bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incorporating End-Users’ Voices into the Development of an Implant for HIV Prevention: A Discrete Choice Experiment in South Africa and Zimbabwe
Authors: Browne Erica Nicole , Manenzhe Kgahlisho , Makoni Wanzirai , Nkomo Sikhanyisiwe , Mahaka Imelda , Ahmed Khatija , Shapley-Quinn Mary Kate , Marton Tozoe , Luecke Ellen , Johnson Leah , Straten Ariane van der , Minnis Alexandra M. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background. Input from end-users during preclinical phases can support market fit for new HIV prevention technologies. With several long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implants in development, we aimed to understand young women’s preferences for PrEP implants to inform optimal design.Methods. We developed a discrete choice experiment and surveyed 800 young women in Harare, Zimbabwe and Tshwane, South Africa between September-November 2020. Women aged 18 to 30 years who were nulliparous, postpartum, or exchanged sex in prior year were eligible. The DCE asked participants to choose between two hypothetical implants for HIV prevention in a series of nine questions. Implants were described by: size, number of rods and insertion sites, duration (6-months, 1-year, 2-years), flexibility, and biodegradability. Random-parameters logit models estimated preference weights.Results. Median age was 24 years (interquartile range 21-27). By design, 36% had used contraceptive implants. Duration of protection was most important feature, with strong preference for a 2-year over 6-month implant. In Zimbabwe, the number of rods/insertion sites was second most important and half as important as duration. Nonetheless, to achieve an implant lasting 2-years, 74% were estimated to accept two rods, one in each arm. In South Africa, preference was for longer, flexible implants that required removal, although each of these attributes were one-third as important as duration. On average, biodegradability and size did not influence Zimbabwean women’s choices. Contraceptive implant experience and parity did not influence relative importance of attributes.Conclusions. While duration of protection was a prominent attribute shaping women’s choices for PrEP implants, other characteristics related to discreetness were relevant. Optimizing for longest dosing while also ensuring minimal detection of implant placement seemed most attractive to potential users.
Atrioventricular coupling and left atrial abnormalizes in type 2 diabetes mellitus with functional mitral regurgitation patients verified by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Yang Zhi-Gang , Zhang Yi , Li Xue-Ming , Shen Meng-Ting , Huang Shan , Li Yuan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) patients, blood may flowed back into the left atrium (LA), aggravated the impairment in LA compliance, and then affect the left ventricle (LV) function conversely. This study sought to depict how FMR affects LA compliance and LV function and to investigate the atrioventricular coupling in T2DM with FMR patients.Materials and Methods: A total of 148 patients with T2DM and 49 age- and sex-matched normal control volunteers underwent cardiac magnetic resonance examination. LA function and longitudinal strain indices were compared. Comparison of indices among controls and different T2DM patients. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the independent indicators of LA strain. Results: T2DM without FMR had lower total LA empty fraction (LAEF) in spite of similar LV volume and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) compared with controls (all P < 0.05). T2DM with mild and moderate FMR showed increased LA volume (LAV) and LV volume while decreased LAEF, LA strain, and LVEF (P < 0.05). T2DM with severe FMR showed markedly increased LAV, LV volume while decreased LAEF, LA strain, and LVEF (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that εs was independently correlated with LVEDV (β = -0.334) and regurgitation degree (β = -0.256;). εe was independently correlated with regurgitation degree (β = -0.297). εa was independently correlated with LVESV (β = -0.352) and HbA1c (β = -0.279). Conclusion: FMR may aggravate LA and LV dysfunction in T2DM patients. In T2DM with FMR, regurgitation degree was an independent determinant of εs and εe, LVEDV was an independent determinant of εs, and LVESV was independent determinants of εa.
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Aerobic Bacteria from the Vagina of Apparently Healthy and Infertile Bitches in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Mamman Paul Habila , Umar Bala Ningi , Kakudi Abubakar Nafi'u , Ahmed Akeem Olayiwola , Chah Kennedy , Kazeem Haruna Makanjuola 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Infertility is a major constrain to a successful dog breeding in many developing countries like Nigeria. The aim of this study therefore, was to establish the aerobic microflora of the vagina of Nigerian bitches. Bacteria were isolated and characterized including susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobials. A total of 169 bacteria were isolated; of which 103 (60.9%) were from apparently healthy bitches and 66 (39.1%) from bitches with reproductive anomalies. These include Staphylococcus saprophyticus (27.2%), Streptococcus species (14.8%), and Corynebacterium species (13.6%). Also, Gemella palaticanis (1.8%), and Schaalia canis (1.3%) which are new to the study area were isolated for the first time in Nigeria. Nearly all the infertile bitches (90.1%) had mixed infection which might be responsible for their illness. Gentamicin was the most effective drug. Micrococcus species and Escherichia coli exhibited multiple drug resistance. Thus, screening of dogs for pathogenic bacteria before breeding is recommended.
Optimization of Drying Parameters to Maximize Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic and Anthocyanin Content of Purple Carrot Puree Powder
Authors: Demircan Bahar , Velioglu Yakup Sedat 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purple carrots are an important source of phenolic compounds and spray drying is the most advantageous method to make purple carrots more stable. Optimization analysis was carried out to determine the effects of inlet temperature, pump rate, and maltodextrin concentration on the process yield, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and anthocyanin content in the purple carrot puree powder. The optimum drying parameters obtained by maximizing the dependent variables (desirability = 0.809) were determined to be 16.51% (w/v) maltodextrin concentration, 180.16°C inlet temperature, and 30.39% pump rate. Process yield was found to be 83.64%. In recommended optimum conditions, the dependent variables were determined to be, 81.20% DPPH scavenging antioxidant activity, 5332.87 ppm total phenolic content as gallic acid equivalent, and 449.71 ppm total anthocyanin content as cyanidin-3-glucoside. These findings indicate that under the recommended conditions, they were preserved at 92.66%, 90.43%, and 83.79%, respectively.
In vitro antagonistic efficacy of a Paenibacillus sp. BTA27 against tea blister blight associated fungal pathogens
Authors: Thakur Debajit , Barman Ananya , Deka Manash Jyoti 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
A bacterial isolate designated BTA27 was isolated from soil samples of Bateli tea estate of Assam, India. Morphological and phylogenetic analysis identified the isolate to be Paenibacillus sp. which shared 86.48% sequence similarity with Paenibacillus xylanisolvens strain X11-1 (NR_112906.1). The isolate showed antagonistic activity against several plant pathogenic fungi including tea blister blight associated fungal pathogens Pestalotiopsis sp. MGA4 (MN5660032), Pestalotiopsis sp. MGA6 (MN565994), Pestalotiopsis sp. MGA22 (MT707211), Pestalotiopsis sp. MGA37 (MN567942), and Nigrospora sp. MGA38 (MN566004). This was confirmed by techniques that included spot inoculation, well diffusion, and disc diffusion methods. The BTA27 isolate produced maximum antifungal metabolites from 8th to 10th day post-inoculation. Additionally, the BTA27 isolate exhibited a possible fungistatic effect against Pestalotiopsis sp. MGA4, Pestalotiopsis sp. MGA6, Pestalotiopsis sp. MGA22, Pestalotiopsis sp. MGA37, and Nigrospora sp. MGA38. Extract preparation of BTA27 was done in ethyl acetate from broth liquid culture following the organic solvent extraction method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the ethyl acetate extract of BTA27 was found in the range 0.912 to 7.42 µg/ml with the lowest MIC being recorded against Nigrospora sp. MGA38 (0.912 µg/ml) and the highest was seen against Pestalotiopsis sp. MGA37 (7.42 µg/ml). Increased concentrations of the ethyl acetate extract of BTA27 caused decreased spore germination of the fungal pathogens. Using GC-MS the chemical composition of the ethyl acetate extract of BTA27 was analyzed and the presence of different chemical compounds was detected having biological activities. Therefore, these results highlight potential suitability of BTA27 isolate for the development of biocontrol agent against blister blight.
Relating compatibility and divisibility of quantum channels
Authors: Duarte Cristhiano , Catani Lorenzo , Drumond Raphael C. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We connect two key concepts in quantum information: compatibility and divisibility of quantum channels. Two channels are compatible if they can be both obtained via marginalization from a third channel. A channel divides another channel if it reproduces its action by sequential composition with a third channel. (In)compatibility is of central importance for studying the difference between classical and quantum dynamics. The relevance of divisibility stands in its close relationship with the onset of Markovianity. We emphasize the simulability character of compatibility and divisibility, and, despite their structural difference, we find a set of channels – self-degradable channels – for which the two notions coincide. We also show that, for degradable channels, compatibility implies divisibility, and that, for anti-degradable channels, divisibility implies compatibility. These results provide physical insights and motivate further research on these classes of channels and shed new light on the meaning of these two largely studied notions.
SARS-CoV-2 infection in technology dependent children: a multicenter case series
Authors: Robinson Joan , Dewan Tammie , Morris Shaun K. , Bitnun Ari , Gill Peter , Tal Tala El , Laxer Ronald M. , Yeh E. Ann , Yea Carmen , Ulloa-Gutierrez Rolando , Brenes-Chacon Helena , Yock-Corrales Adriana , Ivankovich-Escoto Gabriela , Soriano-Fallas Alejandra , Mezerville Marcela Hernandez-de , Papenburg Jesse , Lefebvre Marie-Astrid , Nateghian Alireza , Haghighi Behzad , Manafi Ali , Dwilow Rachel , Bullard Jared , Cooke Suzette , Restivo Lea , Lopez Alison , Sandarangani Manish , Roberts Ashley , Lesaux Nicole , Bowes Jennifer , Purewal Rupeena , Lautermilch Janell , Wong Jacqueline , Piche Dominique , Top Karina , Foo Cheryl , Panetta Luc , Merckx Joanna , Barton Michelle 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical course and outcomes in children with technology-dependence (TD) hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection.Methods: Seventeen pediatric hospitals (15 Canadian and one each in Iran and Costa Rica) included children up to 17 years of age admitted February 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021, with detection of SARS-CoV-2. For those with TD, data were collected on demographics, clinical course and outcome. Results: Of 691 children entered in the database, 42 (6%) had TD of which 22 had feeding tube dependence only, 9 were on supplemental oxygen only, 3 had feeding tube dependence and were on supplemental oxygen, 2 had a tracheostomy but were not ventilated, 4 were on non-invasive ventilation, and 2 were on mechanical ventilation prior to admission. Three of 42 had incidental SARS-CoV-2 infection. Two with end-stage underlying conditions were transitioned to comfort care and died. Sixteen (43%) of the remaining 37 cases required increased respiratory support from baseline due to COVID-19 while 21 (57%) did not. All survivors were discharged home.Conclusion: Children with TD appear to have an increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization. However, in the absence of end-stage chronic conditions, all survived to discharge.
Prognostic significance of combined α-fetoprotein and CA19-9 for hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy
Authors: Zhang Jie , Qin Shang Dong , Li Yan , Lu Fei , Gong Weng Feng , Zhong Jian Hong , Ma Liang , Zhao Jing Fei , Zhan Guo Hua , Li Peng Zhan , Song Bin , De Xiang Bang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) varies considerably among patients with the same disease stage and characteristics, and only about two thirds show high levels of α-fetoprotein (AFP), a common prognostic indicator for HCC. Here, we assessed whether the combination of presurgical serum levels of AFP and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) can predict prognosis of HCC patients after hepatectomy.Methods: The clinicopathological characteristics and post-hepatectomy outcomes of 711 HCC patients were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were classified into three groups based on whether their preoperative serum levels of both AFP and CA19-9 were higher than the respective cut-offs of 400 ng/ml and 37 U/ml [double positive (DP)], the level of only one marker was higher than the cut-off [single positive (SP)], or neither level was higher than the cut-off [negative (N)]. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were estimated using Kaplan–Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed to identify the clinicopathological factors significantly associated with HCC prognosis.Results: The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year RFS and OS rates in the N group were significantly higher than those in the SP group, while the DP group showed the lowest rates. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that large tumor size (>5 cm), multiple tumors (³2), incomplete tumor capsule, positive microvascular invasion, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer C stage, and CA19-9 level >37 U/mL were independent risk factors for RFS and OS in HCC patients. Moreover, aspartate aminotransferase levels >40 U/L proved to be an independent prognostic factor for OS.Conclusion: The combination of serum AFP and CA19-9 levels may be a useful prognostic marker for HCC patients after hepatectomy.
Comparison of Pregnancy Outcomes of Letrozole-Induced Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles in PCOS women with two different abnormal ovulation patterns: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Song Jing-Yan , Wang Dan-Dan , Cao Jing-Xian , Jiang Wen-Jing , Hou Jin-Wei , Yan Meng-Han , Sun Zhen-Gao 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to compare whether pregnancy outcomes of the letrozole-induced endometrial preparation protocol in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles differed between oligo-ovulatory and anovulatory women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).Materials and Methods In a retrospective study, women with PCOS who had undergone letrozole-induced FET at a university-affiliated fertility clinic from February 2014 to October 2020 were identified. The primary end point was live birth rate (LBR) per embryo transfer. Propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to control for the relevant confounders.Results A total of 652 women with PCOS undergoing letrozole-induced FET were included in the final analysis. 363 of these women had oligo-ovulatory periods, while 289 had anovulatory periods. PSM analysis showed that LBR did not differ between groups (36.8% in oligo-ovulatory group vs. 32.8% in anovulatory group, P=0.431). Meanwhile, after PSM, the anovulatory group used extra gonadotrophin (Gn) for a longer duration (6.5±2.3 vs. 5.4±1.9, p=0.004, after PSM) and experienced a higher cycle cancellation rate (9.2% vs. 3.4%, p=0.028, after PSM) than the oligo-ovulatory group. Additionally, there were significantly lower crude odds of total pregnancy loss per positive pregnancy among oligo-ovulatory women than among anovulatory women (15.4% vs. 38.3%, p=0.001). Nevertheless, after controlling for potential confounding factors, LBR was significantly higher in anovulatory than oligo-ovulatory women [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08 to 2.29, p=0.018]. Furthermore, the pregnancy loss rate (PLR) among the oligo-ovulatory group remained lower than those among the anovulatory group [aOR 0.23, 95%CI 0.12 to 0.44, p < 0.001].Conclusions PCOS women may experience different effects on pregnancy outcomes depending on their ovulation dysfunction patterns. Despite adjustment for confounding factors, those with oligo-ovulatory PCOS who underwent letrozole-induced FET had a higher LBR and lower PLR compared with those with anovulatory PCOS. This may indicate that when oligo-ovulation is detected, PCOS patients should be intervened in time to conceive as soon as possible. Prospective studies must be conducted in the future to verify our findings.
An Interdependence Model of Comparative Advantage by Network Theory-In the case of dyads in international trade networks-
Authors: YAZAWA Nobuo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Since the 1970s, researchers in international relations have asserted that the enhancement of interdependence between nations can reduce conflicts among them (Keohane and Nye 1973). Thus, interdependency between nations is regarded as desirable for the security and stability of the countries' networks. On the other hand, there has been no confirmation of empirical data on the benevolent effects of interdependency on the nations' networks. This article aims to analyze the concept of interdependence into reciprocity and dependence, leading to quantifying both of them. To assess the usefulness of this approach, the empirical analysis of trade relations among five countries, namely, The U.S.., China, Germany, Japan, and Korea from 1992 to 2020 was empirically analyzed with the aid of the reciprocity index (R) and dependency index (D). We proposed a hypothesis that linearity exists between R and D of each pair from 1992 to 2019 and conducted regression analysis between R and D. Consequently, we found that eighteen out of twenty cases supported our hypothesis.
Corneal Clarity Measurements in Patients with Myopia Undergoing Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy
Authors: Alzahrani Khaled , Din Nurlizawati , Brahma Arun , Carley Fiona , Hillarby M. Chantal 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Aim
This study aimed to compare the preoperative and postoperative corneal densitometry data of patients undergoing either laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratectomy (LASEK).
Methods
This comparative study was performed at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, UK. Preoperative and postoperative corneal densitometry data were collected using Oculus Pentacam. The data were collected at three corneal depths (anterior, central and posterior) and at three corneal annulus ring diameter ranges (0–2 mm, 2–6 mm and 6–10 mm). Postoperative data were collected at 6 weeks and 3 and 6 months after treatment.
Results
Data was collected from 60 eyes of 16 patients who underwent LASIK and 14 who underwent LASEK only the 30 right eyes reported in the analysis, with mean ages of 37.06 ± 10.0 and 37.7 ± 6.6 years, respectively. A non-statistically significant increase in corneal densitometry values was observed in all concentric zones in all corneal layers at post LASIK treatment (P > 0.0018). A statistically significant increase in densitometry values was observed after LASEK, but only in the central layer at all zones and posterior layers at 2–6 and 6–10 concentric zones (P < 0.0018). Pre- and Post-operative VA did not significantly differ after LASIK but showed a statistically significant difference at 6 weeks after LASEK (P < 0.016). Post-operative VA differed significantly between the groups at 6 weeks (P < 0.01) and 3 months (P = 0.02).
Conclusion
Corneal wound healing plays an important role in determining corneal transparency and may be responsible for an increase in corneal haze following refractive surgery. Corneal densitometry data obtained using Oculus Pentacam may help assess treatment outcomes after laser refractive surgery.
Combined predictors of the long-term Kasai surgery outcomes in infants with biliary atresia
Authors: Degtyareva Anna V. , Isaeva Medan Kh. , Tumanova Elena L. , Filippova Elena A. , Sugak Anna B. , Razumovsky Aleksandr Yu. , Kulikova Nadezhda V. , Albegova Marina B. , Rebrikov Denis V. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Hepatic portoenterostomy (Kasai surgery) is widely used as the first-line treatment in infants with biliary atresia. Its long-term efficacy is undermined by the profound hepatotoxic damage already in place by the moment of the intervention.This retrospective study aimed at identification and validation of candidate clinical and biochemical markers with regard to long-term Kasai surgery outcomes using logistic regression models.Methods: The retrospective study enrolled 166 infants with biliary atresia subject to Kasai procedure between September 2002 and December 2021. The patients were distributed into two groups depending on long-term surgery outcomes. Descriptive statistics was applied for between-the-group comparison of clinical and laboratory parameters recorded at the time of surgery. The candidate predictors were validated by logistic regression method involving the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results: A logistic regression model involving total blood cholesterol and direct bilirubin levels on day 14 after surgery and Desmet score of fibrosis at surgery was estimated to account for 47.3% of the factors that determine the variance of favorable outcome probability.Conclusion: The results implicate blood cholesterol levels below 5.41 mmol/L and direct bilirubin levels below 56.3 µmol/L measured on postoperative day 14±3 as favorable predictors.
X-ray image enhancement based on gradient domain and illumination image estimation for complex castings
Authors: Bai Qiang , Gui Zhiguo , Yi Liu , Zhang Pengcheng , Hou Honghua 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

When X-ray is used to detect a workpiece with a complex structure, the details will be lost due to overexposure or underexposure in some areas which is uneven thickness. To solve this problem, based on gradient field compression, we propose an algorithm to enhance the X-ray image through illumination image estimation enhancement. In gradient domain, we design a new attenuation function through scale the attenuation factor in each layer of the Laplace pyramid, then make the attenuation function a gamma transform to make the information of the workpiece in the compressed image more complete, and then, we use an illumination image estimation method(Lime) to remove the invalid information of the compressed image with the background. Finally, the details of the workpiece are refined by USM sharpening and contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE). The experimental results show that the proposed method has an obvious enhancement effect on various complex workpieces, and the method is very efficient.