bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Religious Leaders On The Use of HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategies Among Young People (15-24) in Lira District, Uganda
Authors: Murungi Tom , Kunihira Irene , Oyella Pamela , Mugerwa Moses , Gift Peruth , Aceng Mercy Jane , Abolo Lydia , Puleh Sean Steven 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Young people (15-24 years) bear the highest burden of new infections and are particularly vulnerable because of their highly risky behavior. There is paucity of information on the role of religious leaders in the multi-sectoral fight against HIV/AIDS. We examined the role of religious leaders in the use of HIV prevention strategies among young people.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted between March and April 2021 among 422 randomly selected young people in Lira district. An interviewer administered a questionnaire to the young people in order to collect quantitative data. About 20 key informants were purposively sampled and interviews were conducted with religious leaders using a key informant's interview guide. Data was collected on social demographics, HIV prevention messages, and awareness about HIV prevention strategies. Data was analyzed using Stata version 15 using proportions, means, percentages, frequencies, and logistic regression analysis at a 95% level of significance. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis and the major themes were generated from the participants’ responses.Results: About 57.1% (241/422) of the respondents were females. The prevalence of use of HIV prevention strategies among young people was 69.4%. Factors significantly associated with the use of HIV prevention included completing the primary level (aOR 4.95, p< 0.05), completing at least A level (aOR 8.85, p < <0.05), Awareness of HIV prevention strategies by religious leaders (aOR 0.02, p<0.001), religious leaders provided HIV prevention messages (aOR 2.53, p<0.01), Advocacy for abstinence outside marriage and fidelity in marriage (aOR 35.6, p<0.01), Religious leaders preaching about HIV prevention (aOR 4.88, p<0.001).Our qualitative data indicated that a section of religious leaders recommended abstinence/faithfulness. Condom use was the most discouraged HIV prevention strategy. However, most religious leaders agree with the fact that they have a role to play in HIV prevention, which includes sensitization, teaching and organizing sermons about HIV prevention.Conclusion: The use of HIV prevention strategies by religious leaders among young people was nearly 70%. This finding indicates that religious leaders have a role to play in HIV/AIDS prevention among young people in the Lira district. This calls for the involvement of religious leaders in HIV prevention programs tailored to prevent new infections of HIV among young people.
Improving the Photovoltaic Parameters of a-Si/CZTS Solar Cells
Authors: Bitam H. , Zaidi B. , Hadjoudja B. , Shekhar C. , Gagui S. , Ullah M. S. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Due to the high need for energy generation for today’s electronic devices as well as with the natural disasters occurring at the increased frequency, intensity and duration, it becomes essential to explore this scientific area for the sustainability of the society. The benefit of a composite a-Si/CZTS photovoltaic devices for energy generation has not yet been investigated. Addressing the problem and providing a radical solution has been attempted in this research. This research reports the calculated parameters for the solar cell based on the new arrey of the layers, employing a-Si/CZTS. Adapted a-Si/CZTS configuration-based solar cell, debutant analysis of the parameters, and address the challenges that impeded the efficiency of the photovoltaic device are the chief novelty of this research work.
Development and Validation of the Perceived Stress Scale in Emergency Medical Teams During the Epidemic of COVID-19
Authors: Zhu Gaopei , Wang Zhongli , Zhu Yuhang , Li Jiaojiao , Guan Peixia , Liu Yujie , Li Juan , Li Zhiqiang , Shi Fuyan , Wang Suzhen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDuring the epidemic of COVID-19 of China, the emergency medical teams are facing serious stress in the front-line. As far as we know, there are no studies to test the applicability and measurement properties of the 10-item Chinese perceived stress scale (CPSS-10) in the emergency medical team.MethodsFrom March 17 to 27, 2020, an online survey was conducted on the emergency medical teams of Liaoning Province who supporting Wuhan. The CPSS-10 was used to measure the stress of medical workers. Classical test theory (CTT), bifactor model and multidimensional graded response model (MGRM) were used to analyze the measurement characteristics and differential item functioning (DIF) of CPSS-10.ResultsThe Cronbach's alpha coefficient of CPSS-10 was 0.86. Bifactor model confirmed that CPSS-10 was a two-factor structure. MGRM showed ordered response categories of K10. Item 8 could distinguish individual stress, but the slope of this item was very large (slope is 7.97, which was higher than 4), showing local dependence. There was a significant age DIF, but no DIF in gender. After removing the items 2, 5, and 8, the CPSS-7 showed high reliability, without DIF of age and gender, and there was no local dependence.ConclusionsMGRM could provide useful measurement information about CPSS-10 and CPSS-7. MGRM found that CPSS-10 did not fully conform to the item response theory (IRT). CPSS-7 had proved to be a more effective and reliable tool for assessing the perceived stress of emergency medical team.
Formation of Metal Soaps In Oil Paintings Under Variable Environmental Conditions
Authors: Piovesan M. , Pérez-Estébanez Marta , Andrés-Moya M. San 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Formation of metal soaps in model paintings under cyclic temperature and relative humidity conditions has been studied by ATR-FTIR and compared with the standard controlled conditions generally maintained in many museums and storerooms. Three different white pigments (lead, zinc and titanium white) and two types of linseed oils (cold-pressed and alkali-refined) have been tested. The behaviour in short times (up to 6 weeks) depends on the pigment and environmental conditions. The relative humidity conditions have been shown to influence the metal soap formation in more degree than the temperature. Ageing under low cyclic relative humidity (30-50%) promotes metal soap formation in both lead and zinc white pigments, compared to high relative humidity (50-90%) conditions. Besides, the formation of zinc soaps continues for 6 weeks when low cyclic relative humidity is used, but it stops after 3 weeks under the other ageing conditions studied.
Feasibility of Low-Dose 68Ga-DOTATATE With Short Acquisition Time Using Total-Body PET/CT in Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumor
Authors: Xiao Jie , Yu Haojun , Yin Hongyan , Liu Guobin , Hu Yan , Qinyu Lin , Yanzhao Zhao , Zhang Yiqiu , Hu Pengcheng , Cheng Dengfeng , Shi Hongcheng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose To explore the feasibility of a low dose regimen with short acquisition time of 68Ga-DOTATATE total-body PET/CT without compromising image quality of patients with NETs. Methods Fifty-seven consecutive NETs patients who underwent 68Ga-DOTATATE total-body PET/CT, with a low dose regimen (0.8-1.2 MBq/kg) of 68Ga-DOTATATE and acquisition time of 10 min prior to any treatment, were enrolled in the present study. The PET data were split into 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 4 min, 5 min, 8 min and 10 min reconstruction groups, referenced as R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R8 and R10. The subjective evaluation of image quality was scored in 5-point Likert scale based on three aspects: the overall impression of the image quality, the image noise, the lesion detectability. The objective image quality was assessed by the signal-to-noise ratio of liver (SNRL), the coefficient of variation (CV), the SUVmax, SUVmean, SD of liver, mediastinal blood pool and lesion, the tumor-liver ratio (TLR), the tumor-mediastinal blood pool-ratio (TMR) of lesion. Results The sufficient subjective image quality with a score of 3.44±0.53 could be obtained at 3 min acquisition duration, with a kappa value of 0.90. In quantitative analysis, the value of SNRL is over 10 in all reconstruction groups. As the acquisition time increases, SNRL was increased and CV was decreased within 3 min, while SNRL and CV showed no significant different between R4-R10. There was no significant different in TMR and TLR of lesion between R1-R10 (all p < 0.05). Referenced as PET images of R10, 90 SSTR-positive lesions are identified, and all those lesions are found in the R1-R10 groups (100%).Conclusion The low-dose (0.8-1.2 MBq/kg) 68Ga-DOTATATE total-body PET/CT not only shortens acquisition time, but maintains a sufficient image quality for the NETs patients.
High PD-L1 Expression Associates with Low T-Cadherin Expression and Poor Prognosis in HPV-Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Qiuju , Zhao Yanzhen , Chen Yan , Chen Yibo , Song Xiaoyu , Zhang Li , He Qiao , Ye Bo , Wu Lichun , Huang Xinyue , Wang Dongsheng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
PurposeT-cadherin is an immunoglobulin-like adhesion molecule which acts as a tumor suppressor gene, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a cell surface protein that involves in the suppression of the immune system. This study aimed at exploring the correlation between T-cadherin and PD-L1, as well as their prognostic value in patients with HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MethodsIn this study, immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the protein expression of T-cadherin and PD-L1 in 104 tissue specimens of HPV-negative HNSCC. Spearman linear correlation analysis was used to determine the association between protein expression of T-cadherin and PD-L1. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to plot overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) curves. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to conduct univariate and multivariate analysis. ResultsThe results showed a large negative association between protein expression of T-cadherin and PD-L1 (r=-0.775, P<0.01), expression of T-cadherin and PD-L1 were associated with OS (P=0.021 and 0.034, respectively) and DFS (P=0.012 and 0.016, respectively) in patients with HPV-negative HNSCC. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that expression of T-cadherin and PD-L1 were independent prognostic predictors for OS and DFS in patients with HPV-negative HNSCC. The worst prognosis was observed in patients with T-cadherin negative/PD-L1 positive.ConclusionIn conclusion, expression of T-cadherin and PD-L1 were inversely correlated and were independent prognostic factors for patients with HPV-negative HNSCC.
Treatment of diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents under the reimbursement policy of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Bureau: Aflibercept or ranibizumab?
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Chieh , Cheng Chieh-Yin , Li Kun-Hsien , Chuang Chih-Chun , Wu Jian-Sheng , Lee Sheng-Ta , Lu Wei-Yang , Chiu Shin-Lin , Liu Yu-Ling , Chen San-Ni 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this retrospective interventional case series is to compare the functional and anatomical outcomes in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) treated intravitreally with aflibercept or ranibizumab under the Taiwan National Insurance Bureau reimbursement policy. 84 eyes were collected and all eyes were imaged with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), color fundus photographs (CFPs), and fluorescein angiography (FA). At 24 months after therapy initiation, the logMAR BCVA improved from 0.58 ± 0.33 to 0.47 ± 0.38 (p < 0.01), the CRT decreased from 423.92 ± 135.84 to 316.36 ± 90.02 (p < 0.01), and the number of microaneurysms decreased from 142.14 ± 57.23 to 75.32 ± 43.86 (p < 0.01). The mean injection count was 11.59 ± 6.54. There was no intergroup difference in logMAR BCVA (p = 0.96), CRT (p = 0.69), or injection count (p = 0.81). However, the mean number of microaneurysms was marginally reduced (p = 0.06) in eyes treated with aflibercept at the end of the follow-up, and the incidence rates of supplementary panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) (p = 0.04) and subthreshold micropulse laser (SMPL) therapy sessions (p = 0.01) were also reduced. Multivariate analysis revealed that only initial logMAR BCVA influenced the final VA improvements (odds ratio (OR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21 ~ 0.93, p < 0.01); in contrast, age (OR -0.38, 95% CI -6.97~-1.85, p < 0.01) and initial CRT (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34 ~ 0.84, p < 0.01) both influenced the final CRT reduction at 24 months. To sum up, both aflibercept and ranibizumab are effective in managing DME with PDR in terms of VA, CRT and MA count. Eyes receiving aflibercept required less supplementary PRP and SMPL treatment than those receiving ranibizumab. The initial VA influenced the final VA improvements at 24 months, while age and initial CRT were prognostic predictors of 24-month CRT reduction.
Jingui Shenqi Pills Prevents and Treats Postmenopausal Osteoporosis via Regulating the BMP/Smad Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Qian , Yang Xu , Ma Ke , Zhang Yanan , Tian Xu , Wang Yuan , Han Xiaochun , Wang Jin , Wang Shijun , Wang Huaxin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Jingui Shenqi （JGSQ for short）pills is a traditional Chinese medicine formula, which has the functions of warming and tonifying kidney-yang, generating essence and filling marrow, warming tendons and veins and bones, and improving bone mineral density. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of JGSQ pills in preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis.Methods : Twelve-week-old SPF female SD rats (n=48) were used in this study. Following the ovariectomy operation (n=40), the rats were randomly divided into the model group, (high, medium, and low dose groups) treated with Jingui Shenqi pills and estradiol group. Recorded the weight gain of rats and calculated the uterine coefficient; To detect the expression of serum calcium, phosphorus, ALP and OPG; HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes of femur; In all the groups, Micro-CT was used for detection of bone mineral density and bone microstructure; and gene expression of BMP-2, Smad1, and Runx2 in rat bone tissue was determined by RT-PCR and Western Blot methods.Results: Compared with the sham operation group, rats in the model group had the highest increase in body weight and the lowest uterine coefficient. Each of the treatment groups had a modest increase in weight gain. Micro-CT and HE staining showed a decrease in bone mineral density in the model group with shorter, thinner, broken, and osteoporotic trabeculae of the femur. The bone mineral density in Jingui Shenqi pills treatment groups had a significant increase with an improved bone microstructure and intact bone trabecular as compared to the model group. Serum ALP in the model group was significantly higher than in the sham operation group but the serum calcium, phosphorus and OPG was significantly lower. The Jingui Shenqi pills treatment groups and the estradiol treated group had lower serum ALP and increased serum calcium, phosphorus and OPG.There was decreased gene expression of BMP-2, Smad1, and Runx2 in the bone tissue of the model group compared to the sham operation group. BMP-2, Smad1, and Runx2 gene expression in Jingui Shenqi pills treated group and estradiol treated group was significantly higher than that of the model group.Conclusion: Jingui Shenqi pills improve the microstructure of bone tissue and increase bone mineral density thus resolving osteoporosis. This is achieved by regulating BMP/Smad signaling pathway and increasing the expression of osteogenic factors BMP-2, Smad1, and Runx2.
Effect of Postoperative Radiotherapy In Women With Localized Pure Mucinous Breast Cancer After Lumpectomy: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Mo QiuPing , Wang Yongzhen , Shan JinLan , Wang Xiaochen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
PurposePure mucinous breast cancer (PMBC) is a rare subtype of invasive breast cancer with favorable prognosis, in which the effect of postoperative radiotherapy remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of postoperative radiotherapy in women with localized PMBC after lumpectomy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare the effectiveness of postoperative radiotherapy (RT) and omitting postoperative radiotherapy (non-RT) in patients with first primary T1-2N0M0 (T ≤ 3cm) PMBC who underwent lumpectomy between 1998 and 2015 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) was compared between RT and non-RT groups using Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression model. Propensity score matching (PSM) was carried out to balance cohort baselines. In addition, an exploratory analysis was performed to verify the effectiveness of RT in subgroup patients. Results Overall, 5352(68.2%) and 2494(31.8%) eligible patients with tumor size ≤ 3cm localized PMBC received lumpectomy with postoperative RT and lumpectomy without postoperative RT respectively. The median follow-up duration was 92 months. The 15-year BCSS was 94.39% (95% CI, 93.08% to 95.35%) in the RT group versus 91.38% (95% CI, 88.86% to 93.35%) in the non-RT group (P < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio for BCSS was 0.64 (95%CI, 0.49 to 0.84; P = 0.001) for RT group versus non-RT group. After PSM, similar results were yielded. Adjuvant RT reduced the 15-year risk of breast cancer death from 7.92% to 6.15% (P = 0.039). The adjusted hazard ratio for BCSS were 0.66 (95%CI, 0.47 to 0.92; P = 0.014) for RT group versus non-RT group. The benefit of RT was well consistent across all subgroups.ConclusionAmong women with T1-2N0M0 (tumor size ≤ 3cm) PMBC, the addition of RT after lumpectomy was significantly associated with a reduced incidence of breast cancer death compared with non-RT, and the magnitude of benefit may be modest. This suggests that postoperative RT is recommended in the treatment of localized PMBC.
Propranolol Reduces Risk of Knee or Hip Replacement Due to Osteoarthritis: a Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study-using Data From the Clinical Practice Research Datalink.
Authors: Nakafero Georgina , Grainge Matthew J , Valdes Ana M , Townsend Nick , Mallen Christian , Zhang Weiya , Doherty Michael , Mamas Mamas A. , Abhishek Abhishek 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objectives To examine the association between β-blocker prescription and knee or hip total joint replacement (TJR) in a UK primary-care population with incident knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA).Methods Cohort study using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Participants aged ≥40 years with incident knee or hip OA, exposed to β-blockers after OA diagnosis (new-user design), were matched to one control for age, sex, OA location and propensity score (PS) for β-blocker prescription. Cox-proportional hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The analyses were adjusted for factors that influence health-seeking behaviour, progression of OA, and stratified according to β-blocker classification. Data analysis was conducted using Stata.Results Data for 6,970 PS-matched β-blocker exposed and unexposed participants were included. Any β-blocker prescription was not associated with knee or hip TJR (aHR 1.11; 95% CI 0.98 – 1.25). However, prescription of lipophilic non-selective β-blockers having membrane stabilising effects associated with reduced risk of knee or hip TJR (aHR 0.69; 95% CI 0.52 – 0.93). Of these, there was a protective effect for propranolol (aHR 0.71; 95% CI 0.53 – 0.95), the commonest prescribed drug in this class. The number needed to treat (95% CI) with propranolol for two years in order to prevent one TJR was 32 (23-52).Conclusion Propranolol, a non-selective β-blocker, reduces the risk of knee and hip TJR. This is consistent with its analgesic effects in other conditions and a randomised controlled trial is required to further evaluate its analgesic potential and safety in OA.
Effects of barley and triticale silage based diets and residual feed intake on performance, profitability, and predicted CO2e emission of backgrounding steers
Authors: Khakbazan Mohammad , Block Hushton C. , Huang John , Colyn Jeff J. , Baron Vern S. , Basarab John A. , Li Changxi , Ekine-Dzivenu Chinyere 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Feed costs are the largest expense in commercial beef production. Increasing cattle (Bos taurus) feed efficiency should reduce feed costs and increase beef profitability. This study used data from two years of a backgrounding trial conducted in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada. The evaluation looked at economic and predicted CH4 emission impacts of diet quality and cattle efficiency type in backgrounding systems. The hypothesis was that diet quality from use of barley (Hordeum vulgare c.v. Canmore) or triticale (x Triticosecale c.v. Bunker) silage-based diets and cattle efficiency type would interact to affect profitability and CH4 emissions.
Results

The experimental design was a four (cattle efficiency type; defined by residual feed intake (RFI)) by two (barley or triticale silage-based rations) factorial treatment with two replicates (pen of eight steers)/treatment/year over two years. Year was a random blocking factor. Cattle weight, intake, and diet composition data were combined with market prices to assess profitability. Methane emissions data were predicted from observed performance using a nutrient requirement model. Effects of diet and cattle efficiency type on profitability and CO2e emissions were assessed using statistical and stochastic risk simulation. By supporting greater gain and feed efficiency, the barley silage diet provided higher net revenue (NR) and lower CO2e emission (P < 0.01 for both). The NR was affected by observed pen average RFI. Risk simulation showed preference for efficient steers and use of barley silage-based diets.
Conclusions

The profitability of beef backgrounding was affected by cattle efficiency type and diet quality with higher quality diets also lowering CO2e emission and little evidence of interaction between cattle efficiency type and diet quality. The difference in certainty equivalent (~$30/steer) of efficient steers on barley silage and inefficient steers on barley silage or efficient or inefficient steers on triticale silage supports a beef backgrounding producer focus on diet quality and cattle efficiency type. However, inefficient steers on barley silage still generated higher certainty equivalent per steer than efficient or inefficient steers on triticale silage. This study did not address potential agronomic differences, including yield, which could provide nuance to forage choice.