bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antiphospholipid antibodies and idiopathic infertility
Authors: Del Porto Flavia , Ferrero Susanna , Cifani Noemi , Sesti Giorgio , Proietta Maria 
Published: January 2022

Objective The aim of our study was to evaluate obstetric outcome of women affected by idiopathic infertility showing persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Methods : From 2000 consecutive patients undergoing ART, we selected 151 (7.55%) clinical records of patients affected by idiopathic infertility undergoing ICSI and showing positive aPL. Results Persistently positive aPL were found in 64/151 (42.38%) of the patients: in 34/64 (53.12%) at medium/high titers (group A) and in 30/64 (46.87%) at low titers (group B). Primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was diagnosed in 25% of the patients, whereas 37.5% women showed clinical and/or laboratory features suggestive of APS, but not fulfilling clinical or laboratory classification criteria. Idiopathic infertility was the sole symptom in 31.25%. In 55% of these infertile patients, a history of recurrent failures of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) was also observed. Eighty-eight percent (88.88%) of women became pregnant and 77.77% gave birth. During pregnancy, an increase of aPL values was observed in 29.41% women of group B. Conclusions A careful selection of patients allowed us to confirm that women affected by idiopathic infertility show a high prevalence of aPL, suggesting that these autoantibodies can also affect conception. Considering pregnancy complications and thrombotic risk related to ovarian stimulation, measuring aPL can represent a valid tool to identify among infertile women undergoing ART those at higher risk of pregnancy complications potentially life-threatening for mother and the fetus. In such patients, an accurate diagnosis and an adequate therapy are related to a better ART outcome.
Impact of miRNA-binding site polymorphisms in STAT3 gene on occurrence and clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Salehi Amirhossein , Nasrollahzadeh Sabet Mehrdad , Esmaeilzadeh Emran , Mousavi Maryam , Karimi Jalal , Pakzad Bahram 
Published: January 2022

Background Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a major regulator of immune response and chronic inflammatory conditions acting through regulation of B cells, T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, and IL-17 production. Previous studies have demonstrated that dysregulation of STAT3 is crucial for SLE pathogenesis and disease severity. It is believed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located at the 3′-UTR sequence of the target genes could dysregulate their expression by disrupting the binding site of miRNAs. In the present study, we assessed the possible association between rs1053005 and rs1053023 SNPs at miRNA binding sites in the STAT3 gene and the risk of SLE in the Iranian population for the first time. Methods 112 SLE cases and 120 healthy controls were genotyped for rs1053005 (A>G) and rs1053023 (A>G) polymorphisms in STAT3 using real-time PCR high resolution melting method (HRM). Results Our results revealed substantial associations between GG genotype and G allele of rs1053023 with enhanced risk of SLE (OR for GG genotype= 3.13; 95%CI [1.61–6.1], OR for G allele = 2.22; 95%CI [1.51–3.25]). However, no important correlations have been found between rs1053005 polymorphism and SLE susceptibility in this population ( p>0.05). Moreover, stratification analysis showed that these polymorphisms are correlated with parameters indicating disease activity and more severe course of the disease. These factors include some laboratory test results and clinical manifestations such as renal involvements. Conclusion The current study suggests a significant association between STAT3 polymorphisms and augmented risk of SLE, clinical symptoms, disease activity, and severity.
Are we OPCAT ready? So far, bare bones
Authors: Grenfell Laura , Caruana Steven 
Published: January 2022

After ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) in December 2017, Australia has had four years to prepare its National Preventive Mechanisms. Noting the deadline of January 2022, this article surveys the OPCAT-readiness of Australian jurisdictions. OPCAT aims to prevent ill-treatment in closed environments where people are deprived of their liberty through proactive and independent monitoring. The article observes that some Australian jurisdictions are not ready while others are taking a ‘bare bones’ approach to meeting Australia’s OPCAT obligations, and hence not paying adequate attention to the objects of the treaty.
The feasibility and acceptability of digital technology for health and wellbeing in social housing residents in Cornwall: A qualitative scoping study
Authors: Buckingham Sarah Ann , Walker Tim , Morrissey Karyn ,   on behalf of the Smartline project team
Published: January 2022

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of digital technology for improving health and wellbeing in social housing residents living in a deprived area in Cornwall, England. Methods Qualitative scoping study with focus groups and telephone interviews (23 participants in total). Focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results Levels of use and experience with digital technology were diverse in this group, ranging from ‘willing and unable’ to ‘expert’ on a self-perceived scale. Overall, participants had positive perceptions of technology and were keen to try new technologies. Five categories of factors influencing technology use were identified: functional, physical / health, psychological and attitudinal, technology-associated barriers, and privacy, safety and security. Preferred types of digital technology were wearable activity monitors (e.g. Fitbit®), virtual assistants (e.g. Amazon Alexa) and social messaging (e.g. WhatsApp). There was a strong consensus that technology should be easy to use and should have a clear purpose. There was a need to improve awareness, knowledge and confidence in technology use and participants desired further training and support. Conclusions There is a need and desire to use digital technology to improve health, wellbeing and social connectedness in social housing residents in Cornwall. The findings will be used to inform a digital training and support programme for the participants of the Smartline project. This study also serves as a template for future research that seeks to scope the feasibility and acceptability of different digital interventions in similar populations.
Use of a Research as Intervention Approach to Explore Telebehavioral Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Southeastern Idaho
Authors: Schow Diana C. , Thomson Ann , Trusty Wilson T. , Buchi-Fotre Laurel 
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic, telebehavioral health services have been a key contributor to continuation of care in rural and underserved areas of southeastern Idaho. Providers of telebehavioral health services faced numerous challenges as they navigated rapidly shifting regulations, variable access to internet and their own personal understandings of practice. Objective: This study aimed to characterize provider experiences, generate policy- and practice-level recommendations, and raise awareness among community stakeholders regarding telebehavioral health in southeastern Idaho. Methods: Using a newly developed conceptual/analytical framework, a research-as-intervention strategy was employed to conduct and analyze semi-structured interviews, short writings, and photographs from 7 primary care and behavioral health providers in the region. Results: Providers shared examples from practice that addressed technology and training, access-to-care, safety, changing provider roles, payment for services, treatments that are not well suited to telehealth and the nuances of living and working in newly forged spaces of care. Conclusions: Providers found promise in telebehavioral health’s utility as a hybrid model of care, but it must be supported by flexible legislation and policy. For example, it would help to make reimbursement expansions permanent and to simplify inter-jurisdictional practice options. Cross-sharing of information between licensing boards could help providers from various disciplines understand the parameters within which their colleagues must work.
How Does Monetary Policy Uncertainty Influence Firms’ Dynamic Adjustment of Capital Structure
Authors: Jiang Yan , Xu Yaping , Li Shengsheng 
Published: January 2022

This study employs high-dimensional factors model to depict the development of monetary policy uncertainty (MPU) in China over the past decades and develops a logical analytical framework to analyze the effect of MPU on the dynamic adjustment of a firm’s capital structure through bank risk-taking channels. We investigate how MPU affects dynamic adjustment of a firm’s capital structure using a panel data set of China public manufacturers between 2007 and 2018 and find that the higher the MPU, the more detrimental it is to the dynamic adjustment of firm’s capital structure. Further, bank risk-taking plays the role of a financial stabilizer. In addition to the willingness to take risks in on-balance sheet operations and the scale of loans, the risk-taking of our banks may also be reflected in the adjustment of the off-balance-sheet shadow banking scale. This study also finds that in terms of on-balance sheet business, heighten MPU decreases the scale of bank credit and tightens loan approval criteria, in terms of off-balance sheet business, heighten MPU decreases the scale of shadow banking, thereby leading to a lower dynamic adjustment of firm’s capital structure. JEL classification C13, C36, E50, G21
The ASH-ASPHO Choosing Wisely Campaign: 5 hematologic tests and treatments to question
Authors: O’Brien Sarah H. , Badawy Sherif M. , Rotz Seth J. , Shah Mona D. , Makarski Julie , Bercovitz Rachel S. , Hogan Mary-Jane S. , Luchtman-Jones Lori , Panepinto Julie A. , Priola Ginna M. , Witmer Char M. , Wolfson Julie A. , Yee Marianne , Hicks Lisa K. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Choosing Wisely is a medical stewardship and quality-improvement initiative led by the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation in collaboration with leading medical societies in the United States. The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has been an active participant in the Choosing Wisely project. In 2019, ASH and the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) formed a joint task force to solicit, evaluate, and select items for a pediatric-focused Choosing Wisely list. By using an iterative process and an evidence-based method, the ASH-ASPHO Task Force identified 5 hematologic tests and treatments that health care providers and patients should question because they are not supported by evidence, and/or they involve risks of medical and financial costs with low likelihood of benefit. The ASH-ASPHO Choosing Wisely recommendations are as follows: (1) avoid routine preoperative hemostatic testing in an otherwise healthy child with no previous personal or family history of bleeding, (2) avoid platelet transfusion in asymptomatic children with a platelet count &gt;10 × 103/μL unless an invasive procedure is planned, (3) avoid thrombophilia testing in children with venous access-associated thrombosis and no positive family history, (4) avoid packed red blood cells transfusion for asymptomatic children with iron deficiency anemia and no active bleeding, and (5) avoid routine administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for prophylaxis of children with asymptomatic autoimmune neutropenia and no history of recurrent or severe infections. We recommend that health care providers carefully consider the anticipated risks and benefits of these identified tests and treatments before performing them.
Synaptic Behaviors in Ferroelectric-Like Field-Effect Transistors with Ultrathin Amorphous HfO2 Film
Authors: Peng Yue , Xiao Wenwu , Zhang Guoqing , Han Genquan , Liu Yan , Hao Yue 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe demonstrate a non-volatile field-effect transistor (NVFET) with a 3-nm amorphous HfO2 dielectric that can simulate the synaptic functions under the difference and repetition of gate voltage (VG) pulses. Under 100 ns write/erase (W/E) pulse, a memory window greater than 0.56 V and cycling endurance above 106 are obtained. The storied information as short-term plasticity (STP) in the device has a spiking post-synaptic drain current (ID) that is a response to the VG input pulse and spontaneous decay of ID. A refractory period after the stimuli is observed, during which the ID hardly varies with the VG well-emulating the bio-synapse behavior. Short-term memory to long-term memory transition, paired-pulse facilitation, and post-tetanic potentiation are realized by adjusting the VG pulse waveform and number. The experimental results indicate that the amorphous HfO2 NVFET is a potential candidate for artificial bio-synapse applications.
A spatiotemporal atlas of the lepidopteran pest Helicoverpa armigera midgut provides insights into nutrient processing and pH regulation
Authors: Ioannidis Panagiotis , Buer Benjamin , Ilias Aris , Kaforou Sofia , Aivaliotis Michalis , Orfanoudaki Georgia , Douris Vassilis , Geibel Sven , Vontas John , Denecke Shane 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Caterpillars from the insect order Lepidoptera are some of the most widespread and destructive agricultural pests. Most of their impact is at the larval stage, where the midgut epithelium mediates the digestion and absorption of an astonishing amount of food. Although this tissue has been the subject of frequent investigation in Lepidoptera, a comprehensive expression atlas has yet to be generated.

Results
Here, we perform RNA-sequencing and proteomics on the gut of the polyphagous pest Helicoverpa armigera across, life stages, diet types, and compartments of the anterior-posterior axis. A striking relationship between the structural homology and expression pattern of a group of sugar transporters was observed in the early larval stages. Further comparisons were made among the spatial compartments of the midgut, which suggested a putative role for vATPases and SLC9 transporters in the generation of alkaline conditions in the H. armigera midgut.

Conclusions
This comprehensive resource will aid the scientific community in understanding lepidopteran gut physiology in unprecedented resolution. It is hoped that this study advances the understanding of the lepidopteran midgut and also facilitates functional work in this field.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the mechanism of internode development affecting maize stalk strength
Authors: Xie Liuyong , Wen Daxing , Wu Chenglai , Zhang Chunqing 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe stalk rind is one of the important factors affecting maize stalk strength that is closely related to stalk lodging. However, the mechanism of rind development in maize is still largely unknown.ResultsIn this study, we analyzed the mechanical, anatomical, and biochemical properties of the third basal internode in one maize non-stiff-stalk (NSS) line and two stiff-stalk (SS) lines. Compared with the NSS line, the two SS lines had a significantly higher rind penetrometer resistance, thicker rind, and higher dry matter, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin weights per unit length. RNA-seq analysis was used to compare transcriptomes of the third basal internode of the two SS lines and the NSS line at the ninth leaf and tasseling stages. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that genes involved in hydrolase activity (hydrolyzing O-glycosyl compounds) and cytoskeleton organization were significantly up-regulated in the two SS lines at the ninth leaf stage and that microtubule process-related genes were significantly up-regulated in the two SS lines at the tasseling stage. Moreover, the two SS lines had enhanced expression of cell wall metabolism-related genes at the tasseling stage.ConclusionsThe synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides and the cytoskeleton might play important roles in internode development. Our results can be applied for screening lodging-resistant inbred lines and breeding lodging-resistant cultivars in maize.
A time series analysis of detection and mortality of hepatitis C in Brazil, 2008–2018
Authors: de Brito Rodrigo José Videres Cordeiro , da Silva Leonardo Feitosa , Santos Márcio Bezerra , de Moura Patrícia Muniz Mendes Freire , de Souza Carlos Dornels Freire , do Carmo Rodrigo Feliciano 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The 69th World Health Assembly approved the Global Health Sector Strategy to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030. In Brazil, efforts have been undertaken to achieve this goal; there are, however, great challenges. It is important to understand the disease profile in different regions of the country in order to design strategies to fight the disease nationwide. The objective of this study was to analyse the time trend of the incidence and mortality of hepatitis C in Brazil during the period from 2008 to 2018 according to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods
All newly diagnosed cases of hepatitis C reported between 2008 and 2018, in all regions of Brazil, were included. The indicators were obtained from the databases of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. For the time series analysis, a joinpoint regression model was used.

Results
Between 2008 and 2018, 136,759 newly diagnosed cases of hepatitis C were reported considering anti-HCV and HCV RNA positivity, and 271,624 newly diagnosed cases were reported considering one or another positive test. The majority of the records were concentrated in the Southeast (61%) and South (26.2%) Regions. The joinpoint regression model indicated an increasing trend in the detection rate of hepatitis C in Brazil, but there was a decreasing trend in the mortality rate during the period analysed.

Conclusions
Differences were observed in the time trend of hepatitis C and in the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in different regions of Brazil. These data can provide support to design strategies for the elimination of hepatitis C in Brazil, according to regional particularities.
Does the 5–2-1 criteria identify patients with advanced Parkinson's disease? Real-world screening accuracy and burden of 5–2-1-positive patients in 7 countries
Authors: Malaty Irene A. , Martinez-Martin Pablo , Chaudhuri K. Ray , Odin Per , Skorvanek Matej , Jimenez-Shahed Joohi , Soileau Michael J. , Lindvall Susanna , Domingos Josefa , Jones Sarah , Alobaidi Ali , Jalundhwala Yash J. , Kandukuri Prasanna L. , Onuk Koray , Bergmann Lars , Femia Samira , Lee Michelle Y. , Wright Jack , Antonini Angelo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The burden of Parkinson’s disease (PD) worsens with disease progression. However, the lack of objective and uniform disease classification challenges our understanding of the incremental burden in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (APD) and suboptimal medication control. The 5–2-1 criteria was proposed by clinical consensus to identify patients with advancing PD. Our objective was to evaluate the screening accuracy and incremental clinical burden, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and humanistic burden in PD patients meeting the 5–2-1 screening criteria.

Methods
Data were drawn from the Adelphi Parkinson’s Disease Specific Program (DSP™), a multi-country point-in-time survey (2017–2020). People with PD who were naive to device-aided therapy and on oral PD therapy were included. Patients meeting the 5–2-1 screening criteria had one or more of the three clinical indicators of APD: (i) ≥5 doses of oral levodopa/day, OR (ii) “off” symptoms for ≥2 h of waking day, OR (iii) ≥1 h of troublesome dyskinesia. Clinician assessment of PD stage was used as the reference in this study. Clinical screening accuracy of the 5–2-1 criteria was assessed using area under the curve and multivariable logistic regression models. Incremental clinical, HCRU, and humanistic burden were assessed by known-group comparisons between 5 and 2-1-positive and negative patients.

Results
From the analytic sample (n = 4714), 33% of patients met the 5–2-1 screening criteria. Among physician-classified APD patients, 78.6% were 5–2-1 positive. Concordance between clinician judgment and 5–2-1 screening criteria was > 75%. 5–2-1-positive patients were nearly 7-times more likely to be classified as APD by physician judgment. Compared with the 5–2-1-negative group, 5–2-1-positive patients had significantly higher clinical, HCRU, and humanistic burden across all measures. In particular, 5–2-1-positive patients had 3.8-times more falls, 3.6-times higher annual hospitalization rate, and 3.4-times greater dissatisfaction with PD treatment. 5–2-1-positive patients also had significantly lower quality of life and worse caregiver burden.

Conclusions
5–2-1 criteria demonstrated potential as a screening tool for identifying people with APD with considerable clinical, humanistic, and HCRU burden. The 5–2-1 screening criteria is an objective and reliable tool that may aid the timely identification and treatment optimization of patients inadequately controlled on oral PD medications.
A qualitative exploratory interview study on birth companion support actions for women during childbirth
Authors: Wanyenze Eva Wodeya , Byamugisha Josaphat K. , Tumwesigye Nazarius Mboona , Muwanguzi Patience A. , Nalwadda Gorrette K. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The World Health Organization recommends that women are supported continuously throughout labor by a companion of their choice. And, that companions have clearly designated roles and responsibilities to ensure that their presence is beneficial to both the woman and her health care providers. Presently, there is lack of strong evidence regarding specific support actions in relation to women’s needs of care. Thus, we aimed to explore birth companion support actions for women during childbirth.

Methods
This was an exploratory descriptive qualitative study conducted between August 2019 and December 2019; at a referral hospital in the Eastern part of Uganda. Ten women were purposively selected: those who were admitted in early labor, expecting a normal delivery, and had fulltime birth companion. Nonparticipant direct observation and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Latent content analysis was used.

Results
Three themes were identified: “Support actions aiding a good childbirth experience”, “Support actions hindering coping with labor”, and “Women’s needs and expectations of care”. Support actions aiding a good experience described were; emotional presence, motivation, providing nourishments, messenger activities, body massage for pain relief, assisting in ambulation and coaching. Companion fearful behaviors and disrespectful care in form of unacknowledged needs and hostility from birth companions were reported to hinder coping. The women desired thoughtful communication, trust, for birth companions to anticipate their needs and recognize non perceptive phases of labor to allow them focus on themselves.

Conclusion
Birth companions from this study largely supported women emotionally, and attended to their physical needs. The greater part of support actions provided were esteemed by the women. Presence of birth companion will be of benefit when individual needs of women are put into consideration. Also, more guidance for birth companions is necessary to boost their role and mitigate shortcomings of their presence during childbirth.