bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating Gender-based Violence Screening and Support Into the Research Clinic Setting: Experiences From an HIV Prevention Open-label Extension Trial in Sub-saharan Africa
Authors: Garcia Morgan , Roberts Sarah T , Mayo Ashley J , Scheckter Rachel , Mansoor Leila E , Palanee-Phillips Thesla , Reddy Krishnaveni , Naidoo Yuthika , Akello Carolyne Agwau , Gaffoor Zakir , Siva Samantha , Rushwaya Chenai , Hlahla Kudzai , Jambaya Jane , Makoni Rujeko , Kachale Evans , Ndovie Margret , Zuma Jabulisile , Montgomery Elizabeth T 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
HIV and gender-based violence (GBV) are syndemic in sub-Saharan Africa and provision of support for participants who disclose GBV constitutes part of comprehensive care. Consequently, a process was undertaken to develop, implement, and evaluate standard operating procedures (SOPs) in MTN-025/HOPE, a study of the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV prevention. The SOP was developed using needs assessment surveys in addition to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and other literature. Sites tailored and implemented the SOP through HOPE implementation. At study end, staff reported increased training 32/35 (91.43%); improved confidence (18/26; 69.23%); and improved vicarious trauma prevention on-site (17/28; 60.71%). Leadership reported increased staff competence in GBV response. Obstacles included limited referral organizations and time for follow-up, continued training needs, and cultural norms. Development and implementation of an SOP is a feasible strategy to build a GBV response to improve health systems and support sustained effective use of HIV prevention products.
Possibilities of using Cubic Spline functions in estimation of live weight of Kıvırcık lambs fed with different silage types
Authors: Şengül Ömer , Çelik Şenol , Ak İbrahim 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In this study, the possibilities of using Cubic Spline functions in the estimation of live weights of Kıvırcık lambs fed with different silage types were investigated. In the experiment, 40 male Kıvırcık lambs aged 2.5-3 months were used and the animals were fattened for 56 days. In the study, Cubic Spline functions were used as live weight estimation model in lambs fed with silage containing 5 different ratios of corn and sunflower (100% sunflower silage, 75% sunflower + 25% corn silage, 50% sunflower + 50% corn silage, 25% sunflower + 75% corn silage, 100% corn silage). For this purpose, knots points were created by considering the visual investigation of the point distribution. The coefficient of determination (R2) was used to determine the fit of the model in constructing the Cubic Spline functions. For the live weight model of lambs, 5 different Cubic Spline functions were obtained. With the help of the functions obtained, live weight estimation was made for different silage groups and for different ages, and for the days when no measurements were made. According to the estimations, while the highest live weight gains were observed on the 20th and 120th days, the lowest body weight gain was observed on the 90th day. As a result, it has been determined that Cubic Spline functions can be used successfully in the estimation of live weight of fattened lamps.
Proteomic Clusters Underlie Heterogeneity in Preclinical AD Progression
Authors: Wisch Julie , Butt Omar H. , Gordon Brian A. , Schindler Suzanne E. , Fagan Anne M. , Yang Chengran , Boerwinkle Anna H. , Benzinger Tammie L.S. , Holtzman David M. , Morris John C. , Cruchaga Carlos , Ances Beau M. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Heterogeneity in progression to AD poses challenges for both clinical prognosis and clinical trial implementation. In the absence of a well-defined understanding of future disease trajectory, participants may receive unnecessary treatment or true effects of pharmacological intervention may be obscured. We identified early differences in preclinical Alzheimer Disease (AD) biomarkers, assessed patterns for developing preclinical AD across the Amyloid-Tau-(Neurodegeneration) (AT(N)) framework, and considered potential sources of difference by analyzing the CSF proteome.Methods: 108 participants enrolled in longitudinal studies at the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC) who completed four or more lumbar punctures and were cognitively normal at baseline were included. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measures of Ab42, pTau181, and Neurofilament Light chain (NfL) as well as proteomics values were evaluated. Imaging biomarkers, including positron emission tomography (PET) amyloid and tau and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were repeatedly obtained when available. This allowed for staging individuals according to the AT(N) framework.Results: Growth mixture modeling, an unsupervised clustering technique, identified three patterns of biomarker progression as measured by CSF pTau181 and CSF Ab42. Two groups (AD Biomarker Positive and AD Biomarker Intermediate) had distinct progression from normal biomarker status to having biomarkers consistent with preclinical AD. A third group (AD Biomarker Negative) did not develop abnormal AD biomarkers over time. Participants grouped by CSF trajectories were successfully re-classified using only proteomic profiles (AUCAD Biomarker Positive vs AD Biomarker Negatives = 0.970, AUCAD Biomarker Positive vs. Intermediate AD Biomarkers = 0.750, AUCIntermediate AD Biomarkers vs. AD Biomarker Negative = 0.698). Conclusions: We highlight heterogeneity in the development of AD biomarkers in cognitively normal individuals. We identified individuals who became AD Biomarker Positive before age 50. A second group, AD Biomarker Intermediate, developed elevated CSF ptau181 in their mid-60’s before becoming amyloid positive in their mid-70’s. A third group were AD Biomarker Negative over repeated testing. Our results could influence the selection of participants for specific treatments (e.g. amyloid-reducing vs. other agents) in clinical trials. CSF proteome analysis highlighted additional potential opportunities for non-AT(N) focused therapies, including blood brain barrier-, liver-, and neuroinflammatory-related targets.
Management Of Macrolide Antibiotics (Erythromycin, Clarithromycin And Azithromycin) In The Environment: A Case Study Of Environmental Pollution In Lithuania
Authors: Baranauskaitė-Fedorova Inga , Beigaite Reda , Dvarioniene Jolanta 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Of all the antibiotics used today for human treatment in the world, macrolide antibiotics – erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin – stand out the most for misuse, and were included as high-risk substances in the monitoring Watch List of Regulation 2018/840/EU. The aim of the present research was to investigate the level of target human pharmaceuticals prevalence in the environment by the substance flow analysis (SFA) approach and to determine the antibiotics potential risks for the environment. The target for the environmental investigations were the Baltic Sea region, the country of Lithuania. For SFA, 2015-2018 input data were used and such key processes as consumption of antibiotics, disposal and distribution of pharmaceuticals in the environment were analysed. The analysis revealed that the largest part of pharmaceutical contaminants (72%) enters wastewater treatment plants. The risk quotient approach was based on the determination of predicted environmental concentrations (PECs), measured environmental concentrations (MECs), and their ratio to the predicted no-effect environmental concentrations (PNECs). The analysis revealed that clarithromycin and azithromycin cause potential risk for the aquatic environment (PEC/PNEC > 1). The concentration of clarithromycin in the effluents of Klaipeda WWTP showed an exceptionally high risk to the natural environment. Recommendations on how to reduce the release of pharmaceutical residues into the environment were proposed in the framework of the environmental management system.
What is the impact of COVID-19 pandemic years on Deliveries and Home Based New Born Care in India? A cross-sectional comparative research study, Jan 2018-2021Dec
Authors: Kumar Piyush 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led to disruption of health services globally. I assessed the effect of the ongoing pandemic on the Deliveries and Home Based New Born Care (HBNC) in India. The author is curious and suspects a rise in maternal and neonatal mortality due to possible negative effects of COVID-19 on maternal institutional delivery and HBNC. Hence author decided to find out answer to the research question mentioned as title above. I conducted a retrospective cross-sectional comparative study among total numbers of women and newborn who have received delivery and HBNC care at different health facilities in 36 states and union territories across India during the pandemic years with pre-pandemic years (comparing 2020 and 2021(forecasted up to December 2021 with available data from January2021 to May 2021) with previous two years of pre-pandemic era i.e. 2018-2019). The data for the research study is extracted from electronic records of HMIS (health management information system) of MoHFW (ministry of health and family welfare), Govt. of India and analysed with stata and Microsoft office. This research study revealed that during covid-19 era there is increase in prevalence of 1.Total No. of Deliveries-TD (HD+ ID) registered per 100000 ANC registered,2.Total Number of Institutional Deliveries (ID) conducted (Including C-Sections) per 100000 Total deliveries3.Total Number of Home Deliveries attended by SBA per 100000 HD4.Total Number of newborns received 6 HBNC visits after Institutional Delivery per 100000 ID5.Total Number of newborns received 7 HBNC in HD per 100000 HD5.Total Number of PW given Tablet Misoprostol during HD per 100000 HD. This research study revealed that pandemic years have less number of home deliveries attended by SBA [(Skill Birth Attendant) (Doctor/Nurse/ANM/ Midwife)] as well as there is also decrease in HD. This research study revealed that pandemic years have less number of home deliveries attended by SBA [(Skill Birth Attendant) (Doctor/Nurse/ANM/ Midwife)] may be due to less number of deliveries. There is a (projected) decrease of 37.28% in mean number of home deliveries attended by SBA in 2021 as compared to 2018. This novel research study revealed that during pandemic years 2020 and 2021 all the variables reduced quantitatively except Number of PW given Tablet Misoprostol during HD which increased in 2020 (first pandemic year).The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on Deliveries and Home Based New Born Care (HBNC) in India. More research is required to investigate the direct and indirect consequence of the pandemic on birth and provision of HBNC as well as the health facility type which are not performing well in providing respectful maternity care and newborn services during pandemic period. The facility based research analysis is under process by the author which will be available in next version of this article.
Carcass traits and meat quality of goats fed with cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) silage subjected to an intermittent water supply
Authors: Cruz Gabriel Ferreira de Lima , Santos Edson Mauro , Araújo Gherman Garcia Leal , Azevedo Paulo Sérgio , Albuquerque Ítalo Reneu Rosas , Panosso Natália Matos , Perazzo Alexandre Fernandes , Zanine Anderson de Moura , Ferreira Daniele de Jesus , Lima Anny Graycy Vasconcelos de Oliveira , Oliveira Juliana Silva 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The effect of different proportions of cactus pear (Opuntia fícus-indica Mill) silage (CPS) and intermittent water supply (IWS) to crossbreed goats' diets on carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated. The IWS caused a reduction (P = 0.03) in the percentage of leg fat in the animals. The rib eye area, carcass weight, and physical-chemical characteristics were not affected (P > 0.05) by the CPS or IWS. The IWS reduced (P = 0.04) the elongase enzyme activity. The CPS inclusion in the diet reduced C22:0 (P = 0.01), some branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA), C20:1 (P = 0.03), c13-C18:1 (P= 0.01) fatty acids. Therefore, in situations of water scarcity, an intermittent water supply of up to 48 hours and diets with up to 42% cactus pear silage, can be adopted in goat feedlot, without affecting carcass traits and meat quality.
GALA: a computational framework for de novo chromosome-by-chromosome assembly with long reads
Authors: Awad Mohamed , Gan Xiangchao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
High-quality genome assembly has wide applications in genetics and medical studies. However, it is still very challenging to achieve gap-free chromosome-scale assemblies using current workflows for long-read platforms. Here we report on GALA (Gap-free long-read assembler), a computational framework for de novo chromosome-by-chromosome assembly implemented through a multi-layer graph that identifies discordances within preliminary assemblies and partitions the data into chromosome-scale linkage groups. The subsequent independent assembly of each linkage group generates a gap-free assembly likely free from the mis-assembly errors which usually hamper existing workflows. This flexible framework also allows us to integrate data from various technologies, such as Hi-C, genetic maps, and even motif analyses to generate gap-free chromosome-scale assemblies. As proof of principle we de novo assembled the C. elegans genome using combined Pacbio and Nanopore sequencing data and a rice cultivar genome using Nanopore sequencing data from publicly available datasets. We also demonstrated the new method’s applicability with a gap-free assembly of the human genome using Pacbio high-fidelity (HiFi) long reads. Thus, our method enables straightforward assembly of genomes with multiple data sources and overcomes barriers that at present restrict the application of de novo genome assembly technology.
Enhancing Food Security in Africa with a Predictive Early Warning System on Extreme Weather Phenomena
Authors: Igobwa Alvin M , Gachanja Jeremy , Muriithi Betsy , Olukuru John , Wairegi Angeline Rehema , Rutenberg Isaac 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Climate change is predicted to exacerbate Africa’s, already, precarious food security. Climate models, by accurately forecasting future weather events, can be a critical tool in developing countermeasures to reduce crop loss, decrease adverse effects on animal husbandry and fishing, and even help insurance companies determine risk for agricultural insurance policies – a measure of risk reduction in the agricultural sector that is gaining prominence. In this paper, we investigate the efficacy of various open-source climate change models and weather datasets in predicting drought and flood weather patterns in northern and western Kenya and discuss practical applications of these tools in the country’s agricultural insurance sector. We identified two models that may be used to predict flood and drought events in these regions. The combination of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and weather station data was the most effective in predicting future drought occurrences in Turkana and Wajir with accuracies ranging from 78% to 90%. In the case of flood forecasting, Isolation Forests models using weather station data had the best overall performance. The above models and datasets may form the basis of a more objective and accurate underwriting process for agricultural index-based insurance, as we expound in the paper.
Low-complexity signal detection networks based on Gauss-Seidel iterative method for massive MIMO systems
Authors: Li Fei , Yao Haifeng , Li Ting , Song Yunchao , Ji Wei , Liang Yan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The traditional Gauss-Seidel iterative method runs in parallel with high complexity. To reduce the complexity, this paper proposes a model-driven Deep learning(DL) detector network, namely Block Gauss-Seidel Network(BGS-Net), which is based on the Gauss-Seidel iterative method. We reduce complexity by converting a large matrix inversion to small matrix inversions. Single-antenna user equipment (SAUE) and multiple-antenna user equipment (MAUE) systems under Rayleigh channel are considered in this paper. In order to improve the Symbol Error Ratio(SER) of BGS-Net under MAUE system, we improve the accuracy of the initial solution of BGS-Net, called Improved BGS-Net. The simulation results show that, compared with the existing model-driven algorithms, BGS-Net has lower complexity and similar SER; good robustness, and its performance is less affected by changes in the number of antennas; SER is better than traditional Gauss-Seidel; Improved BGS-Net can improve the SER of BGS-Net.
Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self Examination for Early Detection of Breast Cancer Among Young Women Attending Maternal Health Clinic at JOOTRH, Kisumu County
Authors: Oguta Macxine Achieng , Ayodo George , Humwa Felix , Awandu Shehu Shagari 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, low-cost, and non-invasive method that women use to detect breast cancer at early stages. BSE is recommended for teenage and adult women as it helps to detect unusual swelling and lumps. The early intervention reduces the spread of cancer cells and improves health outcomes. This study assessed the knowledge and practices of BSE for early detection of breast cancer among women attending maternal health clinic at Jaramogi Oginga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Kisumu County in Kenya.
Methods
A cross-sectional study targeting women of reproductive age seeking maternal health services at the JOOTRH facility was conducted. Systematic sampling was used to select the study participants while purposive sampling was used to select the nurses involved in key informant interviews. Semi-structured questionnaires and recording were used to collect data. Descriptive and logistic regression was conducted for the quantitative data. Qualitative data was transcribed, coded and analyzed thematically.
Results
The study found that 39% of the participants had the correct knowledge and practice of BSE. An increase in education level was significantly associated with correct knowledge and practice of BSE. Single participants (aOR = 0.6, 95%CI [0.36–0.99]), participants who heard about BSE from media (aOR = 0.51, 95%CI [0.27–0.97]) and friends (aOR = 0.25, 95%CI [0.09–0.69]) were less likely to report correct knowledge and practice of BSE.
Conclusion
There needs to be concerted effort to raise the knowledge and practice of BSE by the national and county governments, stakeholders and health practitioners for the early detection of breast cancer.
Empowerment and enablement as predictors of change in health-related quality of life among patients participating in a Supported OsteoArthritis Self-Management Programme – a prospective observational study
Authors: Åkesson Karin Sturesdotter , Sundén Anne , Stigmar kjerstin , Eek Frida , Pawlikowska Teresa , Hansson Eva Ekvall 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Current treatment supports coping strategies to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The need to predict response to treatment has been raised to personalise care. This study aims to examine change in HRQoL from baseline to three and nine months follow-up after participating in a Supported OsteoArthritis Self-Management Programme (SOASP) and to examine if empowerment and/or enablement could predict change in HRQoL among patients participating in a SOASP. Methods: Patients participating in a SOASP were recruited consecutively between April 2016 and June 2018. The EQ-5D was used to measure HRQoL, the SWE-RES-23 23 (score range 1–5) to measure empowerment and the PEI (score range 0–12) to measure enablement. The instruments were answered before (EQ-5D, SWE-RES-23) and after (EQ-5D, SWE-RES-23, PEI) the SOASP. A patient partner was engaged to enhance the patient perspective. Changes in outcome were examined with paired sample t-test and standardized effect sizes (Cohen´s d). Potential predictive variables were tested with multiple linear regression analysis. Results: In total, 143 patients participated in baseline measurement. The mean EQ-5D-5L index score increased significantly from baseline to three months corresponding to a standardised effect size (Cohen´s d) of d=.43, 95 % CI [.24, .63] (n=109), and from baseline to nine months d=.19, 95 % CI [.01, .37] (n=119). The average EQ VAS score increased significantly from baseline to three months corresponding to a standardised effect size of d=.26, 95 % CI [.07, .45] (n=109), and from baseline to nine months d=.18, 95 % CI [.00, .36] (n=119). Neither the SWE-RES-23 nor the PEI at three months follow-up or the change in the SWE-RES-23 score from baseline to three months follow-up predicted change in either EQ-5D-5L index (p>.05) or the EQ VAS (p>.05). Conclusions: Health-related quality of life increased after participating in a SOASP. Empowerment and enablement as measured with the SWE-RES-23 and the PEI respectively could not predict change in HRQoL among patients participating in a SOASP. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. Identification number: NCT 02974036. First registration 28/11/2016, retrospectively registered.
Scale-Up Production Of Extracellular Vesicles From Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Isolated From Pre-Implantation Equine Embryos
Authors: Tasma Zoe , Hou Weilin , Damani Tanvi , Seddon Katy , Kang Matthew , Ge Yi , Hanlon David , Hollinshead Fiona , Hisey Colin L. , Chamley Lawrence W. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have recently been explored for their potential use as therapeutics in veterinary medicine applications. Alternatively, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may also provide therapeutic benefits but as an off-the-shelf solution, provided they can be produced in large enough quantities and without the risk of contamination from bovine EVs contained in fetal bovine serum that is a common component of cell culture media. Towards this aim, we demonstrated the successful isolation and characterisation of equine MSCs from pre-implantation embryos. We also demonstrate that many of these lines can be propagated long-term in culture and conducted a head-to-head comparison of two bioreactor systems for scalable EV production including in serum-free conditions. Based on our findings, the CELLineTM AD 1000 flasks enabled higher cell density cultures and significantly more EV production than the FibercellTM system or conventional culture flasks. These findings will enable future isolation of equine MSCs and the scalable culture of their EVs for a wide range of applications in this rapidly growing field.
An Equation of State Unifies Diversity, Productivity, Abundance and Biomass
Authors: Harte John , Brush Micah , Newman Erica , Umemura Kaito 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
To advance understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem function, ecologists seek widely applicable relationships among species diversity and other ecosystem characteristics such as species productivity, biomass, and abundance1-4. These metrics vary widely across ecosystems and no relationship among any combination of them that is valid across habitats, taxa, and spatial scales, has heretofore been found. Here we derive such a relationship, an equation of state, among species richness, energy flow, biomass and abundance by combining results from the Maximum Entropy Theory of Ecology5-7 and the Metabolic Theory of Ecology8,9. It accurately captures the relationship among these state variables in 42 data sets, including vegetation and arthropod communities, that span a wide variety of spatial scales and habitats. The success of our ecological equation of state opens opportunities for predicting difficult-to-measure state variables from measurements of others, adds support for two current theories in ecology, and is a step toward unification in ecology.