bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Investigation Into the Beneficial Effects of High-Dose Interferon beta 1-a, Compared to Low-Dose Interferon Beta 1-a (the base therapeutic regimen) in moderate to severe COVID-19
Authors: Darazam Ilad Alavi , Hatami Firouze , Rabiei Mohammad Mahdi , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Shabani Minoosh , Shokouhi Shervin , Moradi Omid , Gharehbagh Farid Javandoust , Mirtalaee Nasrinsadat , Negahban Halimeh , Amirdosara Mahdi , Zangi Masoud , Hajiesmaeili Mohammadreza , Kazempour Muhanna , Shafigh Navid 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a serious obstacle in front of public health. Interferon-beta 1a (IFN-β 1a) has been used to treat patients with COVID-19. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of high dose IFN-β 1a compared to low dose IFN-β 1a (the base therapeutic regimen) in moderate to severe COVID-19 cases.Methods: In this randomized, controlled, and clinical trial, eligible patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections were randomly assigned to receive one of the two following therapeutic regimens: The intervention group was treated with high dose IFN-β 1a (Recigen) (Subcutaneous injections of 88μg (24,000 IU) on days 1, 3, 6) + lopinavir /ritonavir (Kaletra) and the control group was treated with low dose IFN-β 1a (Recigen) (Subcutaneous injections of 44μg (12,000 IU) on days 1, 3, 6) + lopinavir /ritonavir (Kaletra) (400mg/100 mg twice a day for 10 days, orally, in all two groups). Result:A total of 168 COVID- 19 confirmed patients underwent randomization; 83 were assigned to the intervention group and 85 were assigned to the control group. Median Time To Clinical Improvement (TTIC) for cases treated with low dose of IFN-β1a was shorter than that for cases treated with high dose of IFN-β1a (6 vs10 days; P=0.018). Hazard Ratio for TTCI in the Cox regression model was 1.56 (95% CI: 1.05-2.30, P-value=0.026). Due to differences between some baseline clinical factors between intervention and control group, we; therefore, performed an adjusted analysis by including spo2, D-dimer and CRP in Cox regression model. The model failed to reach a significant difference between two groups. The adjusted HR was 1.37 (95% CI: 0.88-2.12, P-value=0.16). No difference was observed in terms of mortality between two groups. ConclusionThe use of high-dose IFN-β 1a did not improve TTCI in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. Also, it has not any significant effect in mortality reduction compared with treating with low-dose IFN-β 1a.Trial registration: The trial was confirmed by the Ethics in Medical Research Committee of the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. signed informed consents were obtained from all the participants or their legally authorized representatives. This trial has been registered as ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04521400.
Parent-adolescent communication about Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues and Associated Factors among Mothers in Wogdie District, North Ethiopia
Authors: Ewnetu Lioul , Mekonnen Alemtsehay , Alemu Yibeltal , Shume Workineh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a stage of rapid transition of physical, psychological and emotional development. Parent-adolescent communication has great role on the reduction of SRH problem of adolescents. However evidences shows that there is a silence between parent and adolescent because of this adolescent are affected by STIs, HIV, unsafe abortion and unwanted pregnancy. Therefore this study tried to identify factors that hinder communication in Wogdie district North East Ethiopia.Method: A community based cross-sectional study supplemented with qualitative data was conducted. Six hundred fifteen mothers were selected by multi-stage sampling method for quantitative study. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used for quantitative data collection. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis was executed to assess the association between variables. Participants were selected by purposive sampling method for qualitative part. Fourteen participants were participated in in-depth interview. The qualitative data was transcribed manually using verbatim approach.Results: The magnitude of parent-adolescent communication was 198 (32.8%) with 95% CI (29.1, 36.7). Rural residence of mother [AOR=0.056, 95% CI (0.01, 0.331)], family size of >6 [AOR=0.338, 95% CI (0.13, 0.874)], maternal education status of uneducated [AOR=0.421, 95% CI (0.186, 0.951)], maternal occupational status of housewife [AOR=0.085, 95% CI (0.024, 0.298)], low wealth status [AOR=0.316, 95% CI (0.129, 0.777)], poor maternal knowledge about SRH [AOR=0.063, 95% CI (0.024, 0.164)] and negative maternal attitude towards SRH communication [AOR=0.037, 95% CI (0.008, 0.169)] were have significant negative association with parent-adolescent communication. Cultural taboo, fear and lack of knowledge were reasons that hinder communication.Conclusion: Communication on sexual and reproductive health issue between parent and adolescent was low. Home to home and community health education of mothers is important to create good knowledge and positive attitude about sexual and reproductive communication.
Professional Image of Nursing and Midwifery in East Africa: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Ndirangu Eunice Wambui , Sarki Ahmed , Mbekenga Columba , Edwards Grace 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Evidence suggests that there is a negative image of nursing and midwifery that does not promote these professions as attractive career options. Furthermore, there is a paucity of studies documenting how nursing and midwifery is perceived in East Africa and where such studies exist they are country-specific. The aim of this study was to explore views regarding the image of nursing and midwifery among nurses and midwives in three East African countries, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.Methods: An exploratory descriptive cross-sectional study administered online using Survey Monkey Questionnaires assessed the views and perceptions of nurses and midwives regarding the image of nursing and midwifery professions. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi square tests were used to analyse the data. The semi-structured questions were analysed using content analysis. Results: A total of 551 participants took part in the study. The majority were females (61.8%), registered nurses/midwives (45.8%), and aged 30-39 years (34.2%). Most of the respondents were from Kenya (39.7%) and Uganda (32.9%). About two-thirds of the nurses and midwives in this study perceived nursing/midwifery as both trusted and respected professions and expressed having a level of control over how their image was portrayed. Conversely, the nurses and midwives were conscious that the public had mixed responses about the nursing/midwifery professions specifically, some members of the public described nurses/midwives as professionals, knowledgeable and caring, others perceived nurses/midwives to be rude, cruel, unkind, lazy, unkempt, and maids.Conclusion: This study offers an interesting insight about the image of nursing/midwifery in East Africa. Findings from this study will inform policy makers and educators about key concepts that affect the image of nursing and midwifery in East Africa. The findings will be used to design marketing materials to help improve the image of nursing and midwifery in the region and other African countries.
Factors affecting patient safety culture in terms of compliance with preventing bloodborne pathogens among general hospital nurses
Authors: Kim Na young , Moon Kyoung Ja 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The present study aims to investigate the relationship between patient safety culture and the prevention of transmitting bloodborne pathogens among nurses at a general hospital.Methods: The participants were 284 nurses working at a general hospital located in a city, and the data were collected between April 26 and May 15, 2019. Questionnaires on patient safety culture and the prevention of bloodborne pathogens were used, and SPSS version 22.0 was used for descriptive and hierarchical regression analysis.Results: The results showed that the following factors affected the prevention of bloodborne pathogens: experience with needle stick and sharps injuries (β = -0.94), teamwork (β = 0.41), knowledge and attitude toward patient safety (β = 0.34), leadership (β = 0.15), and priority of patient safety (β = 0.14). The model's explanatory power was 53% (F = 32.26, p =< 0.001).Conclusions: To increase the compliance of general hospital nurses with practices that promote the prevention of bloodborne pathogens, it is necessary to actively prevent needle sticks and sharps injuries. It is also necessary to prioritize patient safety and to develop and verify the effects of various programs that emphasize factors of patient safety culture, such as leadership, teamwork, knowledge, and attitude.
Age-related decline in&nbsp;the&nbsp;expression of&nbsp;GDF9&nbsp;and&nbsp;BMP15&nbsp;genes in&nbsp;follicle fluid and granulosa cells&nbsp;derived&nbsp;from poor ovarian responders&nbsp;
Authors: Gong Yan , Li-Ling Jesse , Xiong Dongsheng , Wei Jiajing , Zhong Taiqing , Tan Hao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) genes play important roles in folliculogenesis. Altered expression of the two have been found among patients with poor ovarian response (POR). In this prospective cohort study, we have determined the expression of the GDF9 and BMP15 genes in follicle fluid (FF) and granulosa cells (GCs) derived from poor ovarian responders grouped by age, and explored its correlation with the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment. Methods: A total of 196 patients with POR were enrolled from a tertiary teaching hospital. The patients were diagnosed by the Bologna criteria and sub-divided into group A (< 35 year old), group B (35-40 year old), and group C (> 40 year old). A GnRH antagonist protocol was conducted for all patients, and FF and GCs were collected after oocyte retrieval. Expression of the GDF9 and BMP15 genes in the FF and GCs was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Results: Compared with group C, groups A and B had significantly more two pronuclei (2PN) oocytes and transplantable embryos, in addition with higher rates of implantation and clinical pregnancy (P < 0.05). The expression level of GDF9 and BMP15 genes in the FF and GCs differed significantly among the three groups (P < 0.05), showing a trend of decline along with age. The ratio of GDF9/BMP15 mRNA levels were similar among the three groups (P > 0.05). The relative levels of GDF9 and BMP15 proteins in GCs have correlated with the relative mRNA levels in GCs and protein concentrations in FF (P < 0.05). Conclusions: For poor ovarian responders, in particular those over 40, the expression of GDF9 and BMP15 is declined along with increased age and in accompany with poorer oocyte quality and IVF outcome, whilst the ratio of GDF9/BMP15 mRNA levels remained relatively constant.
The Comparison of Efficacy and Complications of Coblation and Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for V2/V3 Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 292 Cases
Authors: Wang ChenHui , Dou Zhi , Yan MengWei , Tang Yuanzhang , Zhao Rui , Han YuJie , Ni Jiaxiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Coblation is a novel technique in respect of treating idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. We aimed to identify the efficacy and complications between radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) and coblation for V2/V3 idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN) and investigate the risk factors associated with postoperative facial numbness.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our cohort of 292 patients who had undergone RFT or coblation for V2/V3 ITN. The characteristics of the baseline were collected before surgery. Pain scores, the degree of facial numbness and other complications were evaluated at discharge and 1month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery.Results: Postoperative pain intensity was apparently alleviated in both groups. The initial and 12-months remission rates were 94.0% and 75.3% in coblation group compared with 96.9% and 78.4% in RFT group (P=0.462, P=0.585). The degree of postoperative facial numbness tended to be more severe in RFT group at discharge, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months (P=0.006, P=0.026, P=0.004, P=0.003). Factors significantly associated with more severe facial numbness were procedure of RFT (OR=0.46, 95%CI: 0.28-0.76, P=0.002), history of previous RFT at the affected side (OR=2.33, 95%CI: 1.21-4.48, P=0.011), and ITN with concomitant continuous pain (OR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.18-0.71, P=0.004).Conclusion: Coblation could reduce the degree of postoperative facial numbness for ITN, and the efficacy was no less effective than RFT. History of previous RFT at the affected side, procedure of RFT, ITN with concomitant continuous pain was identified as significant factors of the development of postoperative facial numbness.
Pressurized Intra-Peritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC): increased intraperitoneal pressure does not affect distribution patterns but leads to deeper penetration depth of doxorubicin in a sheep model
Authors: Mimouni Myriam , Richard Christophe , Adenot Pierre , Letheule Martine , Tarrade Anne , Sandra Olivier , Dahirel Michèle , Lilin Thomas , Lecuelle Benoit , Gélin Valérie , Cohen Julien , Fauconnier Arnaud , Vialard François , Huchon Cyrille , Chavatte-Palmer Pascale 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Pressurized Intra-Peritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is an innovative treatment against peritoneal carcinomatosis. Doxorubicin is a common intra-venous chemotherapy used for peritoneal carcinomatosis and for PIPAC. This study evaluated the impact of increased PIPAC intraperitoneal pressure on the distribution and cell penetration of doxorubicin in a sheep model.

Methods

Doxorubicin was aerosolized using PIPAC into the peritoneal cavity of 6 ewes: N=3 with 12mmHg intraperitoneal pressure (group 1) and N=3 with 20mmHg (group 2). Samples from peritoneum (N=6), ovarian (N=1), omentum (N=1) and caecum (N=1) were collected for each ewe. The number of doxorubicin positive cells was determined using the ratio between doxorubicine fluorescence-positive cell nuclei (DOXO+) over total number of DAPI positive cell nuclei (DAPI+). Penetration depth (μm) was defined as the distance between the luminal surface and the location of the deepest DOXO+ nuclei over the total number of cell nuclei that were stained with DAPI. Penetration depth (μm) was defined as the distance between the luminal surface and the location of the deepest DOXO+ nuclei.

Results

DOXO+ nuclei were identified in 87% of samples. All omental samples, directly localized in front of the nebulizer head, had 100% DOXO+ nuclei whereas very few nuclei were DOXO+ for caecum. Distribution patterns were not different between the two groups but penetration depth in ovary and caecum samples was significantly deeper in group 2.

Conclusions

This study showed that applying a higher intra-peritoneal pressure during PIPAC treatment leads to a deeper penetration of doxorubicin in ovarian and caecum but does not affect distribution patterns.
IRLnc: A novel functional noncoding RNA contributes to intramuscular fat deposition
Authors: Wang Ligang , Zhou Zhong-Yin , Zhang Tian , Zhang Longchao , Hou Xinhua , Yan Hua , Wang Lixian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIntramuscular fat (IMF) is associated with meat quality and insulin resistance in animals. Research on genetic mechanism of IMF decomposition has positive meaning to pork quality and diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment. In this study, an IMF trait segregation population was used to perform RNA sequencing and to analyze the joint or independent effects of genes and long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) on IMF.ResultsA total of 26 genes including six lincRNA genes show significantly different expression between high- and low-IMF pigs. Interesting, one lincRNA gene, named IMF related lincRNA (IRLnc) not only has a 292-bp conserved region in 100 vertebrates but also has conserved up and down stream genes (<10 kb) in pig and humans. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) validation study indicated that nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 3 (NR4A3) which located at the downstream of IRLnc has similar expression pattern with IRLnc. RNAi-mediated loss of function screens identified that IRLnc silencing could inhibit both of the RNA and protein expression of NR4A3. And the in-situ hybridization co-expression experiment indicates that IRLnc may directly binding to NR4A3. As the NR4A3 could regulate the catecholamine catabolism, which could affect insulin sensitivity, we inferred that IRLnc influence IMF decomposition by regulating the expression of NR4A3.ConclusionsIn conclusion, a novel functional noncoding variation named IRLnc has been found contribute to IMF by regulating the expression of NR4A3. These findings suggest novel mechanistic approach for treatment of insulin resistance in human beings and meat quality improvement in animal.
New Onset Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Events in Korean Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Receiving High-Intensity Statins
Authors: Choi Jah Yeon , Choi Cheol Ung , Choi Byoung Geol , Park Yoonjee , Kang Dong Oh , Jang Won Young , Kim Woohyeun , Na Jin Oh , Kim Jin Won , Kim Eung Ju , Rha Seung-Woon , Park Chang Gyu , Seo Hong Seog , Jeong Myung Ho , Chae Sung-Chull , Seong In-Whan , Yoon Chang-Hwan , Cha Kwang Soo , Oh Seok Kyu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: High-intensity statin therapy is typically used in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) for secondary prevention. However, there have been consistent concerns regarding its association with diabetes mellitus. We investigated the effect of high-intensity atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) and cardiovascular outcomes over a 3-year follow-up period.

Methods: Data from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry were collected from November 2011 to October 2015, and 13,104 patients with AMI were enrolled from major cardiovascular centers. Among them, 2,221 patients without diabetes who had been administered with high-intensity atorvastatin (40–80 mg) and rosuvastatin (20 mg) were investigated. The atorvastatin and rosuvastatin groups were evaluated for the incidence of NODM and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization cases in the following 3 years.

Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Event-free survival rate of NODM and MACE was not significantly different between the atorvastatin and rosuvastatin groups (92.5% vs. 90.8%, respectively; Log-rank P-value = 0.550). The event-free survival rate of MACE was also not significantly different between atorvastatin and rosuvastatin groups (89.0% vs. 89.6%, respectively; Log rank P-value = 0.662). Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that statin type was not a prognostic factor in the development of NODM and MACE.

Conclusions: Administering high-intensity atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in patients with AMI produced comparable effects on NODM and clinical outcomes, suggesting their clinical equivalence in secondary prevention.
Anti-malarial activity of the leaf latex of Aloe weloensis (Aloaceae) against plasmodium parasites&nbsp;
Authors: Amare Gedefaw Getnet , Degu Amsalu , Kifle Zemene Demelash 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Lack of available vaccines and emerging resistance on the anti-malarial drug have provided the necessity to find noble plant--based anti-malarial drugs. The leaf latex Aloe weloensis has been used in folk medicine against malarial and other human ailments in Ethiopia. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-malarial activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis against Plasmodium parasites to validate its traditional claim. Methods: The leaf latex of A. weloensis was evaluated in vitro anti-malarial activity against 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. The prophylactic and curative models were employed to determine in vivo anti-malarial activity of the latex against P. berghei infected mice, and antioxidant activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis was assessed in DPPH assay. Results: The leaf latex of Aloe weloensis endowed with free radical inhibition activity (IC50 = 10.25 μg/ml). The latex of A. weloensis leaf was demonstrated inhibitory activity against 3D7 strain of P. falciparum (IC50 = 9.14 μg/ml). The prophylactic and curative effect of the latex was found to be dose-dependent. Parasitemia reduction was significant (200 mg/kg, p<0.01, 400 and ,600 mg/kg, p<0.001) in prophylactic test compared to the control. Parasitemia level of the mice treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg doses of the latex significantly (p<0.001) reduced with suppression of 36%, 58%, and 74% respectively in the curative test. The leaf latex significantly (p<0.01) improved mean survival times, packed cell volume , rectal temperature, and bodyweight of P. berghei infected mice. Conclusion: The result was confirmed the anti-malarial activity of the leaf latex of Aloe weloensis at various doses which corroborates the traditional uses of the plant.
Self-esteem, Social Support and Coping Strategies of left-behind Children in Rural China, and the Intermediary Role of Subjective Support：a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Cui Shu , Cheng Fangshuo , Zhang Ling , Zhang Chao , Yuan Qiuyu , Huang Cui , Zhang Kai , Zhou Xiaoqin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Negative coping strategies and behavioral problems are common among Chinese left-behind children, which are relate to a variety of negative consequences. At this stage of development, the relevant factors of coping strategies need to be further studied, in which social support and self-esteem are worthy of our attention. The aim of this study is to detect the current situation of self-esteem, social support, and coping styles of left-behind children (LBC) in rural China.

Methods: 322 children from 3 schools in China enrolled in this study, including 236 LBC and 86 non-left-behind children (NLBC) to assess self-esteem, social support and coping strategies.

Results: The LBC group had lower self-esteem score and lower total social support (subjective support, objective support and support-seeking behavior) than the NLBC group. In terms of coping strategies, the LBC group was lower than the NLBC group in problem-solving and rationalization. The self-esteem score in LBC was significant positive associated with the subjective support score, objective support score, problem-solving and help-seeking score. In addition, self-esteem has significant mediating effect between subjective support and problem-solving, subjective support and help-seeking, respectively.

Conclusions: The finding indicate that Chinese LBC’s self-esteem and social support need to be improved. Given the significant correlativity between self-esteem, subjective support and coping strategy, it is necessary to promote Chinese LBC’s self-esteem and social support, especially subjective support.