bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skin and nasal colonization of coagulase-negative staphylococci are associated with atopic dermatitis among South African toddlers
Authors: Ndhlovu Gillian O. N. , Dube Felix S. , Moonsamy Rasalika T. , Mankahla Avumile , Hlela Carol , Levin Michael E. , Lunjani Nonhlanhla , Shittu Adebayo O. , Abdulgader Shima M. 
Published: March 2022

Background
Skin colonization with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) is generally beneficial, but recent investigations suggest its association with flares and atopic dermatitis (AD) severity. However, this relationship remains unclear.

Objective
To assess patterns of staphylococcal colonization and biofilm formation in toddlers with and without AD from rural and urban South African settings.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of AD-affected and non-atopic AmaXhosa toddlers from rural Umtata and urban Cape Town, South Africa. CoNS isolates were recovered from lesional, nonlesional skin samples and the anterior nares of participants. Identification of the staphylococci was achieved by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The microtiter plate assay assessed in-vitro biofilm formation.

Results
CoNS and S. aureus commonly co-colonized nonlesional skin among cases (urban: 24% vs. 3%, p = 0.037 and rural 21% vs. 6%, p<0.001), and anterior nares in urban cases (24% vs. 0%, p = 0.002) than the control group. S. capitis colonization on nonlesional skin and anterior nares was positively associated with more severe disease in rural (48.3±10.8 vs. 39.7±11.5, P = 0.045) and urban cases (74.9±10.3 vs. 38.4±13, P = 0.004), respectively. Biofilm formation was similar between cases and controls, independent of rural-urban living.

Conclusion
CoNS colonization is associated with AD and disease severity and may be implicated in AD exacerbations. Studies are needed to understand their underlying pathological contribution in AD pathogenesis.
Effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from the 27 Brazilian states
Authors: Fracalossi de Moraes Rodrigo , Russell Louise B. , Santos da Silva Lara Livia , Toscano Cristiana M. 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundDespite substantial evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), there is still limited evidence on the individual effects of different types of NPIs on social distancing, especially in low- and middle-income countries.MethodsWe used panel data analysis to evaluate the effects of mandatory social distancing rules on social distancing. We obtained data on six different categories of mandatory restrictions implemented in Brazil, by date and state, from state government gazettes (diários oficiais). We then defined a social distancing rules index (SDI) to measure the strictness of social distancing rules, assigning each a value of 2, 1, or 0 depending on whether restrictions were full, partial, or very limited/non-existent at every given time. A separate variable was defined for masking mandates. We tested whether the following variables were associated to social distancing: SDI, masking mandates, COVID-19 incidence, population socioeconomic status, and political orientation. Data is for each day between March 11thand November 10th, 2020 in the 27 Brazilian states (N= 6615).FindingsSocial distancing increased when social distancing rules were stricter, and decreased when the use of face masks became mandatory. The effects of different types of restrictions varied: suspending in-person classes and gatherings, religious/sport/cultural activities had a greater effect than other types of restrictions. Also, the effect of social distancing rules on people’s behaviour decreased over time, especially when rules were stricter.InterpretationMandatory social distancing rules must be adopted to increase social distancing. Stricter rules have a higher impact, but result in decreased compliance over time. Policymakers should prioritize more targeted policies.
Derivation and validation of the Rapid Assessment of Dementia Risk (RADaR) for older adults
Authors: Capuano Ana W. , Shah Raj C. , Blanche Paul , Wilson Robert S. , Barnes Lisa L. , Bennett David A. , Arvanitakis Zoe 
Published: March 2022

Background
There is no practical dementia risk score in the clinical setting.

Objective
To derive and validate a score obtained by a rapid and simple assessment, which guides primary care providers in predicting the risk of dementia among older adults.

Design
A total of 4178 participants from three longitudinal cohorts (mean age at baseline = 76.8 [SD = 7.6] years), without baseline dementia, followed annually for a median of 10 years (IQR: 5 to16 years, Reverse Kaplan-Meier).

Participants
To derive the score, we used data from 1,780 participants from the Rush Memory and Aging Project (93% White). To validate the score, we used data from 1,299 participants from the Religious Order Study (92% White), and to assess generalizability, 679 participants from the Minority Aging Research Study (100% Black).

Measurements
Clinician-based dementia diagnosis at any time after baseline and predictive variables associated with dementia risk that can be collected in a primary care setting: demographics, clinical indicators, medical history, memory complaints, cognitive and motor tests, and questions to assess functional disability, depressive symptoms, sleep, social isolation, and genetics (APOE e4 and AD polygenic risk score).

Results
At baseline, age, memory complaint, the ability to handle finances, the recall of the month, recall of the room, and recall of three words, were associated with the cumulative incidence of dementia, in the derivation cohort. The discrimination of the RADaR (Rapid Risk Assessment of Dementia) was good for the derivation and external-validation cohorts (AUC3 years = 0.82–0.86), compared to the overall discrimination of age alone (AUC3 years = 0.73), a major risk factor for dementia. Adding genetic data did not increase discrimination.

Limitations
Participants were volunteers, may not represent the general population.

Conclusions
The RADaR, derived from community-dwelling older persons, is a brief and valid tool to predict dementia risk at 3 years in older White and Black persons.
Testing implementation facilitation for uptake of an evidence-based psychosocial intervention in VA homeless programs: A hybrid type III trial
Authors: Smelson David A. , Yakovchenko Vera , Byrne Thomas , McCullough Megan B. , Smith Jeffrey L. , Bruzios Kathryn E. , Gabrielian Sonya 
Published: March 2022

Background
Healthcare systems face difficulty implementing evidence-based practices, particularly multicomponent interventions. Additional challenges occur in settings serving vulnerable populations such as homeless Veterans, given the population’s acuity, multiple service needs, and organizational barriers. Implementation Facilitation (IF) is a strategy to support the uptake of evidence-based practices. This study’s aim was to simultaneously examine IF on the uptake of Maintaining Independence and Sobriety Through Systems Integration, Outreach and Networking-Veterans Edition (MISSION-Vet), an evidence-based multicomponent treatment engagement intervention for homeless Veterans with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse, and clinical outcomes among Veterans receiving MISSION-Vet.

Methods
This multi-site hybrid III modified stepped-wedge trial involved seven programs at two Veterans Affairs Medical Centers comparing Implementation as Usual (IU; training and educational materials) to IF (IU + internal and external facilitation).

Results
A total of 110 facilitation events averaging 27 minutes were conducted, of which 85% were virtual. Staff (case managers and peer specialists; n = 108) were trained in MISSION-Vet and completed organizational readiness assessments (n = 77). Although both sites reported being willing to innovate and a desire to improve outcomes, implementation climate significantly differed. Following IU, no staff at either site conducted MISSION-Vet. Following IF, there was a significant MISSION-Vet implementation difference between sites (53% vs. 14%, p = .002). Among the 93 Veterans that received any MISSION-Vet services, they received an average of six sessions. Significant positive associations were found between number of MISSION-Vet sessions and outpatient treatment engagement measured by the number of outpatient visits attended.

Conclusions
While staff were interested in improving patient outcomes, MISSION-Vet was not implemented with IU. IF supported MISSION-Vet uptake and increased outpatient service utilization, but MISSION-Vet still proved difficult to implement particularly in the larger healthcare system. Future studies might tailor implementation strategies to organizational readiness.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02942979.
How to prepare stool banks for an appropriate response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences in the Netherlands and a retrospective comparative cohort study for faecal microbiota transplantation
Authors: Groenewegen Bas , van Lingen Emilie , Ooijevaar Rogier E. , Wessels Els , Feltkamp Mariet C. W. , Boeije-Koppenol Eline , Verspaget Hein W. , Kuijper Ed J. , van Prehn Joffrey , Keller Josbert J. , Terveer Elisabeth M. ,   on behalf of the Study Group of the Netherlands Donor Feces Bank
Published: March 2022

Background
Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an efficacious treatment for patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (rCDI). Stool banks facilitate FMT by providing screened faecal suspensions from highly selected healthy donors. Due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the potential risk of SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission via FMT, many stool banks were forced to temporarily halt and adjust donor activities.

Goal
The evaluation of a strategy to effectively continue stool banking activities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Study
To restart our stool banking activities after an initial halt, we implemented periodic SARS-CoV-2 screening in donor faeces and serum, and frequent donor assessment for COVID-19 related symptoms. FMT donor and recipient data obtained before (2016–2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-August 2021) were compared to assess stool banking efficacy.

Results
Two out of ten donors developed COVID-19. No differences during versus before the COVID-19 pandemic were observed in the number of approved faeces donations (14 vs 22/month, p = 0.06), FMT requests for rCDI (3.9 vs 4.3/month, p = 0.6); rCDI patients eligible for FMT (80.6% vs 73.3%, p = 0.2); rCDI cure rate (90.3% vs 89.2%, p = 0.9); CDI-free survival (p = 0.7); the number of non-rCDI patients treated with FMT (0.5/month vs 0.4/month), and the number of possibly FMT related adverse events (9.5% vs 7.8%, p = 0.7). Two FMTs for rCDI were delayed due to COVID-19.

Conclusions
There is a continued need for FMT treatment of rCDI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appropriate donor screening and SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention measures can be implemented in existing protocols without increasing the burden for donors, and allow safe, effective and efficient FMT during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Stool banks should evaluate their SARS-CoV-2 donor screening protocols for long-term sustainability and efficacy, and share their experiences to help the utilisation, standardisation and improvement of stool banks worldwide.
Investigation of the incidence trend of follicular lymphoma from 2008 to 2017 in Taiwan and the United States using population-based data
Authors: Su Yu-Chieh , Chiu Brian Chih-Hung , Li Hung-Ju , Yang Wen-Chi , Chen Tsai-Yun , Yeh Su-Peng , Wang Ming-Chung , Huang Wen-Tsung , Lee Ming-Yang , Lin Sheng-Fung 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe incidence of follicular lymphoma (FL) in Taiwan has not been well investigated since its inclusion as a histological subtype in the Taiwan Cancer Registry in 2008. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence patterns of FL in Taiwan and compare the trends with those in other racial groups in the United States.Materials and methodsWe conducted an epidemiological study using population-based data from the Taiwan Cancer Registry, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the 18 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries to evaluate the FL incidence from 2008 to 2017. We calculated the annual percent change (APC) to describe the trends in the incidence of FL in subpopulations defined by race and sex over time.ResultsThe annual age-adjusted incidence rate of FL in Taiwan increased significantly from 0.59 per 100,000 persons in 2008 to 0.82 per 100,000 persons in 2017, with an APC of 3.2. By contrast, the incidence rate in whites in the United States during the same period decreased from 3.42 to 2.74 per 100,000 persons, with an APC of −2.1. We found no significant change for the blacks (APC, −1.5%), Hispanics (APC, −0.7%), and Asians or Pacific Islanders (APC, +0.7%). The temporal trend was similar between the males and females. The relative frequency of FL among the incident non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cases also increased significantly in Taiwan from 7.64% in 2008 to 11.11% in 2017 (APC = 3.8). The relative frequency of FL among the incident NHL cases in the whites decreased from 2008 to 2012 (APC, −3.8%) and then stabilized after 2012 (APC, −0.2%). By contrast, little change in relative frequency of FL among the incident NHL cases was observed in the blacks, Hispanics, and APIs between 2008 and 2017.ConclusionWe found increases in the incidence of FL and the relative frequency of FL among the incident NHL cases in both males and females in Taiwan from 2008 to 2017. The FL incidence rates were unchanged for all races and sex groups in the United States, except for the decreases in the whites.
Analisis Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah Pada Pesisir Rawan Tsunami (Studi Pesisir Aceh, Banten dan Palu)
Authors: Utami Westi 
Published: March 2022

Indonesia sebagai negara kepulauan dengan pusat pengembangan perekonomian maupun permukiman berada pada wilayah pesisir memiliki ancaman cukup serius terhadap bencana banjir rob, abrasi, maupun tsunami. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengkaji kebijakan rencana tata ruang yang diterapkan pada daerah-daerah pesisir yakni sebagian Pesisir Aceh, Pesisir Palu dan Pesisir Banten yang memiliki kerawanan bencana tsunami. Metode penelitian dilakukan melalui analisis spasial terhadap kondisi eksisting penggunaan tanah dioverlaykan dengan pola ruang dan tingkat kerawanan bencana. Untuk mengetahui bagaimana kebijakan tata ruang dan manajemen pengelolaan pesisir dilakukan melalui studi literatur dan studi dokumen. Pemetaan penggunaan tanah eksisting di sebagian pesisir Aceh dan Kota Palu diperoleh melalui interpretasi citra Landsat 8, dan untuk pesisir Banten dari interpretasi Foto Udara. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa revisi RTRW di Kota Banda Aceh belum sepenuhnya mempertimbangkan mitigasi bencana dimana masih terdapat pola ruang permukiman berada pada zona merah rawan tsunami. Begitupun dengan RTRW di Banten dan Kota Palu pola ruang di sekitar pesisir digunakan sebagai permukiman dan pariwisata mengakibatkan tingginya korban jiwa, kerugian dan kerusakan pada tsunami 2018. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa pada 3 wilayah rawan tsunami ini belum sepenuhnya zona merah dijadikan sebagai kawasan lindung/barrier alami perlindungan tsunami. Lemahnya regulasi yang disusun dalam mengendalikan dan memberikan arahan penggunaan tanah yang tepat pada daerah pesisir berdampak terhadap tingginya tingkat risiko yang diakibatkan apabila terjadi bencana. Dalam hal ini maka aspek ekonomi, ancaman bencana, kerentanan, kondisi lingkungan, sosial dan ekosistem serta kehidupan masyarakat hendaknya menjadi bahan pertimbangan dalam pengelolaan wilayah pesisir sehingga ruang yang tersedia mampu mewujudkan kehidupan yang berkelanjutan.
Utilization of ANN technique to estimate the discharge coefficient for trapezoidal weir-gate
Authors: Sahib Jumana Hadi , Al-Waeli Luay Kadhim , Jaber Al Rammahi Ali Hussein 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Developing and assessing the performance of water projects and irrigation networks is based on many factors, such as flow measurement. Weir and gate structures have been extensively utilized for flow measurement and to get rid of sediments. The process of modeling and estimating the coefficient of discharge in the weir is an essential part of hydraulic engineering. Recently the application of computer skills was adopted instead of traditional methods. In the present study, the artificial neural network (ANN) was adopted to estimate the coefficient of discharge for a combined weir that consisted of the trapezoidal weir and rectangular gate. For this purpose, the experimental data were collected and analyzed. The dimensional analysis was used to identify the effective dimensionless parameters related to the discharge coefficient. The developed ANN network structure was designed as 6-10-1 and adopted the default scaled conjugate gradient algorithm for training using SPSS V24 software. It was found that the proposed model with ten neurons was highly accurate in predicting the discharge coefficient. The sensitivity analysis was adopted to assess the performance of the ANN using different numbers of effective input parameters. Assessing five models, the ratio of upstream head to gate height (H/d), slope of trapezoidal angle (tan θ), and the ratio of distance between weir and gate and gate height (y/d) parameters are adequate for estimating the discharge coefficient compared to other parameters. ANN model with input parameters of H/d, h/d (h is the flow depth over the trapezoidal weir), b
g/d (b
g is the gate width), tan θ, b
g/b (b is the total width of flume), and y/d shows reasonable accuracy with acceptable statistical indicators, coefficient of determination (R
2 = 0.87), relative error (RE = 0.096), and mean squared error (MSE = 1.86) for the discharge coefficient. The ANN model gave a good idea about which factors are more effective on the discharge coefficient, and the process of training the network is more accessible than the traditional method which represent the discharge coefficient by equation.
Development of an eutectic-based self-healing in Al–Si cast alloy
Authors: Kilicli Volkan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In this study, a self-healing mechanism was developed by means of melting the eutectic structure for microcrack repair in a hypoeutectic Al–Si cast alloy. The alloy was heated just above the eutectic temperature to provide melting of the eutectic in this mechanism. The melted eutectic Si particles repair the microcrack under appropriate conditions. The microcrack formation was provided by tensile loading in Al–Si alloy tensile bars and then eutectic-based self-healing treatment was performed to ensure microcrack healing. Microcrack healing was monitored by X-ray radiography and microstructural examinations were carried out by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were investigated by tensile testing before and after the healing treatment. Eutectic-based self-healing treatment provides the healing of some microcracks in the microstructure of hypoeutectic Al–Si cast alloy. Also, 44% of yield strength, 59% of ultimate tensile strength, and 86% of total elongation have been recovered by the eutectic-based self-healing process in Al–Si alloy.
Mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of a friction stir processed magnesium alloy composite AZ31B–SiC
Authors: Lu Yongxin , Li Wangxin , Luo Fan , Feng Hongfeng , Gao Qian , Ma Yuhang , Yang Mingxiao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The optimization of friction stir processing (FSP) parameters of magnesium alloy composite (AZ31B–SiC) based on orthogonal test was researched. The results show that the distribution of silicon carbide (SiC) particles, microhardness, tensile property, and fracture mode are greatly affected by the change in process parameters. The results show that the composite was made with a rotating speed of 750 rev·min−1, a traversing speed of 30 mm·min−1, and a processing time of three; the distribution of SiC particles is even, the microhardness difference of composite is small, the tensile property is better, and the ductile fracture is the main fracture mode. Besides, the existence of SiC and the number of FSP have a certain influence on the corrosion performance of the magnesium alloy composite (AZ31B–SiC), and the corrosion resistance of the FSP sample is obviously better than that of the AZ31B magnesium alloy.
Effect of calcination and sintering temperature on porosity and microstructure of porcelain tiles
Authors: Durgun Ramazan , Abalı Serkan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Porcelain tiles are prepared from kaolin, silica sand, feldspar, clay raw materials, and various additives. Ceramic powders are calcined at different temperatures after grinding, drying, and sieving. After the powders are formed and dried, they are sintered at different temperatures. Firing shrinkage (FS), water absorption (WA), and three-point flexure tests of the samples are compared. The mineralogical definitions are completed by performing a phase analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD). After the microstructural investigations, pore-sizes and distributions are examined by the Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) method. The powder sintering process increases the crystallization of the compact material. Low porosity and high strength structures are obtained for the samples with powder calcination temperatures of 800 and 900 °C and a compact sintering temperature of 1200 °C. The pore volume increases by increasing the powder calcination temperature in samples compact-sintered at 1200 °C. When the powder calcination temperature of these samples is increased to 1000 °C, the flexural strength decreases. Therefore, the powder sintering temperature of 900 °C is the critical value.
Effect of water absorption and hydroxyapatite addition on mechanical and microstructural properties of dental luting cements
Authors: Elibol Cagatay , Atalay Ender Göksen , Sagir Kadir , Hazar Yoruc Afife Binnaz 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In recent years, dental cements have gained more and more importance due to the increasing clinical expectations. They are used as restorative materials and as materials providing critical functions such as chemical and physical adhesion in restorations and protective lining in the cavity. In this work, the effect of water absorption on the mechanical and microstructural properties of different commercial dental cements is systematically investigated. Furthermore, the effect of addition of biocompatible hydroxyapatite on the mechanical and microstructural properties of the cements is characterized. The results show that Voco Meron containing glass ionomer provides the highest values in water absorption and volume change tests. Ketac Cem Radiopaque (209 HV) containing glass ionomer exhibits the highest hardness increase after immersion for 28 days in water, whereas the highest water uptake value is observed in Adhesor Carbofine cement containing zinc polycarboxylate. The hardness of Adhesor ZincPhospate increases with increasing content of hydroxyapatite, whereas in Ketac Cem Radiopaque, the hardness decreases with increasing content of hydroxyapatite significantly. Test results are verified by microstructural analysis of different types of dental cements using scanning electron microscopy and the effect of particle size/distribution on the properties that are of crucial clinical importance is characterized in detail.