bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unveiling and Addressing Implementation Barriers to Routine Immunization in the Peri-Urban Slums of Karachi, Pakistan: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Yazdani Amna Tanweer , Muhammad Ameer , Nisar Muhammad Imran , Khan Uzma , Shafiq Yasir 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGreat disparities in immunization coverage exist in Pakistan between urban and rural areas. However, coverage estimates for large peri-urban slums in Sindh are largely unknown and implementation challenges remain unexplored. This study explores key supply- and demand-side immunization barriers in peri-urban slums, as well as strategies to address them. It also assesses immunization coverage in the target slums.MethodsConducted in four peri-urban slums in Karachi, this mixed-methods study consists of a baseline cross-sectional coverage survey of a representative sample of 840 caregivers of children aged 12-23 months, and 155 in-depth interviews through purposive sampling of respondents (caregivers, community influencers and immunization staff). After identifying the barriers, a further 6 IDIs were then conducted with immunization policymakers and policy influencers to determine strategies to address them, resulting in the development of an original validated implementation framework for immunization in peri-urban slums. A thematic analysis approach was applied to qualitative data.Results49% of children were fully vaccinated, 43% were partially vaccinated and 8% were unvaccinated. Demand-side immunization barriers included household barriers, lack of knowledge and awareness, misconceptions and fears regarding vaccines, and social and religious barriers. Supply-side barriers included underperformance of staff, inefficient funds utilization, unreliable immunization and household data, and interference of polio campaigns with immunization. The implementation framework’s policy recommendations to address these barriers include: 1) improved Human Resource management 2) staff training on counseling, 3) re-allocation of funds towards incentives, outreach, salaries and infrastructure, 4) a digital platform integrating birth registry and vaccination tracking systems for monitoring and reporting by frontline staff 5) use of digital platform for immunization targets and generating dose reminders, and 6) mutual sharing of resources and data between the immunization, Lady Health Worker and polio programs for improved coverage.ConclusionsThe implementation framework is underpinned by the study of uncharted immunization barriers in complex peri-urban slums, and can be used by implementers in Pakistan and other developing countries to improve immunization programs in limited-resource settings, with possible application at a larger scale. Particularly, a digital platform integrating vaccination tracking and birth registry data can be expanded for nationwide use.
Solvent-cast polymeric films from pectin and Eudragit® NE 30D for transdermal drug delivery systems
Authors: Suksaeree Jirapornchai , Maneewattanapinyo Pattwat , Panrat Kamon , Pichayakorn Wiwat , Monton Chaowalit 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this study, solvent-cast polymeric films containing ionic liquid lidocaine/aspirin for transdermal patches were developed. Solvent-cast polymeric films were prepared from two polymers, pectin and Eudragit® NE 30D, by drying the polymeric solution in a hot air oven at 70 ± 3°C for 10 hrs. Glycerin was used as a plasticizer. Lidocaine and aspirin were prepared in ionic liquid form and loaded into the patches. The physicomechanical properties of the films were characterized by texture analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. A scanning electron microscope was used to photograph the surfaces of solvent-cast polymeric films. Eudragit® NE 30D significantly decreased the toughness and rigidity of the films. The transdermal patches were in the amorphous state, and their thermal properties were not changed from blank polymeric films. The surfaces of transdermal patches were rougher than blank polymeric films and revealed the distribution of the drug. Eudragit® NE 30D significantly decreased the trends of entrapment efficiency and in vitro release of lidocaine and aspirin drugs. The kinetic release observed in vitro fitted to Higuchi’s model rather than zero and first order models, indicating that a diffusion mechanism governed the release of the drug from the patch. Thus, the solvent-cast polymeric films from two polymers, pectin and Eudragit® NE 30D, are suitable for transdermal patches loaded with ionic liquid lidocaine/aspirin.
Sodium Pump Na+/K+ ATPase Subunit α1 Targeted Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mouse Models
Authors: Tang Si , Yang XiaoChun , Zhou Chao , Mei Yan , Ye JiaCong , Zhang XiaoFei , Feng GuoKai , Zhang WeiGuang , Zhang Xu , Fan Wei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was not efficiently used in early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to lack of appropriate tracers. Sodium pump Na+/K+ ATPase subunit α1 (NKAα1) emerges to be a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker of HCC. Here we investigated the feasibility of 18F-ALF-NOTA-S3, a PET tracer based on an NKAα1 peptide, to detect small HCC. Methods: GEPIA database was searched to obtain the expression characteristics of NKAα1 in HCC and its relationship with the prognosis. PET/CT was performed in orthotopic, diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced and genetically engineered HCC mouse models to evaluate the use of 18F-ALF-NOTA-S3 to detect HCC lesions. Results: NKAα1 is overexpressed in early HCC with a high positive rate and correlates with poor survival. In orthotopic, DEN-induced and genetically engineered HCC mouse models, PET/CT imaging showed high accumulation of 18F-ALF-NOTA-S3 in the tumor. The tumor-to-liver ratios are 2.56 ± 1.02, 4.41 ± 1.09 and 4.59 ± 0.65 respectively. Upregulated NKAα1 expression in tumors were verified by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, 18F-ALF-NOTA-S3 has the ability to detect small HCC lesions with diameters of 2-5mm. Conclusion: NKAα1 may serve as a suitable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC. 18F-ALF-NOTA-S3 shows great potential for PET imaging of HCC.
Enhanced Third Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of Methyl Orange Dye Doped Potassium Penta Borate Octa Hydrate (MOPPB) Single Crystals Using CW Diode Laser for Optical Limiting Applications
Authors: Kamatchi K , Sr S. , Sangeetha K. , Anuranjani E. , Durairaj M. , Girisun T.C.Sabari 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Single crystals of pure (PPB) and methyl orange dye doped Potassium Penta Borate octa hydrate (MOPPB) are grown by slow evaporation technique at ambient conditions. Single crystal X-Ray Diffraction study verifies the orthorhombic family of both pure and MO doped PPB crystals. FTIR assures the incorporation of MO dye into PPB crystals. The Reverse Indentation Size Effect (RISE) behavior and soft nature of both pure and MO doped PPB crystals are verified by the Micro Hardness Study. Absorbance studies shows PPB possess lower cut-off wavelength at 190 nm due to π-π* transitions whereas MOPPB crystals have two peaks, one at 278.60 nm due to π-π* transitions and the second one at 464.65 nm due to n-π* transitions. The inclusion of MO dye molecules alters the band structure resulting in reduction of bandgap to 5.7 eV (MOPPB) from 5.91 eV (PPB). Kurtz powder test shows green emission in both pure PPB and MOPPB with relative SHG efficiency of 0.45 times and 0.40 times that of SHG output of KDP. Z-scan studies performed with 785 nm laser excitation exposes that both pristine and MO doped PPB crystal exhibit reverse saturable nonlinear absorption and self-focusing nonlinear refraction which is thermo-optic in origin. Two photon absorption induced optical limiting action is demonstrated in both PPB and MOPPB crystals. Increase in NLO coefficient due to MO dye confirms the superiority of MOPPB than PPB for optical limiting applications.
Enhanced Tunability Properties of Pure (Ba,Sr)TiO3 Lead free Ferroelectric by Polar Nano-region Contributions
Authors: Mahmoud Abdelrazek , Moen Samar , Gerges M.K. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the present work, a series compositions of (Ba1-xSrx)TiO3 (0≤x≤0.4) lead-free ferroelectric (BST) were successfully prepared by sol-gel method. The effects of Sr2+ on the optical properties, crystal structure and morphology of BaTiO3 were systematically investigated. Compositions with x<0.4 exhibit single phase tetragonal perovskite at room temperature, while a cubic structure of BST has been detected in the ceramic with x=0.4. Phase transition temperature was shifted toward lower temperature by increasing Sr-doping. Moreover, detailed tunability analysis for the present ceramics confirmed an enhancement by Sr-addition and the maximum values were observed at Sr=0.2. The enhancement back to present multiple components contribute to the dc-field induced dielectric constant, where at low electric fields the Langevin theory indicate present polar nano-region (PNR) contributions into tunability data, however domain switching contributions at high electric field was described by Johnson equation. Ferroelectric properties appraised by P-E loop and positive up negative down (PUND) methods have been introduced. The results shown the remnant polarization appraised by PUND method is much lower than polarization estimated by P-E loop indicate the difference values of Pr is mostly owing to leakage current contribution in P-E method.
Molecular Characterization of a Novel Single-stranded RNA Virus, ChRV1, Isolated From the Plant Pathogenic Fungus Colletotrichum Higginsianum
Authors: Liu Hong , Wang Hui , Lu Xun , Zhou Qian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this study, a novel single-stranded RNA virus was isolated from the plant pathogenic fungus, Colletotrichum higginsianum strain HTC-5, named “Colletotrichum higginsianum ssRNA virus 1” (ChRV1). The complete genome of ChRV1 is 3850 bp in length with a GC content of 52 % and encodes two in-frame open reading frames (ORFs): ORF1 (smaller) and ORF2 (larger). ORF1 encodes a protein with highest similarity to proteins encoded by Phoma matteucciicola RNA virus 1 (PmRV1, 47.99% identity) and Periconia macrospinosa ambiguivirus 1 (PmAV1, 50.73% identity). ORF2 encodes a protein with a conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain with similarity to RdRps of PmRV1 (61.41% identity) and PmAV1 (60.61% identity), which are unclassified (+)ssRNA mycoviruses reported recently. Phylogenetic analysis of the RdRp domain suggested that ChRV1 grouped together with PmRV1, PmAV1 and other unclassified (+)ssRNA mycoviruses, and had a distant relationship to invertebrate viruses and plant viruses of the family Tombusviridae. This is the first report of a novel (+)ssRNA virus infecting the phytopathogenic fungus C. higginsianum.
Estimating the Costs for Implementing a Maternity Leave Cash Transfer Program for Women Employed in the Informal Sector in Brazil and Ghana.
Authors: Carroll Grace , Vilar-Compte Mireya , Teruel Graciela , Moncada Meztli , Aban-Tamayo David , Werneck Heitor , de Moraes Ricardo Montes , Pérez-Escamilla Rafael 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMaternity leave policies are designed to protect gender equality and the health of mothers in the workforce and their children. However, maternity leave schemes are often linked to jobs in the formal sector economy. In low- and middle-income countries a large share of women work in the informal sector, and are not eligible to such benefit. This is worrisome from a social justice and a policy perspective.MethodsWe developed and applied a costing methodology to assess the cost of a maternity leave cash transfer to be operated in the informal sector of the economy in Brazil and Ghana, two countries with very different employment structures and socioeconomic contexts. ResultsThe relative cost of rolling out a maternity intervention in Brazil is between 2.2 to 3.2 times the cost in Ghana depending on the benchmark used to assess the welfare measure. We applied different scenarios that involve different coverage in weeks to assess the sensibility of the program costs while providing an array of possibilities towards its application. ConclusionsFindings show how a standard methodology that relies on routinely available information is feasible and could assist policymakers in estimating the costs of supporting a maternity cash transfer for women employed in the informal sector, such intervention is expected to contribute to social justice, gender equity, and health trajectories.
Indigenuous Vocabulary Reformulation for Continuousyorùbá Speech Recognition In M-Commerce Using Acoustic Nudging-Based Gaussian Mixture Model
Authors: Ajayi Kehinde Lydia , Azeta Victor , Odun-Ayo Isaac , Azeta Ambrose , Taiwo Ajayi Peter , Chidozie Felix 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
One of the current research areas is speech recognition by aiding in the recognition of speech signals through computer applications. In this research paper, Acoustic Nudging, (AN) Model is used in re-formulating the persistence automatic speech recognition (ASR) errors that involves user’s acoustic irrational behavior which alters speech recognition accuracy. GMM helped in addressing low-resourced attribute of Yorùbá language to achieve better accuracy and system performance. From the simulated results given, it is observed that proposed Acoustic Nudging-based Gaussian Mixture Model (ANGM) improves accuracy and system performance which is evaluated based on Word Recognition Rate (WRR) and Word Error Rate (WER)given by validation accuracy, testing accuracy, and training accuracy. The evaluation results for the mean WRR accuracy achieved for the ANGM model is 95.277% and the mean Word Error Rate (WER) is 4.723%when compared to existing models. This approach thereby reduce error rate by 1.1%, 0.5%, 0.8%, 0.3%, and 1.4% when compared with other models. Therefore this work was able to discover a foundation for advancing current understanding of under-resourced languages and at the same time, development of accurate and precise model for speech recognition.
Small Quantities of Respiratory Syncytial Virus RNA Only in Large Droplets Around Infants Hospitalized With Acute Respiratory Infections
Authors: Kutter Jasmin S , Meulder Dennis de , Bestebroer Theo M , Kampen Jeroen JA van , Molenkamp Richard , Fouchier Ron AM , Wishaupt Jérôme O , Fraaij Pieter LA , Herfst Sander 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory tract infections in young children. The predominant transmission routes for RSV are still a matter of debate. Specifically, it remains unclear if RSV can be transmitted through the air and what the correlation is between the amount of RSV in nasopharynx samples and in the air.Methods: The amount of RSV in air around hospitalized RSV infected infants in single patient rooms was quantified using a six-stage Andersen cascade impactor that collects and fractionates aerosols and droplets according to size. RSV shedding in the nasopharynx of patients was followed longitudinally by quantifying RSV RNA levels and infectious virus in nasopharyngeal aspirates. Nose and throat swabs of parents and swabs of the patient’s bedrail and a datalogger were also collected.Results: Patients remained RSV positive during the air sampling period and infectious virus was isolated up to 9 days post onset of symptoms. In three out of six patients, low levels of RSV RNA, but no infectious virus, were recovered from impactor collection plates that capture large droplets >7 µm. For four of these patients, one or both parents were also positive for RSV. All surface swabs were RSV-negative.Conclusions: Despite the prolonged detection of infectious RSV in the nasopharynx of patients, only small amounts of RSV RNA were collected from air around three out of six patients, which were primarily contained in large droplets which do not remain suspended in air for long periods of time.
Identification of CRF89_BF, a new member of an HIV-1 circulating BF intersubtype recombinant form family widely spread in South America
Authors: Delgado Elena , Fernández-García Aurora , Fernández-Miranda Ismael , Benito Sonia , Montero Vanesa , Gil Horacio , Hernáez Silvia , Muñoz Josefa , Zubero-Sulibarria Miren Z. , Gracía-Bodas Elena , Sánchez Mónica , Romero Jorge del , Rodríguez Carmen , Elorduy Luis , Bereciartua Elena , Culebras Esther , Rodríguez-Avial Icíar , Giménez-Alarcón María Luisa , Martín-Salas Carmen , Gómez-González Carmen , García-Irure José J. , Cenzual Gema , Martínez-Sapiña Ana , Pérez-Álvarez Lucía , Thomson Michael M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) represent a substantial proportion of infections in the HIV-1 pandemic. Among 103 CRFs described in the literature, 16 are BF intersubtype recombinants, most of South American origin, of which CRF12_BF is the most widely spread. A BF recombinant cluster identified in Bolivia was suggested to represent a new CRF_BF. Here, we find that this cluster belongs to a larger cluster incorporating 38 viruses collected in 7 countries from 3 continents, 21 of them in Spain, most from Bolivian or Peruvian individuals, and 12 in South America (Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru). It comprises three major subclusters, two associated with Bolivian individuals and one associated with Peruvian individuals. Near full-length genome sequence analyses of five viruses collected in Spain, Bolivia, and Peru revealed coincident BF mosaic structures, with 13 breakpoints, 5 and 6 of which coincided with CRF12_BF and CRF17_BF, respectively, and grouping in a clade closely related to these CRFs and more distantly to CRF38_BF and CRF44_BF, all circulating in South America. These results allow us to identify a new HIV-1 CRF, designated CRF89_BF. Through phylodynamic analyses, CRF89_BF emergence was estimated in Bolivia around 1984. CRF89_BF is the fifth CRF member of the HIV-1 recombinant family related to CRF12_BF
The association of Minerals Intake in Three Meals with Cancer and All-Cause Mortality: The U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2014
Authors: Xu Xiaoqing , Huang Jiaxin , Xu Jiaxu , Jiang Wenbo , Wei Wei , Han Tianshu , Li Ying , Sun Changhao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Intake time of diet has recently been demonstrated to be associated with the internal clock and circadian pattern. However, whether and how the intake time of minerals would influence the natural course of cancer was largely unknown. Methods:This study aimed to assess the association of mineral intake at different periods with cancer and all-cause mortality. A total of 27455 participants aged 18-85 years old in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were recruited. The main exposures were the mineral intakes in the morning, afternoon and evening, which were categorized into quintiles, respectively. The main outcomes were mortality of cancer and all causes. Results:During the 178,182 person-years of follow-up, 2680 deaths, including 601 deaths due to cancer, were documented. After adjusting for potential confounders, compared to the participants who were in the lowest quartile(Quartile-1) of mineral intakes at dinner, the participants in the highest quartile intake(Quartile-5) of dietary potassium, calcium and magnesium had lower mortality risks of cancer (HRpotassium=0.72, 95% CI:0.55-0.94; HRcalcium=0.74, 95% CI:0.57-0.98; HRmagnesium=0.75, 95% CI:0.56-0.99) and all-cause (HRpotassium=0.83, 95% CI:0.73-0.94; HRcalcium=0.87, 95% CI:0.76-0.99; HRmagnesium=0.85, 95% CI:0.74-0.97). Further, equivalently replacing 10% of dietary potassium, calcium and magnesium consumed in the morning with those in the evening were associated with lower mortality risk of cancer (HRpotassium=0.94, 95%CI:0.91-0.97; HRcalcium=0.95, 95%CI:0.92-0.98; HRmagnesium=0.95, 95%CI: 0.92-0.98). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the optimal intake time of potassium, calcium and magnesium for reducing the risk of cancer and all-cause mortality was in the evening.
A Virus-Induced Gene-Silencing Vector Based on a Mild Isolate of Watermelon Mosaic Virus for Reverse Genetic Analyses in Cucurbits
Authors: Houhou Fakhreddine , Aragonés Verónica , Butković Anamarija , Sáez Cristina , Picó Belén , López Carmelo , Daròs José-Antonio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
As a response to viral infections, host plants trigger an RNA-mediated gene silencing defense, to which viruses respond with the expression of viral-encoded RNA silencing suppressors. If virus clones are manipulated to include sequences homologous to host endogenous genes, these are also targeted by the plant RNA silencing machinery. This so-called virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) has become a powerful technique for reverse genetic analyses in plants, as an alternative to labor-intensive genome transformation. We show that a mild isolate of Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV, genus Potyvirus) can be used as a VIGS vector for reverse genetic analyses in melon. Recombinant WMV clones —in which fragments of the melon Phytoene desaturase (PDS) mRNA were inserted in sense, antisense, and hairpin modalities— induced a distinctive phenotype and significant silencing of the endogenous gene. While the foreign fragments in sense and antisense orientations were stable in the viral progeny, the hairpin was quickly lost. Nevertheless, the hairpin construct triggered a maintained silencing effect comparable to those of the sense and antisense constructs. The suitability of WMV as a VIGS vector was further confirmed targeting melon Magnesium chelatase subunit I (CHLI). These results also support that, although potyviruses express a strong silencing suppressor that usually precludes VIGS, mild isolates of this kind of viruses can be used as VIGS vectors. Finally, to facilitate the use of this new tool by cucurbit geneticists, we describe plasmid pGWMV-VIGS that allows easy cloning fragments of the genes of interest in a single Gibson assembly reaction.