bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accessing the syndemic of COVID-19 and malaria intervention in Africa
Authors: Shi Benyun , Zheng Jinxin , Xia Shang , Lin Shan , Wang Xinyi , Liu Yang , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Liu Jiming 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused substantial disruptions to health services in the low and middle-income countries with a high burden of other diseases, such as malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on malaria transmission potential in malaria-endemic countries in Africa. Methods: We present a data-driven method to quantify the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as various non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), could lead to the change of malaria transmission potential in 2020. First, we adopt a particle Markov Chain Monte Carlo method to estimate epidemiological parameters in each country by fitting the time series of the cumulative number of reported COVID-19 cases. Then, we simulate the epidemic dynamics of COVID-19 under two groups of NPIs: (i) contact restriction and social distancing, and (ii) early identification and isolation of cases. Based on the simulated epidemic curves, we quantify the impact of COVID-19 epidemic and NPIs on the distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Finally, by treating the total number of ITNs available in each country in 2020, we evaluate the negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic on malaria transmission potential based on the notion of vectorial capacity. Results: In this paper, we conduct case studies in four malaria-endemic countries, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia, in Africa. The epidemiological parameters (i.e., the basic reproduction number R_0 and the duration of infection D_I) of COVID-19 in each country are estimated as follows: Ethiopia (R_0=1.57, D_I=5.32), Nigeria (R_0=2.18, D_I=6.58), Tanzania (R_0=2.47, D_I=6.01), and Zambia (R_0=2.12, D_I=6.96). Based on the estimated epidemiological parameters, the epidemic curves simulated under various NPIs indicated that the earlier the interventions are implemented, the better the epidemic is controlled. Moreover, the effect of combined NPIs is better than contact restriction and social distancing only. By treating the total number of ITNs available in each country in 2020 as a baseline, our results show that even with stringent NPIs, malaria transmission potential will remain higher than expected in the second half of 2020. Conclusions: By quantifying the impact of various NPI response to the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria transmission potential, this study provides a way to jointly address the syndemic between COVID-19 and malaria in malaria-endemic countries in Africa. The results suggest that the early intervention of COVID-19 can effectively reduce the scale of the epidemic and mitigate its impact on malaria transmission potential. Keywords : COVID-19 pandemic; Non-pharmaceutical interventions; Particle Markov chain Monte Carlo; Insecticide-treated nets; Vectorial capacity; Malaria transmission potential
Assessing the routine-practice gap for home blood pressure monitoring among Chinese adults with hypertension
Authors: Zuo Hui-Juan , Ma Ji-Xiang , Wang Jin-Wen , Chen Xiao-Rong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is recommended for diagnosis, treatment adjustment and management of most hypertension cases in hypertension guidelines from multiple countries. This study aimed to evaluate HBPM behaviour and explore the routine-practice gap in HBPM among Chinese adults with hypertension. Methods: Data were collected from 20 communities across three cities and six townships in three provinces (Beijing, Shandong and Jiangsu) in China between October 2014 and November 2014. In total, 2,272 patients with hypertension aged ≥35 years that were registered with a primary health station in their local communities were selected by simple random sampling. Results: Among the 2,272 participants, 45.3% owned a home blood pressure (BP) monitor. In addition, 27.5% (625/2,272) engaged in HBPM weekly or more frequently. Healthcare providers’ advice was the strongest factor contributing to home BP monitor ownership and weekly HBPM behaviour, with odds ratios of 13.50 and 8.97, respectively. Approximately 4.4% of participants had achieved optimal HBPM regimens (duplicate measurements in the morning and evening for 7 days). Patients with uncontrolled office-measured BP were more likely to conduct HBPM regularly in the morning and evening, measure their BP two or three times in each session and maintain 7 consecutive days of HBPM than patients with controlled office BP (8.8% vs. 5.8%, P=0.042; 14.3% vs. 8.1%, P=0.002; and 19.9% vs. 12.4%, P=0.005, respectively). Only 16.0% (165/1,030) of participants actively reported their HBPM readings to doctors. Conclusion: The HBPM strategies specified in hypertension guidelines are seldom achieved in actual practice in China. Only a small proportion of patients actively participate in using HBPM to enhance their hypertension care. HBPM may be improved by healthcare providers offering specific advice and training.
A new candidate vaccine for human brucellosis based on influenza viral vectors: development of immunization schedule in guinea pig model
Authors: Bugybayeva Dina , Kydyrbayev Zhailaubay , Zinina Nadezhda , Assanzhanova Nurika , Yespembetov Bolat , Kozhamkulov Yerken , Zakarya Kunsulu , Ryskeldinova Sholpan , Tabynov Kaissar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: A new candidate vector vaccine against human brucellosis based on recombinant influenza viral vectors (rIVV) subtypes H5N1 expressing Brucella Omp16, L7/L12, Omp19 or Cu-Zn SOD proteins has been developed. This paper presents the results of the study of protection of the vaccine with various options of administering, dosing and frequency of use on guinea pigs.Methods: General states of guinea pigs was assessed based on , behavior and dynamics of a guinea pig weight-gain test. The effectiveness of the new anti-brucellosis vector vaccine was determined by studying its protective effect after conjunctival, intranasal and sublingual administration in doses 105 EID50, 106 EID50 and 107 EID50 during prime and boost vaccinations of animals, followed by challenge with a virulent strain of B. mellitensis 16M infection. For sake of comparison, the commercial B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine was used as a control. The protective properties of vaccines were assessed by quantitation of Brucella colonization in organs and tissues of infected animals and compared to the control groups.Results: It was observed a gradual increase in body weight of guinea pigs after prime and booster immunization with the vaccine using conjunctival, intranasal and sublingual routes of administration, as well as after using various doses of vaccine. . The most optimal way of using the vaccine has been established: double intranasal immunization of guinea pigs at a dose of 106 EID50, which provides 80% protection of guinea pigs from B. melitensis 16M infection (P < 0.05), which is comparable to the results of the effectiveness of the commercial B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine.Conclusions: We developed effective vaccine candidate against brucellosis and developed its immunization protocol in guinea pig model. We believe that this study is a substantial step for using the vaccine for future pre-clinical and clinical trials in human.
Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Improves Reynolds Risk Score in Overweight or Obese Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Lee Kyuwan , Sami Nathalie , Tripathy Debu , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy , Norris Mary K. , Courneya Kerry S. , Dieli-Conwright Christina 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer survivors have double the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease than age-matched women without a cancer history. Reynolds risk score (RRS) is a validated algorithm for the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk. This secondary analysis sought to examine the effects of a 16-week aerobic and resistance exercise intervention on RRS in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors. Methods and Results: One hundred overweight or obese (BMI>25kg/m2) breast cancer survivors were randomized to exercise or usual care. The exercise group underwent aerobic and resistance exercise sessions for 16 weeks. RRS was calculated using a validated equation. Group differences in mean change for RRS were evaluated using repeated-measures analyses of variance. Post-intervention, RRS was significantly reduced (7.9±0.9% to 1.0±0.5%, p<0.001) in the exercise group compared to a significant increase (9.0±0.8% to 11.6±1.2%; p=0.002%) in the usual care group (P<0.01). RRS was significantly reduced in exercise vs usual care (between group difference, -10.6; 95% CI, -16.3 to -7.4; p<0.001). Conclusion: A 16-week aerobic and resistance exercise intervention is an effective approach to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in breast cancer survivors. Exercise during cancer survivorship should be considered to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease risk in overweight women breast cancer survivors.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01140282. Registered 9 June 2010, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01140282?term=NCT01140282&draw=2&rank=1
Long-term body mass index changes in obese adults and the risk of heart failure, cardiovascular disease and mortality: a longitudinal study of 260,000 adults
Authors: Iyen Barbara , Weng Stephen , Vinogradova Yana , Akyea Ralph , Qureshi Nadeem , Kai Joe 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Although obesity is a well-recognised risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the impact of long-term body mass index (BMI) changes in overweight or obese adults, on the risk of heart failure, CVD and mortality has not been quantified. Methods: This population-based cohort study used routine UK primary care electronic health data linked to secondary care and death-registry records. We identified adults who were overweight or obese, free from CVD and who had repeated BMI measures. Using group-based trajectory modelling, we examined the BMI trajectories of these individuals and then determined incidence rates of CVD, heart failure and mortality associated with the different trajectories. Cox-proportional hazards regression determined hazards ratios for incident outcomes. Results: 264,230 individuals (mean age 49.5 years (SD 12.7) and mean BMI 33.8kg/m 2 (SD 6.1)) were followed-up for a median duration of 10.9 years. Four BMI trajectories were identified, corresponding at baseline, with World Health Organisation BMI classifications for overweight, class-1, class-2 and class-3 obesity respectively. In all four groups, there was a small, stable upwards trajectory in BMI (mean BMI increase of 1.06kg/m 2 (± 3.8)). Compared with overweight individuals, class-3 obese individuals had a 3.3-fold increased risk of heart failure (HR 3.26 (95% CI 2.98-3.57)), 2.7-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 2.72 (2.58-2.87)) and 3.3-fold increased risk of CVD-related mortality (HR 3.31 (2.84-3.86)) after adjusting for baseline demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: The majority of adults who are overweight or obese retain their degree of overweight or obesity over the long term. Individuals with stable severe obesity experience the worst heart failure, CVD and mortality outcomes. These findings highlight the high cardiovascular toll exacted by continuing failure to tackle obesity.
Physician-led prehospital management is associated with reduced mortality in severe blunt trauma patients: A retrospective analysis of the Japanese nationwide trauma registry
Authors: Endo Akira , Kojima Mitsuaki , Uchiyama Saya , Shiraishi Atsushi , Otomo Yasuhiro 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Although the results of previous studies suggested the effectiveness of physician-led prehospital trauma management, it has been uncertain because of the limited number of high-quality studies. Furthermore, the advantage of physician-led prehospital management might have been overestimated due to the shortened prehospital time by helicopter transportation in some studies. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of physician-led prehospital management independent of prehospital time. Also, subgroup analysis was performed to explore the subpopulation that especially benefit from physician-led prehospital management. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the data of Japan’s nationwide trauma registry. Severe blunt trauma patients, defined by Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16, who were transported directly to a hospital between April 2009 and March 2019 were evaluated. In-hospital mortality was compared between groups dichotomized by the occupation of primary prehospital healthcare provider (i.e., physician or paramedic), using 1:4 propensity score-matched analysis. The propensity score was calculated using potential confounders including patient demographics, mechanism of injury, vital signs at the scene of injury, ISS, and total time from injury to hospital arrival. Subpopulations that especially benefit from physician-led prehospital management were explored by assessing interaction effects between physician-led prehospital management and patient characteristics. Results: A total of 30,551 patients (physician-led: 2,976, paramedic-led: 27,575) were eligible for analysis, of whom 2,690 propensity score-matched pairs (physician-led: 2,690, paramedic-led: 10,760) were generated and compared. Physician-led group showed significantly decreased in-hospital mortality than paramedic-led group (in-hospital mortality: 387 [14.4%] and 1,718 [16.0%]; odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.88 [0.78–1.00], p = 0.044). Patients with age <65 years, ISS ≥25, Abbreviated Injury Scale in pelvis and lower extremities ≥3, and total prehospital time <60 min were likely to benefit from physician-led prehospital management. Conclusions: Physician-led prehospital trauma management was significantly associated with reduced in-hospital mortality independent of prehospital time. The findings of exploratory subgroup analysis would be useful for the future research to establish efficient dispatch system of physician team.
A SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody with exceptional spike binding coverage and optimized therapeutic potentials
Authors: Guo Yu , Huang Lisu , Zhang Guangshun , Yao Yanfeng , Zhou He , Shen Shu , Shen Bingqing , Li Bo , Li Xin , Chen Mingjie , Chen Da , Wu Jia , Fu Dan , Zeng Xinxin , Feng Mingfang , Pi Chunjiang , Wang Yuan , Zhou Xingdong , Lu Minmin , Fang Yaohui , Lu Yun-Yueh , Hu Xue , Wang Shanshan , Zhang Wanju , Zhang Qian , Gao Ge , Adrian Francisco , Wang Qisheng , Yu Feng , Peng Yun , Gabibov Alexander , Min Juan , Wang Yuhui , Huang Heyu , Stepanov Alexey , Zhang Wei , Cai Yan , Liu Junwei , Yuan Zhi-Ming , Zhang Chen , Lou Zhiyong , Deng Fei , Zhang Hongkai , Shan Chao , Schweizer Liang , Sun Kun , Rao Zihe 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) threatens global public health and economy. Therapeutic options such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 are in urgent need. We have identified potent monoclonal antibodies binding to SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein from COVID-19 convalescent patients and one of these antibodies, P4A1, interacts directly and covers the majority of the Receptor Binding Motif (RBM) of Spike receptor-binding domain (RBD), shown by high-resolution complex structure analysis. We further demonstrated P4A1 binding and neutralizing activities against wild type and mutant spike proteins. P4A1 was subsequently engineered to reduce the potential risk for antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection and to extend its half-life. The engineered mAb exhibits optimized pharmacokinetic and safety profile, and results in complete viral clearance in a rhesus monkey model of COVID-19 following a single injection.
Long- and Short-Ranged Chiral Interactions in DNA Assembled Plasmonic Chains
Authors: Martens Kevin , Binkowski Felix , Nguyen Linh , Hu Li , Govorov Alexander , Burger Sven , Liedl Tim 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Molecular chirality plays a crucial role in innumerable biological processes. The chirality of a molecule can typically be identified by its characteristic optical response, the circular dichroism (CD). CD signals have thus long been used to identify the state of molecules or to follow dynamic protein configurations. In recent years, the focus has moved towards plasmonic nanostructures, as they show potential for applications ranging from pathogen sensing to novel optical materials. The plasmonic coupling of the individual elements of such chiral metallic structures is a crucial prerequisite to obtain sizeable CD signals. We here identified and implemented various coupling entities - chiral and achiral - to obtain chiral transfer over distances close to 100 nm. The coupling is realized by an achiral nanosphere situated between a pair of gold nanorods that are arranged far apart but in a chiral fashion. We synthesized these structures with nanometer precision using DNA origami and obtained sample homogeneity that allowed us to directly demonstrate efficient chiral energy transfer between the distant nanorods. The transmitter particle causes a strong enhancement in amplitude of the CD response, the emergence of an additional chiral feature at the resonance frequency of the nanosphere, and a redshift of the longitudinal plasmonic resonance frequency of the nanorods. Numerical simulations closely match our experimental observations and give insights in the intricate behavior of chiral optical fields and the transfer of plasmons in complex architectures.
Evaluation of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Markers E-Cadherin and Vimentin in Carcinoma Cervix
Authors: R Naveen Kumar , Ahluwalia Charanjeet , Malik Sunita , Arora Rashmi 
Published: November 2020

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common in developing areas. Epithelial to mesenchymal transformation, one of the critical elements in invasion, progression and metastasis of tumour. This study highlights the expression of epithelial mesenchymal markers E-cadherin and vimentin in carcinoma cervix and whether there is any association of expression of these markers with grade of cervical cancer.
Objectives:

To study the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers

E-cadherin and vimentin in cervical cancer.

To correlate the immunohistochemical expression of these markers with grade of cervical cancer.

Methods: 30 cases (n=30) of carcinoma cervix & 30 controls (n=30) of non specific cervicitis diagnosed on H&E were included in this study. H&E stained sections was examined for histological type and grade. Immunohistochemistry for E-Cadherin and Vimentin was performed in all these cases.
Result: Immunohistochemical expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin and of mesenchymal marker vimentin was correlated with the grade of cervical carcinoma. The expression of E-cadherin is reduced and expression of vimentin is increased with increasing grades of carcinoma cervix.
Conclusion: The expression of these EMT markers can be used as a prognostic marker in cervical cancer that are in high risk of progression.
Reactive Thrombocytosis – Aetiology And Relationship with Different Hematological Parameters, ESR, CRP in Infections
Authors: Garg Bhavana , Shah Menka 
Published: November 2020

Background: The measurements of platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), WBC are routinely available nowadays. The aim of this study was to determine aetiology and relationship of these parameters whether they were associated with the known markers of disease activity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C- reactive protein (CRP) in infections.
Methods: This descriptive study was done on 500 patients with platelet count > 450,000/ μl and the cause being reactive. Platelet count, WBC, MPV, ESR, and CRP were measured at the time of hospitalization.
Result: Most common cause of reactive thrombocytosis was Infections (28.8%), Tissue damage (16.4%), Iron deficiency anemia (16.2%), Malignancy (9.6%) and Inflammation (9.4%). In infections, bacterial infections (88%) were found to be more common. There was low degree of positive correlation between reactive thrombocytosis and WBC (r = 0.124, P >0.05) , ESR ( r = .147, P= 0.07) , MPV ( r = .077, P >0.05) in infections. There was significant negative correlation between reactive thrombocytosis and CRP in infections (r = -.199, P= 0.017).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated a higher level of platelet count and lower MPV in all the patients having reactive thrombocytosis irrespective of it’s etiology. There was low degree of positive correlation between platelet count and WBC, ESR and MPV in infections and a significant negative correlation with CRP. We propose that platelet parameters may be considered as reliable markers for assessment of disease activity.
Aleukemic myeloid sarcoma of small intestine: masquerading as subacute intestinal obstruction: Review of literature
Authors: Joshi Vidushi , Gahlot Gaurav PS , Ahuja Ankur , Chatterjee Tathagata , BS Sunita 
Published: November 2020

Background: Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is an extramedullary disease of immature myeloid cells with incidence of 1-2% among all acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases. Less than twenty cases of aleukemic MS with initial presentation as intestinal mass have been described in the English literature.
Case report: Here we report a case of 45 year old female with normal haematology workup who presented with acute abdominal pain and distension. On evaluation, she was found to have ileocolic intussusception of gangrenous bowel, so managed by limited right hemicolectomy and initially reported as Non Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).During follow-up she was found to have a globular mass in right lumbar region that was diagnosed as myeloid sarcoma. On further followup, her TLC count was gradually increasing.
Conclusion: The index case highlights the unusual presentation of isolated intraabdominal MS which was clinical diagnosed as subacute intestinal obstruction in a young female with normal hematological profile.
Spectrum of Synovial Sarcoma-clinicopathological and Immunohistochemical Correlation
Authors: GV Sunandalakshmi , Chougani Sujitha , Kharidehal Durga , V Ravi Sankar , Vissa Santhi 
Published: November 2020

Background: Synovial sarcoma is the common adult soft tissue sarcomas affects the lower extremities. In poor resource settings, characterization by molecular methods may not be feasible always. This study is aimed to evaluate Sensitivity and Specificity of Transducin-like enhancer of split 1 (TLE1) immunohistochemical expression in Synovial sarcomas (SS) and its histological mimics and to study the clinicopathological features of Synovial sarcoma.
Method: A prospective study of two years duration from September 2013 to September 2015 conducted at the Department of Pathology, MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, Redhills, Hyderabad. Total number of Synovial sarcomas was 30. All original H & E section of the tumor are reviewed and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was carried out on TLE1 mouse monoclonal antibody (TMA) blocks using TLE1 Antibody.
Results: The Median age was 30 years. The most common site of involvement was lower limbs. The most common mode of presentation was painless swelling. The most common variant of Synovial sarcoma was monophasic Spindle in 19 cases. Total number of TLE1 positive cases of Synovial sarcoma was 93.3%. Total number of SS mimics showing TLE1 positivity was30%. TLE1 showed Sensitivity 93.3% and Specificity- 73.3%. In the present study negative predictive value is 91.6% and the positive predictive value is 77.7%.
Conclusion: All small round blue cell tumors should be kept in mind while diagnosing poorly differentiated SS. TLE1 is a very sensitive marker for synovial sarcoma.TLE 1 is a highly sensitive marker for synovial sarcoma, but is less specific because of its positive expression in other mesenchymal tumors.