bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing the effect of childbirth preparation courses delivered both in-person and via social media on pregnancy experience, fear of childbirth, birth preference and mode of birth in pregnant Iranian women: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Mousavi Seyedeh Robab , Amiri-Farahani Leila , Haghani Shima , Pezaro Sally 
Published: August 2022

Background and aim
Rates of cesarean section in Iran are unnecessarily high largely due to fear of childbirth (FOC), yet this may be reduced through education. Iranian women are keen to obtain information about pregnancy and birth online though sources may not be reliable. Consequently, the present study aimed to compare the effect of childbirth preparation courses delivered both online via the social media platform ‘Telegram’ and in-person on pregnancy experience, FOC, birth preference, and mode of birth.

Methods
This quasi-experimental study included 165 primiparous pregnant women referred to the prenatal clinic in Tehran, Iran. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants, who were subsequently divided into three groups; (A) social media-based educational intervention (n = 53); (B) in-person educational intervention (n = 52), and (C) a control group who received no prenatal education (n = 50). During the 18th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, demographic questions along with the pregnancy experience scale (PES), and version A of the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire (WDEQ‑A) were completed. In the 36th and 38th weeks of pregnancy, the PES and WDEQ‑A questionnaires, as well as birth preference form were further completed. Mode of birth was recorded in the first few days of postpartum. The Fisher’s exact test, along with ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used to determine associations between variables. A paired t-test was used to examine within-group comparisons. The Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric test was used to investigate the intervening effect of economic status.

Results
Post intervention, the mean score of pregnancy experience and FOC did not differ significantly between the three groups. Also, 86.8% of participants in group A, 90.4% of participants in group B, and 62% of participants in the control group preferred to give birth vaginally, which was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Moreover, 66% of participants in group A, 61.5% of participants in group B, and 50% of participants in the control group ultimately gave birth vaginally. None of the participants in group A underwent an elective cesarean section, while this rate was 7.7% and 24% for groups B and control, respectively (p = 0.002).

Conclusion
Despite the non-significant differences identified between the three groups in terms of pregnancy experience and FOC, prenatal education delivered via social media may be usefully offered to Iranian women keen to receive education flexibly online.

Trial registration
Name of the Registry: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Trial registration number: IRCT20180427039436N2. Date of registration: 15/06/2018. URL of trial registry record: https://www.irct.ir/trial/30890.
Factors associated with mortality of the elderly due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions, between 2008 and 2018, in the Federal District, Brazil
Authors: Marques da Costa Geraldo , Niskier Sanchez Mauro , Eri Shimizu Helena 
Published: August 2022

Introduction
In Brazil, the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, or SUS) provides health care, and an aging population overwhelms the system due to the greater vulnerability of the elderly. In the Federal District, two models of primary care coexist–the traditional primary care and the family health strategy. The present study aimed to analyze the factors associated with mortality of the elderly due to conditions sensitive to ambulatory care in the Federal District, Brazil.

Materials and methods
This cross-sectional study investigated all deaths that occurred in people over 60 years old between 2008 and 2018. The variables studied were age at death, sex, marital status, education, race/color, death by condition sensitive to ambulatory care, and population coverage of primary care services. The Urban Well-Being Index (UWBI) was used, which includes the dimensions: mobility, environmental and housing conditions, infrastructure, and collective services, to analyze issues related to the place where the senior citizen resides.

Results
The deaths 70,503 senior citizens were recorded during the study period. The factors associated with mortality in the elderly due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions were male, lower income, and less education. Residing in a place with poor UWBI presented a response gradient with higher mortality. Increased ambulatory care coverage was also associated with lower mortality.

Conclusions
The study evidenced an association between male gender, age, income, and education, and UWBI with lower mortality due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions, and these associations presented a response gradient. The study also found that increased coverage of the elderly population was associated with lower mortality from sensitive conditions.
Hesitancy and reactogenicity to mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines–Early experience with vaccine rollout in a multi-site healthcare system
Authors: Al-Obaydi Sarah , Hennrikus Eileen , Mohammad Nazar , Lehman Erik B. , Thakur Abhishek , Al-Shaikhly Taha 
Published: August 2022

Background
Hesitancy and incomplete vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains an obstacle to achieving herd immunity. Because of fear of vaccine reactions, patients with medical and allergic co-morbidities express heightened hesitancy. Limited information is available to guide these patients. We sought to identify factors associated with mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines hesitancy and reactogenicity.

Methods
We surveyed employees of a multi-site health system in central Pennsylvania who were offered the COVID-19 vaccine (N = 18,740) inquiring about their experience with the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA-based vaccines. The survey was administered online using the REDCap platform. We used multivariable regression analysis to determine whether a particular factor(s) (e.g., demographics, selected co-morbid allergic and medical conditions, vaccine brand, and prior COVID-19) were associated with vaccine reactogenicity including the occurrence and severity of local and systemic reactions. We also explored factors and reasons associated with vaccine hesitancy.

Results
Of the 5709 who completed the survey (response rate, 30.4%), 369 (6.5%) did not receive the vaccine. Black race and allergy to other vaccines were associated with vaccine hesitancy. Reaction intensity following the first vaccine dose and allergic co-morbidities were associated with incomplete vaccination. Older individuals (>60 years) experienced less reactogenicity. Females had higher odds of local and systemic reactions and reported more severe reactions. Asians reported more severe reactions. As compared to Pfizer-BioNTech, the Moderna vaccine was associated with higher odds of vaccine reactions of higher severity. Prior COVID-19 resulted in more severe reactions following the first dose, but less severe reactions following the second dose.

Conclusions
Targeted campaigns to enhance vaccination acceptance should focus on Black individuals, females, and those with allergic co-morbidities. Prior COVID-19 caused more severe reactions after the first but not the second vaccine dose. Moderna vaccine caused more vaccine reactions. Lessons learned from the early rollout of COVID-19 vaccine may serve to inform future novel vaccine experiences.
Effectiveness of exercise intervention during pregnancy on high-risk women for gestational diabetes mellitus prevention: A meta-analysis of published RCTs
Authors: Tsironikos Georgios I. , Perivoliotis Konstantinos , Bargiota Alexandra , Zintzaras Elias , Doxani Chrysoula , Tatsioni Athina 
Published: August 2022

Objective
We aimed at investigating the preventive role of exercise intervention during pregnancy, in high-risk women for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Materials and methods
We searched PubMed, CENTRAL, and Scopus for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated exercise interventions during pregnancy on women at high risk for GDM. Data were combined with random effects models. Between study heterogeneity (Cochran’s Q statistic) and the extent of study effects variability [I2 with 95% confidence interval (CI)] were estimated. Sensitivity analyses examined the effect of population, intervention, and study characteristics. We also evaluated the potential for publication bias.

Results
Among the 1,508 high-risk women who were analyzed in 9 RCTs, 374 (24.8%) [160 (21.4%) in intervention, and 214 (28.1%) in control group] developed GDM. Women who received exercise intervention during pregnancy were less likely to develop GDM compared to those who followed the standard prenatal care (OR 0.70, 95%CI 0.52, 0.93; P-value 0.02) [Q 10.08, P-value 0.26; I2 21% (95%CI 0, 62%]. Studies with low attrition bias also showed a similar result (OR 0.70, 95%CI 0.51, 0.97; P-value 0.03). A protective effect was also supported when analysis was limited to studies including women with low education level (OR 0.55; 95%CI 0.40, 0.74; P-value 0.0001); studies with exercise intervention duration more than 20 weeks (OR 0.54; 95%CI 0.40, 0.74; P-value 0.0007); and studies with a motivation component in the intervention (OR 0.69, 95%CI 0.50, 0.96; P-value 0.03). We could not exclude large variability in study effects because the upper limit of I2 confidence interval was higher than 50% for all analyses. There was no conclusive evidence for small study effects (P-value 0.31).

Conclusions
Our study might support a protective effect of exercise intervention during pregnancy for high-risk women to prevent GDM. The protective result should be corroborated by large, high quality RCTs.
Fiscal Decentralization and Income Inequality: A Prediction Using the SEM Model
Authors: Roy Juliansyah , Wijaya Adi , Darma Dio Caisar , A Erwin Kurniawan 
Published: August 2022

Economic development in a region is not only measured by the fiscal dimension andthe economic growth but also based on the income distribution. This study aims toanalyze the effect of fiscal decentralization on investment, economic growth, economicÂ structure, employment opportunities, and income inequality between districts/citiesÂ in East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. This study uses panel data (2013-2019) ofÂ the amalgamation of seven districts and three cities in East Kalimantan Province,Â analyzed using the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The findings show thatÂ regional tax plays a crucial role in enhancing regional investment, economic growth,Â and employment opportunities. It is also important for reducing the economicÂ structure imbalance and income inequality. Profit-sharing funds improve regionalÂ investment, economic growth, and employment opportunities. At the same time,Â special allocation increases employment opportunities and economic structureÂ imbalance. Furthermore, regional retribution increases employment opportunitiesÂ and reduces the economic structure imbalance, but it harms regional economicÂ growth. The practical implications offer solutions to the realization of local revenueÂ sources for economic development and alleviation of social problems, such asÂ employment opportunities and inequality in welfare.
Über die algebraische Stabilitätsanalyse parametrischer polynomialer Systeme mittels LaSalles Invarianzprinzip
Authors: Gerbet Daniel , Röbenack Klaus 
Published: August 2022

Zusammenfassung
Für lineare Systeme existiert eine Vielzahl von Stabilitätskriterien, mit denen ohne großen Aufwand die Stabilität überprüft werden kann. Der Stabilitätsbeweis gestaltet sich für nichtlineare Systeme dagegen deutlich schwieriger. Ein sehr leistungsfähiger Ansatz steht mit Lyapunovs zweiter Methode zur Verfügung, der von LaSalle verallgemeinert wurde, und nun als das Invarianzprinzip bekannt ist. Durch eine leichte Abschwächung der Aussage des Invarianzprinzips kann das Kriterium für eine geeignete Systemklasse mittels Methoden der algebraischen Geometrie überprüft und somit automatisiert werden. Dies erlaubt auch die Verwendung von Parametern im Ansatz der Lyapunov-Funktion oder des Systems, um beispielsweise einen Regler oder Beobachter zu parametrieren. In diesem Aufsatz werden die Methoden diskutiert und auf einige Beispiele angewandt.
Study on composting and seawater degradation properties of diethylene glycol-modified poly(butylene succinate) copolyesters
Authors: Liu Tian-yuan , Huang Dan , Xu Peng-Yuan , Lu Bo , Zhen Zhi-Chao , Zheng Wei-Zhen , Li Xiao , Wang Ge-Xia , Ji Junhui 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The marine pollution caused by traditional plastics is becoming increasingly serious, and the fundamental way to solve this problem is to look for plastic substitutes that can degrade in the marine environment. Herein, a series of high-molecular-weight poly(butylene succinate-co-diethylene glycol succinate) (PBDS) was obtained by the introduction of low-cost diethylene glycol (DEG) into the main chain of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), which aimed to obtain the materials that can be degraded both in compost and seawater. The research showed that the increase in the DEG content reduced the crystallinity of the copolyester, which led to the decrease in mechanical strength and thermal properties of the copolyester to a certain extent. Meanwhile, the increase in hydrophilicity and the decrease in crystallinity improved the degradation rate of the material. Compared with PBS, PBDS exhibited not only a faster composting degradation rate but also a faster degradation rate in seawater.
Lipid nanodiscs of poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid) to enhance plant antioxidant extraction
Authors: Punyamoonwongsa Patchara 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Plant antioxidants can be applied in the management of various human diseases. Despite these, extraction of these compounds still suffers from residual solvent impurities, low recovery yields, and the risks of undesirable chemical changes. Inspired by the protein–lipid interactions in the cell membranes, we proposed using poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid) (PSMA) to destabilize and associate with the bilayer lipids into the membrane-like nanodiscs. Such nanostructures could serve as protective reservoirs for the active compounds to reside with preserved bioactivities. This concept was demonstrated in the antioxidant extraction from robusta coffee leaves. Results indicated that aqueous PSMA extraction (no buffer agent) yielded products with the highest contents of phenolic acids (11.6 mg GAE·g−1) and flavonoids (9.6 mg CE·g−1). They also showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 3.7 µg·mL−1) compared to those obtained by typical sodium dodecyl sulfate and water extraction. This biomimetic approach could be considered for developing environmentally friendly extraction protocols in the future.
New insights into fluid mixing in micromixers with fractal wall structure
Authors: Wang Helin , Chen Xueye 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Microfluidics is thought to have a high development potential and a wide range of applications in biomedical research. The design of micromixers has gotten a lot of attention because they are such a crucial aspect of microfluidic devices. The passive micromixer has the advantages of simple construction and steady performance over the active micromixer. In this paper, a fractal wall micromixer is proposed, and the flow characteristics and mixing process of the secondary fractal double wall micromixer are studied using intuitive flow patterns and quantitative calculation methods. The results show that the mixing efficiency of secondary fractal wall is higher than that of primary fractal wall, and with the increase of h, the mixing efficiency and pressure drop begin to decrease gradually. When there is a secondary fractal wall structure on both sides, when Reynolds number (Re) = 0.1, the mixing efficiency of the outlet can reach 95%, and when Re = 100, the mixing efficiency of the outlet can reach 99%, almost complete mixing. The fractal wall micromixer has good mixing effect and shows great application potential in chemical engineering and biological engineering.
A Ring-LWE-based digital signature inspired by Lindner–Peikert scheme
Authors: Sharafi Javad , Daghigh Hassan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this article, we give a digital signature by using Lindner–Peikert cryptosystem. The security of this digital signature is based on the assumptions about hardness of Ring-LWE and Ring-SIS problems, along with providing public key and signature of compact (1–1.5 kilobytes) size. We prove the security of our signature scheme in the Quantum Random Oracle Model. Our cryptanalysis has been done based on methods of Aggarwal et al. and Chen et al.
Effects of gas-assisted technology on polymer micro coextrusion
Authors: Deng Xiaozhen , Xiao Bing , Ren Zhong , Zhu Zhifang , Liu Biao 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this paper, a three-dimensional viscoelastic flow model of double-layer micro coextrusion with circular cross-section was established. The simulations were carried out by the finite element method and the influence of wall slip coefficient on micro coextrusion was studied. The results show that gas-assisted technology is suitable for polymer micro coextrusion forming. The differences between the gas-assisted and conventional micro coextrusion process were compared by analyzing the distribution of melts velocity, pressure, shear rate and first normal stress difference. The research results show that in the conventional micro coextrusion process there are pressure drop, shear rate, first normal stress difference and secondary flow. And there is a gradient distribution of melts velocity. The die swell and deformation vary with the forming process parameters, and it is difficult to control the product quality. But in the gas-assisted micro coextrusion process, there is no pressure drop, shear rate, first normal stress difference and secondary flow. The velocity of polymer melts is evenly distributed and the melts are extruded in a plunger shape. The melts do not swell and deform and it is independent of forming process parameters. It is easy to ensure the products quality and the inherent problems of polymer conventional micro coextrusion are well solved.
Increased levels of neurofilament light chain in suicide attempters’ serum
Authors: Ramezani Mahtab , Simani Leila , Fard Mahdiye Golestani , Abbaszadeh Fatemeh , Shadnia Shahin 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background
A specific biological vulnerability underlies suicidal behavior. Recent findings have suggested a possible role of inflammation and neuroaxonal injury. However, the relationship between inflammation and clinical symptoms in this disorder is still unclear. The objective of this study is applying novel blood markers of neuroaxonal integrity such as neurofilament light chain (NfL) and comparing the results with the healthy control subjects.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study patients with suicide attempts were evaluated. The serum concentration of NfL on admission was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results
A total of 50 patients with a suicide attempts and 35 healthy controls were included in the study. The levels of NfL in attempted suicide patients were significantly higher in comparison with healthy controls (40.52 ± 33.54 vs 13.73 ± 5.11, P < 0.001). A significant association between serum levels of NfL and risk factors for suicide was not found.

Conclusion
These findings indicate that axonal damage may be an underlying neuropathological component of suicide attempt patients, although no correlation was observed with clinical features. This line of work could lead to new horizons in understanding the neurobiology of suicidal attempts and the development of better management strategies for these patients.
AATF/Che‐1 localizes to paraspeckles and suppresses R‐loops accumulation and interferon activation in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Bruno Tiziana , Corleone Giacomo , Catena Valeria , Cortile Clelia , De Nicola Francesca , Fabretti Francesca , Gumenyuk Svitlana , Pisani Francesco , Mengarelli Andrea , Passananti Claudio , Fanciulli Maurizio 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSeveral kinds of stress promote the formation of three‐stranded RNA:DNA hybrids called R‐loops. Insufficient clearance of these structures promotes genomic instability and DNA damage, which ultimately contribute to the establishment of cancer phenotypes. Paraspeckle assemblies participate in R‐loop resolution and preserve genome stability, however, the main determinants of this mechanism are still unknown. This study finds that in Multiple Myeloma (MM), AATF/Che‐1 (Che‐1), an RNA‐binding protein fundamental to transcription regulation, interacts with paraspeckles via the lncRNA NEAT1_2 (NEAT1) and directly localizes on R‐loops. We systematically show that depletion of Che‐1 produces a marked accumulation of RNA:DNA hybrids. We provide evidence that such failure to resolve R‐loops causes sustained activation of a systemic inflammatory response characterized by an interferon (IFN) gene expression signature. Furthermore, elevated levels of R‐loops and of mRNA for paraspeckle genes in patient cells are linearly correlated with Multiple Myeloma progression. Moreover, increased interferon gene expression signature in patients is associated with markedly poor prognosis. Taken together, our study indicates that Che‐1/NEAT1 cooperation prevents excessive inflammatory signaling in Multiple Myeloma by facilitating the clearance of R‐loops. Further studies on different cancer types are needed to test if this mechanism is ubiquitously conserved and fundamental for cell homeostasis.
Zinc as a non-hormonal contraceptive: an alternative to the copper intrauterine device (IUD)
Authors: Shankie-Williams K N , Lindsay L A , Murphy C R , Dowland S N 
Published: August 2022

In brief
The many side effects of current contraceptives leave a large proportion of women without adequate protection. This study shows that zinc, a highly physiologically compatible metal, provides effective long-acting reversible contraception in rats, without requiring the use of hormones.

Abstract
Long-acting and reversible contraceptives (LARC) are the most widely used form of female contraception worldwide; however, they have significant side effects that often result in early removal. Most LARCs are hormonal, but the use of exogenous hormones is not suitable for all women and causes side effects in many others. The copper IUD (CuIUD) is the only non-hormonal LARC, but a large proportion of users suffer severe side effects. This study proposes the use of zinc as a suitable alternative to the CuIUD. A rat intrauterine device (IUD) model was established to test the efficacy of a zinc IUD (ZnIUD) against a CuIUD. The IUD was surgically implanted into one uterine horn while the other remained untreated. Both the ZnIUD and CuIUD resulted in zero implantation sites which were significantly fewer compared to non-treated horns. Histological assessment revealed damage and inflammation in the endometrium of CuIUD-treated horns but only minor epithelial changes in ZnIUD-treated horns. This suggests ZnIUDs may not share the side effect profile of the CuIUD. To test the long-term efficacy of the ZnIUD, rats had a ZnIUD surgically implanted into both horns and cohoused with males for 3 months. These rats mated regularly but did not get pregnant, confirming long-term effectiveness. Reversibility of the ZnIUD was also established, as removal of the ZnIUD after 3 months resulted in no significant difference in the number of implantation sites between treated and untreated horns. This study demonstrated the contraceptive efficacy of zinc and its potential as a LARC.