bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mixed Method Evaluation of the CEBHA+ Integrated Knowledge Translation Approach: A Protocol
Authors: Pfadenhauer Lisa , Grath Tanja , Delobelle Peter , Jessani Nasreen , Meerpohl Joerg J , Rohwer Anke , Schmidt Bey-Marrie , Toews Ingrid , Akiteng Ann R , Chapotera Gertrude , Kredo Tamara , Levitt Naomi , Ntawuyirushintege Seleman , Sell Kerstin , Rehfuess Eva A 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe Collaboration for Evidence-based Healthcare and Public Health in Africa (CEBHA+) is a research consortium concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases. CEBHA+ seeks to engage policymakers and practitioners throughout the research process in order to build lasting relationships, enhance evidence uptake, and create long-term capacity among partner institutions in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda in collaboration with two German universities. This integrated knowledge translation (IKT) approach includes the formal development, implementation and evaluation of country specific IKT strategies.MethodsWe have conceptualised the CEBHA+ IKT approach as a complex intervention in a complex system. We will employ a comparative case study (CCS) design and mixed methods to facilitate an in-depth evaluation. We will use quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, quarterly updates, and a policy document analysis to capture the process and outcomes of IKT across the African CEBHA+ partner sites. We will conduct an early stage (early 2020) and a late-stage evaluation (early 2022), triangulate the data collected with various methods at each site and subsequently compare our findings across the five sites.Discussion Evaluating a complex intervention such as the CEBHA+ IKT approach is complicated, even more so when undertaken across five diverse countries. Despite conceptual, methodological and practical challenges, our comparative case study addresses important evidence gaps: While involving decision-makers in the research process is gaining traction worldwide, we still know very little regarding (i) whether this approach really makes a difference to evidence uptake, (ii) the mechanisms that make IKT successful, and (iii) relevant differences across socio-cultural contexts. The evaluation described here is intended to provide relevant insights on all of these aspects, notably in countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, and is expected to contribute to the science of IKT overall.
The Effect of Silica Desiccation Under Different Storage Conditions on Filter-Immobilized Environmental DNA
Authors: Allison Michael J , Round Jessica M , Bergman Lauren C , Mirabzadeh Ali , Allen Heather , Weir Aron , Helbing Caren 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective
Silica gel beads have promise as a non-toxic, cost-effective, portable method for storing environmental DNA (eDNA) immobilized on filter membranes. Consequently, many ecological surveys are turning to silica bead filter desiccation rather than ethanol preservation. However, no systematic evaluation of silica bead storage conditions or duration past one week has been published. The present study evaluates the quality of filter-immobilized eDNA desiccated with silica gel under different storage conditions for over a year using targeted quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based assays.
Results
While the detection of relatively abundant eDNA target was stable over 15 months from either ethanol- or silica gel-preserved filters at -20 and 4oC, silica gel out-performed ethanol preservation at 23oC by preventing a progressive decrease in eDNA sample quality. Silica gel filter desiccation preserved low abundance eDNA equally well up to 1 month regardless of storage temperature (18, 4, or -20oC). However only storage at -20oC prevented a noticeable decrease in detectability at 5 and 12 months. The results indicate that brief storage of eDNA filters with silica gel beads up to one month can be successfully accomplished at a range of temperatures. However, longer-term storage should be at -20oC to maximize sample integrity.
SARS-CoV-2 and the Pollution Exposure of the Population Near to an Industrial area on the Metropolitan Region in São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Zaccarelli-Marino Maria Angela , Balderi Thalles Zaccarelli , Crepaldi Felipe Mingorance , Alessi Rudá , Martins Marco 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The epidemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) yielded intense respiratory illness clusters and has progressed rapidly into a pandemic. Objective: Evaluating the pre-existing conditions (rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, obstructive pulmonary diseases (OPD), conjunctivitis, dermatitis, and primary hypothyroidism (PH)) in residents exposed to long-term air pollutants and their higher risk of complications in case of infection with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: 2004 residents of both sexes, aged 8-72 years old, had responded to a home-based questionnaire. SARS-CoV-2 cases were collected from the Greater ABC Region, an industrial region of the São Paulo State, Brazil, part of the São Paulo Metropolitan Region. With a focus on the Capuava Petrochemical Complex influence area, using the combination of the AERMOD dispersion model with the Weather Research Forecast (WRF) meteorological model (2016), we evaluated the Greater ABC region. Atmospheric pollutant concentrations were analyzed in 2017 using meteorological data from 2005 to 2009, correlating this data with the research done from 2003 to 2005. Results: nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) concentrations presented the highest correlations between the rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, OPD, conjunctivitis, dermatitis and PH odds and pollutant concentrations. Conclusion: We demonstrated that the closer the individuals live from the Petrochemical complex, the higher their risk of death from SARS-CoV-2. Given the asymptomatic characteristic of the disease in its initial development individuals and the risk of its complications, we suggest that the employees of chemical plants and residents living around industrial areas must be continuously evaluated for SARS-CoV-2.
Genetic Diversity of Staphylococcus Saprophyticus Strains Causing Urinary Tract Infections in Lagos Metropolis
Authors: Alao Felix Oluwasegun , Smith Stella Ifeanyi , Omonigbehin Emmanuel Adedayo , Adeleye Isaac Adeyemi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a Gram-positive bacterium implicated in urinary tract infections in sexually active women along with other bacteria. There is a special need to accurately isolate and identify this organism in clinical specimens in order to prevent misidentification in the laboratory. The present study was carried out to evaluate the genetic diversity of one hundred different Staphylococcus saprophyticus strains isolated from women presenting with urinary tract infections reporting in four government hospitals in Lagos Metropolis using 16SrRNA gene sequence analysis. Results: The PCR-amplified and sequenced 16SrRNA gene of 100 isolates and confirmed 88 strains of S. saprophyticus to subspecies level, while 8 belong to other genera and 4 could not be ascertained due to low significant similarity. Phylogenetic analysis showed the interrelationship between the isolates from different hospitals. The results showed the distribution of the isolates into two broad clusters and twenty-two sub-clusters. Conclusion: The results revealed the genetic diversity of Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from women with urinary tract infections in Lagos Metropolis using 16SrRNA gene sequence.
A Case of Choriocarcinoma with Lung Metastasis as the First Symptom
Authors: Tian Jin , Xiao YaNan , Zhang TengLong , Wang Jie , Jin CaiLong , Guo ChengYe 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Pure testicular choriocarcinoma is very rare in clinic and the patient's age is 20-39 years (median age 29 years). Because of its polymorphic manifestations, it is not always suspected and patients are sometimes misdiagnosed. The case should be reported due to the rarity of the disease ,the onset age and the rapid progression of the disease. This case with primary lung cancer as the first diagnosis is a misdiagnosis. We hope we can provide some experience for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Case presentation: We report the case of a 46-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with bloodshot sputum. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination revealed pure choriocarcinoma. The patient had received radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, Over the next 5 months, the patient developed symptoms of multiple system metastases and died soon. Conclusions: Testicular choriocarcinoma is progressing rapidly. The clinical feature of choriocarcinoma is hemorrhaging at the metastatic site. Early diagnosis and timely treatment should be combined with the clinical manifestations and medical history of patients to strive for a longer survival time. We hope this case can provide guidance for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Evaluation of Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance indicators in Sokoto State, Nigeria, 2012-2019: A secondary data analysis
Authors: Raji Ismail Abdullateef , Usman Auwal Abubakar , Ahmad Abdulrahman , Gidado Saheed , Olorukooba Abdulhakeem Abayomi , Lawal Bola Biliaminu , Umeokonkwo Chukwuma David , Balogun Muhammad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Nigeria and indeed, entire Africa has been certified free of Wild Polio Virus (WPV) in 2020. However, the continent is still at risk of importation of WPV, especially in states like Sokoto in Nigeria, which has an international border. Furthermore, due to low immunity in some communities in Sokoto, outbreaks of the circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (cVDPV) occur. Therefore, this paper evaluates the Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance indicators in Sokoto state, Nigeria. Methods: This retrospective study was an analysis of routinely collected AFP surveillance data between 2012 and 2019 by the Sokoto state surveillance network. We assessed the Sokoto state AFP surveillance system using the AFP surveillance performance indicators. We performed all analyses using Microsoft Excel 2019.Results: Cumulatively, 3001 Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases were reported over the evaluation period, out of which 1692 (56.4%) were males, and 2478 (82.4%) were below five years. More than half, 1773 (59.1%) had a fever at the beginning of the disease, and 1911 (63.7%) had asymmetric paralysis. The non-polio AFP rate (9.1 to 23.5%) and stool adequacy rate (92.5 to 100%) indicate high sensitivity. The proportion of cases that had stool samples collected early, timely transported to the laboratory and arrived at the laboratory in optimal condition were all above the World Health Organization (WHO) minimum standard of 80%. There was inadequate profile documentation of some suspected cases.Conclusions: Sokoto State has exceeded the WHO minimum standards in most of the AFP surveillance indicators. The performance of the system is sufficient enough to detect any reintroduction of WPV into the state. However, there is a need for improvement in data quality.
When is it Worth Starting a Risky and Uncomfortable Treatment in Critically Ill Patients? Gender, Education and Professional Involvement in Critical Care Impact on the Opinion
Authors: Zink Michael , Horvath Angela , Stadlbauer Vanessa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Health care professionals have to judge the appropriateness of treatment in critical care on a daily basis. While there is general consensus that critical care interventions should not be performed when they are futile, it is unclear in quantitative terms, which chances of survival are considered necessary and which risk for serious disabilities is acceptable for different stakeholder in the process of intensive care treatment. Methods: We performed an anonymous online survey in 1052 people. We considered age, gender, nationality, education, involvement in health care, critical care medicine and treatment decisions as well as personal experience with critical illness as potential influencing variables. On a scale from 0-100%, participants were asked to give their opinion on the necessary survival changes and the acceptable risk for serious disabilities in order to start a high-risk or unpleasant therapy for themselves, relatives and for their patients, if the respondents were health care professionals who are involved in treatment decisions. Results: For all questions, a maximum of individual variations was observed with answers ranging from 0-100% for necessary survival chances and acceptable risk of disability. A three-peak pattern with different distributions of the peaks was observed for all answers. More respondents would choose a lower necessary chance of survival (0-33% survival) when deciding for patients compared to themselves or relatives to start a risky and uncomfortable treatment. On the other hand, the majority of respondents would accept only a low risk of severe disability for both themselves and their patients. Gender, education, being a health care professional, being involved in treatment decisions and religiosity influence these opinions. Male respondents and those with university education accept a lower survival chance for themselves, relatives and patients.Conclusion: Our study shows that people have very diverging views on the necessary chances of survival as well as on the acceptable risks for starting a risky and uncomfortable treatment, close relatives and patients. No general cut-off can be identified for the necessary survival chances or acceptable risk to help to quantify “futility”. Individual communication between health care professionals, patients and relatives in each case seems necessary.
Attitude and knowledge about Organ Donation among Nurses in Croatia, A Single-center Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Nemcic Ana , Pacaric Stana , Turk Tajana , Farcic Nikolina , Milostic- Andrea , Kralik Kristina , Miksic Stefica , Gvozdanovic Zvjezdana 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in opinion and knowledge about organ donation of nurses working in the surgical and non-surgical department. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 223 nurses working in surgical, and non-surgical departments. An anonymous survey questionnaire was used as a research instrument, which consisted of questions on socio-demographic data, and questions on opinions and knowledge about organ donation. Results: Most participants would donate their organs after death (71.2%). The most common reason for not donating organs was insufficient information (40%), the importance of knowing that their body will be whole at the time of burial (21.8%), and the age of the respondents (20%). Participants would donate organs after the death of a close family member (52.3%). 29 (13.2%) participants have a donor card, significantly more of them from surgical departments (P = 0.04). Participants who would not donate their organs were significantly more likely to say that they would not or did not know whether they would receive an organ from a person of another religion (P < 0,001). Participants from surgical departments (P = 0.04) and Masters of Nursing have significantly more correct answers. (P = 0,009). Conclusion: Most participants would donate their organs after death, with no statistical significance regarding the position and level of education. Knowledge about organ donation was average, significantly higher among Masters of Nursing and among participants from surgical departments.
Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes Facilitate Spinal Cord Functional Recovery Through the miR-199a-3p/145-5p-mediated NGF/TrkA Signaling Pathway in Rats
Authors: Wang Yang , Lai Xunwei , Wu Depeng , Liu Bin , Wang Nanxiang , Rong Li-Min 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Although exosomes, as byproducts of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs), have been demonstrated to be an effective therapy for traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), their mechanism of action remains unclear. Methods We designed and performed this study to determine whether exosomes attenuate the lesion size of SCI by ameliorating neuronal injury induced by a secondary inflammatory storm and promoting neurite outgrowth. We determined the absolute levels of all exosomal miRNAs and investigated the potential mechanisms of action of miR-199a-3p/145-5p in inducing neurite outgrowth in vivo and in vitro. Results miR-199a-3p/145-5p, which are relatively highly expressed miRNAs in exosomes, promoted PC12 cell differentiation suppressed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro through modulation of the NGF/TrkA pathway. We also demonstrated that Cblb was a direct target of miR-199a-3p and that Cbl was a direct target of miR-145-5p. Cblb and Cbl gene knockdown resulted in significantly decreased TrkA ubiquitination levels, subsequently activating the NGF/TrkA downstream pathways Akt and Erk. Conversely, overexpression of Cblb and Cbl was associated with significantly increased TrkA ubiquitination level, subsequently inactivating the NGF/TrkA downstream pathways Akt and Erk. Western blot and coimmunoprecipitation assays confirmed the direct interaction between TrkA and Cblb and TrkA and Cbl. In an in vivo experiment, exosomal miR-199a-3p/145-5p was found to upregulate TrkA expression at the lesion site and also promote locomotor function in SCI rats. Conclusions In summary, our study showed that exosomes transferring miR-199a-3p/145-5p into neurons in SCI rats affected TrkA ubiquitination and promoted the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway, indicating that hUC-MSC-derived exosomes may be a promising treatment strategy for SCI.
Antitumor Effect of IL-12 Gene-modified Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined With Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction in an in Vivo Glioma Nude Mouse Model
Authors: Wu Jianjun , Xie Shoupin , Li Hailong , Zhang Yanxia , Yue Jia , Yan Chunlu , Liu Kai , Liu Yongqi , Xu Rui , Zheng Guisen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Glioma is a complex cancer with a high morbidity and high mortality. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have shown promise as an excellent cell/drug delivery vehicle for gene-targeted therapy; however, maintaining genetic stability and biological activity remains difficult. Furthermore, whether BMSCs support or inhibit tumor growth remains debated. This study investigated whether a traditional chinese medicine fomular, Fuzheng Yiliu decoction (FYD) had a synergistic antitumor effect with IL-12 gene-modified BMSCs in glioma-bearing nude mice.Methods: The lentivirus-mediated IL-12 gene was transfected into primarily cultured BMSCs. A total of 72 BALB/c nude mice were used to establish xenograft models with glioma U251 cells and were divided into 6 groups (n = 12) including negative control group, nude mouse model group, lentiviral empty vector transfection into BMSC group, IL-12 gene lentivirus transfection into BMSC group and FYD treatment of IL-12 lentivirus-transfected BMSC group. After treatment for 14 days, all mice were sacrificed to collect tumor tissue and serum for more detection, such as distribution of BMSCs, cell apoptosis in xenograft tumors, serum IL-12 and INF-γ levels, mouse weight and tumor volume were measured.Results: There were significantly more apoptotic cells in tumor tissue in IL-12 gene transfected group, FYD treatment group and FYD combining with IL-12 gene transfected group than that in the model group (P < 0.05). The FYD+IL-12+BMSC group showed significantly higher Bax and lower Bcl-2 expression (P < 0.05), and serum IL-12 and INF-γ levels (P < 0.05) were higher than that in all other groups. After the intervention, this group also showed a strong inhibitory effect against tumor growth (P < 0.05).Conclusions: This study suggested FYD treatment combined with IL-12 gene-modified BMSCs shows synergistic antitumor effect in glioma-bearing nude mice.
Pharmacological Inhibition of USP7&nbsp;Supresses Growth and Metastasis of&nbsp;Melanoma Cells in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Xiang Minmin , Liang Long , Kuang Xinwei , Xie Zuozhong , Liu Jing , Zhao Shuang , Su Juan , Chen Xiang , Liu Hong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Melanoma is a highly aggressive type of skin cancer. Due to the development of diverse resistance mechanisms and severe adverse side effects, significantly limits the efficiency of current therapeutic approaches. Identification of the new therapeutic targets involved in the pathogenesis will benefit to develop novel therapeutic strategies. The deubiquitinase USP7(ubiquitin-specific protease-7) is deregulated in serval cancer types, as a potential target for cancer treatment, but its role in melanoma is still unclear. Here, we investigated the role of USP7 and its inhibitor P22077 in melanoma treatment.Methods: To explore the role of USP7 and the anti-tuomr effect of P22077 in melanma progression and metastasis, a series of cell biological, molecular and biochemical approaches were used for in vitro and in vivo investigations.These methods included RT-qPCR, Western blot assay, cell transfection, CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, scratch test, Transwell assay, mouse xenograft,TUNEL staining.Results:The USP7 inhibitor P22077 suppressed the growth of melanoma in vitro and in vivo. additionally, P22077 induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via ROS(reactive oxygen species) accumulation-induced DNA damage. Furthermore, inhibition of USP7 also prevented migration and invasion of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo by decrease the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway. Conclusion: Our data indicated that USP7 acts as an oncogene involved in melanoma cell proliferation and metastasis and may provide a novel therapeutic target for melanoma treatment.
KRT17 Serves as an Oncogene and a Predictor of Poor Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: chen yuyan , Chen Jing , Tian Zu-Cheng , Zhou Dan-Hua , Ji Ran , Ge Si-Jia , Liu Zhao-Xiu , Huang Wei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cancer-associated cause of death globally. It is thus vital that novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers associated with early-stage HCC be identified. While keratin 17 (KRT17) has previously been reported to be associated with certain cancer types, its relationship with HCC remains to be defined. Methods：The expression of KRT17 in the TCGA LIHC database and in 44 pairs of HCC patient samples was assessed via qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. The prognostic relevance of KRT17 was assessed using Kaplan-Meir curves, while important cancer- and KRT17-related biological processes were defined through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The functional link between KRT17 expression and tumor cell proliferation/survival was assessed through flow cytometry, colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, and subcutaneous tumor model approaches. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and analyses of immune cell infiltration were also employed to define key signaling pathways associated with KRT17 expression in HCC. Results：HCC tissue samples exhibited increased KRT17 mRNA and protein expression that was predictive of poorer patient survival (P<0.001). GSEA and functional experiments revealed that KRT17 functioned as a regulator of HCC tumor cell survival, proliferation, and cell cycle progression in vitro and in vivo. PPI network analyses also revealed that KRT17 expression was linked to immune cell infiltration and activation in patients with HCC. Conclusion: We found that increased KRT17 levels were associated with poorer survival, more aggressive disease, and altered immune cell infiltration in patients suffering from HCC. As such, KRT17 may function as an oncogene and a prognostic biomarker in this cancer type.