bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary effectiveness and implementation outcomes of the IMARA-South Africa sexual health intervention on adolescent girls and young women: A pilot randomized trial
Authors: Merrill Katherine G. , Atujuna Millicent , Emerson Erin , Blachman-Demner Dara , Bray Bethany C. , Bekker Linda-Gail , Donenberg Geri R. 
Published: February 2023

Family-based interventions may help reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa but few have been tested. We examined the preliminary effectiveness and implementation outcomes of Informed, Motivated, Aware, and Responsible Adolescents and Adults—South Africa (IMARA-SA), an evidence-based intervention for South African AGYW (15–19 years) and their female caregivers. We piloted IMARA-SA in the Western Cape using an individually randomized experimental design and average follow-up at 11 months. Primary outcomes were HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC) uptake, STI incidence (gonorrhea, chlamydia), and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake. Secondary outcomes were self-reported sexual risk behavior (condom use at last sex, consistency of condom use, substance use during sex, and number of sexual partners) and PrEP adherence. We examined four implementation outcomes: reach, feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity. Data from 59 AGYW (mean = 17.2 years) were analyzed at baseline (n = 29 from IMARA-SA, 30 from a health promotion control group). At follow-up, 51 (86%) completed surveys and 39 (66%) presented for HTC, STI testing, and/or PrEP. Compared to controls, fewer IMARA-SA participants tested positive for an STI (22% versus 38%), more IMARA-SA participants took up PrEP (68% versus 45%), and four of five secondary outcomes favored the IMARA-SA group at follow-up. These differences did not reach statistical significance. HTC uptake at follow-up was 100% in both groups. All AGYW-FC dyads agreed to participate in the study (reach). In the IMARA-SA group, 76% of dyads completed the intervention (feasibility), and over 76% of acceptability ratings from AGYW and their FC had the highest Likert rating. Fidelity of intervention delivery was 95%. IMARA-SA is a promising strategy for reducing HIV/STI risk among South African AGYW. We found strong evidence of reach, feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity. A fully powered randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Trial registration: Clinical trials.gov registration number: NCT05504954.
Precise language responses versus easy rating scales—Comparing respondents’ views with clinicians’ belief of the respondent’s views
Authors: Sikström Sverker , Pålsson Höök Alfred , Kjell Oscar 
Published: February 2023

Background
Closed-ended rating scales are the most used response format for researchers and clinicians to quantify mental states, whereas in natural contexts people communicate with natural language. The reason for using such scales is that they are typically argued to be more precise in measuring mental constructs; however, the respondents’ views as to what best communicates mental states are frequently ignored, which is important for making them comply with assessment.

Methods
We assessed respondents’ (N = 304) degree of depression using rating scales, descriptive words, selected words, and free text responses and probed the respondents for their preferences concerning the response formats across twelve dimensions related to the precision of communicating their mental states and the ease of responding. This was compared with the clinicians’ (N = 40) belief of the respondent’s view.

Results
Respondents found free text to be more precise (e.g., precision d’ = .88, elaboration d’ = 2.0) than rating scales, whereas rating scales were rated as easier to respond to (e.g., easier d’ = –.67, faster d’ = –1.13). Respondents preferred the free text responses to a greater degree than rating scales compared to clinicians’ belief of the respondents’ views.

Conclusions
These findings support previous studies concluding that future assessment of mental health can be aided by computational methods based on text data. Participants prefer an open response format as it allows them to elaborate, be precise, etc., with respect to their mental health issues, although rating scales are viewed as faster and easier.
Magnitude, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates among adult dental caries patients attending Hiwot Fana comprehensive specialized university hospital, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Maru Mandie , Teklemariam Zelalem , Admassu Desalegn 
Published: February 2023

Background
Dental caries is defined as a dynamic diet microbial disease of teeth, which results in localized dissolution and destruction of the mineralized tissues of the teeth. Dental caries develops when there is a susceptible tooth exposed to pathogenic bacteria in the presence of substrate. Under these conditions, the bacteria metabolize substrate to form acid, which decalcifies teeth. Dental caries is among the top oral health problem in both developing and developed nations affecting around 20–50% of the population globally.

Objective
This study was conducted to assess the magnitude, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates among adult dental caries patients visiting Hiwot Fana specialized university hospital dental clinic from April 23 to-June 23, 2021.

Methods
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 study participants. Convenient sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Data was entered into Epi-info version 7.2.4.0 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 for analysis. The result was explained by using summary measures of texts, tables, and graphs after analysis by using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was defined at a p-value of less than 0.05.

Result
The overall magnitude of bacteria among dental caries patients was 68.3%. S mutans 74(37.4%) and Lactobacillus spp 58(29.3%) were the most predominant isolated bacteria. Lack of teeth brushing (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI:1.6, 4.6), the habit of chewing khat always (AOR:4.8, 95%CI:2.10,8.80), the habit of chewing khat sometimes (AOR: 3.8: 95% CI: 2.520,9.48) and consumption of soft drinks (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI:1.2,3.1) were significantly associated with bacterial dental caries. Almost, all bacterial isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin compared to Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamycin, penicillin, tetracycline, vancomycin and tobramycin.

Conclusion
Teeth brushing habit, consumption of soft drink and a habit of chewing khat affects dental health and they are associated with bacterial dental caries. Harari regional health bureau better to focus by giving health education to the community about dental caries based on identified associated factors with dental caries.
Working life sequences over the life course among 9269 women and men in Sweden; a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gémes Katalin , Heikkilä Katriina , Alexanderson Kristina , Farrants Kristin , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Virtanen Marianna 
Published: February 2023

Objectives
To investigate working life courses in women and men and possible associations with socioeconomic, health-, and work-related factors.

Methods
A 15-year prospective cohort study of individuals aged 18–50 in paid work at baseline and answering the Swedish Living Conditions Surveys (2000–2003, N = 9269) and their annual economic activity, using nationwide registers. We used sequence and cluster analyses to identify and group similar working life sequences. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associations of sex, socioeconomic, health-, and work-related factors with sequence cluster memberships.

Results
We identified 1284 working life sequences, of which 65% represented continuous active (in paid work/studying) states. We then identified five sequence clusters, the largest one with individuals who were continuously active (n = 6034, 65% of the participants; 54% of women and 76% of men) and smaller ones with interruptions of the active state by long-term parental-leave, unemployment, and/or sickness absence/disability pension (SA/DP), or retirement. Women were more likely than men to belong to the “Parental-leave periods” (odds ratio [OR]: 33.2; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 25.6, 43.1) and the “SA/DP periods” sequence clusters (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.1), also after adjustment for covariates. In both sexes, low education and poor health were the strongest predictors of belonging to the sequence cluster “Unemployment & SA/DP periods”. Predictors of the “Parental-leave periods” sequence cluster differed between women and men.

Conclusions
In a cohort of individuals in paid work at baseline, the majority of women and men worked most of each year although women were more likely to have some interruptions characterized by long-term parental-leave or SA/DP periods than men, independently of socioeconomic, health-, and work-related factors.
The pandemic and changes in early career researchers’ career prospects, research and publishing practices
Authors: Jamali Hamid R. , Nicholas David , Sims David , Watkinson Anthony , Herman Eti , Boukacem-Zeghmouri Cherifa , Rodríguez-Bravo Blanca , Świgoń Marzena , Abrizah Abdullah , Xu Jie , Tenopir Carol , Allard Suzie 
Published: February 2023

Introduction
As part of the Harbnger-2 project, this study aimed to discover the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on junior researchers’ work-life, career prospects, research and publishing practices and networking.

Methods
An online international survey of 800 early career researchers (ECRs) was conducted in 2022. A questionnaire was developed based on three rounds of interviews and distributed using multiple channels including publishers, social media, and direct email to ECRs.

Results
The impact of the pandemic on career prospects, morale, job security, productivity, ability to network and collaborate, and quality and speed of peer review has on the whole been more negative than positive. A quarter of ECRs shifted their research focus to pandemic-related topics and half of those who did, benefited largely due to increased productivity and impact. The majority worked remotely/from home and more than two-thirds of those who did so benefitted from it. While virtual or hybrid conferences have been embraced by the majority of ECRs, around a third still preferred face-to-face only conferences. The use of library online platforms, Sci-Hub, ResearchGate, Google Scholar and smartphone to search and access full-text papers increased. ECRs prioritised journals with fast submission procedures for the publishing of their papers and spent more time on increasing the visibility of their research. Fees were a problem for publishing open access.

Conclusion
Although, generally, the pandemic negatively impacted many aspects of ECRs’ work-life, certain research areas and individuals benefited from being more appreciated and valued, and, in some cases, resulted in increased resources, better productivity and greater impact. Changes, such as the use of digital technologies and remote working created new opportunities for some ECRs. While continuing work flexibility and hybrid conferences might benefit some ECRs, institutions should also take measures to help those ECRs whose career and productivity have been adversely impacted.
Institutionalization of limited obstetric ultrasound leading to increased antenatal, skilled delivery, and postnatal service utilization in three regions of Ethiopia: A pre-post study
Authors: Abawollo Hailemariam Segni , Argaw Mesele Damte , Tsegaye Zergu Taffesse , Beshir Ismael Ali , Guteta Asfaw Adugna , Heyi Atrie Fekadu , Mengesha Birhan Tenaw , Mamo Tsega Teferi , Gebremedhin Zenawork Kassa , Damte Heran Demissie , Kibret Mengistu Asnake , Desta Binyam Fekadu 
Published: February 2023

Background
A minimum of one ultrasound scan is recommended for all pregnant women before the 24th week of gestation. In Ethiopia, there is a shortage of skilled manpower to provide these services. Currently, trained mid-level providers are providing the services at the primary healthcare level. The aims of this study were to compare antenatal care 1 (ANC1), antenatal care 4 (ANC4), skilled birth attendance (SBA), and postnatal care (PNC) service utilization before and after institutionalizing Vscan limited obstetric ultrasounds at semi-urban health centers in Ethiopia.

Methods
A pre and post intervention observational study was conducted to investigate maternal and neonatal health service utilization rates before and after institutionalizing Vscan limited obstetric ultrasound services, between July 2016 and June 2020. The data were extracted from 1st August– 31st December 2020.

Results
The observed monthly increase on the mean rank of first ANC visits after the introduction of Vscan limited obstetric ultrasound services showed a statistically significant difference at KW-ANOVA H (3) = 17.09, P = 0.001. The mean rank of fourth ANC utilization showed a statistically significant difference at KW- ANOVA H (3) = 16.24, P = 0.001. The observed mean rank in skilled birth attendance (SBA) showed a statistically significant positive difference using KW-ANOVA H (3) = 23.6, P<0.001. The mean rank of increased utilization in postnatal care showed a statistically significant difference using KW-ANOVA H (3) = 17.79, P<0.001.

Conclusion
The introduction of limited obstetric ultrasound services by trained mid-level providers at the primary healthcare level was found to have improved the utilization of ANC, SBA, and postnatal care (PNC) services. It is recommended that the institutionalization of limited obstetric ultrasound services be scaled up and a further comparative study between facilities with and without ultrasound services be conducted to confirm causality and assess effects on maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Comparison of three dosing intervals for the primary vaccination of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine (BNT162b2) on magnitude, neutralization capacity and durability of the humoral immune response in health care workers: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Leong Darryl P. , Zhang Ali , Breznik Jessica A. , Clare Rumi , Huynh Angela , Mushtaha Maha , Rangarajan Sumathy , Stacey Hannah , Kim Paul Y. , Loeb Mark , Denburg Judah A. , Mertz Dominik , Chagla Zain , Nazy Ishac , Miller Matthew S. , Bowdish Dawn M. E. , Duong MyLinh 
Published: February 2023

Objectives
The dosing interval of a primary vaccination series can significantly impact on vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy. The current study compared 3 dosing intervals for the primary vaccination series of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, on humoral immune response and durability against SARS-CoV-2 ancestral and Beta variants up to 9 months post immunization.

Methods
Three groups of age- and sex-matched healthcare workers (HCW) who received 2 primary doses of BNT162b2 separated by 35-days, 35–42 days or >42-days were enrolled. Vaccine induced antibody titers at 3 weeks, 3 and 6–9 months post-second dose were assessed.

Results
There were 309 age- and sex-matched HCW (mean age 43 [sd 13], 58% females) enrolled. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 binding (IgG, IgM, IgA) and neutralizing antibody titers showed significant waning in levels beyond 35 days post first dose. The second dose induced a significant rise in antibody titers, which peaked at 3 weeks and then declined at variable rates across groups. The magnitude, consistency and durability of response was greater for anti-Spike than anti-RBD antibodies; and for IgG than IgA or IgM. Compared to the shorter schedules, a longer interval of >42 days offered the highest binding and neutralizing antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 ancestral and Beta (B1.351) variants beyond 3 months post-vaccination.

Conclusions
This is the first comprehensive study to compare 3 dosing intervals for the primary vaccination of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine implemented in the real world. These findings suggest that delaying the second dose beyond 42 days can potentiate and prolong the humoral response against ancestral and Beta variants of SARS-CoV-2 up to 9 months post-vaccination.
Factors predicted quality of life of people with type 2 diabetes in western Ethiopia
Authors: Diriba Dereje Chala , Leung Doris Y. P. , Suen Lorna K. P. 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundMultiple factors predict the quality of life of adults with diabetes. However, the relationships of demographics, self-management practice, and support status with the quality of life of people with diabetes are unknown. Therefore, the study aimed to assess factors related with the quality of life of adults with type 2 diabetes in western Ethiopia.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study involving adults with type 2 diabetes was conducted in western Ethiopia from June 02, 2020, to August 31, 2020. Convenience sampling technique was used in selecting subjects. The translated and psychometrically tested summary of diabetes self-management activities (expanded), diabetes quality of life, and diabetes care profile support scales were used in measuring self-management practice, quality of life, and support status, respectively. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Factors related with quality of life were examined through bivariate analysis and multivariable linear regression. In all statistical tests, P value <0.05 and confidence level that excluded zero were considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 417 adults with type 2 diabetes participated in the study. In a multivariable linear regression, seven factors including age, male, homemakers, those separated/divorced, number of years since diabetes diagnosis, self-management practice and support needed were related with quality of life. Male patients (β = 2.786, 95% CI = 1.285 to 4.287, p < 0.001), homemakers (β = 0.366, 95% CI = 0.056; 0.677, p = 0.021), self-management practice (β = 4.528, 95% CI = 3.851 to 5.205, p < 0.001) and those who needed support from their families or peers (β = 1.623, 95% CI = 0.458; 2.788, p = 0.006) were related positively with quality of life whereas those who separated or divorced (β = −1.698, 95% CI = −3.371 to −0.025, p = 0.047), older age (β = −0.195, 95% CI = −0.269 to −0.121, p < 0.001) and those who lived with diabetes for a longer duration (β = −2.206, 95% CI = −4.151 to −0.261, p = 0.026) were related negatively with quality of life.ConclusionQuality of life of people with type 2 diabetes living in western Ethiopia was predicted positively by being male, homemakers, having self-management practice, and support needed, whereas negatively influenced by old age, separation or divorce, and long diabetes life. Thus, encouraging self-management practice, and continuous family or friend support are necessary to enhance quality of life of people with type 2 diabetes. Further study should employ random sampling techniques and involve participants from multiple study settings to increase representativeness of the samples.
The End of Artic Exceptionalism? New Artic Approach after February 24, 2022
Authors: Brańka Tomasz 
Published: February 2023

Since the end of the Cold War, the Arctic has often been portrayed as a symbol of model cooperation. Individual states were prepared to cooperate extensively despite disputes in other areas. The Arctic was therefore customarily regarded as an area with little potential for conflict. Cooperation between states that were in strong competition with each other in other regions or areas was so rare that the “Arctic exceptionalism’ was commonly recognized.
This article examines updated Arctic strategies of states directly involved in the region. It analyzes the changes over the past few years, which have mostly been a consequence of Russia’s aggression (as early as 2014) and its strong militarization of the region. The article discusses the initiated process of Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO and the consequences of this historic change for the High North. Finally, it analyses decisions taken by a number of Arctic organizations to exclude, freeze, or “pause’ their relations with Russia in consequence of the February 24, 2022 attack on Ukraine. This raises questions about whether the Arctic can be managed without Russia and whether measures adopted can be effective.
Quantitation of neurofilament light chain protein in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from patients with multiple sclerosis using the MSD R-PLEX NfL assay
Authors: Ulndreaj Antigona , Sohaei Dorsa , Thebault Simon , Pons-Belda Oscar D. , Fernandez-Uriarte Amaia , Campbell Christopher , Cheo David , Stengelin Martin , Sigal George , Freedman Mark S. , Scarisbrick Isobel A. , Prassas Ioannis , Diamandis Eleftherios P. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Neurofilament light (NfL) chain is a marker of neuroaxonal damage in various neurological diseases. Here we quantitated NfL levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and controls, using the R-PLEX NfL assay, which employs advanced Meso Scale Discovery® (MSD) electrochemiluminescence (ECL)-based detection technology.

Methods
NfL was quantitated in samples from 116 individuals from two sites (Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Mayo Clinic), consisting of patients with MS (n=71) and age- and sex-matched inflammatory neurological controls (n=13) and non-inflammatory controls (n=32). Correlation of NfL levels between CSF and serum was assessed in paired samples in a subset of MS patients and controls (n=61). Additionally, we assessed the correlation between NfL levels obtained with MSD’s R-PLEX® and Quanterix’s single molecule array (Simoa®) assays in CSF and serum (n=32).

Results
Using the R-PLEX, NfL was quantitated in 99% of the samples tested, and showed a broad range in the CSF (82–500,000 ng/L) and serum (8.84–2,014 ng/L). Nf-L levels in both biofluids correlated strongly (r=0.81, p<0.0001). Lastly, Nf-L measured by MSD’s R-PLEX and Quanterix’s Simoa assays were highly correlated for both biofluids (CSF: r=0.94, p<0.0001; serum: r=0.95, p<0.0001).

Conclusions
We show that MSD’s R-PLEX NfL assay can reliably quantitate levels of NfL in the CSF and serum from patients with MS and controls, where levels correlate strongly with Simoa.
Numerical simulation of shrinkage porosity defect in billet continuous casting
Authors: Wang Xingjuan , Guo Yinxing , Xiao Pengcheng , Liu Zengxun , Zhu Liguang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Shrinkage porosity is a typical internal defect in the continuous casting billet, which occurs frequently and is difficult to solve. To explore the influence factors of central shrinkage porosity, a novel unsteady thermomechanical coupling analysis algorithm is developed based on the billet solidification characteristics, and the central shrinkage behavior during the ending solidification process is simulated. Results show that when the casting speed increases from 1.6 to 2.8 m·min−1 and the center outward displacement is reduced from 9.20 × 10−2 mm to 5.8 × 10−2 mm, it means casting speed has a significant effect on the formation of shrinkage porosity, and for this caster, the higher casting speed is more suitable for the secondary cooling zone. Without the changes in the solidification structure, when the superheat degree of molten steel increases from 10 to 40°C, the center outward displacement value decreases from 7.12 × 10−2 mm to 6.91 × 10−2 mm. In that case, the superheat degree has no obvious effect on the center displacement value.