bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital Image Disintegration Analysis: a Novel Quality Control Method for Fast Disintegrating Tablets
Authors: Malallah Osamah , Rashid Zara , Li Chee Lok , Alqurshi Abdulmalik , Alhanan Mohamed A. , Forbes Ben , Royall Paul G. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMeasuring tablet disintegration is essential for quality control purposes; however, no established method adequately accounts for the timeframe or small volumes of the medium associated with the dissipation process for fast disintegrating tablets (FDTs) in the mouth. We hypothesised that digital imaging to measure disintegration in a low volume of the medium might discriminate between different types of FTD formulation. A digital image disintegration analysis (DIDA) was designed to measure tablet disintegration in 0.05–0.7 mL of medium. A temperature-controlled black vessel was 3D-printed to match the dimensions of each tablet under investigation. An overhead camera recorded the mean grey value of the tablet as a measure of the percentage of the formulation which remained intact as a function of time. Imodium Instants, Nurofen Meltlets and a developmental freeze-dried pilocarpine formulation were investigated. The imaging approach proved effective in discriminating the disintegration of different tablets (p < 0.05). For example, 10 s after 0.7 mL of a saliva simulant was applied, 2.0 ± 0.3% of the new pilocarpine tablet remained, whereas at the same time point, 22 ± 9% of the Imodium Instants had not undergone disintegration (temperature within the vessel was 37 ± 0.5°C). Nurofen Meltlets were observed to swell and showed a percentage recovery of 120.7 ± 2.4% and 135.0 ± 6.1% when 0.05 mL and 0.7 mL volumes were used, respectively. Thus, the new digital image disintegration analysis, DIDA, reported here effectively evaluated fast disintegrating tablets and has the potential as a quality control method for such formulations.
Dorso-ventral heterogeneity in tracheal basal stem cells
Authors: Tadokoro Tomomi , Tanaka Keisuke , Osakabe Shun , Kato Mimoko , Kobayashi Hisato , Hogan Brigid L. M. , Taniguchi Hideki 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
The tracheal basal cells (BCs) function as stem cells to maintain the epithelium in steady state and repair it after injury. The airway is surrounded by cartilage ventrolaterally and smooth muscle dorsally. Lineage tracing using Krt5-CreER shows dorsal BCs produce more, larger, clones than ventral BCs. Large clones were found between cartilage and smooth muscle where subpopulation of dorsal BCs exists. Three-dimensional organoid culture of BCs demonstrated that dorsal BCs show higher colony forming efficacy to ventral BCs. Gene ontology analysis revealed that genes expressed in dorsal BCs are enriched in wound healing while ventral BCs are enriched in response to external stimulus and immune response. Significantly, ventral BCs express Myostatin, which inhibits the growth of smooth muscle cells, and HGF, which facilitates cartilage repair. The results support the hypothesis that BCs from the dorso-ventral airways have intrinsic molecular and behavioural differences relevant to their in vivo function.
Molecular docking and dynamic simulation of conserved B cell epitope of SARS-CoV-2 glycoprotein Indonesian isolates: an immunoinformatic approach
Authors: Rantam Fedik Abdul , Kharisma Viol Dhea , Sumartono Christrijogo , Nugraha Jusak , Wijaya Andi Yasmin , Susilowati Helen , Kuncorojakti Suryo , Nugraha Alexander Patera 
Published: August 2021

Background: An immunoinformatic approach may be useful to investigate the conserved region in the spike glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Indonesia isolates. The aim of this study was to investigate Indonesian SARS-CoV-2 isolates based on B cell epitopes by targeting the conserved regions in the spike glycoprotein to trigger increased multi-variant virus neutralization and memory response for the development of vaccine seed candidates. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein gene sequences originating from Indonesia were compared with Wuhan (China), the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, the United States, and Brazil isolates obtained from the NCBI and GISAID databases. The recognition of antigens was carried out directly using B cells through the B cell receptor (BCR). An indirect B cell activation by Cluster of Differentiation (CD)4+ T cells and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II was predicted through the binding with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) based on IC50 value. In addition, vaccine allergenicity and toxicity were investigated. During the molecular complex examination, the 3D peptide structure was investigated and the lowest amount of energy formed when the vaccine candidate peptide bound to BCR and MHC-II was calculated. Results: As a result, the spike glycoprotein sequences of Indonesian SARS-CoV-2 isolates had conserved regions which were very similar to reference countries such as China, the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, the United States, and Brazil. Conclusion: It was predicted that the conserved regions could be identified as the epitope of B and T CD4+ cells that produced the peptides for vaccine candidate with antigenic, non-allergen, and non-toxic properties.
A pragmatic trial of online interactive webtools for teaching biostatistics to first-year medical students: a constructivism-informed approach
Authors: Hardy Steven , McHugh Douglas 
Published: August 2021

Background: Statistical reasoning is an important clinical skill that informs evidence-based medicine and is desirable for 21st century practice. Yet many physicians struggle to apply biostatistical techniques correctly, potentially undermining patient care decision-making and adversely affecting outcomes. The overarching concepts of foundational biostatistics and probabilistic reasoning can be challenging to teach and hard for students to internalize given time constraints, lack of intrinsic motivation, and varied pre-existing knowledge or cognitive schema. We investigated how supplemental, interactive online webtools affected first-year medical students’ learning of sensitivity, specificity, negative/positive predictive values, and prevalence. Methods: Online webtool design was informed by constructivism and sought to have learners 1) build conceptual representations by connecting new information to existing knowledge, 2) interact with primary sources of biostatistical data, and 3) begin with whole concepts then explore component parts. A total of 59 students were assigned randomly to two cohorts that had access to the webtools before or after in-class teaching; an additional 35 students had no access and served as the control cohort. Access metrics, summative exam scores, prior knowledge measurements, and qualitative data on learners’ experiences from three focus groups (n = 6/group) were collected. Results: Mean exam scores were 87.5 ± 10.8%, 90.7 ± 11.2%, and 88.9 7 ±12.9% for the before, after, and control cohorts (p = 0.49). Students repeatedly accessed the online webtools: mean access was 4.3 (± 2.6) (before) and 2.6 (± 1.5) (after). Qualitative data showed the webtools facilitated learning in a time-efficient manner. Conclusions: Online interactive webtools facilitated a constructivism-informed learning model and were found by first-year medical student to supplement and enhance their learning experience without detracting from established biostatistical teaching or negatively affecting summative assessment outcomes.
Naturalists’ Hike As a New Form of Environmental Education for Children
Authors: Golovina Ol'ga , Filatova I. 
Published: August 2021

The article highlights the experience of conducting a naturalist hike - a new form of organizing environmental education for preschoolers and
primary schoolchildren. The purpose of the trip, carried out in the form of a travel game, meets the requirements for the formation of environmental literacy in children of this age group, which are stated in the standards of preschool and primary school education. Game “What can you see in a pine forest?” is intended to enrich the sensory experience of children in the process of observing plants and animals of the forest, to acquaint them with observation as a method of studying natural communities, to develop a cognitive interest in the flora and fauna of their native land, to foster a desire to protect the forest and its inhabitants by participating in nature conservation activities. The article is intended for preschool teachers, primary school teachers, and additional education specialists.
Role of microRNA in muscle regeneration and diseases related to muscle dysfunction in atrophy, cachexia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis
Authors: Brzeszczyńska Joanna , Brzeszczyński Filip , Hamilton David F , McGregor Robin , Simpson A. Hamish R. W. 
Published: August 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that have emerged as potential predictive, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers, relevant to many pathophysiological conditions including limb immobilization, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, and cachexia. Impaired musculoskeletal homeostasis leads to distinct muscle atrophies. Understanding miRNA involvement in the molecular mechanisms underpinning conditions such as muscle wasting may be critical to developing new strategies to improve patient management. MicroRNAs are powerful post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in muscle and, importantly, are also detectable in the circulation. MicroRNAs are established modulators of muscle satellite stem cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation, however, there have been limited human studies that investigate miRNAs in muscle wasting. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge as to the role of miRNAs in the skeletal muscle differentiation and atrophy, synthesizing the findings of published data. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(11):798–807.
Temperature-induced surface phonon polaritons dissipation in perovskite SrTiO3
Authors: Yang Jia-Yue , Cheng Tao , Fei Tianhao , Zhang Chun , Liu Linhua 
Published: August 2021

Perovskite

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has emerged as a relevant technological material for nano-photonics that confines light to subdiffraction geometry with remarkably wide spectral tunability. Yet, the influence of lattice vibrations on its surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs) and localized surface phonon resonances (LSPhRs) receives little attention, and the underlying physics still remains elusive. Here, we apply spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) experiments and multiscale simulations spanning from first-principles to finite-difference time-domain (FDTD), and investigate the temperature influence on infrared dielectric functions, SPhPs and LSPhRs of

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. SE measurements find that the width of the Reststrahlen band lying between transverse and longitudinal oxygen-related optical phonons changes slightly, but infrared dielectric functions vary significantly as temperature increases. First-principles calculations confirm the coupling of the motion of oxygen atoms to incident photons, forming quasiparticles of SPhPs. FDTD simulations show that strong LSPhRs exist at 250 K in the

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nanodisks but dissipate as lattice vibration strengthens, mainly due to the reduced phonon relaxation lifetime. This work reveals the underlying physics of temperature influence on SPhPs and LSPhRs of

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and helps explore its potential applications as photonic resonators at high temperatures.
Comparison between blood hemoglobin concentration determined by point-of-care device and complete blood count in adult patients with dengue
Authors: Wisanuvej Kantasit , Boonyawat Kochawan , Savetamornkul Chutchaiwat , Virapongsiri Sirapong , Krongvorakul Jatupon , Sungkanuparph Somnuek , Phuphuakrat Angsana 
Published: August 2021

Background
Hematocrit measurement has been an indispensable tool for monitoring plasma leakage and bleeding in dengue patients. However, hematocrit measurement by automated methods is hampered by frequent venipunctures. Utility of point-of-care hemoglobin (POC-Hb) test for monitoring dengue patients has not been established. We evaluated the relationship between hemoglobin measured by POC-Hb testing and hematocrit measured by the automated method in adult dengue patients.

Methodology and principal findings
Adult dengue patients were recruited at two university hospitals in Thailand from October 2019 to December 2020. POC-Hb test was performed using capillary blood simultaneously with venipuncture to obtain whole blood for an automated complete blood count (CBC) analysis. The correlation of hemoglobin and hematocrit measurement was evaluated. A total of 44 dengue patients were enrolled. Twenty-nine patients (65.9%) were female, with a median age of 31 years (interquartile range 22–41). Of the enrolled patients, 30 (68.2%), 11 (25.0%), and 3 (6.8%) were classified as dengue without warning signs, with warning signs, and severe dengue, respectively. Seven patients (15.9%) had hemoconcentration, and five patients (11.3%) had bleeding. A total of 216 pairs of POC-Hb and CBC were evaluated. A significant positive correlation was observed between hemoglobin measured by POC-Hb testing and hematocrit measured by an automated CBC (r = 0.869, p <0.001). Bland-Altman analysis between hemoglobin measured by POC-Hb testing and an automated CBC showed a bias of -0.43 (95% limit of agreement of -1.81 and 0.95). Using the cutoff of POC-Hb ≥20% as a criteria for hemoconcentration, the sensitivity and specificity of hemoconcentration detected by POC-Hb device were 71.4% and 100.0%, respectively.

Conclusions
Hemoglobin measurement by POC-Hb testing has a strong correlation with hematocrit in adult patients with dengue fever. However, the sensitivity in detecting hemoconcentration is fair. The adjunct use of capillary POC-Hb testing can decrease the frequency of venipuncture. Further study in children is encouraged.
Understanding community member and health care professional perspectives on gender-affirming care—A qualitative study
Authors: Loo Stephanie , Almazan Anthony N. , Vedilago Virginia , Stott Brooke , Reisner Sari L. , Keuroghlian Alex S. 
Published: August 2021

Background
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people experience significant barriers to accessing affirming health services. There is a paucity of literature examining how both community members and health care professionals (HCPs) understand potential causes and solutions for these barriers, particularly in non-urban settings.

Objective
We present the first systematic examination of perspectives from community members and HCPs regarding barriers to and solutions for promoting access to gender-affirming health care.

Design
Study activities were conducted through the Plan and Act for Transgender Health (PATH) Project, a health needs assessment of TGD people. Community members in the catchment area were recruited to participate in focus group discussions about access to gender-affirming health care and optimal health service delivery models in March-October 2019. HCPs were recruited to participate in focus group discussions or in-depth interviews about experiences working with TGD clients. Data were analyzed using an inductive grounded theory approach.

Setting
25 rural counties in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

Participants
Study participants included 61 adult TGD community members and 23 HCPs working in the catchment area.

Results
Both community members and HCPs spoke of the need for connectedness and linkages among disparate health system components for gender-affirming health care. Participants expressed this priority through calls for systems-level improvements within existing services (e.g., expanded data collection, expanded mental health services, inclusive and affirming health care environments, and TGD staff). They also expressed the need for expanded TGD community outreach and engagement (e.g., incorporation of a patient feedback process, TGD health navigators, and resource mapping).

Limitations
Findings specifically reflect the perspectives of community members and HCPs in the rural New England area. Furthermore, the study sample was predominantly White non-Hispanic.

Conclusion
Interventions to achieve accessible gender-affirming health care must address the diverse perspectives and needs of both community members and HCPs.
Risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection following exposure to fluoroquinolones, common antibiotics, and febrile illness using a self-controlled case series study design: Retrospective analyses of three large healthcare databases in the US
Authors: Londhe Ajit A. , Holy Chantal E. , Weaver James , Fonseca Sergio , Villasis Angelina , Fife Daniel 
Published: August 2021

Objective
Recent observational studies suggest increased aortic aneurysm or dissection (AAD) risk following fluoroquinolone (FQ) exposure but acknowledge potential for residual bias from unreported patient characteristics. The objective of our study is to evaluate the potential association between FQ, other common antibiotics and febrile illness with risk of AAD using a self-controlled case series (SCCS) study design.

Design
Retrospective database analysis–SCCS.

Setting
Primary and Secondary Care.

Study population
51,898 patients across 3 US claims databases (IBM® MarketScan® commercial and Medicare databases, Optum Clinformatics).

Exposure
FQ or other common antibiotics or febrile illness.

Outcome
AAD.

Methods
We studied patients with exposures and AAD between 2012 and 2017 in 3 databases. Risk windows were defined as exposure period plus 30 days. Diagnostic analyses included p-value calibration to account for residual error using negative control exposures (NCE), and pre-exposure outcome analyses to evaluate exposure-outcome timing. The measure of association was the incidence rate ratio (IRR) comparing exposed and unexposed time.

Results
Most NCEs produced effect estimates greater than the hypothetical null, indicating positive residual error; calibrated p (Cp) values were therefore used. The IRR following FQ exposure ranged from 1.13 (95% CI: 1.04–1.22 –Cp: 0.503) to 1.63 (95% CI: 1.45–1.84 –Cp: 0.329). An AAD event peak was identified 60 days before first FQ exposure, with IRR increasing between the 60- to 30- and 29- to 1-day pre-exposure periods. It is uncertain how much this pre-exposure AAD event peak reflects confounding versus increased antibiotic use after a surgical correction of AADs.

Conclusion
This study does not confirm prior studies. Using Cp values to account for residual error, the observed FQ-AAD association cannot be interpreted as significant. Additionally, an AAD event surge in the 60 days before FQ exposure is consistent with confounding by indication, or increased use of antibiotics post-surgery.

Registration
NCT03479736.
Uptake of oral fluid-based HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Thailand
Authors: Girault Philippe , Misa Wong Christina , Jittjang Siroat , Fongkaew Kangwan , Cassell Michael M. , Lertpiriyasuwat Cheewanan , Vannakit Ravipa , Avery Matthew , Linjongrat Danai , Sumalu Saman , Phromsombat Somchai , Mainoy Nuttakrit , Patpeerapong Pongpeera , Potasin Phonpiphat , Brutrat Pornpichit , Mills Stephen , Phanuphak Nittaya , Phanuphak Praphan 
Published: August 2021

Background
Suboptimal uptake of HIV testing remains a primary bottleneck to HIV prevention and treatment for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Thailand. The World Health Organization has recommended HIV self-testing (HIVST) as an additional strategic HIV service. However, HIVST has not been fully endorsed and implemented in many countries in Southeast Asia. The aim of this study was to assess the uptake of oral fluid-based HIVST in MSM and TGW populations in Thailand.

Methods
During 2017 and 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling to enroll 2,524 participants from three major urban areas. Participants were recruited during outreach and online activities and were offered unassisted or assisted HIVST, or referral to HIV testing services. A descriptive analysis was performed for summarizing data.

Results
A total of 2,502 participants (1,422 MSM and 1,082 TGW) were included in the analysis with about one-third (36.1%) of them being first-time testers. Among all participants enrolled in the study, a total of 2,486 participants (99.3%) selected HIVST versus referral to HIV testing services. Of those who selected HIVST, 2,095 (84.3%) opted for assisted HIVST while the rest opted for unassisted HIVST: 1,148 of 1,411 MSM (81.4%) and 947 of 1,075 TGW (88.1%) selected assisted HIVST. While no serious adverse events were reported during the study, we found that among 179 participants who needed a confirmatory test and were referred to HIV testing services, 108 (60.3.4%) accessed these later services.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated a high uptake of oral fluid-based HIVST among MSM and TGW populations in Thailand and that HIVST could be scaled up through the national epidemic control program. However, a better understanding of HIV testing-seeking behavior and innovative follow-up solutions are needed to improve and monitor linkages to services for people who undertake HIVST.
The influence of childhood adversities on mid to late cognitive function: From the perspective of life course
Authors: Ma Jing , Yang Yuanyuan , Wan Yang , Shen Chao , Qiu Peiyuan 
Published: August 2021

Background
The effects of childhood adversities on cognitive function in later life are well reported. However, few studies have examined the cumulative mechanism, especially in Chinese population. This study aims to explore this cumulative effects of childhood adversities on mid to late cognitive decline in China.

Methods
Data were drawn from the second and third wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). We included 9,942 respondents aged 45 and above and retrospectively collected information on childhood adversities. Cognitive function was measured in three dimensions: orientation and calculation, immediate memory, and delayed memory. A structural equation model was employed for analysis.

Results
Age (β = -0.155, P<0.001) and mid to late depressive symptoms (β = -0.041, P<0.001) showed direct effects on cognitive decline. Low mid to late life socioeconomic status (SES) showed a direct effect on mid-late cognitive impairment (β = 0.603, P<0.001) and an indirect effect through depression (β = 0.007, P<0.001). Low childhood SES (β = 0.310, P<0.001), lack of friends (β = 0.208, P<0.001), parental mental health problems (β = 0.008, P<0.001), and poor relationship with parents (β = 0.001, P<0.001) had an indirect effect on cognitive impairment.

Conclusions
Childhood adversities had negative effects on cognitive function among middle aged and elderly population in China. The findings suggest that early counter measures on childhood adversities may lead to an effective reduction of cognitive impairment.