bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Stigma and Discrimination on Adherence to Medication amongst People Living with HIV in Tiv Land, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Timiun Godwin Aondohemba , Scrase Timothy J. 
Published: July 2019

In spite the identification of stigma as a factor impeding public utilisation of HIV counselling, testing, and treatment services in Nigeria, gaps still exist in knowledge on the impact of stigma, and discrimination on adherence to medication amongst people living with HIV (PLWH). This study adopted mixed methods to examine the impact of stigma and discrimination on adherence to medication amongst PLWH in Nigeria. A sample of 1,621 respondents was collected using multi-stage and purposive sampling methods. Structured interviews using questionnaires and in-depth interviews (using a guide) were utilised for data collection. SPSS (version 21) was used for quantitative data analysis while the qualitative data was analysed thematically. There are 46.3% men and 53.7% women respondents. Generally, their income is low, 70.7% are earning less than N25, 000 (approximately $125 USD) per month. Some of the HIV patients are stigmatised. In reaction, they avoid public places, travel long distances away from their immediate community to collect drugs and to avoid been noticed around the centers. They sometimes miss taking drugs regularly as prescribed, suffer depression and die. Stigma and discrimination impede adherence to medication amongst PLHW in Nigeria. More efforts should be made to create awareness to reduce stigma and discrimination of HIV patients, while augmenting their income to meet up with the challenges of adherence to medication. The overall benefits would be enhanced mechanism of HIV prevention, treatment and control in the study area.
Isolated Synchronous Adrenal Lesions in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Extra-Adrenal Malignancies
Authors: Lin Chih-Te , Shao I-Hung , Chuang Cheng-Keng , Pang See-Tong , Chang Ying-Hsu 
Published: July 2019

Background:
This study focused on the etiology of patients with extra-adrenal primary malignancy in addition to isolated synchronous adrenal incidentalomas.

Methods:
Patients who were diagnosed as extra-adrenal primary malignancy and synchronous adrenal incidentalomas were enrolled from a single tertiary medical center from 2004 to 2014. Those with a history of malignancy or any extra-adrenal metastases at the time of diagnosis were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed to determine possible predictors for adrenal metastases.

Results:
The primary malignancies of hepatocellular carcinoma and lung cancer had higher rates of adrenal metastases than colon cancer and renal cell carcinoma. Significant predictors for adrenal metastasis were clinical T stage and adrenal mass diameters. Patients with stage T1/2 primary malignancies were more likely to have benign adrenal tumors than those with stage T3 or T4. The average adrenal mass diameters in the benign and metastatic groups were 2.87 and 4.97 cm, respectively (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:
Nearly 40% of the isolated synchronous adrenal incidentalomas in patients with newly diagnosed extra-adrenal malignancies proved to be metastases. In patients with large adrenal lesions, high mass density on computed tomography scans, or a primary malignancy at a high clinical T stage, the risk of adrenal metastasis was high.
Demodex Mite Infections in Ophthalmic Patients on Indonesian Islands: The ICS Humanitarian Aid Report
Authors: Chudzicka-Strugała Izabela , Mądry Ida Judyta , Malesza Michał , Kwan Aij Lie , Winardi William , Piotrowska-Brudnicka Sylwia , Mądry Radosław , Walkowiak Jarosław , Mądry Edyta 
Published: July 2019

Objective:Demodex is the most common external human parasite. It has been suggested that the Demodex infection may be associated with malnutrition, nutritional deficiencies, reduced immunity, and poor hygiene. The patients who benefitted from humanitarian aid in Indonesia, often demonstrated the abovementioned risk factors. The aim of the present report was to assess the prevalence of Demodex infestation in ophthalmic patients in Indonesian.Patients and methods:A total of 217 individuals (132 women) with ocular discomfort, who presented to the ophthalmologist in mission points in Indonesia (Bali, Java, and Papua, the province of Indonesia in the New Guinea Island) were checked for the presence of Demodex on their eyelashes and underwent an anthropometric examination.Results:The prevalence of ocular demodicosis varies from 71.2% in Bali to 89.2% in Papua. There were no statistically significant differences between the islands, urban or rural areas, or between sexes. A statistically significant difference was found between nutritional status and Demodex infestation (P = 0.0007). Malnourished and overweight patients had odds of being infested with Demodex that were approximately 8 and 3 times higher, respectively, compared with subjects with a normal body mass index.Conclusions:Ocular demodicosis is very common in medically underserved areas of Bali, Java, and Papua, where it exceeds the frequency observed in countries of the northern hemisphere. An abnormal nutritional status comprising of both malnutrition and being overweight appears to be a risk factor for Demodex infection. This issue requires further research.
High‐Performance Silicon Anodes Enabled By Nonflammable Localized High‐Concentration Electrolytes
Authors: Jia Haiping , Zou Lianfeng , Gao Peiyuan , Cao Xia , Zhao Wengao , He Yang , Engelhard Mark H. , Burton Sarah D. , Wang Hui , Ren Xiaodi , Li Qiuyan , Yi Ran , Zhang Xin , Wang Chongmin , Xu Zhijie , Li Xiaolin , Zhang Ji‐Guang , Xu Wu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSilicon anodes are regarded as one of the most promising alternatives to graphite for high energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), but their practical applications have been hindered by high volume change, limited cycle life, and safety concerns. In this work, nonflammable localized high‐concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) are developed for Si‐based anodes. The LHCEs enable the Si anodes with significantly enhanced electrochemical performances comparing to conventional carbonate electrolytes with a high content of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC). The LHCE with only 1.2 wt% FEC can further improve the long‐term cycling stability of Si‐based anodes. When coupled with a LiNi0.3Mn0.3Co0.3O2 cathode, the full cells using this nonflammable LHCE can maintain >90% capacity after 600 cycles at C/2 rate, demonstrating excellent rate capability and cycling stability at elevated temperatures and high loadings. This work casts new insights in electrolyte development from the perspective of in situ Si/electrolyte interphase protection for high energy‐density LIBs with Si anodes.
Nanocrystal/Metal–Organic Framework Hybrids as Electrocatalytic Platforms for CO2 Conversion
Authors: Guntern Yannick T. , Pankhurst James R. , Vávra Jan , Mensi Mounir , Mantella Valeria , Schouwink Pascal , Buonsanti Raffaella 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe tunable chemistry linked to the organic/inorganic components in colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offers a rich playground to advance the fundamental understanding of materials design for various applications. Herein, we combine these two classes of materials by synthesizing NC/MOF hybrids comprising Ag NCs that are in intimate contact with Al‐PMOF ([Al2(OH)2(TCPP)]) (tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP)), to form Ag@Al‐PMOF. In our hybrids, the NCs are embedded in the MOF while still preserving electrical contact with a conductive substrate. This key feature allows the investigation of the Ag@Al‐PMOFs as electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). We show that the pristine interface between the NCs and the MOFs accounts for electronic changes in the Ag, which suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and promote the CO2RR. We also demonstrate a minor contribution of mass‐transfer effects imposed by the porous MOF layer under the chosen testing conditions. Furthermore, we find an increased morphological stability of the Ag NCs when combined with the Al‐PMOF. The synthesis method is general and applicable to other metal NCs, thus revealing a new way to think about rationally tailored electrocatalytic materials to steer selectivity and improve stability.
Base Metal Catalyzed Isocyanide Insertions
Authors: Collet Jurriën W. , Roose Thomas R. , Ruijter Eelco , Maes Bert U. W. , Orru Romano V. A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIsocyanides are diverse C1 building blocks considering their potential to react with nucleophiles, electrophiles, and radicals. Therefore, perhaps not surprisingly, isocyanides are highly valuable as inputs for multicomponent reactions (MCRs) and other one‐pot cascade processes. In the field of organometallic chemistry, isocyanides typically serve as ligands for transition metals. The coordination of isocyanides to metal centers alters the electronic distribution of the isocyano moiety, and reaction pathways can therefore be accessed that are not possible in the absence of the metal. The tunable reactivity of the isocyanide functional group by transition metals has evolved into numerous useful applications. Especially palladium‐catalyzed isocyanide insertion processes have emerged as powerful reactions in the past decade. However, reports on the use of earth‐abundant and cheap base metals in these types of transformations are scarce and have received far less attention. In this Minireview, we focus on these emerging base metal catalyzed reactions and highlight their potential in synthetic organic chemistry. Although mechanistic studies are still scarce, we discuss distinct proposed catalytic cycles and categorize the literature according to 1) the (hetero)atom bound to and 2) the type of bonding with the transition metal in which the (formal) insertion occurs.
Deconstructing Oligomer Distributions: Discrete Species and Artificial Distributions
Authors: De Neve Jeroen , Haven Joris J. , Harrisson Simon , Junkers Tanja 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe separation of an oligo(methyl acrylate) distribution, obtained from reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, in a discrete (dispersity=1) oligomeric library (degree of polymerization between 1 and 22) is presented. The properties of this library in terms of diffusivity, glass transition temperature, and viscosity are determined, filling a significant knowledge gap associated with these materials. The obtained oligomer library is used to construct artificial oligomer distributions on demand. These artificial oligomer distributions are used to highlight the potential to tailor physical properties of a material, while concomitantly demonstrating the limitations associated with size‐exclusion chromatography analysis of molecular weight and dispersity in particular.
High mortality of adult female Magellanic penguins by gillnet fisheries in southern Brazil
Authors: Fogliarini Carine de Oliveira , Bugoni Leandro , Haimovici Manuel , Secchi Eduardo Resende , Cardoso Luís Gustavo 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Bycatch in gillnet fisheries is one of the main threats to several penguin species. Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are caught by gillnets during their wintering in southern Brazil. However, current information is based only on a small number of sets observed during a single fishing trip.
This study assesses bycatch rates of bottom and drift gillnets operating in southern Brazil, and describes the sex and age classes of individuals captured.
In 80 bottom gillnet sets, 33 penguins were captured (85% adults), 14 were sexed of which 13 were females. In 41 drift gillnet sets, four penguins were captured, three of which were juveniles.
The mean bycatch rates, measured as number of penguins km−2 of net and number of penguins km−2 h−1, were significantly higher for the drift gillnets.
Despite the lower bycatch rates, owing to the higher fishing effort in terms of number of boats, net length, net area, soak time and fishing season, the magnitude of penguin bycatch in the bottom gillnet fishery cannot be ignored.
Despite based on small sample size, the predominance of adult and female Magellanic penguins as bycatch in gillnet fisheries in southern Brazil agrees with previous studies suggesting that females displace further north than males. In addition, such evidence contributes to the male‐biased sex ratio in breeding grounds, and the long‐term decline of major Patagonian colonies owing to higher female mortality during winter.
Isolating and expanding endothelial progenitor cells from peripheral blood on peptide‐functionalized polystyrene surfaces
Authors: Elkhodiry Mohamed A. , Boulanger Mariève D. , Bashth Omar , Tanguay Jean‐François , Laroche Gaétan , Hoesli Corinne A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe expansion of human peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells to obtain therapeutically relevant endothelial colony‐forming cells (ECFCs) has been commonly performed on xeno‐derived extracellular matrix proteins. For cellular therapy applications, xeno‐free culture conditions are desirable to improve product safety and reduce process variability. We have previously described a novel fluorophore‐tagged RGD peptide (RGD‐TAMRA) that enhanced the adhesion of mature endothelial cells in vitro. To investigate whether this peptide can replace animal‐derived extracellular matrix proteins in the isolation and expansion of ECFCs, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 22 healthy adult donors were seeded on RGD‐TAMRA‐modified polystyrene culture surfaces. Endothelial colony formation was significantly enhanced on RGD‐TAMRA‐modified surfaces compared to the unmodified control. No phenotypic differences were detected between ECFCs obtained on RGD‐TAMRA compared to ECFCs obtained on rat‐tail collagen‐coated surfaces. Compared with collagen‐coated surfaces and unmodified surfaces, RGD‐TAMRA surfaces promoted ECFC adhesion, cell spreading, and clonal expansion. This study presents a platform that allows for a comprehensive in vitro evaluation of peptide‐based biofunctionalization as a promising avenue for ex vivo ECFC expansion.
Why don't we see more action? A metasynthesis of the investor impediments to integrate environmental, social, and governance factors
Authors: Friede Gunnar 
Published: July 2019

AbstractInvestors increasingly commit to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in their investment decisions. However, the challenges of investors for a holistic integration of ESG factors in their investment decisions are manifold and endanger reaching urgent societal goals. The paper uses metasynthesis to develop a comprehensive understanding of these impediments from a diverse set of papers. Supported by textual analysis, it identifies 161 different topics, which are subsumed within groups and aggregated along a four‐pillar framework of market‐, firm‐, regulatory‐, and individual‐based impediments. The most prominent impediments are found in the areas of a perceived lack of a business case, the quality of data, the absence of clear standards and definitions, and various behavioral biases. Moreover, a considerable research–practice gap in framing the relevant research questions that contribute to the slow‐moving integration process is discovered. Focusing additionally on potential blind spots on the investor and research sides will prove to be important for swifter ESG integration.
Housing discrimination and racial cancer disparities among the 100 largest US metropolitan areas
Authors: Beyer Kirsten M. M. , Laud Purushottam W. , Zhou Yuhong , Nattinger Ann B. 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundCancer contributes substantially to the life expectancy gap between US blacks and whites, and racial cancer disparities remain stubborn to eradicate. Disparities vary geographically, suggesting that they are not inevitable.MethodsThe authors examined the relationship between housing discrimination and the size of cancer disparities across large US metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). MSA‐level cancer disparities were measured using data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mortgage discrimination for each MSA was estimated using the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act database, and MSA racial segregation was determined using US Census data. Patterns of housing discrimination and cancer disparities were mapped, and the associations between these place‐based factors and cancer disparities across MSAs were measured.ResultsBlack‐to‐white cancer mortality disparities (rate ratios) varied geographically, ranging from 1.50 to 0.86; 88% of mortality ratios were >1, indicating higher mortality for blacks. In areas with greater mortgage discrimination, the gap between black and white cancer mortality rates was larger (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.32; P = .001). This relationship persisted in sex‐specific analyses (males, r = 0.37; P < .001; females, r = 0.23; P = .02) and in models controlling for confounders. In contrast, segregation was inconsistently associated with disparities. Adjusting for incidence disparities attenuated, but did not eliminate, the correlation between mortgage discrimination and mortality disparities (r = 0.22‐0.24), suggesting that cancer incidence and survival each account for part of the mortality disparity.ConclusionsMortgage discrimination is associated with larger black‐to‐white cancer mortality disparities. Some areas are exceptions to this trend. Examination of these exceptions and of policies related to housing discrimination may offer novel strategies for explaining and eliminating cancer disparities.
The impact of targeted therapies and immunotherapy in melanoma brain metastases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rulli Eliana , Legramandi Lorenzo , Salvati Lorenzo , Mandala Mario 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundTargeted therapies (TT), combination immunotherapy (CMI), and monoimmunotherapy (MI) in combination with radiotherapy (CRI) or not are commonly used in patients with melanoma brain metastases, but studies that directly compare these strategies are lacking. The current meta‐analysis aimed to better elucidate their activity and efficacy.MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and conference proceedings up to January 2019 was performed to identify trials investigating combination TT, monotargeted TT (mono TT), MI, CMI, and CRI in melanoma brain metastases. The outcomes considered were progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and the objective response rate (ORR) as evaluated at both intracranial and extracranial sites. Random effects models were used to compare the different therapeutic strategies.ResultsA total of 15 trials were included that provided 1132 patients for analyses. CMI demonstrated a statistically significant better OS compared with MI (P = .03, P = .05, and P = .03, respectively, at 6 months, 18 months, and 24 months) and combination TT (P = .04 and P = .03, respectively, at 18 months and 24 months). CMI demonstrated a statistically significant better PFS compared with combination TT (P < .001 at 12 months and 18 months), MI (P = .02, P < .02, and P = .05, respectively, at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months), and mono TT (P < .001 at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months). The intracranial objective response rate was higher with CMI compared with mono TT (P < .001) and MI (P < .001), whereas there was no difference between CMI and combination TT.ConclusionsThe results of the current meta‐analysis suggested that CMI increases long‐term PFS and OS compared with MI and combination TT. Combination TT and CMI are associated with a similar intracranial response rate. The role of systemic therapy in combination with radiotherapy remains to be better elucidated.
Effects of Strong CYP2C8 or CYP3A Inhibition and CYP3A Induction on the Pharmacokinetics of Brigatinib, an Oral Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Inhibitor, in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Tugnait Meera , Gupta Neeraj , Hanley Michael J. , Sonnichsen Daryl , Kerstein David , Dorer David J. , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Narasimhan Narayana 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn vitro data support involvement of cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C8 and CYP3A4 in the metabolism of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor brigatinib. A 3‐arm, open‐label, randomized, single‐dose, fixed‐sequence crossover study was conducted to characterize the effects of the strong inhibitors gemfibrozil (of CYP2C8) and itraconazole (of CYP3A) and the strong inducer rifampin (of CYP3A) on the single‐dose pharmacokinetics of brigatinib. Healthy subjects (n = 20 per arm) were administered a single dose of brigatinib (90 mg, arms 1 and 2; 180 mg, arm 3) alone in treatment period 1 and coadministered with multiple doses of gemfibrozil 600 mg twice daily (BID; arm 1), itraconazole 200 mg BID (arm 2), or rifampin 600 mg daily (QD; arm 3) in period 2. Compared with brigatinib alone, coadministration of gemfibrozil with brigatinib did not meaningfully affect brigatinib area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC0–inf; geometric least‐squares mean [LSM] ratio [90%CI], 0.88 [0.83‐0.94]). Coadministration of itraconazole with brigatinib increased AUC0–inf (geometric LSM ratio [90%CI], 2.01 [1.84‐2.20]). Coadministration of rifampin with brigatinib substantially reduced AUC0–inf (geometric LSM ratio [90%CI], 0.20 [0.18‐0.21]) compared with brigatinib alone. The treatments were generally tolerated. Based on these results, strong CYP3A inhibitors and inducers should be avoided during brigatinib treatment. If concomitant use of a strong CYP3A inhibitor is unavoidable, the results of this study support a dose reduction of brigatinib by approximately 50%. Furthermore, CYP2C8 is not a meaningful determinant of brigatinib clearance, and no dose modifications are needed during coadministration of brigatinib with CYP2C8 inhibitors.
In silico Complexes of Amino Acids and Diamondoids
Authors: Partovi‐Azar Pouya , Sarap Chandra Shekar , Fyta Maria 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe report on the specific interaction of a small diamond‐like molecule, known as diamondoid, with single amino‐acids forming nano/bio molecular complexes. Using time‐dependent density‐functional theory calculations we have studied two different relative configurations of three prototypical amino acids, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, with the diamondoid. The optical and charge‐transfer properties of these complexes exhibit amino acid and topology specific features which can be directly utilized for in the direction of novel biomolecule detection schemes.
Advanced IEEE 802.11ax TCP aware scheduling under unreliable channels
Authors: Sharon Oran , Alpert Yaron 
Published: July 2019

SummaryIn this paper, we suggest advanced IEEE 802.11ax (WiFi) TCP‐aware scheduling strategies for optimizing the TCP Goodput AP operation under transmission of unidirectional TCP traffic to downloading stations. Our scheduling strategies optimize the TCP Goodput performance using the capability for Multi User transmissions over the Uplink, first introduced in IEEE 802.11ax, together with Multi User transmissions over the Downlink. The scheduling strategies are based on Transmission Opportunities (TXOP), and we suggest three scheduling strategies determining the TXOP formation parameters. In one of the strategies, one can control the achieved TCP Goodput vs the delay. We also assume saturated TCP transmission queues. We show that with minimal TCP Goodput degradation, one can avoid considerable delays: It turns out that for TCP Data segments of 1460 bytes, achieving optimal TCP Goodput requires TXOPs of 25 ms, while if one loses only 5% of the optimal Goodput, TXOPs can be of only 3 ms. For TCP Data segments of 256 bytes, the TXOPs are of 13 and 5 ms, respectively.