bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationships between cognitive function, literacy and HIV status knowledge among older adults in rural South Africa
Authors: Rosenberg Molly , Gómez‐Olivé F. Xavier , Wagner Ryan G. , Rohr Julia , Payne Collin F. , Berkman Lisa , Kahn Kathleen , Tollman Stephen , Bärnighausen Till , Kobayashi Lindsay C. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionAlthough HIV prevalence is exceptionally high in South Africa, HIV testing rates remain below targeted guidelines. Older adults living with HIV are substantially more likely to remain undiagnosed than younger people. Cognitive function and literacy could play key roles in HIV status knowledge due to the decision‐making processes required around weighing the costs and benefits of testing, navigating testing logistics and processing results. We aimed to assess the independent relationships among each of cognitive function, literacy and education with HIV status knowledge in a population‐based sample of older adults living in a rural South African community with high HIV prevalence.MethodsWe analyzed data from a population‐based study of 5059 men and women aged 40 years and older in rural South Africa (Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH community (HAALSI)). HAALSI surveys, conducted between 2014 and 2015, queried self‐reported literacy, educational attainment and HIV status knowledge. Laboratory tests were conducted to assess true HIV sero‐status. Cognitive function was assessed with a battery of cognitive tests measuring time orientation, immediate and delayed recall, and numeracy and coded using confirmatory factor analysis as a z‐standardized latent variable. We estimated the relationship between the outcome of HIV status knowledge and each of three exposures: (1) latent cognitive z‐score, (2) literacy and (3) education, using confounder‐adjusted modified Poisson regression models in the study population overall and stratified by HIV sero‐status.ResultsWe found that HIV status knowledge was higher among those with higher cognitive z‐scores (adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) (95% CI): 1.18 (1.14, 1.21) per standard deviation unit), and among literate participants (aPR (95% CI): 1.24 (1.16, 1.32) vs. non‐literate participants). Taken together, the associations with literacy and cognitive function completely attenuated the otherwise positive association between educational attainment and HIV status knowledge. The magnitudes of effect were generally similar among laboratory‐confirmed HIV‐negative and HIV‐positive participants.ConclusionsCampaigns that target older adults in rural South Africa with HIV testing messages should carefully consider the cognitive and literacy levels of the intended audience. Innovations to ease the cognitive load associated with HIV testing could prove fruitful to increase HIV status knowledge.
Super learner analysis of real‐time electronically monitored adherence to antiretroviral therapy under constrained optimization and comparison to non‐differentiated care approaches for persons living with HIV in rural Uganda
Authors: Benitez Alejandra E , Musinguzi Nicholas , Bangsberg David R , Bwana Mwebesa B , Muzoora Conrad , Hunt Peter W , Martin Jeffrey N , Haberer Jessica E , Petersen Maya L 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionReal‐time electronic adherence monitoring (EAM) systems could inform on‐going risk assessment for HIV viraemia and be used to personalize viral load testing schedules. We evaluated the potential of real‐time EAM (transferred via cellular signal) and standard EAM (downloaded via USB cable) in rural Uganda to inform individually differentiated viral load testing strategies by applying machine learning approaches.MethodsWe evaluated an observational cohort of persons living with HIV and treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) who were monitored longitudinally with standard EAM from 2005 to 2011 and real‐time EAM from 2011 to 2015. Super learner, an ensemble machine learning method, was used to develop a tool for targeting viral load testing to detect viraemia (>1000 copies/ml) based on clinical (CD4 count, ART regimen), viral load and demographic data, together with EAM‐based adherence. Using sample‐splitting (cross‐validation), we evaluated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (cvAUC), potential for EAM data to selectively defer viral load tests while minimizing delays in viraemia detection, and performance compared to WHO‐recommended testing schedules.ResultsIn total, 443 persons (1801 person‐years) and 485 persons (930 person‐years) contributed to standard and real‐time EAM analyses respectively. In the 2011 to 2015 dataset, addition of real‐time EAM (cvAUC: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.93) significantly improved prediction compared to clinical/demographic data alone (cvAUC: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.86; p = 0.03). In the 2005 to 2011 dataset, addition of standard EAM (cvAUC: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.81) did not significantly improve prediction compared to clinical/demographic data alone (cvAUC: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.76; p = 0.08). A hypothetical testing strategy using real‐time EAM to guide deferral of viral load tests would have reduced the number of tests by 32% while detecting 87% of viraemia cases without delay. By comparison, the WHO‐recommended testing schedule would have reduced the number of tests by 69%, but resulted in delayed detection of viraemia a mean of 74 days for 84% of individuals with viraemia. Similar rules derived from standard EAM also resulted in potential testing frequency reductions.ConclusionsOur machine learning approach demonstrates potential for combining EAM data with other clinical measures to develop a selective testing rule that reduces number of viral load tests ordered, while still identifying those at highest risk for viraemia.
An economic analysis of prophylactic lymphovenous anastomosis among breast cancer patients receiving mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection
Authors: Squitieri Lee , Rasmussen Petra W. , Patel Ketan M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesProphylactic lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has been shown to decrease the incidence of postoperative lymphedema among patients receiving mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). However, the economic impact of this intervention on overall healthcare costs has not been adequately studied and insurance reimbursement for lymphedema treatment is limited resulting in substantial out‐of‐pocket patient expenses.MethodsWe performed a cost‐minimization decision analysis from the societal perspective to assess two different patient scenarios: (a) mastectomy with ALND alone, (b) mastectomy with ALND and prophylactic LVA.ResultsThe annual cost of lymphedema‐related care is estimated to be $5,691.88 ($3,160.52 direct, $2,531.36 indirect). If all patients undergoing mastectomy with ALND undergo prophylactic LVA, the average expected lifetime cost per patient in the entire population (whether or not they develop lymphedema) is approximately $6,295.61, compared to $13,942.26 if no patients in the same population receive prophylactic LVA.ConclusionsProphylactic LVA is economically preferred over mastectomy and ALND alone from a cost minimization perspective, and results in an average of $7,646.65 (45.2%) cost saving per patient over the course of their lifetime.
RNA Sequencing Reveals Cancer‐Associated Changes in Laryngeal Cells Exposed to Non‐Acid Pepsin
Authors: Samuels Tina L. , Zimmermann Michael T. , Zeighami Atefeh , Demos Wendy , Southwood Jessica E. , Blumin Joel H. , Bock Jonathan M. , Johnston Nikki 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveLaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common affliction that contributes to laryngeal inflammation, symptoms that impact quality of life, and life‐threatening illnesses such as cancer. Effective treatment strategies for LPR are lacking. Pepsin is a proinflammatory and carcinogenic element of refluxate. Investigation of molecular pathways involved in pepsin‐mediated damage may lead to identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LPR. In this study, RNA sequencing was used to examine changes in human laryngeal epithelial cells following brief pepsin insult. Cells were immortalized to generate a model to aid future study of laryngeal injury and therapeutics.Study DesignIn vitro translational.MethodsLaryngeal epithelial cells were cultured from a patient without signs or symptoms of LPR or laryngeal cancer. Cells were treated with 0.1 mg/ml pepsin for 1 hour or normal growth media (control) prior to RNA sequencing. Cells were immortalized via HPV E6/7 and characterized by microscopy, immunohistochemistry, G‐banding, and soft agar assay.ResultsThree hundred ninety‐seven genes exhibited differences in expression with pepsin treatment (P < .05). Pathway analysis revealed association with cancer and related signaling processes including dysregulation of cancer‐associated molecules, Metastasis‐Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 and KRT82, and the long‐noncoding RNA, lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1)–AS, which regulates the putative pepsin receptor LRP1.ConclusionsA single, brief exposure to pepsin activated cancer‐associated signaling pathways in laryngeal cells in vitro, revealing novel mechanisms by which chronic reflux may contribute to carcinogenesis. The cell line developed herein represents a novel tool in which to investigate pepsin‐dysregulated pathways identified by RNA sequencing and disparities of tumor proneness of laryngeal subsites.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 131:121–129, 2021
Drug Delivery and Drug Efficacy from Amorphous Poly(thioether anhydrides)
Authors: Snyder Brittany L. , Mohammed Halimatu S. , Samways Damien S. K. , Shipp Devon A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe correlation between erosion and drug (lidocaine and 6‐mercaptopurine, 6‐MP) release from amorphous poly(thioether anhydrides), which are synthesized using radical‐mediated thiol‐ene polymerization, is reported. Cytotoxicity studies of the polymer toward human fibroblast human dermal fibroblasts adult, melanoma A‐375, and breast cancer MCF‐7 cells are conducted, and drug efficacy of a cancer and autoimmune disease drug (6‐MP) when released from the poly(thioether anhydrides) is examined against two cancerous cell types (A‐375 and MCF‐7). Erosion and drug release studies reveal that lidocaine release is governed by network erosion whereas 6‐MP is released by a combination of erosion and diffusion. The cytotoxicity studies show that all three cell types demonstrate high viability, thus cytocompatibility, to poly(thioether anhydrides). Toxicity to the material is dose dependent and comparable to other polyanhydride systems. The 6‐MP cancer drug is shown to remain bioactive after encapsulation in the poly(thioether anhydride) matrix and the polymer does not appear to modify the efficacy of the drug.
Variation in the microbiota across different developmental stages of Aedes albopictus is affected by ampicillin exposure
Authors: Qing Wan , Zhijing Xue , Guangfu Yu , Fengxia Meng , Qiyong Liu , Zhong Zhang , Ruiling Zhang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe microbiota plays an important role in the growth of mosquitoes and the transmission of mosquito‐borne pathogens. The effects of changes in aquatic habitats in which mosquitoes live, as one of the major factors closely associated with the microbial communities of mosquitoes, on the microbiota of different developmental stages remain to be elucidated. Here, we compared the microbiota of larvae and pupae of Aedes albopictus exposed to different ampicillin concentrations and investigated the bacterial composition of adult females. The results demonstrate that the microbial community differed substantially between developmental stages and that samples of the same stages shared similarities, whereas differences were observed between adult females. Based on all observations, we hypothesize that the use of ampicillin caused dysbiosis rather than excluding bacteria from mosquitoes and that the disturbing effect of ampicillin was obvious in adults. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed that most of the bacteria identified in this study were significantly associated with metabolism. Taken together, our results indicate that ampicillin can change the abundance of bacteria, while microbial communities of Ae. albopictus showed obvious stage‐specific characteristics. Further investigations are needed to characterize specific bacterial components that are affected by ampicillin exposure and to quantify their functions, thereby providing a better understanding of the influence of antibiotics on microbial communities at different life stages.
Synthesis of Core‐Shell Magnetic Supramolecular Nanocatalysts based on Amino‐Functionalized Calix[4]arenes for the Synthesis of 4H‐Chromenes by Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Eivazzadeh‐Keihan Reza , Noruzi Ehsan Bahojb , Radinekiyan Fateme , Salimi Bani Milad , Maleki Ali , Shaabani Behrouz , Haghpanahi Mohammad 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOne of the most common phenol‐formaldehyde cyclic oligomers from hydroxyalkylation reactions that exhibit supramolecular chemistry are calixarenes. These macrocyclic compounds are qualified to act as synthetic catalysts due to their specific features including being able to form host‐guest complexes, having unique structural scaffolds and their relative ease of chemical modifications with a variety of functions on their upper rim and lower rim. Here, a functional magnetic nanocatalyst was designed and synthesized by using a synthetic amino‐functionalized calix[4]arene. Its catalytic activity was evaluated in a one‐pot synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives. Besides, this novel magnetic nanocatalyst was characterized by spectroscopic and analytical techniques such as FT‐IR, EDX, FE‐SEM, TEM VSM, XRD analysis.
Corporate dividend policy, minority shareholders right and equity value of firm: Evidence from Singapore
Authors: Ganguli Santanu K. , Dawar Varun , Arrawatia Rakesh 
Published: March 2020

The purpose of the paper is to find out empirically whether an ideal business environment coupled with adequate legal protection provides an enabling mechanism for the minority shareholders to extract dividend from the firms and, as a consequence, whether the equity value of the firms gets impacted by dividend policy.The study (a) employs Tobit model on a sample of FTSE ST companies of Singapore to show the relation between dividend and minority shareholders base and, then (b) sought to explore the relation between equity value and dividend policy in the backdrop of strong legal protection for minority shareholders through OLS and 2 SLS regression models.The study empirically demonstrates a positive relation between the dividend payout and minority shareholders base indicating that, in a civil law origin country with strong corporate governance code ensuring investors protection and property right, the minority shareholders can extract dividend from the firms that, in turn, has a favourable impact on equity valuation.Consistent with the “outcome” and “catering model,” the findings of the study indicate that the overall business environment and legal protection enable minority shareholders to assert their cash flow rights with positive valuation implication.The paper objectively reveals how superior business environment, good governance and property right impact inter‐play between dividend payout, minority shareholders base and valuation of a civil law country.
Scientific shortcomings in environmental impact statements internationally
Authors: Singh Gerald G. , Lerner Jackie , Mach Megan , Murray Cathryn Clarke , Ranieri Bernardo , St‐Laurent Guillaume Peterson , Wong Janson , Guimaraes Alice , Yunda‐Guarin Gustavo , Satterfield Terre , Chan Kai M. A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Governments around the world rely on environmental impact assessment (EIA) to understand the environmental risks of proposed developments.

To examine the basis for these appraisals, we examine the output of EIA processes in jurisdictions within seven countries, focusing on scope (spatial and temporal), mitigation actions and whether impacts were identified as ‘significant’.

We find that the number of impacts characterized as significant is generally low. While this finding may indicate that EIA is successful at promoting environmentally sustainable development, it may also indicate that the methods used to assess impact are biased against findings of significance. To explore the methods used, we investigate the EIA process leading to significance determination.

We find that EIA reports could be more transparent with regard to the spatial scale they use to assess impacts to wildlife. We also find that few reports on mining projects consider temporal scales that are precautionary with regard to the effects of mines on water resources. Across our sample of reports, we find that few EIAs meaningfully consider the different ways that cumulative impacts can interact.

Across countries, we find that proposed mitigation measures are often characterized as effective without transparent justification, and sometimes are described in ways that render the mitigation measure proposal ambiguous.

Across the reports in our sample, professional judgement is overwhelmingly the determinant of impact significance, with little transparency around the reasoning process involved or input by stakeholders.

We argue that the credibility and accuracy of the EIA process could be improved by adopting more rigorous assessment methodologies and empowering regulators to enforce their use.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Right atrial catheter “ghost” removal by cardiac surgery: A pediatric case series report
Authors: Massardier Claire , Perron Jean , Chetaille Philippe , Côté Jean‐Marc , Drolet Christian , Houde Christine , Vaujois Laurence , Naccache Lamia , Michon Bruno , Jacques Frédéric 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFibrin sheath formation around long‐term indwelling central venous catheters is common and usually benign. Fibrin sheath can persist after catheter removal and rarely leads to complications. This is a report of three pediatric oncology patients that required cardiac surgery for cardiac embolization of a “ghost” catheter several years after catheter removal. One case required tricuspid valve replacement for complete tricuspid valve destruction and two had erosion through the atrial wall. The severity of these rare complications mandates follow‐up of “ghost” catheters in pediatric oncology patients.
One‐pot peptide cleavage and macrocyclization through direct amidation using triazabicyclodecene
Authors: Hickey Jennifer L. , Lin Songnian 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe have developed a novel protocol for a one‐pot cleavage from solid support and subsequent cyclization to form small macrocyclic peptides. Synthesized on a 4‐hydroxymethyl benzamide (HMBA) resin, the peptides are cleaved from the solid support through a 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD) assisted acyl transfer reaction. The resulting linear peptides then undergo an intramolecular cyclization, presumably upon in situ attack of the N‐terminal amine on the TBD‐activated ester. This protocol requires catalytic quantities of TBD and eliminates the need for orthogonal side chain deprotection strategies and ether trituration/work‐up steps, streamlining the synthesis of head‐to‐tail macrocyclic peptides.
Liminal movement by digital platform‐based sharing economy ventures: The case of Uber Technologies
Authors: Garud Raghu , Kumaraswamy Arun , Roberts Anna , Xu Le 
Published: March 2020

AbstractResearch SummaryWe explore the challenges that digital platform‐based sharing economy ventures confront in establishing legitimacy for their business models by examining the dynamics that ensued when Uber Technologies deployed its ridesharing business model in four U.S. cities. Uber entered each city to jump‐start network effects by establishing cognitive legitimacy while deepening a sociopolitical legitimacy crisis that emerged due to mismatches between its business model and existing regulations. Operating between existing categories, Uber used a series of interrelated market and nonmarket strategies, which we label as liminal movement, to generate cognitive and sociopolitical legitimacy.Managerial SummarySharing economy ventures based on digital platforms confront market and institutional challenges in each context they enter. On entry, these ventures must rapidly build an ecosystem of users and service providers, and engage with local regulators, administrators, and social groups in order to gain acceptance. The key to a venture's survival and success is liminal movement or in other words, its ability to adapt its digital platform and business model to continually leverage opportunities and address concerns as they emerge.
The in vitro diagnostics industry in China
Authors: Song Haibo , Zhu Yaoyi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn vitro diagnosis refers to the diagnosis of diseases or other condition of the human body through the collection, preparation, and testing of human samples with reagents, instruments, and systems. The purpose of in vitro diagnostics is to provide information for the alleviation, treatment, and prevention of diseases and their complications. Enterprises engaged in the production, development, marketing, service, and application of in vitro diagnostic instruments, reagents, standards, consumables, and quality‐control products constitute the in vitro diagnostic industry. China's in vitro diagnostic industry began in the 1980s and has developed rapidly, from simple products to large systems and from single products to complete industrial chains. In vitro diagnostics has become the world's second‐largest sales market and second‐largest production base. Looking to the future, China's in vitro diagnostics industry is projected to maintain a growth rate more than double that of the global market and contribute to the development of Chinese and the global industry.
Local treatment with a polycarbophil-based cream in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Authors: Yodplob Tipatai , Sirisopana Kun , Jongwannasiri Mutita , Sirisreetreerux Pokket , Viseshsindh Wit , Kochakarn Wachira 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common problem associated with lower urinary tract and gynecological symptoms due to the decrease in estrogen production in postmenopausal women. Topical estrogen therapy is shown to improve these symptoms; nonetheless, there are limited data on the efficacy of nonhormonal moisturizers in these patients.

Methods
A prospective cohort study was conducted to compare the symptoms of GSM before and after treatment with a polycarbophil-based cream in 42 women. The quality of life (QoL) and sexual scores were obtained from the Thai version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-LUTS) along with uroflow measurements before and 4 and 12 weeks after treatment.

Results
Significant improvements in ICIQ-LUTSqol scores were observed after 4 weeks (9.38 ± 7.47 vs 6.76 ± 5.77; p = 0.017) and 12 weeks (10.03 ± 7.49 vs 5.97 ± 4.02; p = 0.002) when compared with the baseline values before treatment. The ICIQ-LUTS sexual scores were also improved after treatment at 4 weeks (2.29 ± 2.26 vs 0.88 ± 1.34; p < 0.001) and 12 weeks (2.13 ± 2.22 vs 0.42 ± 0.81; p < 0.001) compared with the baseline scores. No differences in ICIQ-LUTSqol and sexual scores were observed between the 4- and 12-week treatment groups.

Conclusion
The polycarbophil-based cream improved the overall LUTS and sexual symptoms in the patients with GSM, thus indicating that the nonhormonal polycarbophil-based cream may prove effective for the treatment for women with this condition.