bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characteristics of VP1 Region of Enterovirus 71 Strains in China
Authors: Sun Haiyan , Gao Min , Cui Dawei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the most common causative agent of severe and fetal hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks worldwide, and the VP1 protein, a capsid protein of EV71, is responsible for the genotype of EV71, which is important for vaccine selection and effectiveness. We performed an observational study of the genetic characteristics and genotype of EV71 isolates in China. Methods The VP1 gene sequences of 3712 EV71 virus strains from China, excluding repetitive sequences, and 30 known EV71 genotypes, as reference strains, between 1986 and 2019 were obtained from GenBank. A phylogenetic tree, amino acid homology, genetic variation and genotype analysis of the EV71-VP1 protein were performed with MEGA 6.0 software. Results The amino acid identity of all Chinese EV71 strains was 88.33%-100%, 93.47%-100% with the vaccine strain H07, and 93.04%-100% with the vaccine strains FY7VP5 and FY-23K-B. Since 2000, the prevalent strains of EV71 were mainly the C4 genotype; the C4a subgenotype was predominant, the C4b subgenotype was the second, and other subgenotypes appeared sporadically between 2005 and 2018 in mainland China. The B4 genotype was the main genotype in Taiwan, and the epidemic strains were constantly changing. Some amino acid variations in VP1 of EV71 occurred with high frequencies: A289T (20.99%), H22Q (16.49%), A293S (15.95%), S283T (15.11%), V249I (7.76%), N31D (7.25%), and E98K (6.65%). Conclusion The C4 genotype of EV71 in China can match the vaccine, which can effectively control EV71 epidemiology. However, the efficacy of the vaccine strain is partially affected by the continuous change in epidemic strains in Taiwan, China. These studies suggested that the genetic characteristics of the EV71-VP1 region should be continuously monitored, which is critical for epidemic control and vaccine design against EV71 infection in children.
Effects of antibiotic substitutes on growth, intestinal microvillus morphology and M cells in pigs - electron microscopy study
Authors: yuan XJ , Xie Yuhuai , Yang Weiren , Huang Libo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Misuse of antibiotics in feed seriously affects intestinal tract health of pigs. The feed strategy of alternative feed additives is essential for the pig industry. A single-factor test was conducted to study the effects of antibiotics in feed, glucose oxidase (GOD), and bacterial direct-fed microbials on pig growth and the morphology of M cells the small intestine. Methods: A total of 160 40-d-old weaning piglets of the DLY (Duroc × Large White × Yorkshire) breed were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 4 replicates of 10 pigs each. Dietary treatments were control (commercial basal diet with no additive) and quantitative antibiotics (0.5 kg/t), bacterial direct-fed microbials, GOD (0.5 kg/t), and microbials + GOD added to the basal diet. The preliminary trial period was 7 days, and the formal test period was 35 days. Results: The results showed that the combination of microbials and GOD significantly increased the average daily gain of pigs (ADG) and reduced the ratio of feed intake to gain (F/G) of pigs. The results of intestinal histology by electron microscopy suggested that antibiotics in feed seriously destroyed the morphology of intestinal microvilli and M cells, perturbed the intestinal microflora in nursery pigs. The bacterial direct-fed microbials were most beneficial to small intestine health, which is characterized by complete microvilli, compact and orderly arrangement of villi, and rich intestinal microbes. GOD changed the morphology of M cells in the small intestine, enhanced phagocytosis, but damaged the intestinal mucosa in a certain degree. The combined use of bacterial direct-fed microbials and GOD repaired the intestinal mucosa injury caused by GOD. Conclusions: In this experiment, the microbials and GOD as feed additives could replace antibiotics and improved the growth and immune performance of nursery pigs. The bacterial direct-fed microbials were beneficial to intestinal health. The excessive use of antibiotics seriously affected the development and health of the small intestine. Our results provide a theoretical basis for the application of bacterial direct-fed microbials and GOD in pig production.
“I was Tricked”: Understanding Reasons for Unintended Pregnancy Among Sexually Active Adolescent Girls
Authors: Ajayi Anthony Idowu , Odunga Sally Atieno , Oduor Clement , Ouedraogo Ramatou , Ushie Boniface Ayanbekongshie , Wado Yohannes Dibaba 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: While the Kenya government is mobilizing high-level strategies to end adolescent pregnancy by 2030, a clear understanding of drivers of early unintended pregnancy in the country is a necessary precursor. In this study, we determine the prevalence, associated factors, and reasons for unintended pregnancy among sexually active adolescent girls in two Kenya counties with the highest rate of teenage pregnancy. Methods: We used the baseline evaluation data of the “In Their Hands” (ITH) program. The study adopted a mixed-methods design with 1110 sexually active adolescent girls in the quantitative component and 19 girls who were either pregnant or nursing a child in the qualitative. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression to model factors associated with unintended pregnancy among respondents. We used a thematic analysis of qualitative data to examine girls’ reasons for having unintended pregnancy. Results: Overall, 42% of respondents have had an unintended pregnancy; however, higher proportions were observed among girls who were 19 years (49.4%), double orphans (53.6%), never used contraceptive (49.9%), out-of-school (53.8%), and married (55.6%). After adjusting for relevant covariates, the odds of unintended pregnancy were higher among girls who resided in rural areas (AOR:1.64, 95% CI:1.22-2.20), had primary or no formal education (AOR:1.50 95% CI:1.11-2.02), and had never used contraceptive (AOR:1.69 95% CI-1.25-2.29) compared with their counterparts. Current school attendance was associated with a 66% reduction in the probability of having an unintended pregnancy. Participants of the qualitative study stated that the desire to maintain a relationship, poor contraceptive knowledge, misinformation about contraceptive side effects, and lack of trusted mentors were the main reasons for their unintended pregnancies. Conclusion: A massive burden of unintended pregnancy exists among sexually active adolescent girls in the study setting. Adolescent boys and girls need better access to sexuality education and contraceptives in the study setting to reduce early unintended pregnancy.
Risk Factors for Progression to Patients with Severe Stage of COVID-19
Authors: Chang Min Cheol , Park Yoo-Kyung , Kim Bong-Ok , Park Donghwi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading worldwide. Although 10%–20% of patients with COVID-19 have severe symptoms, little is known about the risk factors related to the aggravation of COVID-19 symptoms from asymptomatic or mild to severe disease states. Methods: This retrospective study included 211 patients who were asymptomatic or with mild presentations of COVID-19. We evaluated the differences in in demographic and clinical data between the cured (discharged to home) and transferred (aggravated to severe-stage COVID-19) groups. Results: A multivariate logistic analysis showed that body temperature, chills, initial chest X-ray findings, and the presence of diabetes were significantly associated with predicting the progression to severe stage of COVID-19 (p < 0.05). The odds ratio of transfer in patients with COVID-19 increased by 12.7-fold for abnormal findings such as haziness or consolidation in initial chest X-ray, 6.32-fold for initial symptom of chills, and 64.1-fold for diabetes.Conclusions: Even if patients are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, clinicians should closely observe patients with COVID-19 presenting with chills, body temperature >37.5°C, findings of pneumonia in chest X-ray, or diabetes.
Assessment of Carotid Body Tumor by Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging in a Preoperative Evaluation
Authors: Gao Luying , Zhang Xiaoyan , Jiang Yuxin , Wang Hongyan , Li Wanying , Zheng Yuehong , Li Jianchu , Zhang Bo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) provided new advances in vascular imaging, resulting in revealing the overall vascularity detection of small or microflow states without the use of contrast media. This study aimed to explore the blood supply andfeeding artery of carotid body tumor (CBT) on SMI for providing more accurate information for surgery.Results: Twenty-six CBT lesions underwent color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and SMI, and were confirmed later by pathology. The blood flow patterns and feeding artery of CBTson CDFI and SMI were graded and compared.Compared with the application of CDFI, the pattern of more CBT lesionschanged to a higher Adler category by SMI (P<0.001). Thefeeding artery of two CBT lesions, which fail to show by CDFI, was internal carotid artery(ICA) by SMI and compared with CDFI the feeding artery of three changed from ICA or external carotid artery(ECA) to MIX (both ICA and ECA) by SMI. We classified the feeding artery of CBTs into originating from ICA or others (including ECA and MIX). For all the lesions, threelesions that stemmed from ICA and 23lesions that stemmed from ECAor MIX. CBT lesions stemming from ECA or MIX with Adler II or Adler III blood flow patterns accounted for 30.4% (7/23) or 69.6% (16/23), respectively, while CBT lesions stemming from ICA with Adler I or Adler II blood flow patterns accounted for 66.7% (2/3) or 33.3% (1/3), respectively. Conclusions: SMI is superior to CDFI in detecting vascularity of CBTs, and SMI could better investigate the origin of feeding vessels of CBTs in comparison to CDFI.Compared with those originating from ECA, CBTs from ICA has less vascularity.
Does financial inclusion empower women in emerging countries? A panel data analysis
Authors: Roy Chandan Kumar , Banik Banna , Xiaoling Huang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Women empowerment is inevitable and a fundamental goal for inclusive growth and sustainable development. The study aims to analyze the effect of financial inclusion on women empowerment using both fixed-effects and panel generalized methods of moments (GMM) estimation techniques covering a panel dataset of 50 emerging economies from 2005 to 2017. We use accessibility to automated teller machine services, availability of bank branches and accessibility to bank assets as three different measures of financial inclusion and gender inequality index, gender development index and political participation of females as the measure of women empowerment. We find evidence that each measure of financial inclusion is associated with lower gender inequality, higher gender development and more opportunities for political involvement of women respectively. Using different econometric estimation method and a board range of inclusion measures confirms the more robust association between financial inclusion and women empowerment. The study, thus, concludes that financial inclusion plays an important role in the welfare of female and girls which would further assist emerging economies to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5.
Outcomes in patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma treated with definitive radiotherapy or eye-sparing surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Lin Yun-Hsuan , Huang ShihMing , Yap Wing-Keen , Yang Ju-Wen , Yeung Ling , Tsan Din-Li , Chang Joseph Tung-Chieh , Chen Lung-Chien 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The optimal treatment for lacrimal gland cancer remains unclear. Eye-preserving surgery, as opposed to exenteration, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), has recently been reported to deliver satisfying outcomes, but evidence is sparse. The aim of the present study was to evaluate outcomes in patients with lacrimal gland cancer treated at two tertiary medical centers.Methods We retrospectively examined data from patients with lacrimal gland cancer who had received eye-preserving surgical treatment followed by adjuvant RT with or without chemotherapy, or (if the tumor was inoperable) excision biopsy with definitive RT with or without chemotherapy. Baseline clinical and pathological characteristics were considered. Outcomes of interest included post-treatment complications, overall survival (OS), locoregional progression-free survival (LPFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS).Results Eighteen patients were included. Two-year OS, LPFS, and DMFS rates were 69.0%, 76.7%, and 71.4%, respectively. Patients with early-stage (T1–T2) lacrimal gland cancer had significantly better outcomes than those with advanced-stage disease (T3–T4). Two-year OS, LPFS, and DMFS rates were each 100% in patients with disease stages T1–T2, and 37.5%, 50%, and 37.5%, respectively, in those with disease stages T3–T4 (P<0.05). Orbital complications were well tolerated.Conclusions Eye-sparing surgery with adjuvant RT can achieve satisfying results in patients with T1–T2 lacrimal gland carcinoma. Disease stage T3 and above was associated with poor outcomes even with post-operative RT, likely due to distant metastasis. Adding neoadjuvant chemotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy to current treatment strategies might be a suitable choice for this group of patients.
High Performance Logistic Regression for Privacy-Preserving Genome Analysis
Authors: De Cock Martine , Dowsley Rafael , Nascimento Anderson C.A. , Railsback Davis , Shen Jianwei , Todoki Ariel 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: In biomedical applications, valuable data is often split between owners who cannot openly share the data because of privacy regulations and concerns. Training Machine Learning models on the joint data without violating privacy is a major technology challenge that can be addressed by combining techniques from Machine Learning and cryptography. When collaboratively training Machine Learning models with the cryptographic technique named secure Multi-Party Computation, the price paid for keeping the data of the owners private is an increase in computational cost and runtime. A careful choice of Machine Learning techniques, algorithmic and implementation optimizations are a necessity to enable practical secure Machine Learning over distributed data sets. Such optimizations can be tailored to the kind of data and Machine Learning problem at hand. Methods: Our setup involves secure Two-Party Computation protocols, along with a trusted initializer that distributes correlated randomness to the two computing parties. We use a gradient descent based algorithm for training a logistic regression model, and we break down the algorithm into corresponding cryptographic protocols. Our main contributions are a new protocol for computing the activation function that requires neither secure comparison protocols nor Yao's garbled circuits, and a series of cryptographic engineering optimizations to improve the performance. Results: For our largest gene expression data set, we train a model that requires over 7 billion secure multiplications; the training completes in about 26.90 seconds in a local area network. The implementation in this work is a further optimized version of the implementation with which we won first place in Track 4 of the iDASH 2019 secure genome analysis competition. Conclusions: In this paper, we present a secure logistic regression training protocol and its implementation, with a new subprotocol to securely compute the activation function. To the best of our knowledge, we present the fastest existing secure Multi-Party Computation implementation for training logistic regression models on high dimensional genome data distributed across a local area network.
Using Routine Health Information Data for Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hung Yuen Wai , Hoxha Klesta , Irwin Bridget R. , Law Michael R. , Grépin Karen Ann 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Routine health information systems (RHISs) support resource allocation and management decisions at all levels of the health system, as well as strategy development and policy-making in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although RHIS data represent a rich source of information, such data are currently underused for research purposes, largely due to concerns over data quality. Given that substantial investments have been made in strengthening RHISs in LMICs in recent years and the growing demand for more real-time data from researchers, this systematic review builds upon the existing literature to summarize the extent to which RHIS data have been used in peer-reviewed research publications. Methods: Using terms ‘routine health information system’, ‘health information system’, or ‘health management information system’ and a list of LMICs, four electronic peer-review literature databases were searched from inception to February 20 2019: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and EconLit. Articles were assessed based on pre-determined eligibility criteria. Identified characteristics were extracted using a piloted data extraction form. Results: We identified 132 studies that met our inclusion criteria in 37 different countries. Overall, the majority of the studies identified were from Sub-Saharan African countries and were published in the last five years. Malaria and maternal health were the most commonly studied health conditions, although a number of other health conditions and health services were also explored. Conclusions: Our study identified an increasing use of RHIS data in research with many studies applying rigorous study designs and analytic methods to advance program evaluation, monitoring and assessment of services, and epidemiology in LMICs. RHIS data represent an underused source of data and should be further embraced by the research community to gain insights from LMIC health systems.
Synthesising Existing Forest Inventory Datasets for Estimating Historical Aboveground Biomass Stocks, Growth and Mortality in Logged-over Tropical Dipterocarp Forests of Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Manuri Solichin , Brack Cris , Silva Nurul , Noor'an Fatmi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Extensive forest inventory data is available from commercial timber companies. For this study, over 20,000 plots were compiled for North, East and West Kalimantan provinces, with more than 17,000 of these exceeding our quality assurance tests. This study aimed to: (1) explore the potential use of existing permanent sample plots and forest inventory data established and measured by timber concessions; (2) assess uncertainties of aboveground biomass (AGB) estimates using various allometric models; (3) analyse the dynamics of AGB in logged-over dipterocarp forests; (4) analyse AGB stocks and emission factors in tropical dipterocarp ecosystems. Methods: Two types of forest monitoring datasets measured by timber companies in Indonesia were compiled and assessed in this study: permanent sample plots (PSPs) (24 1-ha plots), and the overall periodic timber inventory (OPTI) (17,301 plots). We compared various allometric equations for estimating AGB of the plots and developed a simple AGB equation using basal area (BA) as predictor. We further evaluated the AGB growth and mortality using the PSP plots. Results: We found that the model using only tree diameter (D) as a predictor variable tended to be unbiased when aggregating the estimates at larger plots. We also found that BA per hectare could explain the variation of AGB at plot level (adjusted r2 = 0.911; root mean square error [RMSE]: 27.8). We overlaid the OPTI plot with the land cover map and estimated the mean AGB of the associated land cover classes. The mean AGB of primary dryland forest, secondary dryland forest and bush classes were 281.1 + 4.0 Mg/ha, 231.5 + 1.7 Mg/ha and 179.0 + 5.0 Mg/ha, respectively. Nine years after logging, the mean AGB is still lower than the mean AGB two years after logging. The growth rate (2.5%) was still lower than the mortality rate (3.1%), and recruitment (0.2%) did not occur until seven years after logging. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the existing forest monitoring data should be incorporated into the carbon accounting system at district, province and national level to improve the estimation of forest biomass and emission factors related to forest degradation and deforestation. However, there is a need for data quality assessment prior the analysis and a standardised platform for nation-wide forest inventory database is therefore required.
Socioeconomic inequalities in maternal healthcare utilization in Zambia: 1997-2014
Authors: He Zhifei , Bishwajit Ghose , Yaya Sanni , Cheng Zhaohui , Shuyan Guo , Wu Tailai 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Exploring the trends and socioeconomic inequalities in the use of maternal healthcare utilisation between 1997 and 2014. Methods Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate regression methods. Results Women in the higher wealth quintiles (Q4 and Q5) generally had higher prevalence of using health facility delivery and postnatal care services compared with those in the lower wealth quintiles (Q1 and Q2), whereas the prevalence of timely and adequate ANC visit was comparatively higher among those in the lower wealth quintiles. Conclusion Findings indicated important sociodemographic inequalities in using maternal healthcare services, addressing which may help promote the utilisation of these services.
COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of the sharing economy
Authors: Chen Guangwu , Cheng Mingming , Edwards Deborah , Xu Lixiao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a global economic recession but little is known about its impact on the informal economy including peer-to-peer rental market. Against this backdrop, this study assessed the financial loss of Airbnb listings and its hosts in Sydney from January to March 2020. Findings show that the pandemic resulted in 70% income loss for Airbnb hosts with hosts suffering eight times higher than the Airbnb platform itself. However, like other gig workers and freelancers, many Airbnb hosts are not qualified to claim the financial aids from the government in Australia. Our study shows the vulnerability of the sharing economy during a time of crisis. It contributes empirical evidence to the widening public debate on the sustainability and the sharing economy but most importantly, raises concerns over the sharing economy’s contribution to a resilient society and economy.