bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interfacial Capacitance of Graphene Oxide Films Electrodes: Fundamental Studies on Electrolytes Interface Aiming (Bio)Sensing Applications
Authors: Pessanha Tatiana M. , Paschoalino Waldemir J. , Deroco Patricia B. , Kogikoski Sergio , De Moraes Ana C. M. , de Carvalho Castro Silva Cecilia , Kubota Lauro T. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe understanding of bidimensional materials dynamics and its electrolyte interface equilibrium, such as graphene oxide (GO), is critical for the development of a capacitive biosensing platform. The interfacial capacitance (Ci) of graphene‐based materials may be tuned by experimental conditions such as pH optimization and cation size playing key roles at the enhancement of their capacitive properties allowing their application as novel capacitive biosensors. Here we reported a systematic study of Ci of multilayer GO films in different aqueous electrolytes employing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for the application in a capacitive detection system. We demonstrated that the presence of ionizable oxygen‐containing functional groups within multilayer GO film favors the interactions and the accumulation of cations in the structure of the electrodes enhancing the GO Ci in aqueous solutions, where at pH 7.0 (the best condition) the Ci was 340 μF mg−1 at −0.01 V vs Ag/AgCl. We also established that the hydrated cation radius affects the mobility and interaction with GO functional groups and it plays a critical role in the Ci, as demonstrated in the presence of different cations Na+=640 μF mg−1, Li+=575 μF mg−1 and TMA+=477 μF mg−1. As a proof‐of‐concept, the capacitive behaviour of GO was explored as biosensing platform for standard streptavidin‐biotin systems. For this system, the Ci varied linearly with the log of the concentration of the targeting analyte in the range from 10 pg mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1, showing the promising applicability of capacitive GO based sensors for label‐free biosensing.
Large‐scale electron microscopic volume imaging of interfascicular oligodendrocytes in the mouse corpus callosum
Authors: Tanaka Tatsuhide , Ohno Nobuhiko , Osanai Yasuyuki , Saitoh Sei , Thai Truc Quynh , Nishimura Kazuya , Shinjo Takeaki , Takemura Shoko , Tatsumi Kouko , Wanaka Akio 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSingle oligodendrocytes produce myelin sheaths around multiple axons in the central nervous system. Interfascicular oligodendrocytes (IOs) facilitate nerve conduction, but their detailed morphologies remain largely unknown. In the present study, we three‐dimensionally reconstructed IOs in the corpus callosum of adult mouse using serial block face scanning electron microscopy. The cell bodies of IOs were morphologically polarized and extended thick processes from the cytoplasm‐rich part of the cell. Processes originating from the cell body of each IO can be classified into two types: one myelinates an axon without branching, while the other type branches and each branch myelinates a distinct axon. Myelin sheaths originating from a particular IO have biased thicknesses, wrapping axons of a limited range of diameters. Consistent with this finding, IOs transduced and visualized with a rabies viral vector expressing GFP showed statistically significant variation in their myelination patterns. We further reconstructed the sheath immediately adjacent to that derived from each of the analyzed IOs; the thicknesses of the pair of sheaths were significantly correlated despite emanating from different IOs. These results suggest that a single axon could regulate myelin sheath thicknesses, even if the sheaths are derived from distinct IOs. Collectively, our results indicate that the IOs have their own myelin profiles defined by myelin thickness and axonal diameter although axons may regulate thickness of myelin sheath.
Utility of process capability indices in assessment of quality control processes at a clinical laboratory chain
Authors: Dong Ping , Wang Yong‐Bo , Peng De‐Zhi , Wang Jia‐Jia , Cheng Ya‐Ting , Deng Xiao‐Yan , Zheng Biao , Tao Ran 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the utility of the process capability indices Cp and Cpk for assessing the quality control processes at chain laboratory facilities.MethodsIn April 2020, the minimum Cp and Cpk values for 33 assays of a laboratory chain with 19 facilities were collected for further analysis and a total of 627 datasets (Cp and Cpk) were compared. In addition, standard values for Cp and Cpk, defined as the lowest of the top 20%, were obtained for comparison and the indices were used to determine whether precision or trueness improvements were required for the corresponding assay.ResultsA total of 627 datasets of 33 assays from 19 laboratory facilities were collected for further analysis. Based on the Cp results, 329 (52.5%), 211 (33.7%), 65 (10.3%), and 22 (3.5%) were rated as excellent, good, marginal, and poor, respectively. While the corresponding results for Cpk were 300 (47.8%), 216 (34.4%), 79 (12.6%), and 32 (5.1%). In addition, it was noteworthy that eight (Cp criteria) and six assays (Cpk criteria) were rated as excellent or good at all 19 facilities. Comparison of the process capability indices at the Jinan KingMed Center with the standard values revealed that total protein, albumin, and urea showed trueness individual improvement, precision individual improvement, and precision common improvement, respectively, while the results of other assays were stable.ConclusionProcess capability indices are useful for evaluating the quality control procedures in laboratory facilities and can help improve the precision and trueness of laboratory tests.
Down‐regulation of hsa_circ_0006470 predicts tumor invasion: A new biomarker of gastric cancer
Authors: Yao Lipeng , Xie Yaoyao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is a common cancer. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulate the pathogenesis of GC. This study aims to explore its potential as a GC biomarker.MethodsThe expression of hsa_circ_0006470 in GC tissues and GC cell lines was measured by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The diagnostic value of hsa_circ_0006470 was estimated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsCompared with adjacent normal tissues, the expression of hsa_circ_0006470 in GC tissues was significantly lower. The expression levels of hsa_circ_0006470 in different TNM stages and different invasion degrees were significantly different. The area under the ROC curve was 0.783, with sensitivity and specificity 0.725 and 0.750, respectively.ConclusionsHsa_circ_0006470 has a high value as a diagnostic biomarker for GC.
A survey of the research practice in general medicine departments of Japanese universities: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tago Masaki , Watari Takashi , Shikino Kiyoshi , Yamashita Shun , Katsuki Naoko E. , Fujiwara Motoshi , Yamashita Shu‐ichi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have focused on research practice in Japanese university general medicine (GM) departments.MethodsThis is a questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional study to clarify the research achievement and associated factors of Japanese university GM department. Univariate analysis was performed to compare the number of English‐language research publications and explanatory variables.ResultsForty‐seven universities responded. Over a 3 years period, the median number of English‐language research publications was 6. Perceived degree of research necessity, staff numbers, collaborative research, conference presentations, and obtaining research grants were significantly associated with a higher number of English‐language research publications.ConclusionsWhile GM research output was found to be limited, numerous associated factors can potentially change Japanese GM departments' research environments.
Intimate partner and client‐perpetrated violence are associated with reduced HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake, depression and generalized anxiety in a cross‐sectional study of female sex workers from Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Leis Maria , McDermott Miranda , Koziarz Alex , Szadkowski Leah , Kariri Antony , Beattie Tara S , Kaul Rupert , Kimani Joshua 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionUNAIDS has identified female sex workers (FSW) as a key HIV at‐risk population. FSW disproportionately experience gender‐based violence, which compounds their risk of HIV acquisition and may contribute to adverse mental health outcomes. Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a powerful but underused HIV prevention tool for these women. This study explored the associations between intimate partner violence (IPV) and client‐perpetrated violence against FSW, mental health outcomes and PrEP use.MethodsAn anonymous questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 220 Nairobi FSW attending dedicated clinics from June to July 2019, where PrEP was available free of charge. A modified version of the WHO Violence Against Women Instrument assessed IPV and client‐perpetrated violence, and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7) assessed depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. Multivariable logistic regressions evaluated predictors of depression, generalized anxiety and PrEP use.ResultsOf the total 220 women (median [IQR] age 32 [27‐39]), 56.8% (125/220) reported depression (PHQ‐9 ≥ 10) and 39.1% (86/220) reported anxiety (GAD‐7 ≥ 10). Only 41.4% (91/220) reported optimal use of PrEP (taken correctly six to seven days/week) despite the cohort pursuing sex work for a median of 7 (4 to 12) years. Most women reported experiencing any violence in the past 12 months (90%, 198/220). Any recent IPV was frequent (78.7%, 129/164), particularly emotional IPV (66.5%, 109/164), as was any client‐perpetrated violence in the past 12 months (80.9%, 178/220). Regression analyses found that violence was independently associated with depression (adjusted OR [aOR] 9.39, 95% CI 2.90 to 30.42, p = 0.0002) and generalized anxiety (aOR 3.47, 95% CI 1.10 to 10.88, p = 0.03), with the strongest associations between emotional IPV and both depression and anxiety. Recent client‐perpetrated emotional violence (aOR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.71, p = 0.01) was associated with decreased PrEP use, whereas client‐perpetrated physical violence was associated with increased PrEP use (aOR 3.01, 95% CI 1.16 to 7.81, p = 0.02).ConclusionsThere was a high prevalence of recent violence by different perpetrators as well as depression and anxiety among FSW from Nairobi. PrEP use was relatively infrequent, and recent client‐perpetrated emotional violence was associated with PrEP non‐use. Interventions to reduce gender‐based violence may independently enhance HIV prevention and reduce the mental health burden in this community.
Assessing longitudinal patterns of depressive symptoms and the influence of symptom trajectories on HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis adherence among adolescent girls in the HPTN 082 randomized controlled trial
Authors: Velloza Jennifer , Hosek Sybil , Donnell Deborah , Anderson Peter L , Chirenje Mike , Mgodi Nyaradzo , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Delany‐Moretlwe Sinead , Celum Connie ,   HPTN 082 study group
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionAfrican adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) eligible for HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) experience high levels of depressive symptoms. Depression can reduce PrEP adherence among adults, although analyses have considered depression as a time‐varying exposure rather than modelling distinct patterns of symptoms. The association between depressive symptoms and PrEP adherence has not been explored for AGYW. To address these gaps, we sought to understand depressive symptom trajectories among African AGYW initiating PrEP and the impact of time‐varying depressive symptoms and symptom trajectories on PrEP adherence.MethodsHPTN 082 was an open‐label PrEP study among AGYW (ages 16 to 24) in Zimbabwe and South Africa from 2016 to 2018. Depressive symptoms were measured at enrolment and Weeks 13, 26 and 52, using the 10‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies scale; a score ≥10 is indicative of elevated depressive symptoms. PrEP adherence was defined as any detectable tenofovir diphosphate (TFV‐DP) levels. Group‐based trajectory modelling was used to model longitudinal patterns of depressive symptoms. We assessed psychosocial and behavioural predictors of depressive symptom trajectory membership (e.g. PrEP stigma, intimate partner violence [IPV], sexual behaviour). We modelled associations between (1) group trajectory membership and PrEP adherence at Week 52 and (2) time‐varying depressive symptoms and PrEP adherence through follow‐up.ResultsAt enrolment, 179 (41.9%) participants had elevated depressive symptoms. Group‐based trajectory models revealed persistent elevated depressive symptoms in 48.5%, declining symptoms in 9.4% and no consistent or mild depressive symptoms in 43.3%. AGYW who engaged in transactional sex, reported IPV, or had traumatic stress symptoms were more likely to be assigned to the persistent elevated symptom group compared with the consistent no/mild symptom group (Wald test p‐value all <0.01). Participants assigned to the persistent elevated depressive symptom trajectory had a significantly lower risk of detectable TFV‐DP at Week 52 than those in the no/mild symptom trajectory (adjusted prevalence ratio = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.98). Elevated depressive symptoms were significantly inversely associated with PrEP use throughout follow‐up (adjusted relative risk = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.53 to 0.99).ConclusionsPersistent depressive symptoms were common among African AGYW seeking PrEP. Integration of depressive symptom screening and treatment into PrEP programmes may improve PrEP effectiveness among African women.
Patient‐incurred costs in a differentiated service delivery club intervention compared to standard clinical care in Northwest Tanzania
Authors: Okere Nwanneka E , Corball Lucia , Kereto Dunia , Hermans Sabine , Naniche Denise , Rinke de Wit Tobias F , Gomez Gabriela B 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionPlacing all clients with a positive diagnosis for HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) has cost implications both for patients and health systems, which could, in turn, affect feasibility, sustainability and uptake of new services. Patient‐incurred costs are recognized barriers to healthcare access. Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models in general and community‐based care in particular, could reduce these costs. We aimed to assess patient‐incurred costs of a community‐based DSD intervention (clubs) compared to clinic‐based care in the Shinyanga region, Tanzania.MethodsCross‐sectional survey among stable ART patients (n = 390, clinic‐based; n = 251, club‐based). For each group, we collected socio‐demographic, income and expenditure data between May and August 2019. We estimated direct and indirect patient‐incurred costs. Direct costs included out‐of‐pocket expenditures. Indirect costs included income loss due to time spent during transport, accessing services and off work during illness. Cost drivers were assessed in multivariate regression models.ResultsOverall, costs were significantly higher among clinic participants. Costs (USD) per year for clinic versus club were as follows: 11.7 versus 4.17 (p < 0.001) for direct costs, 20.9 versus 8.23 (p < 0.001) for indirect costs and 32.2 versus 12.4 (p < 0.001) for total costs. Time spent accessing care and time spent in illness (hours/year) were 38.3 versus 13.8 (p < 0.001) and 16.0 versus 6.69 (p < 0.001) respectively. The main cost drivers included transportation (clinic vs. club: 67.7% vs. 44.1%) for direct costs and income loss due to time spent accessing care (clinic vs. club: 60.4% vs. 56.7%) for indirect costs. Factors associated with higher total costs among patients attending clinic services were higher education level (coefficient [95% confidence interval]) 20.9 [5.47 to 36.3]) and formal employment (44.2 [20.0 to 68.5). Differences in mean total costs remained significantly higher with formal employment, rural residence, in addition to more frequent visits among clinic participants. The percentage of households classified as having had catastrophic expenditures in the last year was low but significantly higher among clinic participants (10.8% vs. 5.18%, p = 0.014).ConclusionsCosts incurred by patients accessing DSD in the community are significantly lower compared to those accessing standard clinic‐based care. DSD models could improve access, especially in resource‐limited settings.
Asymmetric coplanar strip‐fed textile‐based wearable antenna for MBAN and ISM band applications
Authors: Gopi Dattatreya , Kokilagadda Phaninder Vinay , Gupta Shipli , Dodda Venkata Rama Koti Reddy 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe design of portable textile‐based asymmetric coplanar strip‐fed comb‐shaped patch (CSP) antenna is proposed and analyzed for Medical Body Area Network and Industrial Scientific and Medical band applications. A thin sheet of fabric with high conductivity has been embedded on a denim textile to fabricate a flexible conductive wearable antenna. The CSP antenna is validated in both free spaces and on the body. The proposed CSP antenna resonates at an operating frequency of 2.49 GHz (2.27–3.42 GHz) for free space with a bandwidth of 1150 MHz. On‐body, the antenna resonates at 2.44 GHz (1.9–2.8 GHz) with a bandwidth of 900 MHz. The gain is 4.67 dBi for free space, and −4.82 dBi for on‐body is observed. The CSP antenna was tested under bent and crumpling conditions, and the performance remains unaffected by the deformation. The CSP antenna performance is analyzed by using the artificial human hand for the physically challenged people. Specific absorption rate is 1.4 W/kg, and values under the electromagnetic radiation exposure limits have been obtained, with a safe margin of 1.6 W/kg. There is good agreement between the simulation and measurement results for the proposed CSP antenna.
On occurrence of rapid intensification and rainfall changes in tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean
Authors: Vinodhkumar Buri , Busireddy Nanda Kishore Reddy , Ankur Kumar , Nadimpalli Raghu , Osuri Krishna Kishore 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe present study examines the climatological characteristics and possible triggers of rapid intensification (RI) of tropical cyclones (TCs) during 1990–2019 over the North Indian Ocean (NIO). RI is defined as an increase in maximum sustained surface wind speed of 30 knots (15.4 m⋅s−1) or more in a 24 hr duration. In the NIO basin, the threshold of 24 hr intensity change represents the 93rd percentile using a 3‐min sustained wind, while, it is 95th percentile in the Atlantic basin, where 1‐min sustained wind is used. A total of 46 TCs (~38% of the total TCs) have exhibited RI at an average rate of 1–2 TCs year−1 over the NIO. A significant increase of RI‐TCs is seen from the year 2000 onwards over the region. The maximum RI‐TCs occurrence is found in the post‐monsoon season. The majority of TCs (~48%) undergo the RI phase within a 12–24 hr time during the depression stage. About ~35% (26%) of the TCs are retained in the RI phase for the duration of at least 24 hr (36 hr). Most of the RI‐TCs move northwestward (38%) and westward (31%) direction 6 hr before the RI onset with slow/normal translation speeds. During the RI phase, ~72% of TCs travels a distance of ~150–450 km. The TC inner‐core region receives heavy rainfall, and a ~ 3 mm⋅hr−1 increment is noticed 12 hr before the RI to the RI onset. Most of the RI‐TCs made landfall over eastern states of India showing the vulnerability of the regions. Composite analysis demonstrated that higher precipitable water (~55 mm), surface flux (500 W⋅m−2), cyclone heat potential (50–60 kJ⋅cm−2) in the moderate shear (6–8 m⋅s−1) environment favours the RI process. This study highlights the significance of RI‐TCs and triggering conditions for the RI onset over the NIO region.
Safety of Using Enteral Nutrition Formulations Containing Dietary Fiber in Hospitalized Critical Care Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cara Kelly Copeland , Beauchesne Andrew R. , Wallace Taylor C. , Chung Mei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEnteral nutrition (EN) is the preferred route of nutrition support for patients with critical illness undergoing intensive care. Experts in the field caution against using fiber during EN because of perceived adverse patient outcomes; however, a comprehensive assessment of this topic is not evident to date. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched four databases from inception to April 20, 2020, for studies on adverse events or health outcomes associated with using EN formulations containing fiber in hospitalized adults with critical illness. Nineteen articles were included. Random‐effects meta‐analysis models showed significantly lower diarrhea scores for fiber groups compared with nonfiber groups (pooled mean difference: −2.78; 95% CI, −4.10 to −1.47) but mixed results for risk of diarrhea between groups, depending on measures used for diarrhea (Hart and Dobb scale, pooled risk ratio [RR]: 0.68; 95% CI, 0.45–1.02; other diarrhea scales, pooled RR: 0.42; 95% CI, 0.20–0.89). Models showed 39% lower risk of gastrointestinal (GI) complications overall for fiber compared with nonfiber groups (pooled RR: 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47–0.79) but no group differences for individual GI complications, mortality, and intensive care unit or hospital length of stay. Analyses stratified by soluble‐ or mixed‐fiber interventions reduced heterogeneity in models but showed identical conclusions. EN formulas with fiber may help reduce incidence and severity of diarrhea and GI complications overall in critically ill patients, without increased risk of other adverse events. Bias among specific GI measures indicates more high‐quality studies are needed to verify these conclusions.
Deep placement of nitrogen fertilizer in autumn improves N utilization by spring tea (Camellia sinensis L.)
Authors: Ma Lifeng , Ruan Jianyun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe efficient use of fertilizers depends very much on their proper placement, and the effects of fertilizer placement on the woody perennial plant tea (Camellia sinensis L.) are not clearly understood.MethodsA 15N mini‐plot field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of four common techniques of fertilizer placement techniques. 15N‐labeled urea was applied in October by surface broadcasting, surface broadcasting with 3–5 cm soil incorporation, shallow (3–5 cm), and deep (10–15 cm) side dressing (DSD). The proportion of N derived from 15N‐labeled fertilizer (Ndff%) was estimated in root, and soil samples were collected 15 and 43 days after fertilization (DAA15 and DAA43) and in young shoots collected in the following spring.ResultsMost fertilizer 15N was located in the soil near the placement position at DAA15 and 15N had moved downward but maintained a similar distribution in the soil profile at DAA43. The distribution of fibrous root Ndff% in the soil profile was very similar to that of soil Ndff%. DSD resulted in the highest shoot Ndff%, the estimated amount of 15N in young shoot derived from 15N‐label fertilizer (shoot 15N), and its percentage related to the amount of 15N‐labeled fertilizer input (REFN%). Thus, DSD of urea as basal application in autumn maintained a higher and prolonged N supply in the middle and deep soil layers, thereby improving fertilizer‐N absorption and utilization in the following spring tea. However, direct broadcasting of urea on the soil surface resulted in low N availability in the soil and utilization by tea plants.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that DSD of N fertilization should be recommended for tea planting to increase N use efficiency and reduce environmental losses in forms of runoff and volatilization.