bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Childhood Immunisation Coverage in Kenya by Socioeconomic, Geographic, Maternal, Child, and Place of Birth Characteristics: Equity Impact Analysis
Authors: Allan Simon , Adetifa Ifedayo M. O. , Abbas Kaja 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The WHO Immunisation Agenda 2030 highlights coverage and equity as a strategic priority goal to reach high equitable immunisation coverage at national levels and in all districts. We estimated inequities in full immunisation coverage associated with socioeconomic, geographic, maternal, child, and place of birth characteristics among children aged 12-23 months in Kenya. Methods: We analysed full immunisation coverage (1-dose BCG, 3-dose DTP-HepB-Hib, 3-dose polio, 1-dose measles, and 3-dose pneumococcal vaccines) of 3,943 children aged 12–23 months from the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. We disaggregated mean coverage by socioeconomic (household wealth, religion, ethnicity), geographic (place of residence, province), maternal (maternal age at birth, maternal education, maternal marital status, maternal household head status), child (sex of child, birth order), and place of birth characteristics, and estimated inequities in full immunisation coverage using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Immunisation coverage ranged from 82% [81–84] for the third dose of polio to 97.4% [96.7–98.2] for the first dose of DTP-HepB-Hib, while full immunisation coverage was 68% [66–71] in 2014. After controlling for other background characteristics, children of mothers with primary school education or higher have at least 54% higher odds of being fully immunised compared to children of mothers with no education. Children born in clinical settings have 41% higher odds of being fully immunised compared to children born in home settings. Children in the Coast, Western, Central, and Eastern regions had at least 74% higher odds of being fully immunised compared to children in the North Eastern region, while children in urban areas had 26% lower odds of full immunisation compared to children in rural areas. Children in the middle and richer wealth quintile households were 43–57% more likely to have full immunisation coverage compared to children in the poorest wealth quintile households. Children who were sixth born or higher had 37% lower odds of full immunisation compared to first-born children. Conclusions: The inequities in full immunisation adversely affect children of mothers with no education, born in home settings, in regions with limited health infrastructure, living in poorer households, and of higher birth order.
Genomic Expression Profiling of Colorectal Cancer in Silico
Authors: Liu Feifei , Wang Yu , Li Wenxue , Li Diancheng , Xin Yuwei , Liu Fang , Zhu Jiaan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies of the digestive system; the progression and prognosis of which are affected by a complicated network of genes and pathways. The aim of this study was to identify potential hub genes associated with the progression and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods: We obtained gene expression profiles from GEO database to search differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CRC tissues and normal tissue. Subsequently, we conducted a functional enrichment analysis, generated a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network to identify the hub genes, and analyzed the expression validation of the hub genes. Kaplan–Meier plotter survival analysis tool was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of hub genes expression in CRC patients.Results: A total of 370 samples, involving CRC and normal tissues were enrolled in this article. 283 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 62 upregulated genes and 221 downregulated genes between CRC and normal tissues were selected. We finally filtered out 6 hub genes, including INSL5, MTIM, GCG, SPP1, HSD11B2, and MAOB. In the database of TCGA-COAD, the mRNA expression of INSL5, MT1M, HSD11B2, MAOB in tumor is lower than that in normal; the mRNA expression of SPP1 in tumor is higher than that in normal. In the HPA database, the expression of INSL5, GCG, HSD11B2, MAOB in tumor is lower than that in normal tissues; the expression of SPP1 in the tumor is higher than that in normal tissues. Survival analysis revealed that INSL5, GCG, SPP1 and MT1M may serve as prognostic biomarkers in CRC. Conclusions: We screened out six hub genes to predict the occurrence and prognosis of patients with CRC using bioinformatics methods, which may provide new targets and ideas for diagnosis, prognosis and individualized treatment for CRC.
Newborns in intensive care: Apgar score predicts in fifth minute
Authors: Rocha Emerson , Rodrigues Lucio FG , Moraes Luciana FC , Coelho Gabrielly , Souza Josiel , Costa Natália , Araújo Sabrina , Stroppa-Marques Ana Elisa , Gomes Fabiana , Melo-Neto João 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Apgar Score (AS) < 7 is a predictor of mortality. Survival is shorter in newborns, with AS5min < 7 and the use of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze whether maternal, obstetric, anthropometric, and postnatal variables of newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may be associated with AS5min < 7. If this score is a predictor of morbidity and mortality, and if factors most associated with the worse AS interfere with survival. This observational, retrospective, and quantitative study used a descriptive and inferential approach to analyze the medical records of patients of both sexes treated in the NICU of a tertiary hospital which is a recognized reference center of maternal and child health, during 2017. Data were collected to verify the relationship between AS values ​​(AS5min < 7 and AS5min ≥ 7). AS5min < 7 was associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), premature rupture of the amniotic membrane, vaginal delivery, fetal trauma at birth, abdominal perimeter, and ventilatory support. Among these, HDP and the use of IMV were predictors of lower survival. Conclusion: AS5min was associated with maternal, obstetric, anthropometric, and postnatal variables of neonates admitted to the NICU. Specific maternal and postnatal variables interfered with the survival of these newborns.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Daily and Weekly Iron Supplementations for Improving Iron Status in the Infants
Authors: Pattrakornkul Nalinee , Ngamcherdtrakul Parichaya , Kriangburapa Warawut , Tangjaturonrasme Siriporn , Yampratoom Ramorn 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Iron deficiency anemia screening and iron supplementation in infants aged 6-12 months are recommended in the Guideline in Child Health Supervision. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of weekly iron supplementation compared with daily supplementation in improving the iron status in infants.Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in infants aged 6 months visiting the Well Child Clinic between May 2019 and November 2020 at Burapha University Hospital, Chonburi, Thailand. The intervention consisted of either daily or weekly iron supplementation combined with iron-rich complementary food promotion for six months. The outcomes were the differences of serum ferritin and hematological variables before and after being iron supplemented. Results: Sixty-nine six-month-old healthy infants were randomized to receive either 10 mg Fe/day (daily group) or 30 mg Fe/week (weekly group). Forty-five infants (daily group; n = 24 and weekly group; n = 21) completed the intervention. After the six-month period of iron supplementation, the mean differences of serum ferritin in the daily and the weekly group were 8.78±37.21 and -13.05 ±17.53 ng/mL, respectively (95%CI: 4.54, 39.12; P=0.015). The mean differences of hemoglobin in the daily and the weekly group were 0.58±0.82 and 0.08±0.59 g/dL, respectively (95%CI: 0.06, 0.93; P=0.026). Daily supplementation could prevent iron deficiency more than weekly supplementation significantly (P=0.029), particularly in the exclusive breastfeeding subgroup (P=0.032).Conclusions: Daily iron supplementation is more effective than weekly iron supplementation in improving iron status and hemoglobin level in infants, especially in the exclusively breast-feds.Trial registration: TCTR20191107001, November 7th, 2019. Retrospectively registered, http://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org
The Outcome of Smoker Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Undergone Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (P-PCI) Versus Thrombolytic Therapy
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Amin , Piranfar Mohammad Asadpour , Fesharaki Mehrdad Jafari , Soleimani Atousa , Habib Hananeh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Because of the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and their urgent treatment in a way that have minimal side effects and maximum benefits, this study aims to compare the mortality rate, re-hospitalization, and ejection fraction of smoker patients undergone P-PCI (primary percutaneous coronary intervention) with those who received thrombolytic therapy in autumn 2018.Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in Ayatollah Taleghani and Labbafinejad hospitals of Tehran City, Iran. The study group consisted of 42 smoker patients referred to the hospitals with the diagnosis of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and have undergone P-PCI or thrombolytic therapy from September 2018 to December 2018. Complications such as death and re-hospitalization were noted, and the ejection fraction of each patient was also recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Statistical significance was considered at P< 0.05.Results: The Independent Samples t-test showed no significant difference between two groups of PCI and thrombolytic therapy regarding ejection fraction (EF) at the time of admission. Also, there was no considerable EF difference after three months of follow-up between 2 groups in both smoker and ex-smoker ones (P>0.05). Mean (SD) values of EF in smoker patients who underwent PCI were 41.56 9.95 at the time of admission and 45.00 10.52 after three months of follow-up. The paired sample t-test showed no significant difference between both groups regarding EF at the time of admission and after three months. The mean (SD) values of EF in smoker patients who underwent thrombolytic therapy were 40.26 8.73 at the time of admission and 48.53 5.80 after three months of follow-up. The paired sample t-test showed no significant difference between EF at the time of admission and after three months in the ex-smoker group, but there was a considerable difference in the smoker group (P<0.05). Three months mortality rate was estimated at 23.1% in smokers with PCI and 7.1% in patients treated with thrombolytic therapy. Conclusion: Thrombolytic therapy can increase the EF of smoking patients with STEMI for a long time, indicating a beneficial effect of thrombolytic therapy to prevent heart failure.
Atomic Control of Active Site Ensembles in Ordered Alloys to Enhance Hydrogenation Selectivity
Authors: Dasgupta Anish , He Hoaran , Gong Rushi , Shang Shun-Li , Zimmerer Eric , Meyer Randall , Liu Zi-Kui , Janik Michael , Rioux Robert 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Intermetallic compounds offer unique opportunities for atom-by-atom manipulation of catalytic ensembles through precise stoichiometric control. The [Pd, (M), Zn] γ-brass phase allows for controlled synthesis of Pd-M-Pd catalytic sites (M = Zn, Pd, Cu, Ag and Au) isolated in an inert Zn matrix. These multi-atom heteronuclear active sites are catalytically distinct from Pd single atoms and fully coordinated Pd. We quantify the unexpectedly large effect of active site composition (i.e., identity of M atom in Pd-M-Pd sites) on ethylene selectivity during acetylene semi-hydrogenation. Subtle stoichiometric control demonstrates Pd-Pd-Pd sites are active for ethylene hydrogenation, whereas Pd-Zn-Pd sites show no measurable ethylene to ethane conversion. Agreement between experimental and density functional theory predicted activities and selectivities demonstrates precise control of Pd-M-Pd active site composition. The diversity and well-defined structure of intermetallics can be utilized to design active sites assembled with atomic-level precision.
Mesenchymal stem cell surgery, rescue, and regeneration in glaucomatous optic neuropathy
Authors: Limoli Paolo Giuseppe , Limoli Celeste , Vingolo Enzo Maria , Franzone Federica , Nebbioso Marcella 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) is an anatomofunctional impairment of the optic nerve triggered by glaucoma. Recently, growth factors (GF) have been shown to produce retinal neuroenhancement. The suprachoroidal autograft of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) by Limoli Retinal Restoration Technique (LRRT) has proven to achieve retinal neuroenhancement by producing GF directly into the choroidal space. This retrospectively registered clinical study investigated the visual function changes in patients with GON treated with LRRT. Methods: Twenty-five patients (35 eyes) with GON in progressive disease conditions were included in the study. Each patient underwent a comprehensive ocular examination, including analysis of Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) for far and near visus, sensitivity by Maia microperimetry, and the study of the spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The patients were divided into two groups: a control group, consisting of 21 eyes (average age 72.2 years, range 50–83) and an LRRT group, consisting of 14 eyes (average age 67.4, range 50–84). Results: After 6 months the BCVA, close-up visus, and microperimetric sensitivity significantly improved in the LRRT-treated group (p < 0.05), whereas the mean increases were not statistically significant in controls (p > 0.5). Conclusions: Patients with GON treated with LRRT showed a significant increase of visual performance (VP) both in BCVA and sensitivity and an improvement of residual close-up visus, in the comparison between the LRRT results and the control group. Further studies will be needed to establish the actual significance of the reported findings.
Enhanced wound repair ability of arginine-chitosan nanocomposite membrane through the antimicrobial peptides-loaded dopmine-modified graphene oxide
Authors: Fu Chuan , Qi Zhiping , Zhao Chengliang , Kong Wenlai , Li Hongru , Guo Wenlai , Yang Xiaoyu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Skin wound healing is a complicated and lengthy process, which is influenced by multiple factors and need a suitable cellular micro-environment. For skin wound, wound dressings remain a cornerstone of dermatologic therapy at present. The dressing material can create an effective protective environment for the wound, and the interactions between the dressing and the wound has a great impact on the wound healing efficiency. An ideal wound dressing materials should have good biocompatibility, moisturizing property, antibacterial property and mechanical strength, and can effectively prevent wound infection and promote wound healing. In this study, in order to design wound dressing materials endowed with excellent antibacterial and tissue repair properties, we attempted to load antimicrobial peptides onto dopmine-modified graphene oxide (PDA@GO) using lysozyme (ly) as a model drug. Then, functionalized GO was used to the surface modification of arginine-modified chitosan (CS-Arg) membrane. To evaluate the potential of the prepared nanocomposite membrane in wound dressing application, the surface morphology, hydrophilic, mechanical properties, antimicrobial activity, and cytocompatibility of the resulting nanocomposite membrane were analyzed. The results revealed that prepared nanocomposite membrane exhibited excellent hydrophilic, mechanical strength and antimicrobial activity, which can effectively promote cell growth and adhesion. In particular, using PDA@GO as drug carrier can effectively maintain the activity of antimicrobial peptides, and can maximize the antibacterial properties of the nanocomposite membrane. Finally, we used rat full-thickness wound models to observe wound healing, and the surface interactions between the prepared nanocomposite membrane and the wound. The results indicates that nanocomposite membrane can obviouly accelerated wound closure, and the wounds showed reduced inflammation, improved angiogenesis and accelerated re-epithelialization. Therefore, incorporation of antimicrobial peptides -functionalize graphene oxide (ly-PDA@GO) into CS-Arg membrane was a viable strategy for fabricating excellent wound dressing. Together, this study not only prepared a wound dressing with excellent tissue repair ability, but also provided a novel idea for the development of graphene oxide-based antibacterial dressing.
Depositional environment and diagenesis of Asmari Formation in the well-A (oilfield at western Lorestan basin) and Syah-koh Anticline (Zagros fold–thrust belt, west Iran): microfacies, sequence stratigraphy and geochemistry
Authors: Mohammadi Zahra , Gharechelou Sajjad , Mozafari Mahtab , Liyaghat Mohsen , Jalali Mahmoud , Swennen Rudy 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Asmari Formation (Oligocene-Miocene), as one of the main carbonate petroleum reservoirs of the Middle East, represents strongly variable reservoir quality on regional and local scale. One outcrop analogue (Syah-koh Anticline) and a well-A (oilfield at western Lorestan basin), both situated in western Iran, were investigated to address the reservoir characteristics. The 12 microfacies identified reflect deposition on a broad carbonate ramp reflecting an outer, mid and inner ramp setting. Three third-order depositional sequences are deduced based on interpreted Gamma-ray, sonic logs and stratal stacking patterns. The identified sequences and existence of a thicker evaporite succession in well-A points to more restricted depositional conditions with reduced connection to the open sea from the Syah-koh Anticline towards well-A. The diagenetic modifications revealed micritization, dissolution, cementation, fracturing, dolomitization and compaction. Petrographic and δ13C and δ18O analysis of cements points towards marine, meteoric and burial diagenetic alteration, whereby the cements with δ13C and δ18O values similar to those of enclosing micrite (0 to -2‰ V-PDB) reflect a marine diagenetic environment. The micrite phases enriched in aforementioned isotopes resulted from evaporation which is supported by widespread associated dolomitization. The J trend present in the δ13C and δ18O cross plot reflects the meteoric diagenetic overprint. The cements with highly depleted δ18O signatures (<-10‰ V-PDB) are linked to burial diagenetic processes. The isotopic values are in agreement with the luminescence characteristics of the cements including dull for marine, alternating bright and dull zones for meteoric and bright for burial cements.
Experimental study on the synthesis and characterization of volcanic rocks (pozzolan and perlite)-based geopolymers
Authors: AZIZ Ayoub , BENZAOUAK Abdellah , BELLIL Abdelilah , ALOMAYRI Thamer , HASSANI Iz-Eddine EL AMRANI EL , ACHAB Mohammed , FEKHAOUI Mohammed 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The geopolymer preparation based on natural pozzolan is a promising route. Thus, improving the physicochemical properties of these geopolymers by adding other volcanic rocks merits investigation. The present work aims to study the effect of perlite addition, as an acidic volcanic rock, on the physico-chemical and microstructural properties of geopolymers based on pozzolan (basic volcanic rock). The perlite proportion varied between 0 and 50%. A mixture of sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used as an alkaline activator. The perlite effect on the physico-mechanical properties of the synthesized geopolymers was evaluated by the compressive strength (Rc), P-wave velocity (Vp), bulk density (D), and porosity (P). The microstructural aspects have been explored by X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results highlight the possibility of obtaining an eco-efficient geopolymer, with compressive strength of up to 50 MPa at 28 days by partially replacing the pozzolan by 40% of the perlite, due to the formation of more amorphous N-A-S-H type gel. However, the excessive content (over 40%) of perlite had a negative effect on the development of the compressive strength and microstructure of the pozzolan-based geopolymer, which was related to the formation of zeolitic phases in the geopolymer matrix. This study confirms the promise of using pozzolan-perlite-based geopolymers as sustainable building materials, which could significantly promote the development of geo-resources and environmental protection in the construction sector.
Assessing baseline dependency of anchor-based minimal important change (MIC): don’t stratify on the baseline score!
Authors: Terluin Berend , Roos Ewa M , Terwee Caroline B , Thorlund Jonas B , Ingelsrud Lina H 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose

The minimal important change (MIC) of a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) is often suspected to be baseline dependent, typically in the sense that patients who are in a poorer baseline health condition need greater improvements to qualify as minimally important. Testing MIC baseline dependency is commonly performed by creating two or more subgroups, stratified on the baseline PROM score. This study’s purpose was to show that this practice produces biased subgroup MIC estimates resulting in spurious MIC baseline dependency, and to develop alternative methods to evaluate MIC baseline dependency.
Methods

Datasets with PROM baseline and follow-up scores and transition ratings were simulated with and without MIC baseline dependency. Mean change MICs, ROC-based MICs, predictive MICs and adjusted MICs were estimated before and after stratification on the baseline score. Three alternative methods were developed and evaluated. The methods were applied in a real data example for illustration.
Results

Baseline stratification resulted in biased subgroup MIC estimates and the false impression of MIC baseline dependency, due to redistribution of measurement error. Two of the alternative methods require a second baseline measurement with the same PROM or another correlated PROM. The third method involves the construction of two parallel tests based on splitting the PROM’s item set. Two methods could be applied to the real data.
Conclusion

MIC baseline dependency should not be tested in subgroups based on stratification on the baseline PROM score. Instead, one or more of the suggested alternative methods should be used.
Achieving High Exciton Utilization with Folded π-Molecules
Authors: Xu Shidang , Liu Bin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
π-Molecules play important roles in many applications such as organic light emitting devices, photocatalysis, photovoltaics, biosensors and medicine. Very often, high-performance π-conjugated molecules are of great research interest. However, owing to the conflict between the design of efficient π structure (good rigidity and planarity) and efficient π aggregates (minimum face-to-face π effect), it is challenging for traditional planar π or recently emerged twisted π molecules to realize very high exciton utilization in solid state. Herein, we report a new π skeleton, folded π, to achieve high exciton utilization in solids. Folded π-based molecules tend to form molecular packing patterns that are rich in π interactions, favoring the suppression of unfavorable energy dissipation pathways such as molecular thermal perturbation. Meanwhile, the potential face-to-face π effect between planar π is well prevented by the hydrogen atoms around the π planes. As a result of effective packing, all the synthesized π-based molecules show very high exciton utilization in solids.