bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flow cytometry evaluation of CD14/CD16 monocyte subpopulations in systemic sclerosis patients: a cross sectional controlled study
Authors: Schneider Laiana , Marcondes Natália Aydos , Hax Vanessa , da Silva Moreira Isadora Flesch , Ueda Carolina Yuka , Piovesan Rafaella Romeiro , Xavier Ricardo , Chakr Rafael 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy and fibrosis, which can be subclassified into diffuse cutaneous (dSSc) and limited cutaneous (lSSc) subtypes. Previous studies suggest that an increase in monocytes can be a hallmark of various inflammatory diseases, including SSc. Our aim was to evaluate circulating blood monocyte subpopulations (classical, intermediate and non-classical) of SSc patients and their possible association with disease manifestations.

Methods
Fifty consecutive patients fulfilling the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc were included in a cross-sectional study. Monocyte subpopulations were identified based on their expression of CD64, CD14 and CD16, evaluated by flow cytometry, and were correlated with the clinical characteristics of the patients; furthermore, the expression of HLA-DR, CD163, CD169 and CD206 in the monocytes was studied. Thirty-eight age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were recruited as a control group.

Results
SSc patients had an increased number of circulating peripheral blood monocytes with an activated phenotypic profile compared to healthy subjects. Absolute counts of CD16+ (intermediary and non-classical) monocyte subpopulations were higher in SSc patients. There was no association between monocyte subpopulations and the clinical manifestations evaluated.

Conclusion
We identified higher counts of all monocyte subpopulations in SSc patients compared to the control group. There was no association between monocyte subpopulations and major fibrotic manifestations. CD169 was shown to be more representative in dSSc, being a promising marker for differentiating disease subtypes.
Development and validation of portable, field-deployable Ebola virus point-of-encounter diagnostic assay for wildlife surveillance
Authors: Figueroa Dania M. , Kuisma Eeva , Matson M. Jeremiah , Ondzie Alain U. , Bushmaker Trent , Seifert Stephanie N. , Ntoumi Francine , Escudero-Pérez Beatriz , Muñoz-Fontela César , Walzer Chris , Olson Sarah H. , Goma-Nkoua Cynthia , Mombouli Jean-Vivien , Fischer Robert J. , Munster Vincent J. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Early detection of Ebola virus spillover into wildlife is crucial for rapid response. We developed and validated a portable, cold-chain independent Ebola virus RT-qPCR assay.

Methods
The field syringe-based RNA extraction method was compared with a conventional laboratory-based spin-column RNA extraction method. Next, the qPCR efficiency and limit of detection of the assay was compared to standard laboratory-based reagents and equipment. The specificity of the assay was confirmed by testing against multiple Zaire Ebolavirus (EBOV) variants and other ebolavirus species. Lastly, swabs from an EBOV-infected non-human primate carcass, stored at environmental conditions mimicking central and west Africa, were analyzed to mimic in field conditions.

Results
The syringe-based RNA extraction method performed comparably to a standard laboratory spin-column-based method. The developed assay was comparable in sensitivity and specificity to standard laboratory-based diagnostic assays. The assay specifically detected EBOV and not any of the other tested ebolavirus species, including Reston ebolavirus, Sudan ebolavirus, Bundibugyo ebolavirus, and Tai Forrest ebolavirus. Notably, the assays limit of detection for EBOV isolates were all below 4 genome copies/μL. The assay was able to detect EBOV in oral, nasal, thoracic cavity, and conjunctiva swabs obtained from an infected non-human primate.

Conclusion
We developed a field-based Ebolavirus assay which is comparable in sensitivity and specificity to laboratory-based assays. Currently, the assay is being incorporated into wildlife carcass surveillance in the Republic of the Congo and is being adapted for other infectious disease agents.
Dietary practices and gender dynamics: understanding the role of women
Authors: Das Suraj , Mishra Anindya J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe culturally embedded habitus forms esthetic sensibilities; that is, the culture of a specific community group is internalized through the process of socialization. Habitus extends to our sense of taste for cultural objects such as art, food, and clothing. In a traditional society like in India, the family is an institution with norms and values attached to it. Furthermore, it is a woman who usually cooks in a traditional society. Therefore, the sociocultural belief system and customs play a crucial role in shaping dietary practices. Hence, discussing the choices and decisions that women make related to food could unravel the gender dimensions. Exploring the dynamics of gender could help policymakers, legislators, and other stakeholders to adopt an integrated approach to amalgamate the element of inclusivity while framing the schemes and policies related to food security. The present study has used the QDA Miner Lite software for the grounded theory approach to conclude that women are the center of food choices. Moreover, food selection depends upon religious inclinations, the belief system, relative position and status in society, cultural traditions and customary laws, etc.
Intratracheal inoculation of human varicella zoster virus (VZV; MAV strain) vaccine successfully induced VZV IgG antibodies in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Kim Jong-Min , Park Chung-Gyu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of live attenuated varicella zoster virus (VZV) MAV vaccination can efficiently induce VZV antibody production in naive rhesus monkeys as an approach to prevent simian varicella virus (SVV) reactivation in animals immunosuppressed for transplantation studies.

Results
Clinically available human VZV vaccine was used to induce the production of anti-VZV antibodies in rhesus monkeys. A vial of the vaccine was subcutaneously injected at 0 week, and the second and third vaccination was performed at 5 and 6 weeks by intratracheal inoculation. The titer of anti-VZV IgG was assessed at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 7 weeks. At 2 weeks, 3/16 were seropositive for VZV IgG. At 6 weeks, 9/16 were shown to be seropositive. At 7 weeks, 16/16 were found to be seropositive.

Conclusions
The VZV vaccine via intratrachael inoculation was shown to induce VZV IgG humoral immunity in rhesus monkeys and may be important immunosuppressed macaques for transplantation studies. Although the humoral immunity produced is an important finding, further studies will be necessary to confirm possible protection and it could protect probably against SVV infection in rhesus monkey.
Prediction of nipple-areolar complex involvement by breast cancer: role of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI)
Authors: EL-Adalany Mohamed Ali , EL-Razek Ahmed Abd El-Khalek Abd , EL-Metwally Dina 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomies were considered as alternative techniques for modified radical mastectomy. In patients who are candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy, preoperative assessment of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is essential for adequate surgical planning. Breast MRI is highly sensitive for cancer detection and has an important role in disease staging. The aim of this study was to estimate the role of DCE-MRI in predicting malignant NAC invasion by underlying breast cancer and assess the best predictors on MRI that can suspect malignant NAC invasion.

Results
Out of the 125 patients with breast cancer, 33 patients (26.4%) showed malignant NAC invasion. On basis of multivariate analysis, abnormal nipple enhancement, tumor nipple enhancement, tumor nipple distance ≤ 2 cm, and abnormal and asymmetric nipple morphology were all significant predictors of malignant NAC invasion (P < 0.001) with abnormal unilateral nipple enhancement as the most important independent MRI predictor of malignant NAC invasion (odds ratio = 61.07, 95% CI 12.81–291.22, P < 0.001). When combining more than positive suspicious MRI features, DCE-MRI had 66.6% sensitivity, 76% specificity, 50% PPV, 86.4% NPV, and 73.6% accuracy in prediction of malignant NAC invasion.

Conclusion
DCE-MRI could predict malignant NAC invasion with abnormal unilateral nipple enhancement as the most important independent MRI predictor.
Implementation determinants and mechanisms for the prevention and treatment of adolescent HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: concept mapping of the NIH Fogarty International Center Adolescent HIV Implementation Science Alliance (AHISA) initiative
Authors: Aarons Gregory A. , Reeder Kendal , Sam-Agudu Nadia A. , Vorkoper Susan , Sturke Rachel 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Adolescent HIV prevention and treatment is a high priority for youth healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods
This study employed concept mapping to identify factors that impact the implementation of HIV prevention and intervention programs for adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Key stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, and non-governmental organization (NGO) personnel constituting membership of the NIH-sponsored Adolescent HIV Prevention and Treatment Implementation Science Alliance responded to the question: “In your experience, what factors have facilitated or hindered implementation of evidence-based HIV prevention or treatment for adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa?” Participants generated statements in response to the focus question, sorted them into thematically relevant groups, and rated each statement on its importance and changeability.

Results
Through data analyses and participant feedback, 15 distinct themes were derived. “Workforce/Workflow” and “HIV Stigma and Adolescent Development” were rated highest for importance, and “Threshold Conditions for Treatment” and “Structure of Implementation Efforts” were rated most changeable.

Conclusions
Understanding implementation science determinants and mechanisms can facilitate the uptake of successful implementation and sustainment strategies for the prevention and treatment of HIV in a given context. We placed determinants and mechanisms within the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework to provide greater contextual integration with broader theories in implementation science. Implementers across multiple disciplines can use these findings to improve the scale-up of evidence-based practices for adolescent HIV prevention and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. Implementation approaches that consider the determinants and mechanisms identified in this study and integrated in implementation frameworks will likely have utility for other health conditions and contexts.
Evaluation of multi-level barriers and facilitators in a large diabetic retinopathy screening program in federally qualified health centers: a qualitative study
Authors: Bastos de Carvalho Ana , Lee Ware S. , Belcher Tamara , Mehmeti Franceska , Higgins Eric B. , Sprang Rob , Williams Cody , Studts Jamie L. , Studts Christina R. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Recommended annual diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening for people with diabetes has low rates in the USA, especially in underserved populations. Telemedicine DR screening (TDRS) in primary care clinics could expand access and increase adherence. Despite this potential, studies have observed high variability in TDRS rates among clinics and over time, highlighting the need for implementation supports. Previous studies of determinants of TDRS focus on patients’ perspectives, with few studies targeting upstream multi-level barriers and facilitators. Addressing this gap, this qualitative study aimed to identify and evaluate multi-level perceived determinants of TDRS in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), to inform the development of targeted implementation strategies.

Methods
We developed a theory-based semi-structured interview tool based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We conducted 22 key informant interviews with professionals involved in TDRS (administrators, clinicians, staff). The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reported barriers and facilitators were organized into emergent themes and classified according to CFIR constructs. Constructs influencing TDRS implementation were rated for each study site and compared across sites by the investigators.

Results
Professionals identified 21 main barriers and facilitators under twelve constructs of the five CFIR domains. Several identified themes were novel, whereas others corroborated previous findings in the literature (e.g., lack of time and human resources, presence of a champion). Of the 21 identified themes, 13 were classified under the CFIR’s Inner Setting domain, specifically under the constructs Compatibility and Available Resources. Themes under the Outer Setting domain (constructs External Incentives and Cost) were primarily perceived by administrators, whereas themes in other domains were perceived across all professional categories. Two Inner Setting (Leadership Engagement, Goals and Feedback) and two Process (Champion, Engaging) constructs were found to strongly distinguish sites with high versus low TDRS performance.

Conclusions
This study classified barriers and facilitators to TDRS as perceived by administrators, clinicians, and staff in FQHCs, then identified CFIR constructs that distinguished high- and low-performance clinics. Implementation strategies such as academic detailing and collection and communication of program data and successes to leadership; engaging of stakeholders through involvement in implementation planning; and appointment of intervention champions may therefore improve TDRS implementation and sustainment in resource-constrained settings.
Maternal Plasma Lipids During Pregnancy, Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, and Excess Fetal Growth
Authors: Chen Kuan-Yu , Lin Shin-Yu , Lee Chien-Nan , Wu Hung-Tsung , Kuo Ching-Hua , Kuo Han-Chun , Chuang Chia-Chi , Kuo Chun-Heng , Chen Szu-Chi , Fan Kang-Chih , Lin Ming-Wei , Fang Chi-Tai , Li Hung-Yuan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractContextMaternal lipids during pregnancy and placental growth factors are associated with excess fetal growth. However, how these factors interact to increase the risk of delivering large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between maternal plasma triglycerides (TGs) and free fatty acids (FFAs) during pregnancy, cord blood insulin-like growth factors (IGF), and LGA.ObjectiveIn a cell model, we studied the effect of different FAs on placental IGF-1 secretion.MethodsThis cohort study included pregnant women with term pregnancy and without diabetes or hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Maternal fasting plasma TGs and FFAs were measured in the second trimester. Cord blood IGF-1, IGF-2, and IGF binding protein-1 and protein-3 were measured at the time of delivery. A human trophoblast cell line, 3A-sub-E, was used to evaluate the effect of different FFAs on placental IGF-1 secretion.ResultsWe recruited 598 pregnant women–neonate pairs. Maternal plasma TG (180 mg/dL [152.5-185.5 mg/dL] vs 166 mg/dL [133-206 mg/dL], P = .04) and cord blood IGF-1 concentrations (72.7 ± 23.0 vs 54.1 ± 22.8 ng/mL, P &lt; .001) were higher in the LGA group and were significantly associated with birth weight z score. Maternal plasma free palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA), but not oleic acid (OA) or linoleic acid (LA), were significantly associated with cord blood IGF-1 concentrations. In 3A-sub-E cells, treatment with PA, SA, and LA, but not OA, induced IGF-1 expression and secretion.ConclusionCertain FFAs can induce placental IGF-1 secretion, which suggests a potential pathophysiology linking maternal plasma lipids and LGA.
Effect of Sitagliptin on Islet Function in Pancreatic Insufficient Cystic Fibrosis With Abnormal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Kelly Andrea , Sheikh Saba , Stefanovski Darko , Peleckis Amy J , Nyirjesy Sarah C , Eiel Jack N , Sidhaye Aniket , Localio Russell , Gallop Robert , De Leon Diva D , Hadjiliadis Denis , Rubenstein Ronald C , Rickels Michael R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Purpose
Impaired incretin secretion may contribute to the defective insulin secretion and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) that associate with worse clinical outcomes in pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis (PI-CF). The study objective was to test the hypothesis that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor-induced increases in intact incretin hormone [glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)] concentrations augment insulin secretion and glucagon suppression and lower postprandial glycemia in PI-CF with AGT.

Methods
26 adults from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania CF Center with PI-CF and AGT [defined by oral glucose tolerance test glucose (mg/dL): early glucose intolerance (1-h ≥ 155 and 2-h &lt; 140), impaired glucose tolerance (2-h ≥ 140 and &lt; 200 mg/dL), or diabetes (2-h ≥ 200)] were randomized to a 6-month double-blind trial of DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin 100 mg daily or matched placebo; 24 completed the trial (n = 12 sitagliptin; n = 12 placebo). Main outcome measures were mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) responses for intact GLP-1 and GIP, insulin secretory rates (ISRs), glucagon suppression, and glycemia and glucose-potentiated arginine (GPA) test-derived measures of β- and α-cell function.

Results
Following 6-months of sitagliptin vs placebo, MMTT intact GLP-1 and GIP responses increased (P &lt; 0.001), ISR dynamics improved (P &lt; 0.05), and glucagon suppression was modestly enhanced (P &lt; 0.05) while GPA test responses for glucagon were lower. No improvements in glucose tolerance or β-cell sensitivity to glucose, including for second-phase insulin response, were found.

Conclusions
In glucose intolerant PI-CF, sitagliptin intervention augmented meal-related incretin responses with improved early insulin secretion and glucagon suppression without affecting postprandial glycemia.
Re-Irradiation in Patients with Recurrent Rectal Cancer is Safe and Feasible
Authors: Dijkstra Esmée A. , Mul Véronique E. M. , Hemmer Patrick H. J. , Havenga Klaas , Hospers Geke A. P. , Muijs Christina T. , van Etten Boudewijn 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
There is no consensus yet for the best treatment regimen in patients with recurrent rectal cancer (RRC). This study aims to evaluate toxicity and oncological outcomes after re-irradiation in patients with RRC in our center. Clinical (cCR) and pathological complete response (pCR) rates and radicality were also studied.

Methods
Between January 2010 and December 2018, 61 locally advanced RRC patients were treated and analyzed retrospectively. Patients received radiotherapy at a dose of 30.0–30.6 Gy (reCRT) or 50.0–50.4 Gy chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in cases of no prior irradiation because of low-risk primary rectal cancer. In both groups, patients received capecitabine concomitantly.

Results
In total, 60 patients received the prescribed neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy followed by surgery, 35 patients (58.3%) in the reRCT group and 25 patients (41.7%) in the long-course CRT group. There were no significant differences in overall survival (p = 0.82), disease-free survival (p = 0.63), and local recurrence-free survival (p = 0.17) between the groups. Patients in the long-course CRT group reported more skin toxicity after radiotherapy (p = 0.040). No differences were observed in late toxicity. In the long-course CRT group, a significantly higher cCR rate was observed (p = 0.029); however, there was no difference in the pCR rate (p = 0.66).

Conclusions
The treatment of RRC patients with re-irradiation is comparable to treatment with long-course CRT regarding toxicity and oncological outcomes. In the reCRT group, less cCR was observed, although there was no difference in pCR. The findings in this study suggest that it is safe and feasible to re-irradiate RRC patients.
Violence against women in West Bengal: its extent and causes
Authors: Biswas Chaiti Sharma , Pal Manoranjan , Bharati Premananda 
Published: May 2021

Violence against women (VAW) is a common phenomenon in orthodox Indian society. Women are here trained to tolerate violence since their childhood. Although it is an age-old problem, it has come into the spotlight after the Beijing world conference. Since then, the Indian government and NGOs have started to take numerous steps to eradicate this crime, but it not only continues to persist in the society but is also increasing over time.
Based on the project data of West Bengal State in India, chi square test and logistic regression are carried out to locate the factors associated with VAW in West Bengal. In addition, women are asked to specify the reasons of violence against them to unveil the important factors. Addressing the factors detected from the study and the factors from the perception of women may help the policymakers to take right and effective measures to tackle this social crime. This study confirms that most of the Bengali women face some sort of violence in their married life; sometimes, they experience multiple types of violence. They also experience neglect, isolation or restriction in their married life and among several factors; dowry is emerging as an important factor in West Bengal.
Enhancing EFL Secondary School Students' Writing Skills through a Suggested Model Based on Constructivism
Authors: Srour Kholoud , Aqel Magdy , Shawish Jaber I. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract:
The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of a suggested model RW based on constructivism on Palestinian EFL secondary school students' writing skill performance. The sample consisted of (87) female students divided into two groups; a control group 43 and an experimental group 44 students. The researchers used quasi-experimental design of two purposefully assigned, randomly-chosen groups with pre and post tests for each. Different statistical tests included in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) were used to analyze the data collected while answering the study questions and testing the hypotheses. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences at (? ? 0.05) between the experimental group and the control group in relation to the writing skills in favor of the former. Also, the effect size of using the model based on constructivism was significantly large on students' writing skills. The researcher strongly recommended using the suggested model RW in teaching writing skill for the EFL secondary school students.
Supply-side Effects of Pandemic Mortality: Insights from an Overlapping-generations Model
Authors: Gagnon Etienne , Johannsen Benjamin K. , López-Salido David 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We use an overlapping-generations model to explore the implications of mortality during pandemics for the economy’s productive capacity. Under current epidemiological projections for the progression of COVID-19, our model suggests that mortality will have, in itself, only small effects on output and factor prices because projected mortality is small in proportion to the population and skewed toward individuals who are retired from the labor force. That said, we show that if the spread of COVID-19 is not contained, or if the ongoing pandemic were to follow a mortality pattern similar to the 1918–1920 Great Influenza pandemic, then the effects on the productive capacity would be economically significant and persist for decades.