bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Theileria Annulata in Nigeria: Findings from Cattle Ticks in Zamfara and Sokoto States
Authors: Mamman Adamu Haruna , Lorusso Vincenzo , Adam Babagana Mohammed , Dogo Abraham Goni , Bown Kevin , Birtles Richard 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a significant economic burden to cattle farming in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. However, in the northern part of this country, where the largest livestock population reside, little is known about the contemporary diversity of ticks and TBPs. This area is particularly vulnerable to climate change, undergoing marked transformation of habitat and associated flora and fauna that is also likely to include ticks. This study aimed to document the occurrence of tick species and Apicomplexan TBPs in cattle from North-Western Nigeria. Methods In 2017, ticks were collected from cattle in Zamfara and Sokoto States and identified morphologically. Additionally, a subset of ticks were screened molecularly for the detection of Apicomplexan DNA. Results A total of 494 adult ticks were collected from 80 cattle in Zamfara and 65 cattle in Sokoto State. Nine tick species were encountered, including seven Hyalomma spp. (i.e. Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma impeltatum, Hyalomma impressum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum and Hyalomma turanicum), Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus. All species were present in Zamfara, whereas only five species were found in Sokoto. Hyalomma rufipes was the most prevalent tick infesting cattle in Zamfara State (76.2%), while H. dromedarii was the most prevalent in Sokoto State (43.7%), confirming the widespread transfer of this species from camels onto livestock and its adaptation to cattle in the region. Of 159 ticks screened, 2 out of 54 (3.7%) from Zamfara State and 29 out of 105 (27.6%) from Sokoto State harboured DNA of Theileria annulata, the agent of tropical theileriosis.Conclusions This study confirms the presence of a broad diversity of tick species in cattle from North-Western Nigeria, providing the first locality records for Zamfara State. The occurrence of H. turanicum, recorded for the first time in Nigeria, indicates a distribution of this tick beyond Northern Africa. This study provides the first report for T. annulata in Nigeria. Given its enormous burden on livestock farming in North Africa and across Asia, further investigations are needed to better understand its epidemiology, vector transmission and potential clinical significance in cattle from Northern Nigeria and neighbouring Sahelian countries.
Single-cell RNA-Seq&nbsp;Reveals Transcriptional Landscape and Intra-tumor Heterogenicity in Gallbladder Cancer Liver Metastasis Microenvironment
Authors: You Wenhua , Li Xiangyu , Wang Peng , Sha Bowen , Liang Yuan , Qiu Jiannan , Zhou Jinren , Hu Haoran , Cheng Feng , Lu Ling 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly aggressive biliary epithelial malignancy. Tumor invasion and metastasis contributed to the high mortality of GBC patients. However, molecular mechanisms involved in GBC metastases are still little known. Methods: We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on GBC liver metastasis tissue and analyzed the data based on different cell types.Results: In this study, 8 cell types, including T cells, B cells, malignant cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and mast cells were identified. Malignant cells displayed a high degree of intra-tumor heterogenicity and neutrophils could promote GBC progression in vitro. Besides, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells became exhausted and CD4+ Tregs presented immunosuppressive characteristics. Macrophages played an important role in the tumor microenvironment. We identified three distinct macrophage subsets and emerged M2 polarization. We also found that cancer-associated fibroblasts exhibited heterogeneity and promoted GBC metastasis. Conclusions: In conclusion, our work provided a landscape view at the single-cell level and may clear the way for the therapy of GBC metastases.
Reduced Levels of Hsa-mir-342-5p in Plasma Are Associated With Worse Cognitive Evolution in Patients With Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Dakterzada Farida , Benítez Iván David , Targa Adriano , Lladó Albert , Torres Gerard , Romero Leila , Gonzalo-Calvo David de , Moncusí-Moix Anna , Tort-Merino Adria , Huerto Raquel , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Manuel , Barbé Ferran , Piñol-Ripoll Gerard 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Progressive cognitive decline is the most relevant clinical symptom of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the rate of cognitive decline is highly variable between patients. Synaptic deficits are the neuropathological event most correlated with cognitive impairment in AD. Considering the important role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating synaptic plasticity, our objective was to identify the plasma miRNAs associated with the rate of cognitive decline in patients with mild AD.Methods: To discover the miRNAs related to the rate of cognitive impairment, we analysed 754 plasma miRNAs from 19 women diagnosed with mild AD using TaqMan low-density array cards. The patients were grouped based on the rate of decline in the MMSE score after two years (<4 points (N=11) and ≥ 4 points (N=8)). The differentially expressed miRNAs between the two groups were validated in an independent cohort of men and women (N=53) with mild AD using RT-qPCR.Results: In the discovery cohort, 17 miRNAs were differentially expressed according to the fold change between patients with faster declines in cognition and those with slower declines. miR-342-5p demonstrated differential expression between the groups and a good correlation with the rate of cognitive decline in the validation cohort (r=-0.28; p=0.026). This miRNA had a lower expression level in patients who suffered from more severe decline than in those who were cognitively more stable after two years (p=0.049).Conclusion: Lower levels of miR-342-5p in plasma were associated with faster cognitive decline in patients with mild AD after two years of follow-up.
SPP1 Might Be A Novel Prognostic Biomarker For Patients With Malignancy: A Meta-Analysis And Sequential Verification Based on Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Zheng Haoran , Jiang Ai-Min , Liu Na , Ding Qian-Qian , Zhao Fu-Mei , Fu Xiao , Liang Xuan , Tian Tao , Ruan Zhi-Ping , Yao Yu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Several studies have investigated the relationship between secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) expression level and prognosis of various tumors, but the results are far from conclusive. Therefore, we performed the present meta-analysis to investigate the prognostic value of SPP1 in pan-cancer. Furthermore, a followed confirmation based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was also performed to verify our results.Methods: We performed a systematic search from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases and 19 articles, including 3403 patients and 9 types of tumors, were pooled in our meta-analysis. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), which correlated with SPP1 expression, were considered as the primary outcome. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were used to investigate heterogeneity and reliability of the results. Furthermore, we also explored the relationship between SPP1 expression and clinical parameters of tumor patients. Finally, the results were verified with TCGA database and we further explored the relationship between SPP1 expression and tumor immuno-microenvironment (TIME), DNA methylation, and enriched gene pathway.Results: Our meta-analysis showed that high-expressed SPP1 was significantly related to poor OS and DFS in various cancers, especially in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). Furthermore, we also identified that the high expression level of SPP1 was significantly correlated with tumor grade. The expression level of SPP1 in the majority of tumor types were much higher than the corresponding normal tissues analyzed from databases. Besides, we also observed that high-expressed SPP1 was related to poor OS and DFS in LIHC, which supported the conclusion of meta-analysis. In addition, high-expressed SPP1 is related to 6 immune cells in TIME and DNA methylation regulatory genes. Ultimately, the results of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) suggested that tumor-related gene sets, such as hypoxia and lipid metabolism, were significantly enriched in high-expressed SPP1 group.Conclusions: SPP1 is high-expressed in various tumor tissues and correlated with poor prognosis. SPP1 might promote cancer invasion and metastasis by affecting tumor grade, TIME, DNA methylation, hypoxia, and lipid metabolism. SPP1 is expected to become a new clinical indicator for tumor detection and prognosis, and provide a new idea for tumor targeted therapy.
Evaluation of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system, Kebbi State, Nigeria, 2013-2018
Authors: Bala Hashim Abdulmumin , Mohammed Yahaya , Barau Nyampa , Surajudeen Lukman , Ori Polycarp Uche 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Since 1988, the incidence of polio has reduced by more than 99 percent, worldwide, according to the WHO. Each year, more than 350,000 children were paralyzed, in more than 125 endemic countries. Today, only two countries are still having transmission of polio: Pakistan and Afghanistan. No wild poliovirus has been reported anywhere in Africa since 2016. A good and effective Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system is necessary to detect any suspected case of polio to interrupt the transmission of polio within any country. We evaluated the AFP surveillance system to identify gaps in its operations.Methods: We used the updated CDC guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems and the WHO performance standards to assess the system. We also interviewed stakeholders using an adapted questionnaire, and a key informant interview. We also reviewed AFP surveillance data from 2013-2018. We summarized data using means, frequencies, and proportion. Results: A total of 49 respondents were interviewed. Of these, 47 (98%) reported case definitions as being easy to use, and case investigation forms as being easy to fill, 46 (97%) reported data tools could easily accommodate changes, and all the surveillance officers understand the case definition of AFP. All respondents were willing to continue with the system. The non-polio AFP rate (24.6-55.2), stool adequacy (95-99.7%), timeliness, and completeness of reporting were found to be consistently above the WHO minimum standard.Conclusion: The AFP surveillance system in Kebbi State was found to be useful, simple, flexible, acceptable, sensitive, representative, timely, and stable, though donor-driven. The absence of data on 60-day follow up and feedback from the laboratory was a major problem with the system.
Middle-aged Lebanese women interpretation of sexual difficulties: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Azar Mathilde , Bradbury-Jones Caroline , Kroll Thilo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The study explores women's perception and experience of sexual difficulties. The need to address the subject was triggered by the scarcity of research that reflects on women's subjective views on sexual difficulties. This is particularly crucial for middle-aged women who frequently experience hormonal and psychosocial changes that may affect their sexual life.Methods: Using in-depth individual and focus groups interviews, 52 Lebanese women aged 40-55 years discussed their thoughts, feelings and behaviours concerning sexual difficulties. Women were recruited purposefully from clinical and non-clinical settings to get maximum sampling variation that provided rich information and deep understanding of the subject. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed about the framework analysis. Many strategies were adopted to ensure rigour.Results: Women's narratives led to four themes: women's inability to communicate sexual desires and concerns; male sexual difficulties; marital conflicts; and sexual difficulties as context-bound. Women's sexual difficulties are driven by double standards and inhibiting sexual socialisation. Once married, many women had very challenging sexual experiences. They were obliged to silently bear their husbands' poor sexual performance to protect their masculinity and thus their social image and identity. Women's narratives also showed that marital conflicts, daily life problems as well as physical and psychological burdens further challenged their sexual wellbeing and contributed to their sexual difficulties. Conclusion: The study makes a unique contribution to voicing women's views and concerns as sexuality is insufficiently researched and reported in Lebanon. It emphasises the multidimensional nature of female sexual difficulties, particularly the gender-based norms that inhibit their sexual selves and profoundly affect their sexual wellbeing and capacity to claim their sexual likes and dislikes. Findings have implications on research and practice to help women prevent and overcome their sexual difficulties.
The effect of self-management on the health-related quality of life in hypertensive patients in Xiamen, China
Authors: Zeng Yanbing , Lin Chenxi , Chen Fan , Fang Ya 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: A low HRQOL can be a risk factor for future cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension. Therefore, HRQOL should receive attention and be improved in the treatment of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the association between treatment groups and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of hypertension mediated by self-management, and to determine which factors of hypertension self-management influenced HRQOL. Methods: Hypertensive patients were selected by multi-stage stratified samping from “1+1+N” Physicians intervention (PI) group and the conventional management (CM) group in 5 communities of Xiamen, China. Patients were cross-sectionally assessed by validated self-reports using self-management Behavior Rating Scale and Quality of Life Instruments for Hypertension. A structural equation modeling (SEM) and a path analytic model were used to assess if the association between treatment groups and HRQOL was mediated by self-management. Results: A total of 1207 patients were included, of whom 48.55% were in the PI group. The average score of the HRQOL scale was 86.68, and the average score of the PI group was higher than the CM group (87.35 vs 86.04, respectively). Similar findings were observed for the self-management scale, in which the average score of the PI group was higher than the CM group (76.32 vs 72.00, respectively). Patients in the PI group had higher levels of self-management compared to the CM group except for management of emotion. SEM showed that the association between treatment groups and HRQOL was significantly mediated by self-management (a*b, 95% confidence intervals CI: 0.02,0.07) and that the single mediator (self-management) model explained 76.67% of the intervention effect. In the multivariable mediation model, the association between treatment groups and HRQOL was significantly mediated by management of medication adherence, sport and diet.Conclusions: The findings presented good evidence supporting that treatment groups are linked to HRQOL of hypertension via self-management. Specifically, management of medication adherence, sport, diet, and emotion are important for improving HRQOL.
The Association Between Major Dietary Patterns and Severe Mental Disorders Among a Large Sample of Adults Living in Central Iran: Baseline Data of YaHS-TAMYZ Cohort Study
Authors: Shams-Rad Shamim , Bidaki Reza , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh , Mirzaei Masoud , Salehi-Abargouei Amin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The role of diet in developing psychological disorders has been considered by researchers in recent years. Objective: To examine the association between major dietary patterns and severe mental disorders in a large sample of adults living in Yazd city, central Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study used the baseline data of a population-based cohort study (Yazd Health study: YaHS). Dietary intakes were assessed by a multiple-choice semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in the Yazd Nutrition survey (TAMYZ). Psychological assessments were also done by using depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaire. Major dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis (PCA). Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between dietary patterns' scores and mental disorders.Results: A total of 7574 participants were included in the current analysis. Four major dietary patterns were identified: "Sugar and Fats”, “Red meat and Fish”, "Fruits" and “Vegetables”. After adjustment for all confounding variables, participants in the fifth quintile of “Fruits” dietary pattern which was correlated with dried fruits, canned fruits, fruit juice, olive, hydrogenated fats and fruits had a lower odds of severe depression (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.45–0.81, P trend=0.008), anxiety (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.50–0.80, P trend=0.001), and stress, (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.30–0.68, P trend=0.001). Conclusions: The intake of a dietary pattern high in dried fruits, canned fruits, fruit juice, olive, hydrogenated fats and fruits might be inversely associated with depression, anxiety and stress. Future prospective studies are needed to warrant this finding.
Geochemical characteristics of the trace elements and heavy metals in the sequences in Gachsaran Formation, West of Iran
Authors: Sakhavati Behnam , Yousefirad Mostsfa , Yaghotipoor Anita 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In the present study, the geochemical characteristics of sequences of the Gachsaran Formation, located in the west of Kermanshah province, Iran - Iraq border zones, were studied. In order to determine the concentration of the elements, the XRF and ICP-mass techniques were employed, and the XRD technique was used to identify the mineralogical composition and finally, the evaluation of the level of pollution caused by these elements were carried out using statistical and pollution index software.The results illuminated that the concentrations of CaO, MgO, TiO2, and concentrations of two elements, i.e., Cd and Sb were higher than their mean values in the earth’s crust. Based on the CF pollution index, the elements of Cd and Sb with the values of 1.52 and 2 show the moderate contamination. Enrichment factor (EF) revealed moderate contamination for Cs (2.46), Ga (3.86), Rb (2) and Ti (2.35). This index showed the high pollution and anthropogenic origin for Ti (8), Cd (10.41), U (11.26) and Sb (13.43). The results of the correlation between the elements indicated the presence of positive and significant correlation between Cs, Hf, La, Nb, Nd, Rb, Sc, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, Tl, W, Y, Yb, and Zr. There was no positive and significant correlation between U and none of the elements. Three elements of Sb, U, and Cd showed a negative correlation with most of the studied elements. According to the results of cluster analysis, three separate groups were obtained so that each of Ti and Fe was classified as separate groups and Fe showed the highest difference in comparison with other elements. Based on the results of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the highest effect was related to the elements of Cs, Hf, La, Nb, Rb, Sc, Sm, Tb, Th, Tl, W, Y, Yb, Zr, Fe in the first Component, Sb, Cd in second component and U in the third component.
A Review on Thiocyanation of Indoles
Authors: Divyavani Chitteti , Padmaja Pannala , Ugale Vinod G. , Reddy Pedavenkatagari Narayana 
Published: December 2020

Background:
The thiocyanation of indoles is a direct way for carbon-sulfur bond formation to access
3-thiocyanato-indoles. 3-thiocyanato-indoles exhibit potent biological and pharmacological activities and also
serve as building blocks to synthesize many biologically active sulfur-containing indole derivatives.

Objective:
The aim of this review is to highlight different approaches for the thiocyanation of indoles focusing on
its scope and mechanism.

Conclusion:
In this review, we have summarized various methods for the thiocyanation of indoles. Selection of
new methods for the preparation of 3-thiocyanato-indoles will be done. The mechanistic aspects and significance
of the methods are also briefly discussed.
Optimizing electronic capture of patient-reported outcome measures in oncology clinical trials: lessons learned from a qualitative study
Authors: Mowlem Florence D , Sanderson Brad , Platko Jill V , Byrom Bill 
Published: December 2020

Aim:
To understand the impact of anticancer treatment on oncology patients’ ability to use electronic solutions for completing patient-reported outcomes (ePRO).
Materials & methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven individuals who had experienced a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Results:
Participants reported that the following would impact the ability to interact with an ePRO solution: peripheral neuropathy of the hands (4/7), fatigue and/or concentration and memory issues (6/7), where they are in a treatment cycle (5/7). Approaches to improve usability included: larger, well-spaced buttons to deal with finger numbness, the ability to pause a survey and complete at a later point and presenting the recall period with every question to reduce reliance on memory.
Conclusion:
Symptoms associated with cancers and anticancer treatments can impact the use of technologies. The recommendations for optimizing the electronic implementation of patient-reported outcome instruments in this population provides the potential to improve data quality in oncology trials and places patient needs at the forefront to ensure ‘fit-for-purpose’ solutions.
HIV/AIDS E VIOLÊNCIA: SITUAÇÕES DE VULNERABILIDADE ENTRE AS MULHERES
Authors: Oliveira Carlene Almeida , Guimarães de Almeida Lilian Conceição 
Published: December 2020

A violência praticada por parceiros íntimos contra as mulheres destaca a agressão como um importante componente da feminização da epidemia de HIV/AIDS. Nesse sentido, este estudo objetiva analisar a relação existente entre vulnerabilidade à infecção pelo HIV/AIDS entre mulheres e contextos de violência entre parceiros afetivos sexuais. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática. Realizou-se uma seleção eletrônica na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), de onde foram acessadas as bases de dados de Ciências da Saúde em Geral. Os trabalhos identificados totalizam 25 publicações em um período compreendido entre 1994 e 2012. Entre os resultados obtidos, ressalta-se a violência contra as mulheres praticada pelos parceiros condicionante para a ocorrência de infecção pelo HIV, assim como a manutenção do “sexo cedido”, pois nessa situação consideram-se invulneráveis. Conseqüência disso é a impossibilidade da utilização de quimioprofiláticos. Os contextos violentos estão diretamente ligados às desigualdades de gênero e remetem a relações de imposição de poder.