bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With Willingness to Use Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Among Fishing Communities in Peri-urban Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Ssuna Bashir , Katahoire Anne , Armstrong-Hough Mari , Kalibbala Dennis , Kalyango Joan N , Kiweewa Flavia Matovu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in key populations at elevated risk for exposure to HIV. If used effectively, PrEP can reduce annual HIV incidence to below 0.05%. However, PrEP is not acceptable among all communities that might benefit from it. There is, therefore, a need to understand perceptions of PrEP and factors associated with willingness to use PrEP among key populations at risk of HIV, such as members of communities with exceptionally high HIV prevalence. Objective: To examine the perceptions and factors associated with willingness to use oral PrEP among members of fishing communities in Uganda, a key population at risk of HIV. Methods: We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study at Ggaba fishing community from February to June 2019. Survey data were collected from a systematic random sample of 283 community members. We carried out bivariate tests of association of willingness to use PrEP with demographic characteristics, HIV risk perception, HIV testing history. We estimated prevalence ratios for willingness to use PrEP. We used backward elimination to build a multivariable modified Poisson regression model to describe factors associated with willingness to use PrEP. We purposively selected 16 participants for focus group discussions to contextualize survey findings, analysing data inductively and identifying emergent themes related to perceptions of PrEP. Key results: We enrolled 283 participants with a mean age of 31±8 years. Most (80.9%) were male. The majority of participants had tested for HIV in their lifetime, but 64% had not tested in the past 6 months. Self-reported HIV prevalence was 6.4%. Most (80.6%, 95%CI 75.5-85.0) were willing in principle to use PrEP. Willingness to use PrEP was associated with perceiving oneself to be at high risk of HIV (aPR 1.99, 95%CI 1.31-3.02, P= 0.001), having tested for HIV in the past 6-months (aPR 1.13, 95%CI 1.03-1.24, P=0.007), and completion of tertiary education (aPR 1.97, 95%CI 1.39-2.81, P<0.001). In focus group discussions, participants described pill burden, side-effects, drug safety, and accessibility as potential barriers to PrEP use. Conclusions and recommendations: Oral PrEP was widely acceptable among members of fishing communities in peri-urban Kampala. Programs for scaling-up PrEP for fisherfolk should merge HIV testing services with sensitization about PrEP and also address issues of access to drugs.
Management of Colorectal Cancer Patients During The COVID-19 Pandemic: Triage and Treatment
Authors: Xiang Pengcheng , Han Junyi , Leung Tiffany I. , Maria Naomi I. , Tang jie , Li Pengju , Qu shaohua , Biskup Ewelina 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

The outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)cause significant difficulties to the treatment of oncological patients, including colorectal cancer(CRC) patients. Establishing new manage strategies and emergency triage system is urgent.
Methods

We collected the outpatients, inpatients and surgeries number and COVID-19 nucleic acid test results of Shanghai East Hospital from December 2019 to January 2020, and the changes during this period were analyzed.
Result

The number of outpatients, inpatients and surgeries all decreased significantly. Not a single case of COVID-19 infection occurred in Shanghai East Hospital in this period. The triage system and management strategy are shared here.
Conclusion

Our triage strategy can help reduce the infection rate of COVID-19 in hospital, and the management strategies of CRC can be used as a reference for clinicians.
The Brain Is Globally Symmetric: An Analysis of Intra and Interhemispheric Symmetry of Subcortical Structures in the Aging Human Brain
Authors: Ramirez Jaime Gomez , González-Rosa Javier J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Here we address the hemispheric interdependency of subcortical structures in the aging human brain. In particular, we investigate whether volume variation can be explained with the adjacency of structures in the same hemisphere or is due to the interhemispheric development of mirror subcortical structures in the brain. Seven subcortical structures in both hemispheres were automatically segmented in a large sample of over three 3,312 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of elderly individuals in their 70s and 80s. We perform Eigenvalue analysis to find that anatomic volumes in the limbic system and basal ganglia show similar statistical dependency when considered in the same hemisphere (intrahemispheric) or in different hemispheres (interhemispheric). Our results indicate that anatomic bilaterality is preserved in the aging human brain, supporting the hypothesis that coupling between non-adjacent brain areas could act as a mechanism to compensate for the deleterious effects of aging.
Increased RV:LV Ratio on Chest CT-Angiogram in COVID-19 is a Marker of Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Tao Ran , Burivalova Zuzana , Masri Sofia Carolina , Dharmavaram Naga , Baber Aurangzeb , Deano Roderick , Hess Timothy , Dhingra Ravi , Runo James , Jarjour Nizar , Vanderpool Rebecca R , Chesler Naomi , Kusmirek Joanna E , Eldridge Marlowe , Francois Christopher , Raza Farhan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PurposeOur study aimed to use chest CT-angiogram (CTA) to assess if right ventricular (RV) dilation, quantified as an increased RV:LV (left ventricle) ratio, is associated with adverse outcomes in the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.MethodsWe reviewed clinical, laboratory, and chest CTA findings in COVID-19 patients (n=100), and two control groups: normal subjects (n=10) and subjects with organizing pneumonia (n=10). On a chest CTA, we measured basal dimensions of the RV and LV in a focused 4-chamber view; and dimensions of pulmonary artery (PA) and aorta (AO) at the PA bifurcation level. ResultsAmong the COVID-19 cohort, the mean age (±SD) was 55.1±14.9 years and 55% were female. A higher RV:LV ratio was correlated with adverse outcomes, defined as ICU admission, intubation, or death. In patients with adverse outcomes, the RV:LV ratio was 1.06±0.10, vs 0.95±0.15 in patients without adverse outcomes. Among the adverse outcomes group, compared to the control subjects with organizing pneumonia, the lung parenchymal damage was lower (22.6±9.0 vs 32.7±6.6), yet the RV:LV ratio was higher (1.06±0.14 vs 0.89±0.07). In ROC analysis, RV:LV ratio had an AUC= 0.707 with an optimal cut-off of RV:LV 1.1 as a predictor of adverse outcomes. In a validation cohort (n=25), an RV:LV ≥1.1 as a cut-off predicted adverse outcomes with an odds ratio of 76:1.ConclusionIn COVID-19 patients, RV:LV ratio ≥1.1 on CTA-chest is correlated with adverse outcomes. RV dilation in COVID-19 is out of proportion to parenchymal lung damage, pointing towards a vascular and/or thrombotic injury in the lungs.
Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) Mediates the Protective Effect of L.Cucurbita Pepo on Salivary Glands of Depressed Rat Evident by Structural, Biochemical and Molecular Study
Authors: ALmohaimeed Hailah M. , Albadawi Emad A. , Mohammedsaleh Zuhair M. , Alghabban Hadel M. , Seleem Hanan S. , Ramadan Osama I. , Ayuob Nasra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAcute and chronic stresses affect the salivary glands which are the source of plasma BDNF during stressful conditions. Pumpkin is a medicinal plant with an evident antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potential antidepressant effects. This work was conducted to assess the impact of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) on the structure of albino rats’ salivary glands and evaluate the role of pumpkin extract (Pump) in ameliorating this effect. MethodsFour groups (n=10 each) of male albino rats included in this study; the control, CUMS, CUMS+ﬂuoxetine and (CUMS+Pump). Corticosterone, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α & IL-6) and the oxidant/antioxidant profile were all assessed in the serum. BDNF mRNA level was measured in the salivary glands using qRT-PCR. Histopathological changes of the salivary glands were also assessed. ResultsDepression was confirmed behaviorally and biochemically. Exposure to CUMS significantly (p< 0.001) up-regulated the level of serum corticosterone. CUMS induced degenerative changes in the secretory and ductal system, atrophy of acini and increased apoptosis of the acinar and ductal cells. Both fluoxetine and Pump significantly up-regulated (p<0.001) BDNF expression in the salivary glands and ameliorated the CUMS-induced histopathological alterations in the salivary glands. Pumpkin significantly (p<0.001) increased the serum levels of antioxidant enzymes SOD, GPX and CAT and reduced the serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6.ConclusionPumpkin ameliorates chronic stress-induced depression in rats by exerting a promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-depressant-like effects in rats exposed to CUMS. Pump subsequently improved stress-induced structural changes in the salivary glands that might be due to the glands up-regulation of BDNF expression.Trial registrationNot applicable.
Neighborhood income inequality and alcohol use among adolescents in Boston, Massachusetts
Authors: Pabayo Roman , Cook Daniel M. , Farmer Gregory , Molnar Beth E. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Previous research has indicated that area-level income inequality is associated with increased risk in alcohol consumption. However, few studies have been conducted among adolescents living within smaller area-units, such as neighborhoods.
Methods
We analyzed cross-sectional data from a sample of 1,878 adolescents living in 38 neighborhoods participating in the 2008 Boston Youth Survey. Multilevel logistic regression modeling was used to determine the role of neighborhood income inequality and the odds for alcohol consumption and to determine if social cohesion and depressive symptoms were mediators.
Results
In comparison to the first tertile of income inequality, or the most equal neighborhood, those living in the second tertile (AOR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.89, 1.61) and third tertile (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.96) were more likely to have consumed alcohol in the last 30 days. Social cohesion and depressive symptoms were not observed to mediate this relationship.
Conclusions
Findings indicate that the distribution of incomes within urban areas may be related to alcohol consumption among adolescents. To prevent alcohol consumption, public health practitioners should prioritize prevention efforts for adolescents living in neighborhoods with large gaps between rich and poor.
External Validation of the 4C Mortality Score among COVID-19 Patients Visiting the Emergency Department or admitted to Hospital in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Jones Aaron , Pitre Tyler , Junek Mats , Kapralik Jessica , Patel Rina , Feng Edward , Dawson Laura , Tsang Jennifer , Duong MyLinh , Ho Terence , Beauchamp Marla , Costa Andrew , Kruisselbrink Rebecca 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Risk prediction scores are important tools to support clinical decision-making for patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The objective of this paper was to validate the 4C mortality score, originally developed in the United Kingdom, for a Canadian population. Methods: We conducted an external validation study within a registry of COVID-19 positive emergency department visits and hospital admissions in the Kitchener-Waterloo and Hamilton regions of southern Ontario between March 4 and January 9, 2020. We examined the validity of the 4C score to prognosticate in-hospital mortality using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals calculated via bootstrapping. Results: The study included 560 individuals, of whom 115 (20.5%) died in-hospital. Median age was 69 years and 281 individuals (51%) were male. The AUC of the 4C score was 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.79-0.87. Mortality rates across the pre-defined risk groups were 0% (Low), 3.2% (Intermediate), 25.9% (High), and 59.5% (Very High). The AUC was 0.80 (0.76-0.85) among hospital inpatients. Interpretation: The 4C score is a valid tool to prognosticate mortality from COVID-19 in Canadian emergency departments and hospitals.
Widely Flatness Gain Bandwidth with Double Pass Parallel Hybrid Fiber Amplifier
Authors: Gurkaynak Irfan Alp , Al-Mashhadani Mohammed Kamil Salh , Ali Mudhafar Hussein , Al-Mashhadani Thamer Fahad , Gunduz Abdullah Erkam , Yucel Murat , Goktas Halim Haldun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A Widely flatness gain bandwidth with double pass parallel hybrid fiber amplifier is experimentally demonstrated in this study. The proposed design combines serial erbium–Raman fiber amplifier in one branch and Raman fiber amplifier in the second branch. Multiple Raman pump units with a maximum power of 800 mW (250 mW of 1410 nm, 225 mW of 1480 nm, and 325 mW of 1495 nm) are utilized. Pump recycling technique is applied to achieve acceptable pumping efficiency. A maximum flatness gain bandwidth of 80 nm (1525–1605 nm) and average gain level of 22.5 dB are obtained at a small input signal power of -25 dBm and optimum pump power values. By comparison, a wider flatness gain of 90 nm (1520–1610 nm) and average gain level of 11.5 dB are achieved at a large input signal power of -5 dBm.
α-Cellulose-Based Films: Effect of Sodium Lignosulfonate (SLS) Incorporation on Physicochemical and Antibacterial Performance
Authors: Lu Xinyu , Que Han , Guo Haoquan , Ding Chenrong , Liu Xu , Qin Yu , Robin Hossain Mahmud , Xu Chaozhong , GU Xiaoli 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A homogeneous α-cellulose film was prepared by regeneration method from ZnCl2/CaCl2/cellulose mixed system and was further combined with sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) by crosslinking through interaction hydrogen bonds and “bridge linkages”. The physicochemical and antibacterial performance of films were all investigated and results showed that modified films exhibited stronger tensile strength, higher thermal stability, lower hydrophilic effect, better UV shielding as compared with those of pure cellulose film, and especially, better antibacterial ability derived from the presence of phenolic and sulfonate groups in SLS. This study proposed a simple and sustainable method for fabricating a multifunctional and environmentally friendly composite film by using two main lignocellulose resources as raw materials.
Preparation nanoparticles of β-cyclodextrin loaded Scutellarein anti-tumor activity research by targeting integrin αvβ3
Authors: WANG JUNDONG , LI TIANHAO , YUE CHAOCHI , ZHONG SEN , YANG XIANGDONG , LI JUN , LI YUANZHI 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Site-Selective Allylic C-H Amination with Aliphatic Amines
Authors: Wang Shengchun , Gao Yiming , Ren Demin , Sun He , Niu Linbin , Yang Dali , Zhang Dongchao , Liang Xing-An , Shi Renyi , Zhang Heng , Qi Xiaotian , Lei Aiwen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The direct coupling of olefins and alkyl amines represents the most efficient and atom-economical approach to prepare aliphatic allylamines which are fundamental building blocks. However, the method that achieves this goal while exhibiting exquisite control over the site at which the amine is introduced remains elusive. Herein, we report that the combination of a photocatalyst and a cobaloxime enables site-selective allylic C–H amination of olefins with secondary alkyl amines to afford allylic amines, eliminating the need for oxidants. This reaction proceeds by a radical-based mechanism distinct from those of existing allylic amination reactions. It affords the product resulting from cleavage of the stronger, primary allylic C–H bonds over other weaker allylic C–H bond options. DFT calculations reveal that this selectivity originates from a cobaloxime-promoted hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process. Our method is compatible with a broad scope of alkenes, and can be extended to achieve a site- and diastereoselective amination of natural terpenes.
Demographic profile of patients and Geospatial mapping in Palliative Care: A hospital based study from Eastern part of India
Authors: Rani Rita , Singh Usha , Trivedi Vinita , Chauhan Richa , Mishra Mukul , Sinha Rajani 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: With the rising burden of cancer in India, there is a huge need to start and expand Palliative care (PC) services in different parts of the country. understanding the demographic profile of the Palliative care patients will help in customising the PC services. Aim of the study was to look into demographic details of the patients and to do Geospatial mapping of the patients referred for PC.Methods: Data was extracted from patient’s case records referred to PC OPD was put into Excel sheet analysed statistically along with Geospatial mapping.Results: Among a total of 1084 patients, 54.9% were men and about 24.2% were women. Maximum number of patients were in 4th decade of their life, relatively younger population. About 57% were poor and 47.1% were illiterate. About 37.2% were head and neck cancer patients with pain as the most commonly reported symptom among all patients. Bony metastasis was most common and majority of the patients belonged to Patna District of Bihar.Conclusions: This study of demographic patterns of patient and geospatial mapping will help in sensitising towards PC and establishing better PC services and policy making in different parts of the country.
Clinical Utilization of Point-of-care Ultrasound After Training: A Prospective Study
Authors: Lien Wan-Ching , Chang Chih-Heng , Chong Kah-Meng , Wu Meng-Che , Wu Cheng-Yi , Wang Hsiu-Po 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the clinical utilization of PoCUS of the first post-graduate year residents after a PoCUS curriculum. Methods: It was conducted at the emergency department of the National Taiwan University Hospital between July 2015 and October 2017. Every resident had one-month ED training and a curriculum was implemented during the first week. The post-training objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) global ratings were obtained, as well as the sonographic examinations by the residents. The participants were categorized into 4 groups: group 1 performed PoCUS before and after the curriculum; group 2 performed only after the curriculum; group 3 performed only before the curriculum; the last did not perform any examinations. Results: Two hundred and thirty-nine residents participated. The median global rating was 4 (interquartile ranges, 4-5). A significantly increasing number of residents integrated PoCUS into patient care (64 vs. 170, p=0.037) with acceptable image quality after the curriculum. Nearly 30% of residents did not use PoCUS although no differences existed in the OSCE global ratings. Group 1 performed more cases with better image quality and using ≥2 ultrasound applications (8/100 vs. 82/359, p=0.0009) after the curriculum. Group 1 performed more cases with better image quality than group 2 after the curriculum. In groups 3 and 4, “no suitable cases” (25/69), and “choosing other imaging priorities” (43/69) were the main feedbacks for not performing PoCUS. Conclusions: A focused training had a substantial positive impact on the utilization of PoCUS of the residents. The global ratings could not predict whether to integrate PoCUS into clinical practice. Further studies would be needed for the sustained effects of the curriculum and how to encourage these residents in groups 3 and 4 to use PoCUS.Clinical trial registration: NCT03738033.
Silicon-Rich Soil Amendments Impact Microbial Community Composition and The Composition of Arsm Bearing Microbes
Authors: Dykes Gretchen E. , Limmer Matt A. , Seyfferth Angelia L 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Arsenic (As) cycling in flooded rice paddies is driven by soil microbes which among other transformations can cause conversion between inorganic and organic As species. Silicon (Si)-rich soil amendments cause increased methylated As species, particularly DMA, in grain likely because they influence the microbial community responsible for As methylation, but the mechanism remains unclear. Methods: To investigate how Si-rich amendments influenced the microbial community, we sequenced the 16S rRNA and arsM genes from rhizosphere soil collected at grain ripening from unamended rice paddy mesocosms or those amended with Si-rich rice husk, charred husk, or calcium silicate, and paired these data with geochemistry and As speciation in grain. Results: We found that Si-amendments influenced the 16S and arsM community composition. Increased C storage from calcium silicate amendment drove differences in the 16S community, whereas low redox from husk amendments drove differences in the arsM community. High grain DMA was not associated with treatment or microbial community, but with low redox.Conclusions: Differences in grain As were observed independent of amendments, and did not correspond to differences in either the 16S or arsM community. Instead, methane flux and redox correlated with differences in grain DMA, implying that methanogen activity and redox are more important factors than community composition in determining grain As speciation. Silicon amendments did not impact grain As, but impacted the microbial community composition, and the subset of arsM-bearing organisms. These findings imply that redox, porewater As, and methanogen activity are likely more important factors than arsM or overall microbial community composition in determining grain DMA levels.
Characterization and Expression Analysis of Extradiol and Intradiol Dioxygenase of Phenol Degradation Haloalkaliphilic Bacterial Isolates
Authors: Abbas Naser , Elsayed Afaf , Hassan Hamdy , El-Sabbagh Sabha , Khalil Hany 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Haloaklophilic bacteria have a potential advantage as a bioremediation organism for high pH oil polluted and industrial wastewater. In the current study, Haloalkaliphilic isolates were obtained from Hamralake, Wadi EL-Natrun, Egypt. The phenotypic features, biochemical characters, and 16S rRNA sequence comparison were used to identify the bacterial isolates including Halomonas HA1 and Marinobacter HA2. These strains showed high requirement of NaCl for growth specially HA1 strain that essentially required NaCl for its growth. The isolates are capable of degrading phenol at optimal pH values between 8 and 9 with the ability to grow in levels of pH up to 11, like what was seen in Halomonas HA1 strain. Both isolates represent two different mechanistic pathways for phenol degradation. Halomonas HA1 exploits the 1,2 phenol meta cleavage pathway while Marinobacter HA2 using the 2,3 ortho cleavage pathway indicated by universal primer sets for 1,2 and 2,3 CTD genes. Phenol degradation showed a comparable pattern between both isolates, while Marinobacter HA2 isolate can eliminate the added phenol within an incubation period of 72 h, The Halomonas HA1isolate required 96 h to degrade 84% of the same amount of phenol. The phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequence of 1,2 CTD (catechol dioxygenase) of Halomonas HA1showed an evolutionary relationship between 1,2 dioxygenases of both Halomonadaceae and Pseudomonadaceae while 2,3 CTD of Marinobacter HA2 shared the main domains of the closely related species. Semi-quantitative RT PCR analysis proved the constitutive expression pattern of both dioxygenase genes.