bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Oral HIV Self-testing Using Several Distribution Models in Cameroon: Evidence From the Self-Testing Africa (STAR) Initiative
Authors: BOUBA YAGAI , RAISSA DJOMO DZADDI AUDREY , FATIMA MOULIOM NKAIN , SOULEYMANOU ADAMOU , LIFANDA EBIAMA , LIMAN YAKOUBA , ROGER ONANA , MICHELE SALLA ANNIE , CLAIRE EKOBIKA LILY , GUTENBERG TCHIKANGNI , EDWIGE OMONA GUISSANA , INGRID MYRTHO KENKO ABO’O , DÉSIRÉ MVILONGO ANABA ERNEST , ANTOINE SOCPA , ROGERS AJEH AWOH , JOSE ESSI MARIE , CLOTAIRE BILLONG SERGE , CHERIF HAMSATOU HADJA , CECILE ZOUNG-KANYI ANNE 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Innovative strategies such as HIV self-testing (HIVST) might be useful for identifying hard-to-reach people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). We evaluated the effectiveness of HIVST in Cameroon using several distribution models and investigated the predictors of HIV seropositivity among self-testers. The study was conducted from 2021–2022 in three regions in Cameroon. HIVST kits were distributed according to 5 distribution models: antenatal, postnatal, maternal and child clinics (ANC/PNC/MCH); partners of PLWHA; workplace; and community and HIV-testing services (HTS). Overall, 42687 people received oral HIVST kits, among whom 15.6% were HIV first-testers. Approximately 85% reported on the test outcome; 2.3% (n = 825) were reactive, and 75.8% came for test confirmation. After the confirmation test, a concordance of 85% was found with the national algorithm. Overall, the HIV seroprevalence was 1.5% [95% CI: 1.4–1.6]; ANC/PNC/MCHC: 1.9%, partners of PLWHA: 6.9%, workplace: 0.5%, community: 0.1% and HTS: 7.0%, p < 0.001. The positivity rate among first-testers was 1.2%. Youths < 25 years had a lower seroprevalence (0.4%) than older people (2.6% and 2.7% for those aged 25–39 and those aged ≥ 40 years, respectively), p < 0.001. Seropositivity was negatively associated with secondary distribution, workplace model, community model and age < 25 years. On the other hand, partners of the PLWHA model, HTS model and first-time-testers were positively associated with seropositivity. In Cameroon, oral HIVST is an effective approach for identifying undiagnosed PLWHA, especially when using ANC/PNC/MCHC, partners of PLWHA and HTS distribution models. However, to ensure the successful scale-up of HIVST in Cameroon, guidelines should be revised to fine-tune the target for HIVST and optimize the use of resources.
Tunable integrated quasi-zero-stiffness metamaterials for ultra-low-frequency vibration isolation
Authors: Yang Shaokun , Wu Jiu Hui , Wang Xingzhong , Huang Yao , Wang Li Bo , Lei Yunzhong , Ma Fuyin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Quasi-zero-stiffness (QZS) structures play an important role in ultra-low frequency vibration isolation due to its nonlinear mechanical properties, how to make it more lightweight while ensuring performance is an important research topic in expanding its application areas. In this paper, an integrated QZS metamaterial element for ultra-low frequency vibration isolation (around 4Hz). Relying on the nonlinear mechanical properties of metamaterials, the initial structural parameters are optimized to achieve QZS within a specific deformation range, providing a theoretical analysis basis for structural performance design. Static simulation analysis and experiments verified the effectiveness of the optimization design process. Further vibration experiments confirmed the ultra-low frequency vibration isolation ability of this metamaterial element. This customizable metamaterial with a size of tens of millimeters provides new ideas and solutions for ultra-low frequency vibration isolation of small precision components.
Oncoreconstructive Microsurgeries as Current Treatment for Cancer Patient Nowadays in Indonesia’s Largest National Cancer Center: Freshly Graduated Microsurgeon Experience From 2019-2022
Authors: Sofyan Rian Fabian , Brahma Bayu , Iskandar Iskandar , Sabatini Nafilla Nesantya 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the use of free flap repair and microvascular techniques in reconstructive cancer surgery has grown significantly. Patients in high-volume tertiary care facilities often require complex treatments, including free flap transfers.
Objective: We examined patient characteristics and their 4-year survival outcomes after receiving oncoreconstructive microsurgeries from a team of surgical oncologists at Indonesia's National Cancer Center, a national referral hospital, between 2019 and 2022.
Materials and Methods: We conducted 179 microsurgery operations and analyzed patient age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), comorbidities, cancer type, tumor location, surgery type, flap sources, recipient and donor sites, and free flap success rates.
Results: Between 2019 and 2022, 179 oncoreconstructive microsurgeries were performed, with an average patient age of 46 with normal BMI. The primary tumor location was most commonly in the intraoral area, and squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent pathology. Wide excision and subsequent reconstruction with an Anterior Lateral Thigh flap were common procedures. The facial artery was the primary recipient artery, and the jugular external vein served as the primary recipient vein. Over four years, the success rate for oncoreconstructive microsurgeries consistently exceeded 90%.
Conclusion: As a freshly graduated surgical oncologist at Indonesia's largest national referral hospital, we are able to successfully treat patients with locally advanced malignancies by performing tumor resection and effectively repairing defects using oncoreconstructive microsurgeries, resulting in a success rate of over 90%.
Ethnic inequalities in the access of cancer screening services for women´s in Peru
Authors: Intimayta-Escalante Claudio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite guidelines and increased healthcare resources, there are disparities in coverage of screening cancer services for non-white communities, addressing these health inequalities is crucial in multicultural countries like Peru. For this reason, the aim was evaluating ethnic inequalities in the women proportion that use cancer screening services in Peruvians regions.
Methods
An ecological was used to assess the ethnic inequalities in the proportion of women use of general cancer screening, clinical breast examination, mammography, and pap test in the 25 regions of Peru. The inequalities were approach by estimating the GINI coefficient among ethnic groups based on various sociodemographic characteristics, and the annual variation of the GINI coefficient.
Results
In Peruvians regions there is greater inequality in general cancer screening services among the indigenous (GINI: 0.321) and afroperuvians (GINI: 0.415), which have a GINI coefficient almost twice that of the white or mestizo group (GINI: 0.183). Also, sociodemographic characteristics such as low educational level, low income, living in rural areas, being over 64 years old, and lack of health insurance mediate these inequalities in the use of cancer screening services. In the temporal variation, an increase in inequality was identified to afroperuvians and indigenous groups after 2020.
Conclusion
In Peruvian regions there are marked ethnic inequalities in use of cancer screening services for indigenous and afroperuvians groups compared to the white or mestizo group, especially in those regions with larger populations with adverse socioeconomic conditions that have worsened for these ethnic groups after the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru.
Light has a principal role in the physiological adaptation of plants to the spaceflight environment
Authors: Paul Anna-Lisa , Zhou Mingqi , Ferl Robert 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Characterizing Arabidopsis Root Attractions (CARA) spaceflight experiment provides comparative transcriptome analyses of plants grown in both light and dark conditions within the same spaceflight. CARA compared three genotypes of Arabidopsis grown in ambient light and in the dark on board the International Space Station (ISS); Col-0, Ws, and phyD, a phytochrome D mutant in the Col-0 background. In all genotypes, leaves responded to spaceflight with a higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than root tips, and each genotype displayed distinct light / dark transcriptomic patterns that were unique to the spaceflight environment. The Col-0 leaves exhibited a substantial dichotomy, with ten-times as many spaceflight DEGs exhibited in light-grown plants versus dark-grown plants. Although the total number of DEGs in phyD leaves is not very different from Col-0, phyD altered the manner in which light-grown leaves respond to spaceflight, and many genes associated with the physiological adaptation of Col-0 to spaceflight were not represented. This result is in contrast to root tips, where a previous CARA study showed that phyD substantially reduced the number of DEGs. There were few DEGs, but a series of space-altered gene categories, common to genotypes and lighting conditions. This commonality indicates that key spaceflight genes are associated with signal transduction for light, defense, and oxidative stress responses. However, these key signaling pathways enriched from DEGs showed opposite regulatory direction in response to spaceflight under light and dark conditions, suggesting a complex interaction between light as a signal, and light-signaling genes in acclimation to spaceflight.
Polyphenols from foxtail millet improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating intestinal flora
Authors: Israr Ghani , Yuxuan An , qinqin Qiao , Shuiling He , Li Zhuoyu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic hepatic manifestation of metabolic dysfunction for which effective interventions are lacking. The burden of NAFLD is increasing at an alarming rate. NAFLD is frequently associated with morbidities such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, etc. The current study explored the potential role of bound polyphenol from foxtail millet (BPIS) in treating NAFLD mice induced by the high-fat diet (HFD). The results exhibited the critical role of BPIS treatment for NAFLD by effectively restoring gut microbiota in C57BL/6 mice that received a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. At the same time, 16S rRNA analysis demonstrated that BPIS remodeled the overall structure of the gut microbiota from fatty liver diseases towards that of normal counterparts, including ten phylum and twenty genus levels. Further study found that the expression of tight junction proteins was up-regulated in the BPIS-treated group. This study provides new insights into the potential NAFLD protective effects induced by polyphenols of foxtail millet.
Explaining the process care by companion midwife during childbirth: study protocol
Authors: Soltani Narges Sadat , Zagam Samira Ebrahimzadeh , Hafizi Leili , Shourab Nahid Jahani 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization emphasizes the existence of a birth companion in order to improve the care results and satisfaction of mothers in labor and delivery. Due to the fact that the process of care by a companion midwife during childbirth is unknown and the existing challenges are identified, this study will be conducted with the aim of explaining the process of care by companion midwife during childbirth.
Methods: It is a qualitative research with a grounded theory approach that the main participants of the study are midwives. Sampling has been started in a Purposive sampling and will continue based on the resulting categories until data saturation in the form of theoretical sampling. Data collection will be done using in-depth semi-structured interviews, field notes and reminders. The Strauss and Corbin 2015 method will be used for data analysis, which includes five steps: Identification of concepts, development of concepts according to their characteristics and dimensions, data analysis for context, bringing the process into the analysis and integration of categories.
Discussion: This study is expected to contribute to a better understanding of care by companion midwives. Because this study will identify the obstacles and facilitators of the implementation of the companion midwifery program in maternity settings.
Ethical code: IR.MUMS.NURSE.REC.1402.130
Robot-Assisted Resection of Mesenteric Cysts in Pediatric Patients: a single-centered Retrospective study
Authors: Chen Yi , Chen Qingjiang , Cai Duote , Qian Yunzhong , Chen Sai , Zhang Shuhao , Jin Yi , Wang Linyan , Shu Qiang , Gao Zhigang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Mesenteric cysts (MCs) are rare intra-abdominal masses in childhood. Laparoscopic-assisted surgery has become the main procedure for their resection, but robot-assisted surgery has rarely been reported. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze and present our experience with robot-assisted resection of MCs using the da Vinci Xi surgical system and to discuss the technical points.
Methods
Children diagnosed with abdominal MCs who underwent surgical treatment at the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2020 and November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, and clinical data, surgical details, and prognosis of the patients were systematically collected.
Results
Among 40 patients, a total of 18 underwent robot-assisted surgery and 22 underwent laparoscopic-assisted surgery. In the robot-assisted surgery group, the entire procedure was performed endoscopically, whereas in the laparoscopic surgery group, eight procedures were converted to laparotomy. The operation time of 134.5 minutes for the robot-assisted group was not significantly longer than the 104 minutes for the laparoscopic-assisted surgery group (P > 0.05), but the average length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Robotic-assisted resection of MCs is safe and feasible and the refinement of the Da Vinci Xi surgical system was much better than that of the conventional laparoscopic equipment, resulting in significantly improved intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.
Youth-developed Recommendations on Public Health Planning for Future Pandemics or Public Health Emergencies: A National Delphi Study
Authors: Quinlan-Davidson Meaghen , Cleverley Kristin , Barbic Skye , Courtney Darren , Dimitropoulos Gina , Hawke Lisa D , Nandlall Nadia , Ma Clement , Prebeg Matthew , Henderson J. L. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background. In Canada, multiple studies reported an increase in youth-reported anxiety, depression, and substance use over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the country has decreased restrictions, it is important to consider public health planning for future pandemics and emergencies, in light of the associated youth mental health and substance use burden. To prevent youth from falling further behind, we need to focus on public health planning recommendations to optimize Canada’s future response. The objective of the study was to generate concrete, youth-derived recommendations for government, policymakers, and service planners to support public health planning for the next pandemic or public health emergency.
Methods. Using a virtual, modified Delphi, Youth Delphi Expert Panel Members rated recommendation items over three rounds, with the option to create their own recommendations items. “Consensus” was defined a priori if ≥ 70% of the entire group, or subgroups of youth (e.g., age, race/ethnicity, gender and sexual identities), rated items at a 6 or 7 (on a 7-point Likert scale). Items that did not achieve consensus were dropped in subsequent rounds. Content analysis was used for qualitative responses in Rounds 1 and 2. Youth were engaged as members of an expert advisory committee throughout the design, implementation, and interpretation of findings.
Results. A total of n=40 youth participated in Round 1 with good retention (>95%) in subsequent rounds. Youth endorsed eleven recommendations to support public health planning for the next pandemic or public health emergency. Youth prioritized easily accessible, clear, and understandable information about pandemics; and equitably and efficiently distributed vaccines. They also prioritized increased awareness of timely and accessible mental health and substance use services in schools, workplaces and communities; greater investment in free or inexpensive MHSU services; and health professionals and scientists leading pandemic-related policy decisions.
Conclusions. For Canada to move forward in a relevant, efficient, and ethically sound manner, decisions must be guided by the population that these decisions affect. These recommendations can be used to guide Canada’s strategies and policies to prepare for future public health emergencies and pandemics, prioritizing the needs of youth, families/caregivers, and communities.
WITHDRAWN: Effect of matric suction on stress-induced anisotropy behavior of unsaturated clay
Authors: Su Yanlin , Cai Guoqing , Li Jialiang , Shan Yepeng , Yang Rui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Lots of geotechnical engineering problems are closely related to the anisotropic behavior of unsaturated soils. In this paper, suction-controlled, consolidated, drained triaxial shear tests were conducted on clay under unsaturated conditions. For unsaturated clay, the effects of matrix suction (suctions of 30 kPa, 100 kPa, and 200 kPa), initial stress ratio (R1 = 0.5 and 1) and subsequent stress ratio (R2 = 1, 2 and 3) on the hydro-mechanical behavior were studied, and the evolution of water retention, stress-induced anisotropy characteristics and critical state parameters under different stress paths were obtained. The stress path exerted a substantial influence on the water retention capacity of the clay, and the initial stress ratio was found to be the determining factor for the air entry value of the clay. Under identical initial stress ratio conditions, the water retention capacity of the clay was observed to diminish commensurately with an increase in the subsequent stress ratio. As suction increases and subsequent stress ratios escalate, the specimen transitions from a state of shear shrinkage to dilatancy, the peak shear strength (qf) and initial stress ratio change from negatively to positively correlated, while the critical state volumetric strain (\(\varepsilon _{{\text{v}}}^{{\text{c}}}\)) and initial stress ratio are positively to negatively correlated, and the anisotropy of unsaturated clay undergoes a transformation from negative correlation to positive correlation with the subsequent stress ratio. The critical state saturation (\(S_{r}^{{\text{c}}}\)) exhibits a negative correlation with the initial stress ratio and subsequent stress ratio. Under the same stress path and different matrix suctions, there exists a unique critical state line in the p'-q plane passing through the origin, with its slope is critical state effective stress ratio (M'). The initial stress ratio determines the range of variation for the M' value, which is positively correlated with the subsequent stress ratio.
Key technologies for task processing in ternary optical computer
Authors: Li Shuang , Yang Wen , Li Luqun , Li Wenjing , Li Dazhi , Wang Zhehe 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper introduces a key technology for task processing in ternary optical computer(TOC) - the operation-data file (SZG file). Firstly, we analyze and summarize the data processing advantages of ternary optical computer. Then, we propose the design principles of SZG file and provide a detailed explanation of the significant role played by SZG file in the task processing process. Next, we will propose the design principles of SZG file and provide a detailed explanation of the significant role played by SZG file in the task processing process. Furthermore, we will discuss how to construct a collaborative task processing mechanism based on SZG file, focusing on the format of SZG file and the task classification strategy based on SZG file. Finally, we will conduct experimental testing on the ternary optical computer platform using a specific example. Tasks can be executed correctly in parallel on ternary optical computer, successfully coordinating the differences in task processing characteristics between electronic computers and ternary optical computer. These will establish a bridge for collaborative work between electronic computers and ternary optical computer, while also providing new ideas for other emerging computing systems in terms of task processing methods.
Computational analysis of affinity dynamics between the variants of SARS- CoV-2 spike protein (RBD) and human ACE-2 receptor
Authors: Sultana Nishad , Nagesha S.N. , Reddy C.N. Lakshminarayan , Ramesh B.N. , Shyamalamma S. , Shashidhara K. S. , Satish K.M. , Pradeep C. , G.D. Vidyadhar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 resulted in a significant worldwide health emergency known as the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis has been marked by the widespread of various variants, with certain ones causing notable apprehension. In this study, we harnessed computational techniques to scrutinize these Variants of Concern (VOCs), including various Omicron subvariants. Our approach involved the utilizing protein structure prediction algorithms and molecular docking techniques, we aim to investigate the effects of mutations within the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 and how these mutations influence its interactions with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE-2) receptor. Our focus extends to predicting the structural alterations in the RBD of naturally occurring SARS-CoV-2 variants using the tr-Rosetta algorithm. Subsequent docking and binding analysis employing HADDOCK and PRODIGY illuminated crucial interactions occurring at the Receptor-Binding Motif (RBM). Our findings revealed a hierarchy of increased binding affinity between the human ACE2 receptor and the various RBDs, in the order of wild type (Wuhan-strain) < Beta < Alpha < Gamma < Omicron-B.1.1.529 < Delta < Omicron-BA.2.12.1 < Omicron-BA.5.2.1 < Omicron-BA.1.1. Notably, Omicron-BA.1.1 demonstrated the highest binding affinity of -17.4 kcal mol− 1 to the hACE2 receptor when compared to all the mutant complexes. Additionally, our examination indicated that mutations occurring in active residues of the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) consistently improved the binding affinity and intermolecular interactions in all mutant complexes. Analyzing the differences among variants has laid a foundation for the structure-based drug design targeting the RBD region of SARS-CoV-2.