bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein is the result of an ancestral recombination between the bat-CoV RaTG13 and the pangolin-CoV MP789
Authors: Flores-Alanis Alejandro , Sandner-Miranda Luisa , Delgado Gabriela , Cravioto Alejandro , Morales-Espinosa Rosario 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective: In December 2019 a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that is causing the current COVID-19 pandemic was identified in Wuhan, China. Many questions have been raised about its origin and adaptation to humans. In the present work we performed a genetic analysis of the Spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 and other related coronaviruses (CoVs) isolated from different hosts in order to trace the evolutionary history of this protein and the adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 to humans.Results: Based on the sequence analysis of the S gene, we suggest that the origin of SARS-CoV-2 is the result of recombination events between bat and pangolin CoVs. The hybrid SARS-CoV-2 ancestor jumped to humans and has been maintained by natural selection. Although the S protein of RaTG13 bat CoV has a high nucleotide identity with the S protein of SARS-CoV-2, the phylogenetic tree and the haplotype network suggest a non-direct parental relationship between these CoVs. Moreover, it is likely that the basic function of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S protein was acquired by the SARS-CoV-2 from the MP789 pangolin CoV by recombination and it has been highly conserved.
Oral Health Promotion Program for Persons With Severe Mental Illness: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kuo Mei-Wen , Yeh Shu-Hui , Chang Heng-Ming , Teng Po-Ren 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a composite oral health promotion program designed to reduce dental plaque among persons with severe mental illness in a psychiatric institution.MethodsA cluster randomized controlled study was carried out in chronic psychiatric wards of a general hospital in central Taiwan. Sixty-eight eligible male individuals admitted to 2 wards were randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group. Participants in the experimental group underwent an oral health promotion program that consisted of biweekly group education sessions, and a 12-week individual behavioral modification for oral hygiene course. The participants in the control group received usual care only. Dental plaque (measured by the Plaque Control Index) was examined by a single dentist before and after the experiment. Each participant responded to a questionnaire regarding oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior before and after the experiment.ResultsFifty-eight individuals completed the study. Before the experiment, the plaque index was similar between the intervention group (68.9; N=27) and the control group (69.8; N=31). After the experiment, the plaque index was significantly better in the intervention group than in the control group (42.6 vs. 61.8; P<0.001). Participants in the intervention group also demonstrated better oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior than those in the control group after the experiment. ConclusionsA composite oral health promotion program using both group education and individual behavioral methods over a 12-week period was effective in both reducing dental plaque and improving the oral health knowledge of persons with severe mental illness in the institution. Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered in Clinicaltrials.gov, with number NCT04464941, dated 7/7/2020. http://register.clinicaltrials.gov/RD103035018.
Identification of risk features for complication in Gaucher’s Disease patients: A Machine Learning analysis of the Spanish Registry of Gaucher Disease.
Authors: Andrade-Campos Marcio M , de Frutos Laura López , Cebolla Jorge J , Serrano-Gonzalo Irene , Medrano-Engay Blanca , Roca-Espiau Mercedes , Gomez-Barrera Beatriz , Pérez-Heredia Jorge , Iniguez David , Giraldo Pilar 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background : Since enzyme replacement therapy for Gaucher disease (MIM#230800) has become available, both awareness of and the natural history of the disease have changed. However, there remain unmet needs such as the identification of patients at risk of developing bone crisis during therapy and late complications such as cancer or parkinsonism. The Spanish Gaucher Disease Registry has worked since 1993 to compile demographic, clinical, genetic, analytical, imaging and follow-up data from more than 400 patients. The aims of this study were to discover correlations between patients’ characteristics at diagnosis and to identify risk features for the development of late complications; for this a machine learning approach involving correlation networks and decision trees analyses was applied.

Results : A total of 358 patients, 340 type 1 Gaucher disease and 18 type 3 cases were selected. 18% were splenectomyzed and 39% had advanced bone disease. 81% of cases carried heterozygous genotype. 47% of them were diagnosed before the year 2000. Mean age at diagnosis and therapy were 28 and 31.5 years old (y.o.) respectively. 4% developed monoclonal gammopathy undetermined significance or Parkinson Disease, 6% cancer, and 10% died before this study. Previous splenectomy correlates with the development of skeletal complications and severe bone disease (p=0.005); serum levels of IgA, delayed age at start therapy (>9.5 y.o. since diagnosis) also correlates with severe bone disease at diagnosis and with the incidence of bone crisis during therapy. High IgG (>1750mg/dL) levels and age over 60 y.o. at diagnosis were found to be related with the development of cancer. When modelling the decision tree, patients with a delayed diagnosis and therapy were the most severe and with higher risk of complications.

Conclusions : Our work confirms previous observations, highlights the importance of early diagnosis and therapy and identifies new risk features such as high IgA and IgG levels for long-term complications.
Interpersonal Relationships and Drug Use Over Time Among Homeless People: a Qualitative Study.
Authors: de Espíndola Marília Ignácio , Bedendo André , Silva Eroy Aparecida da , Noto Ana Regina 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Homelessness is one of the most severe forms of social exclusion. It is characterized by processes of weakening of interpersonal bonds, being considered an important public health issue. The objective of this study is to elucidate how the interpersonal relationships changed over the life cycle of homeless drug and alcohol users. Method: We used the qualitative methodology. The participants were adults who had a history of homelessness and use of alcohol and other drugs at some point. The interviews were semi structured and used the timeline instrument. All of them were fully recorded, transcribed, and submitted to Thematic Analysis.Results: Twenty individuals participated in the study. Reports on social exclusion over time stood out in four large themes and their respective subthemes. Theme 1 – Childhood: participants reported instability in their upbringing, abuse, and violence, and regarded their father figure as not very present or absent. Theme 2 – Adolescence: school dropout and failure; acceptance of gender and sexual orientation; birth of first child, living together or getting married prevailed. Theme 3 – Adulthood: estrangement or conflicting relationship with family; health problems; drug trafficking and prostitution. Theme 4 – Cross-cutting factors: death of relatives and substance use. Conclusion: The results suggest that these interpersonal relationships are permeated by successive breakups, conflicts and other events that pile up over time, may start in childhood and cross the subsequent phases. Substance abuse and dependence are mentioned as cross-cutting factors that intensify social exclusion in all the phases of the life cycle.
A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis of Facilitators and Barriers to Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment in Nigeria
Authors: Oga-Omenka Charity , Wakdet Lawrence , Menzies Dick , Zarowsky Christina 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Despite progress in tuberculosis (TB) control globally, TB continues to be a leading cause of death from infectious diseases, claiming 1.2 million lives in 2018; 214,000 of these deaths were due to drug resistant strains. Of the estimated 10 million cases globally in 2018, 24% were in Africa, with Nigeria and South Africa making up most of these numbers.Nigeria ranks 6th in the world for TB burden, with an estimated 4.3% multi-drug resistance in new cases. However, the country had one of the lowest case detection rates, estimated at 24% of incident cases in 2018 - well below the World Health Organization (WHO) STOP TB target of 84%. This rate highlights the need to understand contextual issues influencing tuberculosis management in Nigeria. Our synthesis was aimed at synthesizing qualitative evidence on factors influencing TB care in Nigeria.Methods A three-stage thematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies was used to identify barriers and facilitators to tuberculosis case finding and treatment in Nigeria. A purposive search of eleven databases was conducted. The date of publication was limited to 2006 to June 2020. We analyzed articles using a three-stage process, resulting in coding, descriptive subthemes and analytical themes.Results Our final synthesis of 10 articles resulted in several categories including community and family involvement, education and knowledge, attitudes and stigma, alternative care options, health system factors (including coverage and human resource), gender, and direct and indirect cost of care. These were grouped into three major themes: individual factors; interpersonal influences; and health system factors.Conclusion Case finding and treatment for TB in Nigeria currently depends more on individual patients presenting voluntarily to the hospital for care, necessitating an understanding of patient behaviors towards TB diagnosis and treatment. Our synthesis has identified several related factors that shape patients’ behavior towards TB management at individual, community and health system levels that can inform future interventions.
LncRNA MT1JP Plays a Protective Role in Cholangiocarcinoma by Regulating miR-18a-5p/FBP1 Axie
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhao Jing , Guo Xiao , Feng Yujie , Zhang Bingyuan , Tian Lantian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Cholangiocarcinoma is a common malignant tumor of digestive system. LncRNA MT1JP has been reported to play tumor-suppressing roles in multiple cancers. However, the effect of MT1JP on cholangiocarcinoma has not been evaluated. Methods: The expression of MT1JP in cholangiocarcinoma specimens and paired para-carcinoma tissues were detected by real-time PCR. The overexpression plasmid and siRNA of MT1JP were transfected into cholangiocarcinoma cells to change the expression levels of MT1JP. CCK-8, flow cytometry and transwell assays were performed to measure proliferation, cell cycle transition, apoptosis, migration and invasion in cholangiocarcinoma cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, real-time PCR and western blot were carried out to screen the miRNA bound by MT1JP. In addition, xneograft experiment was used to determine the tumorigenesis of cholangiocarcinoma cells in nude. Results: MT1JP was downregulated in cholangiocarcinoma specimens, compared with para-carcinoma tissues, and its expression was related with tumor size, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Overexpression of MT1JP inhibited proliferation, cell cycle transition, migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma cells. The knockdown of MT1JP led to opposite results. MT1JP bound to miR-18a-5p to facilitate the expression of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1). MiR-18a-5p was increased in cholangiocarcinoma samples, and its expression was negatively correlated with that of MT1JP. In addition, MT1JP also suppressed tumorigenesis in nude mice. Conclusions: MT1JP alleviated proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma cells by regulating miR-18a-5p/FBP1 axie. These findings may provide novel insights for diagnosis and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma in clinic.
A randomized, multicenter, open-label, adaptive, proof of concept clinical trial of new antivirals working against Sars-CoV2: Direct Antivirals Working against the Novel coronavirus – Azithromycin (DAWn-AZITHRO) trial
Authors: Gyselinck Iwein , Liesenborghs Laurens , Landeloos Ewout , Belmans Ann , Verbeke Geert , Verhamme Peter , Vos Robin , Janssens Wim 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The rapid emergence and the high disease burden of the novel coronavirus Sars-CoV-2 has created a medical need for readily available drugs that can decrease viral replication or blunt the hyperinflammatory state leading to severe COVID-19 disease. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, known for its immunomodulatory properties. It has shown antiviral effect specifically against Sars-CoV-2 in vitro, and acts on cytokine signaling pathways that have been implicated in COVID-19.Methods: DAWn-Azithro is a randomized, open-label, phase 2 proof-of-concept, multicenter clinical trial, evaluating the safety and efficacy of azithromycin for treating hospitalized patients with COVID-19. It is part of a series of trials testing promising interventions for COVID-19, running in parallel and grouped under the name DAWn-studies. Patients hospitalized on dedicated COVID-wards are eligible for study-inclusion when they are symptomatic (i.e. clinical or radiological signs) and have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 72 hours through PCR (nasopharyngeal swab or bronchoalveolar lavage), or chest CT scan showing typical features of COVID-19 and without alternate diagnosis. Patients are block-randomized (9 patients) with a 2:1 allocation to receive azithromycin plus standard of care versus standard of care alone. Standard of care is mostly supportive, but may comprise hydroxychloroquine, up to the treating physician’s discretion and depending on local policy and national health regulations. The treatment group receives azithromycin qd 500 mg during the first 5 consecutive days after inclusion. The trial will include 284 patients and recruits from 15 centers across Belgium. Primary outcome is time from admission (day 0) to life discharge or to sustained clinical improvement, defined as an improvement of two points on the WHO 7-category ordinal scale sustained for at least 3 days.Discussion: The trial investigates the urgent and still unmet global need for drugs that may impact on the disease course of COVID-19. It will either provide support or else justify the discouragement of the current widespread, uncontrolled use of azithromycin in patients with COVID-19. The analogous design of other parallel trials of the DAWN-consortium, will amplify the chance of identifying successful treatment strategies and allow comparison of treatment effects within an identical clinical context.Trial registration: EU Clinical trials register, EudraCT Nb 2020-001614-38. Start date 2020-04-22.
Determinants of Family Planning and Child Immunization Services Integration in Urban Areas of Nigeria: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Sheahan Kate , Speizer Ilene , Orgill-Meyer Jennifer , Curtis Sian , Weinberger Morris , Paul John , Bennett Antonia V. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Unmet need for contraception is high in the postpartum period. Research has identified the role that integration of family planning into child immunization services can have in addressing this need. However, evidence about the effects of family planning and immunization integration has been inconsistent and more evidence is required to determine whether and how to invest in integration. This study applies continuous facility-level family planning and child immunization integration index scores to: (1) determine whether facility-level integration changes over time, (2) assess the impact of the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) - a program that aimed to increase modern contraceptive use - on integration, and (3) identify determinants of integration across facilities in urban areas of Nigeria. Methods: Longitudinal data from health facilities in six urban areas of Nigeria are available from 400 facilities at baseline and 385 facilities at endline. Difference-in-differences models are used to assess the impact of NURHI on Provider Integration and Facility Integration Index scores, and to identify facility-level determinants of integration. The two outcome measures, Provider and Facility Integration Index scores, measure attributes that support integrated service delivery. The independent variables are (1) time period (2) whether the facility received the NURHI intervention, and (3) facility-level characteristics. Results: Our results show that the Provider Integration Index scores increased significantly only among non-intervention facilities while Facility Integration Index scores did not increase significantly in either group. We find that NURHI did not have a significant effect on integration index scores. Results also pinpoint facility characteristics that influence integration, including public ownership and the proportion of providers who have received family planning training. Conclusion: Programs aiming to increase integration of family planning and immunization services should monitor and provide targeted support for the implementation of a well-defined integration strategy that considers the influence of facility characteristics and concurrent initiatives.
Childhood Sanitation Practices and Incidence of Diarrhea in Slum Communities With Implications for Community-Based Education in Less Developed Countries
Authors: Oduaran Akpovire B , Chukwudeh Okechukwu Stephen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Diarrhoea is a major cause of mortality among under-five children, especially in less developed countries. Previous studies on childhood diarrhoea have largely focused on biomedical methods with little attention given to community-based approach to reduce the prevalence of the disease in the slums, classified in literature among areas of high diarrhoea incidence. The key question is does childhood sanitation practices influence the incidence of diarrhea? This study, was therefore, designed to examine the association between childhood sanitation practices and incidence of diarrhea using community-based approach.Methods The value beliefs and planned behavior theories were adopted as framework, while cross-sectional survey was use to elicit data from 900 mothers of under-five children who had lived in the study locations for at least 12 months preceding the research and 10 In-depth interviews was conducted.Results There was a positive significant association between defecating with unimproved toilet facilities (χ2=42.167, p<0.05), cleaning buttocks with inappropriate materials (χ2=4.274, p<0.05), disposing faeces around household environments (χ2=10.542, p<0.05), and childhood diarrhea. The odds was higher among children whose mothers had no education (OR=1.560), widow (OR=5.542), poor (OR=1.556), and children that defecates with unhygienic toilet facilities (OR=7.806).Conclusion Community perceptions interact with poverty to influence unhygienic toilet practices in the slums. This has negative health implications on the lives of low-income and vulnerable slum dwellers. Thus, community-based education on improved sanitary practices is necessary to reduce diarrhoea prevalence.
A randomized, multicentre, open-label phase II proof-of-concept trial investigating the clinical efficacy and safety of the addition of convalescent plasma to the standard of care in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: the Donated Antibodies Working against nCoV (DAWn-Plasma) trial.
Authors: Devos Timothy , Geukens Tatjana , Schauwvlieghe Alexander , Ariën Kevin K , Barbezange Cyril , Cleeren Myriam , Compernolle Veerle , Dauby Nicolas , Desmecht Daniël , Grimaldi David , Lambrecht Bart N , Luyten Anne , Maes Piet , Moutschen Michel , Romano Marta , Seyler Lucie , Nevessignsky Michel Toungouz , Vandenberghe Katleen , Griensven Johan van , Verbeke Geert , Vlieghe Erika , Yombi Jean Cyr , Liesenborghs Laurens , Verhamme Peter , Meyfroidt Geert 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed an enormous burden on health care systems around the world. In the past, the administration of convalescent plasma of patients having recovered from SARS and severe influenza to patients actively having the disease, showed promising effects on mortality and appeared safe. Whether or not this also holds true for the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently unknown.Methods: DAWn-Plasma is a multicentre nation-wide, randomized, open-label, phase II proof-of-concept clinical trial, evaluating the clinical efficacy and safety of the addition of convalescent plasma to the standard of care in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Belgium. Patients hospitalized with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 are eligible when they are symptomatic (i.e. clinical or radiological signs) and have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the 72 hours before study inclusion through a PCR (nasal/nasopharyngeal swab or bronchoalveolar lavage) or a chest-CT scan showing features compatible with COVID-19 in the absence of an alternative diagnosis. Patients are randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either standard of care and convalescent plasma (active treatment group) or standard of care only. The active treatment group receives 2 units of 200 to 250 mL of convalescent plasma within 12 hours after randomization, with a second administration of 2 units 24 to 36 hours after ending the first administration. The trial aims to include 483 patients and will recruit from 25 centres across Belgium. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients that require mechanical ventilation or have died at day 15. The main secondary endpoints are clinical status on day 15 and day 30 after randomization, as defined by the WHO Progression 10-point ordinal scale, and safety of the administration of convalescent plasma.Discussion: This trial will either provide support or discourage the use of convalescent plasma as early intervention for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT04429854. Registered 12 June 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04429854.
Associations of dietary inflammatory index, serum levels of MCP-1 and body composition in Iranian overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghodoosi Nasim , Mirzababaei Atieh , Rashidbeygi Elahe , Badrooj Negin , Sajjadi Seyedeh Forough , Setayesh Leila , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed , Keshavarz Seyed Ali , Shiraseb Farideh , Mirzaei Khadijeh 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective: The relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and obesity-related parameters and inflammation has been examined in several studies but with controversial results. This study aimed to investigate this relationship in Iranian women.Results: Fat-free mass varied between DII groups, but no significant associations were observed between the DII and fat mass. Multivariable linear regression showed that fat-free mass increased by 1.5 kg in the anti-inflammatory diet group, compared to the pro-inflammatory diet group, with adjusted covariates including age, physical activity, economic and job status (β = 1.50, 95% CI 0, 3.01, p = 0.05). Furthermore, multivariable linear regression revealed lower MCP-1 serum levels in the lower DII group, with adjusted covariates including age, weight, physical activity, smoking, economic, and job status (β = -18.81, 95% CI -35.84, -1.79, p = 0.03). Anthropometric variables were not significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion : these findings suggest an inversely significant association between DII and fat-free mass level and a significant direct association between DII and serum MCP-1 levels. The results can be used for developing interventions that aim to promote healthy eating to prevent inflammation and the development of non-communicable diseases among overweight and obese people.