastfeeding and cognitive development are warranted.
Calculating the Most Likely Intron Splicing Orders in S. pombe, Fruit Fly, Arabidopsis&nbsp;thaliana, and Humans
Authors: Li Meng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIntrons have been shown to be spliced in a defined order, and this order influences both alternative splicing regulation and splicing fidelity, but previous studies have only considered neighbouring introns. The detailed intron splicing order remains unknown.ResultsIn this work, a method was developed that can calculate the intron splicing orders of all introns in each transcript. A simulation study showed that this method can accurately calculate intron splicing orders. I further applied this method to real S. pombe, fruit fly, Arabidopsis thaliana, and human sequencing datasets and found that intron splicing orders change from gene to gene and that humans contain more not in-order spliced transcripts than S. pombe, fruit fly and Arabidopsis thaliana. In addition, I reconfirmed that the first introns in humans are spliced slower than those in S. pombe, fruit fly, and Arabidopsis thaliana genome-widely. Both the calculated most likely orders and the method developed here are available on the web.ConclusionsA novel computational method was developed to calculate the intron splicing orders and applied the method to real sequencing datasets. I obtained intron splicing orders for hundreds or thousands of genes in four organisms. I found humans contain more number of not in-order spliced transcripts.
The Effect of Plant Weight on Estimations of Stalk Lodging Resistance
Authors: Stubbs Christopher J , Oduntan Yusuf , Keep Tyrone , Noble Scott D , Robertson Daniel J 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Stalk lodging (breaking of agricultural plant stalks prior to harvest) is a multi-billion dollar a year problem. Stalk lodging occurs when bending moments induced by a combination of external loading (e.g. wind) and self-loading (e.g. the plant’s own weight) exceed the stalk bending strength of plant stems. Previous studies have investigated external loading and self-loading of plants as separate and independent phenomena. However, these two types of loading are highly interconnected and mutually dependent. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to investigate the combined effect of external loads and plant weight on the flexural response of plant stems, and (2) to provide a generalized framework for accounting for self-weight during mechanical phenotyping experiments used to predict stalk lodging resistance. Results: A mathematical methodology for properly accounting for the interconnected relationship between self-loading and external loading of plants stems is presented. The method was compared to numerous finite element models of plants stems and found to be highly accurate. The resulting interconnected set of equations from the derivation were used to produce user-friendly applications by presenting (1) simplified self-loading correction factors for common loading configurations of plants, and (2) a generalized Microsoft Excel framework that calculates the influence of self-loading on crop stems. Results indicate that ignoring the effects of self-loading when calculating stalk flexural stiffness is appropriate for large and stiff plants such as maize, bamboo, and sorghum. However, significant errors result when ignoring the effects of self-loading in smaller plants with larger relative grain sizes, such as rice (8% error) and wheat (16% error).Conclusions: Properly accounting for self-weight can be critical to determining the structural response of plant stems. Equations and tools provided herein enable researchers to properly account for the plant’s weight during mechanical phenotyping experiments used to determine stalk lodging resistance.
Health status of female Moldovan immigrants to Italy by health literacy level and age group
Authors: Vianello Francesca Alice , Zaccagnini Federica , Pinato Carlo , Maculan Pietro , Buja Alessandra 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Migration flows from Eastern Europe to Italy have been large and continue to grow. The purpose of this study was to examine the health status of a population of Moldovan immigrant women, and their access to health care services in northern Italy, by age group and health literacy level.Methods: We administered an ad-hoc questionnaire to adult Moldovan women. A bivariate analysis was conducted to test the association between health literacy and age groups with other variables ( lifestyles, symptoms and diseases, access to health services). A stepwise logistic regression analysis was run to test the association between access to primary care and health literacy. Moreover, the study compare Moldovan women data with a sample of Italian women of the same age range living in North-Eastern region. Results: Our sample included 170 Moldovan women (aged 46.5 ± 12.3) in five occupational categories: home care workers (28.2%); cleaners (27.1%); health care workers (5.9%); other occupations (28.8%); and unemployed (10%). Active smokers were twice as prevalent among the women with a low health literacy. Health literacy level also determined access to primary healthcare services. For all age groups, the Moldovan sample reported a higher prevalence of allergies, lumbar disorders and depression than the Italian controls.Conclusions: The reported prevalence of some diseases was higher among Moldovan immigrant women than among Italian resident women. Health literacy was associated with the immigrant women’s lifestyle and the use of primary health care services, as previously seen for the autochthonous population.
Socioeconomic inequalities in women's access to health care: has Ecuadorian health reform succeeded?
Authors: Quizhpe Edy , Sebastian Miguel San , Teran Enrique , Pulkki-Brännström Anni-Maria 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Over the last twelve years, Ecuador has implemented a comprehensive health sector reform to ensure equitable access to health care services according to health needs. While there have been important achievements in terms of health care coverage, the effects of these reforms on socioeconomic inequalities in health care have not been analysed. This study assessed whether the health care reform implemented in the 2007 - 2017 decade contributed to reducing the socioeconomic inequalities in women´s health care access.Methods: This study was based on two waves of the Living Standards Measurement Survey conducted in Ecuador in 2006 and 2014. Data from women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) was analysed to evaluate health care coverage in three indicators: skilled birth attendance, cervical cancer screening and the use of modern contraceptives. Absolute risk differences were calculated between the heath care indicators and the socioeconomic variables using binomial regression analysis for each time period. The Slope Index of Inequality (SII) was also calculated for each socioeconomic variable and period. A multiplicative interaction term between the socioeconomic variables and period was included to assess the changes in socioeconomic inequalities in health care over time.Results: Access to health care increased in the three studied outcomes during the health sector reform. Significant inequality reductions in skilled birth attendance were observed in all socioeconomic variables except in the occupational class. Cervical cancer screening inequalities increased according to education and occupation, but decreased by wealth. Only a decrease by education was observed for modern contraceptive use. Conclusions: While most socioeconomic inequalities in skilled birth attendance decreased during the reform, this was not the case for inequalities in cervical cancer screening or the use of modern contraceptives. Further work is needed to address the social determinants of these health inequalities.
Examining Relationship between Occupational Acid Exposure and Oral Health in Workplace
Authors: Chen Wei-Liang , Chen Yuan-Yuei , Wu Wei-Te , Lai Ching-Huang , Sun Yu-Shan , Wang Chung-Ching 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Acid mist can suspend in the air and enter the body via skin contact, the respiratory tract, or even oral intake, which pose various health hazards. Previous studies have shown that occupational exposure to acid mist or acidic solutions is a major risk factor for oral diseases. However, the findings are inconsistent and do not consider individual factors and lifestyles that may cause the same oral diseases. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive oral health survey and collected detail information to confirm the effect of acidic solution exposure on worker’s oral health. Methods: From 4 acidic solution factories, a total of 309 subjects (157 in control and 152 in exposed group) was enrolled. All participants competed oral examinations and self-report questionnaire, including the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, community periodontal index (CPI), loss of attachment (LA) index, and tooth erosion. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between the acidic solution exposure and oral health.Results: The results showed that acid exposure was correlated with soft oral tissue injury rather than hard oral tissue in our survey. In the multivariate model (adjusted for sex, age, worked years, education level, mouthwash use, dental floss use, tooth brushing, mask use, smoking, drinking, chewing areca and dietary habits with acidic foods), significant relationships of acid exposure with LA score were observed (OR=2.32, 95% CI 1.03-5.26). However, the presence of acid exposure was not significantly associated with tooth erosion, DMFT, and CPITN.Conclusion: Our study highlighted that occupational acid exposure was an independent risk factor for periodontal health, especially LA. It is important to strengthen occupational hazard control, educate workers on oral disease and related factors, and raise the awareness of oral hygiene.
Acceptability of HIV self-testing is low among MSM who have not tested: a study with respondent-driven sampling in Brazil
Authors: Magno Laio , Leal Andrea Fachel , Knauth Daniela , Dourado Ines , Guimarães Mark Guimarães Drew Crosland , Santana Elis Santana Passos , Jordão Tiago Jordão , Rocha Gustavo Rocha Machado , Veras Maria Amélia Amélia , Kendall Carl Kendall , Pontes Alexandre Pontes Kerr , Brito Ana Maria , Kerr Ligia Kerr 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background : Brazil has a substantial population living with HIV (PLWH) who are still unaware of their serostatus and has recently added HIV self-test (HIVST) into its public health system for key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM). This study estimates HIVST acceptability among Brazilian MSM and its associated factors among those who had never been tested or had a previous HIV negative result. Methods : Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used for behavioral and biological surveillance to recruit 4,176 MSM in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Overall proportions were weighted with Gile’s estimator in RDS Analyst software and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The analyses of HIVST acceptability were stratified by prior HIV testing (never or one or more times). Results : We included 3,605 MSM who did not previously know they were PLWH. The acceptability of HIVST was 49.1%, lower among those had never tested compared to those who had a previous HIV negative test. In the subgroup of MSM who had never had an HIV test, those who reported discrimination and who had a medical appointment in the last 12 months reported higher HIVST acceptability. Among MSM who had a previous HIV negative test, only those reporting condomless receptive anal sex had greater HIVST acceptability. In addition, we observed that high levels of knowledge of HIV/AIDS, taking part in LGBT nongovernmental organizations, and complete secondary or incomplete higher school were associated with greater acceptability in both groups. Conclusions : The findings highlight that it is necessary to improve information about HIVST among the most vulnerable MSM in Brazil. Given the acceptability of self-testing and its current promotion in Brazil, we can also point to the need for policies that build on this and enhance timely access to health services and prevention information.
Silica nanoparticles with encapsulated DNA (SPED) – a novel surrogate tracer for microbial transmission in healthcare
Authors: Scotoni Manuela , Koch Julian , Julian Timothy R , Clack Lauren , García Ana Karina Pitol , Wolfensberger Aline , Grass Robert N , Sax Hugo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The increase in antimicrobial resistance is of worldwide concern. Surrogate tracers attempt to simulate microbial transmission by avoiding the infectious risks associated with live organisms. We evaluated silica nanoparticles with encapsulated DNA (SPED) as a new promising surrogate tracer in healthcare. Methods: SPED and Escherichia coli were used to implement three experiments in simulation rooms and a microbiology laboratory in 2017-2018. Experiment 1 investigated the transmission behaviour of SPED in a predefined simulated patient-care scenario. SPED marked with 3 different DNA sequences (SPED1-SPED3) were introduced at 3 different points of the consecutive 13 touch sites of a patient-care scenario that was repeated 3 times, resulting in a total of 288 values. Experiment 2 evaluated SPED behaviour following hand cleaning with water and soap and alcohol-based handrub. Experiment 3 compared transfer dynamics of SPED versus E. coli in a laboratory using a gloved finger touching two consecutive sites on a laminate surface after a first purposefully contaminated site. Results: Experiment 1: SPED adhesiveness on bare skin after a hand-to-surface exposure was high, leading to a dissemination of SPED1-3 on all consecutive surface materials with a trend of decreasing recovery rates, also reflecting touching patterns in concordance with contaminated fingers versus palms. Experiment 2: Hand washing with soap and water resulted in a SPED reduction of 96%, whereas hand disinfection led to dispersal of SPED from the palm to the back of the hand. Experiment 3: SPED and E. coli concentration decreased in parallel with each transmission step – with SPED showing a trend for less reduction and variability. Conclusions: SPED represent a convenient and safe instrument to simulate pathogen spread by contact transmission simultaneously from an infinite number of sites. They can be further developed as a central asset for successful infection prevention in healthcare settings.
Bilateral-pectoral major muscle advancement flap combined with Vacuum-assisted closure therapy for the treatment of deep sternal wound infections after cardiac surgery
Authors: Song Feng , Liu Zhenzhong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objectives: The median sternotomy is the most common surgical approach for cardiac surgery. Deep sternal wound infection is a fatal complication after median sternotomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Bilateral-pectoral major muscle advancement flap combined with Vacuum-assisted closure therapy on rehabilitation for the treatment of deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery. Methods: Between January 2016 to January 2018, 21 patients (10 males, 11 females) with deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery underwent Bilateral-pectoral major muscle advancement flap combined with Vacuum-assisted closure therapy. These patients were followed-up 12 months postoperative. The patient characteristics, duration of vacuum-assisted closure therapy, the mean hospital stay, postoperative complications, long-term survival of patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Most patients undergone 1–3 times vacuum-assisted closure treatment sessions before closure. All patients were cured to discharge, the mean hospital stay was 21.1 days. Most patients’ healing wounds were first-stage healing, only one patient’s wound was second-stage healing, none was third-stage healing. One patient developed pulmonary infection and respiratory failure during the 12-month follow-up. None of the patients died during follow-up.Conclusions: Bilateral-pectoral major muscle advancement flap combined with Vacuum-assisted closure therapy for the treatment of deep sternal wound infections after cardiac surgery can shorten the hospital stays and few complications. However, this is a retrospective case series presentation with no comparison group, the number of inferences is limited, so further large-scale controlled studies are needed.
Management of chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections diagnosed in primary care using a centralised nurse-led telephone-based service: mixed methods evaluation
Authors: Brangan Emer , Horwood Jeremy , Manley Petra , Horner Paddy , Muir Peter , North Paul , MacLeod John 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Up to 18% of genital Chlamydia infections and 9% of Gonorrhoea infections in England are diagnosed in Primary Care. Evidence suggests that a substantial proportion of these cases are not managed appropriately in line with national guidelines. With the increase in sexually transmitted infections and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, their timely and appropriate treatment is a priority. We investigated feasibility and acceptability of extending the National Chlamydia Screening Programme’s centralised, nurse-led, telephone management (NLTM) as an option for management of all cases of chlamydia and gonorrhoea diagnosed in Primary Care. Methods: Randomised feasibility trial in 11 practices in Bristol with nested qualitative study. In intervention practices patients and health care providers (HCPs) had the option of choosing NLTM or usual care for all patients tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. In control practices patients received usual care. Results: During the 6-month study, 1154 Chlamydia/gonorrhoea tests took place, with a chlamydia positivity rate of 2.6% and gonorrhoea positivity rate of 0.8%. The NLTM managed 335 patients. Interviews were conducted with sixteen HCPs (11 GPs, 5 nurses) and 12 patients (8 female, 4 male). HCPs were positive about the NLTM, welcomed the partner notification service, though requested more timely feedback on the management of their patients. Explaining the NLTM to patients didn’t negatively impact on consultations. Patients found the NLTM acceptable, more convenient and provided greater anonymity than usual care. Patients appreciated getting a text message regarding a negative result and valued talking to a sexual health specialist about positive results. Conclusion: Extension of this established NLTM intervention to a greater proportion of patients was both feasible and acceptable to both patients and HCP, could provide a better service for patients, whilst decreasing primary care workload. The study provides evidence to support the wider implementation of this NLTM approach to managing chlamydia and gonorrhoea diagnosed in primary care.
Machine learning and geostatistical approaches for estimating aboveground biomass in Chinese subtropical forests
Authors: su huiyi , Shen Wenjuan , Wang Jingrui , Ali Arshad , Li Mingshi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Aboveground biomass (AGB) is a fundamental indicator of forest ecosystem productivity and health and hence plays an essential role in evaluating forest carbon reserves and supporting the development of targeted forest management plans.
Methods: Here, we proposed a random forest/co-kriging framework that integrates the strengths of machine learning and geostatistical approaches to improve the mapping accuracies of AGB in northern Guangdong province of China. We used Landsat time-series observations, Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) data, and National Forest Inventory (NFI) plot measurements, to generate the forest AGB maps at three time points (1992, 2002, and 2010) showing the spatio-temporal dynamics of AGB in the subtropical forests in Guangdong, China.
Results: The proposed model provided excellent performance for mapping AGB using spectral, textural, and topographical variables, and the radar backscatter coefficients. The root mean square error of the plot-level AGB validation was between 15.62 and 53.78 (t/ha), the mean absolute error ranged from 6.54 to 32.32 t/ha, and the relative improvement over the random forest algorithm was between 3.8% and 17.7%. The highest coefficient of determination (0.81) and the lowest mean absolute error (6.54 t/ha) were observed in the 1992 AGB map. The spectral saturation effect was minimized by adding the PALSAR data to the modeling variable set in 2010. By adding elevation as a covariable, the co-kriging outperformed the ordinary kriging method for the prediction of the AGB residuals, because co-kriging resulted in better interpolation results in the valleys and plains of the study area.
Conclusions: Validation of the three AGB maps with an independent dataset indicated that the random forest/co-kriging performed best for AGB prediction, followed by random forest coupled with ordinary kriging (random forest/ordinary kriging), and the random forest model. The proposed random forest/co-kriging framework provides an accurate and reliable method for AGB mapping in subtropical forest regions with complex topography. The resulting AGB maps are suitable for the targeted development of forest management actions to promote carbon sequestration and sustainable forest management in the context of climate change.