bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Barriers to Primary Care Among Sex Workers: Findings from a Community- Based Cohort in Vancouver, Canada (2014–2021)
Authors: Harris Miriam TH , Shannon Kate , Krüsi Andrea , Zhou Haoxuan , Goldenberg Shira M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Due to structural marginalization, sex workers experience health inequities including a high prevalence of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, mental health disorders, trauma, and substance use, alongside a multitude of barriers to HIV and substance use services. Given limited evidence on sex workers’ broader primary healthcare access, we aimed to examine structural factors associated with primary care access among sex workers over a 7-year period.
Methods Data were derived from An Evaluation of Sex Workers Health Access (AESHA), a community-based open prospective cohort of women (cis and trans) sex workers in Metro Vancouver, from 2014 to 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the proportion of primary care use in the past six months and to assess primary care trends over time from 2014-2021. We used multivariate logistic regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE) to identify structural factors associated with primary care access (seeing a family doctor in the last six months), after adjusting for confounders.
Results: Amongst 646 participants, most (87.4%) accessed primary care at some point during the study period, and primary care use in the in the last 6 months was relatively stable (ranging from 60-78%) across each follow-up period. At first available observation, participants faced a high burden of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) (48.0%, 11.5%, and 10.4% were HCV, HIV, or STI seropositive, respectively), 56.8% were diagnosed with a mental health disorder, 8.1% had recently overdosed, and 14.7% were recently hospitalized. In multivariable GEE analysis, exposure to intimate partner violence was associated with reduced access to primary care (Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 0.63, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.49 - 0.82), and limited English fluency was marginally associated (AOR 0.76 CI: 0.51 - 1.14).
Conclusions: This study characterized primary care access and its structural determinants among sex workers over 7-years. Participants faced a high burden of STBBIs and other health disparities, and a proportion faced gaps in primary care access. Scale-up of trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically tailored, sex worker-friendly primary care models are needed, alongside structural interventions to decriminalize and destigmatize sex work and substance use.
In-Person Vs Mobile App Facilitated Life Skills Education to Improve the Mental Health of Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria: Protocol for the RESETTLE-IDPs Cluster Randomized Hybrid Type 2 Effectiveness-Implementation Trial
Authors: Eboreime Ejemai , Obi-Jeff Chisom , Orji Rita , Ojo Tunde M , Iyamu Ihoghosa , Harri Bala I , Said Jidda M , Oguntimehin Funmilayo , Ibrahim Abdulrahman , Anjorin Omolayo , Duke Andem Effiong Etim , Musami Umar Baba , Liebenberg Linda , Crider Raquel , Wagami Lydia , Dahiru Asmau MC , Uneke Jesse C. , Yaya Sanni , Agyapong Vincent IO 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria face a high burden of mental health disorders, with limited access to evidence-based, culturally relevant interventions. Life skills education (LSE) is a promising approach to promote mental health and psychosocial well-being in humanitarian settings. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a culturally adapted LSE program delivered through in-person and mobile platforms among IDPs in Northern Nigeria.
Methods: This cluster-randomized hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation trial will be conducted in 20 IDP camps or host communities in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Sites will be randomly assigned to receive a 12-week LSE program delivered either through in-person peer support groups or WhatsApp-facilitated mobile groups. The study will recruit 500 participants aged 13 years and older. Intervention effectiveness outcomes include the primary outcome of change in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms assessed using the PCL-5 scale, and secondary outcomes of depression, anxiety, well-being, and life skills acquisition. Implementation outcomes will be assessed using the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM), and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM). Both sets of outcomes will be compared between the in-person and mobile delivery groups. Quantitative data will be analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression models, while qualitative data will be examined through reflexive thematic analysis. The study will be guided by the Reach-Effectiveness-Adoption-Implementation-Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework.
Discussion: The RESETTLE-IDPs study addresses key gaps in the evidence base on mental health interventions for conflict-affected populations. It focuses on underserved IDP populations, evaluates the comparative effectiveness of in-person and mobile-delivered LSE, and incorporates implementation science frameworks to assess contextual factors influencing adoption, fidelity, and sustainability. The study employs a community-based participatory approach to enhance cultural relevance, acceptability, and ownership. Findings will inform the development and scale-up of evidence-based, sustainable mental health interventions for IDPs in Nigeria and other humanitarian contexts.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06412679. Registered 15 May 2024,
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06412679?tab=table
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Malaria Incidence in Children Under 10 Years in a Pyrethroid-Resistant Vector Area in Southern Benin
Authors: Dangbenon Edouard , Atchadé Mintodê Nicodème , Akogbéto Martin Codjo , Hounkonnou Mahouton Norbert , Assongba Landry , Akpovi Hilaire , Kulkarni Manisha A. , Protopopoff Natacha , Cook Jackie , Accrombessi Manfred 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Spatial and temporal identification of malaria-endemic areas is a key component of vector-borne disease control. Strategies to target the most vulnerable populations, the periods of high transmission and the most affected geographical areas, should make vector-borne disease control and prevention programmes more cost-effective. The present study focuses on the spatial and temporal dynamics of malaria cases and the exogenous factors influencing the transmission in an area with pyrethroid-resistant mosquito vector populations.
Methods: A prospective cohort study of 1,806 children under 10 years of age was conducted over 20 months to assess the risk of malaria incidence in the Cove-Zagnanado-Ouinhi (CoZO) health zone located in southern Benin. Childhood malaria data were used to identify malaria hotspots according to months of follow-up using the Kulldoff algorithm. Stability scores were calculated by season to assess incidence heterogeneity. Incidence values by month were aggregated with meteorological data; and demographic data were merged to detect cross-correlation between incidence and meteorological variables. Generalised equation estimators were used to identify the factors explaining the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of malaria incidence in the Cove-Zagnanado-Ouinhi (CoZO) health zone.
Results: We observed spatial heterogeneity in malaria transmission hotspots over the study period, with relative risks ranging from 1.59 (p-value=0.032) to 16.24 (p-value=0.002). Malaria incidence ranged from 1.41 (95% IC: 0.96-2.08) to 13.91 (95% IC: 12.22-15.84) cases per 100 child-months. We also found that there was a significant negative association (correlation coefficient =-0.56) between malaria incidence and temperature; and a slightly positive association (correlation coefficient = 0.58) between malaria incidence and rainfall.
Conclusion: Our results have shown that high-resolution satellite data can be used on a small scale to find the relationship with vector-borne diseases such as malaria.
Stable fabrication of femtosecond-laser-induced periodic nanostructures on glass by using real-time monitoring and active feedback control
Authors: Miyaji Godai , Nagai Daisuke , Miyoshi Takemichi , Takada Hideyuki , Yoshitomi Dai , Narazaki Aiko 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Femtosecond (fs) laser pulses can be employed to form periodic nanostructures directly on solid surfaces, including hard materials like diamond and sapphire, through ablation. This technique holds promise for various industrial nanofabrication applications. However, stable formation of uniform nanostructures is challenging due to high sensitivity to changes in processing conditions like the surface roughness of materials and the laser power. We report a real-time monitoring and control approach for fabricating high-quality nanostructures on glass surfaces. We measured the reflectance and transmittance of a laser-irradiated surface simultaneously and determined their specific values corresponding to the formation of a uniform nanostructure with a period of 200 nm and a depth of 1 μm. Utilizing these values as feedback signals in a proportional-integral-derivative control system, we adjusted the laser power during irradiation to form a uniform nanostructure. This approach led to a significant reduction in the defect ratio for the nanostructure (~2.4%), which represents about a 10 times reduction compared to uncontrolled processing. Our results demonstrate the potential for stable and direct fabrication of high-quality nanostructures on solids and offer a valuable method for quality assurance of nanostructures for various applications.
Silicon-based star coupler power splitter with enhanced non-uniformity
Authors: Tian Yu , Voskerchyan Varam , Soares Francisco , Otero Francisco Diaz 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We designed and fabricated a SOI based insertion loss non-uniformity enhanced star coupler with improved total transmission. The design utilizes a ‘squeeze’ dual input taper with auxiliary input taper placed right next to the central input taper. The specially designed taper structure transforms the fundamental Gaussian-shaped input profile at the entry of the free propagation region into a sinc mode field which produces a flat-top far field profile at the output waveguides array, without adding to the overall device footprint.
Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment of Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Wulandari Rizki , Chan Chung-Han , Gao Jia-Cian , Natawidjaja Danny Hilman 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study assesses probabilistic seismic hazard for Sumatra through a series of progressive approaches. In order to better illustrate possible seismic activity of each seismogenic source—shallow area source, the active fault source, the Sunda trench, and subduction intraslab area source, our analysis implements earthquake catalogs and fault parameters. For the Sumatran fault system (SFS) and the Sunda subduction interface, we assessed their rupture probabilities based on the truncated exponential model, the time-dependent Brownian Passage Time (BPT) model, and the earthquake rates considering complex multiple-segments rupture. Seismic activity of each area source was modeled through the Gutenberg-Richter law. Due to lack of ground-motion models specifically for the study region, we proposed several earthquake scenarios and compared with instrumental observations and felt report to determine appropriate ground motion models for various sources. We assessed seismic hazard considering the bedrock engineering (i.e., \(\:{V}_{s}^{30}\:=\:760\:m/s)\) and specific site condition (based on the \(\:{V}_{s}^{30}\) map by USGS). The results indicate that the region close to the SFS and the Sunda trench face higher hazard levels (1.0-2.1 \(\:g\)) in both 10% and 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years. We also assessed city-scale seismic hazard for seven metropolitans, including Lampung, Bengkulu, Bangka Belitung, Palembang, Padang, Medan, and Aceh—through hazard curves and disaggregation. The hazard disaggregation indicated that the SFS is the primary contribution to the overall seismic hazard in the regions. The outcomes of this study provide valuable information for emergency response planning, urban development, and preparedness of governmental agencies before a disastrous earthquake in the Sumatran region.
Long-term outcome of robotic-guided closed reduction internal fixation for Delbet II femoral neck fractures in children
Authors: Shen Zhaoxiong , Liu Zhenjiang , Shen Chulong , Mo Zhihong , Chen Yongge , Guo Yueming , Wu Feng , Gao Junqing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To retrospectively analyze and assess the long-term effectiveness of robotic navigation and traditional closed reduction internal fixation in the treatment of Delbet type II femoral neck fracture in children.
Methods
A total of fifty-five patients diagnosed with pediatric Delbet type II femoral neck fracture, who were admitted to Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2018 and June 2022, were included in this study. Among them, 22 cases of nailing under robotic navigation were set as the observation group, and 33 cases of nailing under fluoroscopy of the C-arm machine were set as the control group. All patients had their femoral neck fractures closed and repositioned first. After confirming the satisfactory fracture repositioning under the fluoroscopic view of the C-arm machine, internal fixation was performed by inserting hollow compression screws in the corresponding surgical way.A comparative analysis was conducted between the two groups to assess the disparity in the amount of X-ray exposure during surgery, the number of guide pins inserted, and the duration of the surgical procedure. The quality of comparative fracture reduction was assessed according to the Haidukewych criteria on the first postoperative hip X-ray, and the parallelism and distribution of the comparative screws were measured. The incidence of hip function and postoperative complications according to the Ratliff criteria were evaluated between each of the subgroups at the final follow-up.
Results
Comparison of general information, operation duration, and quality of fracture reduction between the two groups failed to reveal statistically significant results (P > 0.05). The observation group had a lower number of X-ray exposures and guide pin placements compared to the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).At the last follow-up, the observation group exhibited superior screw parallelism and distribution, as well as hip joint function, compared to the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications in the observation group was lower than that in the control group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Closed reduction and internal fixation under orthopedic robot navigation can achieve better long-term efficacy in treating Delbet type II femoral neck fracture in children.
Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Turkish Version of the Moral Courage Scale for Physicians
Authors: Yılmaz Şerife , Güven Gamze Özbek , İnceoğlu Feyza 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Physicians, like other healthcare professionals, frequently encounter situations requiring moral courage in their professional lives. However, studies on the moral courage of physicians are limited in the literature. This study aims to evaluate the Turkish adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Moral Courage Scale for Physicians (MCSP) and to contribute to national and international studies on moral courage among physicians.
Materials and methods
This methodological study involved the adaptation, validity, and reliability assessment of the MCSP in Turkish. The scale's internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's α coefficient, and the total correlation coefficients for the items were calculated. Test-retest reliability was assessed using a two-group design.
Results
The Turkish version of the MCSP demonstrated high internal consistency, with a Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.91. The total correlation coefficients for the items ranged from 0.387 to 0.797. A significant positive correlation was found between the test and retest scores of the MCSP (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The Turkish version of the MCSP is a valid and reliable tool for assessing moral courage among physicians.
Combining local data and scientific models to prioritize conservation for European ground squirrel and safeguard grassland habitats
Authors: Lugonja Tijana Nikolić , Pouwels Rogier , Arok Maja , Radišić Dimitrije , Ćosić Nada , Ćirović Duško , Wamelink Wieger GW 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Context Promoting habitat networks of natural grasslands within agricultural landscapes is crucial to supporting biodiversity and protecting endangered grassland species. Understanding the degree of fragmentation of these habitat networks assists in better elucidating their value to the grassland network. However, natural grassland characteristics in intensively used landscapes often need to be more adequately documented, which hinders effective grassland biodiversity conservation.Objectives We combined local data and modeling to identify conservation priorities for natural grasslands through assessing population and habitat patch characteristics for European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus, EGS), a keystone grassland specialist, in agricultural settings.Methods We used available information with presence/absence data and two spatially explicit models (LARCH and Circuitscape) to assess the potential of the current landscape in northern Serbia to protect the EGS. We applied the LARCH model to indicate potential habitat networks for the EGS and Circuitscape to assess connectivity of areas within and between these networks and identify areas of interventions that will serve as corridors between networks after restoration work. Together with the presence/absence data, this is used to set priorities for conservation actions for each network.Results We identified the presence of 15 habitat networks. The networks differ in connectivity, size, capacity, and sustainability to support local EGS populations.Conclusions The results revealed areas on which spatial adaptation measures and actions should be deployed to accommodate the long-term survival of EGS. In addition, the findings help the conservation of (semi)natural grassland and future land planning in terms of sustainable land use in an agricultural setting.
In situ insertion of one or two hydroxy-rich unnatural amino acid into sfGFP to alter its performance
Authors: Fan Xuanhe , Liu Yumei , Chen Zhenya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Unnatural amino acids (unAAs) possess unique properties owing to their distinct functional groups, and their insertion into proteins can significantly alter protein function and properties. Currently, the predominant method for inserting unAAs into proteins is through genetic code expansion (GCE), which mimics the natural translation process within cells and necessitates the exogenous supplementation of unAAs. However, in many instances, microbial cells do not recognize unAAs as essential nutrients and lack specific transporters for their uptake across the cell membrane, thereby greatly reducing their insertion efficiency. To address this issue, our study developed an in situinsertion method for enhancing the efficiency of unAAs insertion into proteins and further explored the feasibility of simultaneously inserting two different unAAs into one protein. Firstly, the orthogonal translation system for hydroxy-rich unAAs 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) or 4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-HiL) were constructed and then transformed into microbial cells to achieve the insertion of 5-HTP or 4-HiL into sfGFP by feeding 5-HTP or 4-HiL. Subsequently, the biosynthetic pathways of 5-HTP or 4-HiL were constructed in E. coli which contained the corresponding orthogonal translation system, resulting in the in situ insertion of 5-HTP or 4-HiL into sfGFP.Further, we developed a co-insertion method based on codons UGA and UAG. Introduction of the biosynthetic pathways and the orthogonal translation systems of 5-HTP and 4-HiL in the same cells achieved the in situ co-insertion of 5-HTP and 4-HiL in one sfGFP. This work provided a representative example for in situinsertion of unAAs into protein to increase the insertion efficiency, and explored the possibility of co-inserting two types of unAAs into one protein.
IL-1b drives SARS-CoV-2 disease in vivo, independently of the inflammasome and pyroptotic signalling
Authors: Doerflinger Marcel , Bader Stefanie M. , Scherer Lena , Schaefer Jan , Cooney James , Mackiewicz Liana , Dayton Merle , Georgy Smitha , Davidson Kathryn , Allison Cody , Herold Marco , Strasser Andreas , Pellegrini Marc 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Excessive inflammation and cytokine release are hallmarks of severe COVID-19. Programmed cell death processes can drive inflammation, however, the relevance in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 is unclear. Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory form of regulated cell death initiated by inflammasomes and executed by the pore-forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD). Using an established mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 virus and a combination of gene-targeted mice we found that deletion of the inflammasome (NLRP1/3 and the adaptor ASC) and pore forming proteins involved in pyroptosis (GSDMA/C/D/E) did not impact disease outcome or viral loads. Furthermore, we found that SARS-CoV-2 infection did not trigger GSDMD activation in mouse lungs. We did not observe any difference between WT animals and mice with compound deficiencies in upstream caspases C1/11/12−/−. This indicates that the classical canonical and non-canonical pro-inflammatory caspases known to process and activate IL-1β, IL-18 and GSDMD do not substantially contribute to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. However, the loss of IL-1β, but not the absence of IL-18, ameliorated disease and enhanced survival in older animals compared to wildtype mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that IL-1β is an important factor contributing to severe SARS-CoV-2 disease, but its release was largely independent of inflammasome and pyroptotic pathways.