bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The spatiotemporal distribution of human brucellosis in mainland China from 2007-2016
Authors: Liang Peifeng , Zhao Yuan , Zhao Jianhua , Pan Dongfeng , Guo Zhongqin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite the considerable efforts made to address the issue of brucellosis worldwide, its prevalence in dairy products continues to be difficult to estimate and represents a key public health issue around the world. The aim of the study was to understand the epidemiology of this disease in mainland China. We set out to investigate the yearly spatial distribution and possible hotspots of the disease.
Methods: Human brucellosis data from mainland China between 2007 and 2016 were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. A geographic information system ArcGIS10.3 (ESRI, Redlands) was used to identify potential changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in mainland China during the study period. These distributions were evaluated using three-dimensional trend analysis and spatial autocorrelation analyse. A gravity-center was used to analyse the migration track of human brucellosis.
Results: A total of 399,578 cases of human brucellosis were reported during the 10-year study period. The monthly incidence of brucellosis in China demonstrates clear seasonality. Spring and summer are the peak seasons, while May is the peak month for brucellosis. Three-dimensional trend analysis suggests that brucellosis is on the rise from south to north, and that the epidemic situation in northern China is more severe. Between 2007 and 2016, the overall migration distance of the brucellosis incidence gravity-center was 906.43 km, and the direction was southwest. However, the overall gravity center of brucellosis was still in the northern part of China. In the global autocorrelation analysis, brucellosis in China demonstrated a non-random distribution between 2013 and 2014, with spatial autocorrelation ( Z > 1.96, P < 0.05) and a clustering trend, while no clustering trend was found from 2007 to 2012 or from 2015 to 2016. In the local autocorrelation analysis, a Low-Low cluster phenomenon was found in the south of China in 2013 and 2014.
Conclusion: Human brucellosis remains a widespread challenge, particularly in northern China. The hotspots highlight potential high-risk areas which may require special plans and resources for monitoring and controlling the disease.
Keywords : Human brucellosis; mainland China; geographic information system; spatial autocorrelation analysis
The impact of food fortification on stunting in Zimbabwe: Does gender of the household head matter?
Authors: Kairiza Terrence , Kembo George , Pallegedara Asankha , Macheka Lesley 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: High prevalence of stunting in children under five years poses a major threat to child development in developing countries. It is associated with micronutrient deficiency arising from poor diets fed to children under five years. Food fortification is amongst the interventions focused at reducing the incidence of stunting in children under five years. Methods : Using a large-scale household data from Zimbabwe, we investigated the gender-based importance of household adoption of food fortification on the proportion of stunted children in the household. We employed propensity score matching to mitigate self-selection bias associated with household adoption of food fortification. Results: We offer three major findings. Firstly, we find statistically weak evidence that female headed households are more likely to adopt food fortification than their male counterparts. Secondly, food fortification reduces the proportion of stunted children in the household. Finally, in comparison to non-adopters, female headed households that adopt food fortification are more able to reduce the proportion of stunted children in their households than their male counterparts.Conclusion: The results highlight the need for policy makers to actively promote food fortification, as such interventions are likely to contribute to the reduction of stunting and to involve men in fortification interventions to improve on their knowledge and appreciation of fortified foods and the associated benefits.
MicroRNA-21 inhibitor (miR-21i) and Simvastatin-loaded poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)/polyethylenimine (PLGA/PEI) nanoparticles for synergistic anticancer effect in Gastric Cancers
Authors: Liu Yuxia , Yang Bin , Zhang Lirong , Cong Xianling , Liu Hongyu , Yu Mengxi , Song Bin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In this study, we have successfully developed a simvastatin (SMV) and miR-21i-loaded poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)/polyethylenimine (PLGA/PEI) nanoparticles (NP) to enhance the therapeutic efficacy in gastric cancers. The nanoparticles were characterized for in vitro physicochemical and biological assays and pharmacokinetic study was performed in rats. CLSM/FACS results clearly showed the ability of SMV/miR-21i-loaded PLGA/PEI NP (PPN-S21i) to deliver the combinational therapeutics of SMV and miR-21i to the cancer cells. Combination of SMV+miR-21i showed significantly lower cell viability compared to that of free SMV. Our results clearly highlight the importance of simultaneous interaction of SMV+miR-21i and that it could significantly decrease the cell proliferation in BGC-823, SGC-7901 and HGC-27 gastric cancer cells while it was significantly less cytotoxic to normal gastric mucosa cells (GES-1). Cell apoptosis of SMV+miR-21i was significantly higher compared to that of individual drug or miRNA. Finally, pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that PPN-S21i significantly prolonged the blood circulation time of SMV compared to that of free SMV indicating the potential of carrier system. Overall, results clearly indicate that the combination of SMV+miR-21i (gene + drug therapy) might provide a valuable strategy for the clinical management of gastric cancers.
Does electronic consent improve the logistics and uptake of hpv vaccination in adolescent girls? A mixed methods theory informed evaluation of an intervention
Authors: Chantler Tracey , Pringle Ellen , Bell Sadie , Cooper Rosie , Edmundson Emily , Nielsen Heidi , Roberts Sheila , Edelstein Michael , Jack Sandra Mounier 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Technological solutions may improve the logistics of obtaining parental consent in school-based immunisation programmes. In 2018/19 a health care organisation in London, England, piloted an electronic consent intervention in the adolescent girls’ HPV vaccination programme. We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation to examine the usability and acceptability of the intervention and assess its impact on consent form returns and HPV vaccine uptake. Methods The intervention was implemented in 14 secondary schools in seven South London boroughs. Each e-consent school was matched with a school that used standard paper consent. Matching was based on location and the proportion of students: i. with English as a second language, ii. receiving free school meals (socio-economic status proxy). Consent form return rates and HPV vaccine uptake were compared quantitatively between intervention and matched schools. Data from immunisation session observations (n=7), school feedback forms (n=14), individual and group interviews with implementers (n=8), parents and adolescents (n=12) and a focus group discussion with adolescents was analysed thematically to document user’s experiences investigate the implementation of the intervention. Results HPV vaccination uptake did not differ between e-consent and matched paper consent schools, but timely consent form return was significantly lower in the e-consent schools (73.3% (n=11) vs 91.6% (n=11), p=0.008). The transition to using the system was not straightforward, whilst schools and staff understood the potential benefits, they found it difficult to adapt to new ways of working which removed some level of control from schools. Part of the reason for lower consent form return in e-consent schools was that some parents found the intervention difficult to access and use. Adolescents highlighted the potential for e-consent interventions to by-pass their information needs. Conclusions The e-consent intervention did not improve consent form return or vaccine uptake due to challenges encountered in transitioning to a new way of working. New technologies require embedding before they become incorporated in everyday practice. The intervention is undergoing further iterative development to improve its usability, ensure schools are appropriately involved and adolescents receive tailored immunisation information. A re-evaluation once stakeholders are accustomed to e-consent may be required to understand its impact.
Development and validation of a nomogram with an autophagy-related gene risk model for predicting survival in patients with melanoma
Authors: Zuo Hao , Chen Luojun , Li Na , Song Qibin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Melanoma is the third most common skin malignant tumor in the clinic, with high morbidity and mortality. Autophagy plays an important role in the development and progression of melanoma. We aimed to establish an autophagy-related genes(ARGs) expression based risk model for individualized prognosis prediction in patients with melanoma.Methods: Differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DEARGs) in melanoma and normal skin samples were screened using TCGA and GTEx database. These DEARGs were used to perform KEGG functional enrichment analysis and GO analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed on DEARGs to identify the optimal prognosis-related genes. These prognosis-related DEARGs were used to construct a risk score model, and the predictive effect of this risk model on the prognosis of melanoma patients was tested by the Kaplan-Meier curve, log-rank test, and ROC curve. Method of univariate and multivariate analysis were used to confirmed that the risk model of independent predictive value relative to other clinical variables, and build a nomogram based on the independent prognostic factors in the univariate analysis to predict overall survival(OS) in patients with melanoma, we used internal validation and calculation of concordance index (C-index) to test prediction effect of the nomogram. We also used the t-test to analyze the relationship between risk factors (risk genes and risk score) and clinical variables in the risk model.Results: We screened and finally obtained 6 optimal DEARGs (risk gene) through univariate and multivariate Cox analysis to construct the risk model: EIF2AK2(HR=0.403, P=0.007), IFNG(HR=0.659, P=0.003), DAPK2(HR=0.441, P=0.022), PTK6(HR=1.609, P=6.04E-05), BIRC5(HR=2.479, P=0.001), and EGFR(HR=1.474, P=0.004) were selected to establish the prognostic risk score model and validated in the entire melanoma cohort. The results of GO enrichment analysis showed that the gene function of the DEARGs was concentrated in the functions of gland morphogenesis, protein insertion into membrane, and autophagy. The results of KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the function of the DEARGs was concentrated in the autophagy–animal, p53 signaling pathway, and platinum drug resistance. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that patients with high risk scores had significantly poorer overall survival (OS, log-rank P=6.402E−11). The model was identified as an independent prognostic factor. Finally, a prognostic nomogram including the risk model, T-stage, N-stage, and radiotherapy was constructed, and the calibration plots indicated its excellent predictive performance.Conclusion: The autophagy-related six-gene risk score model could be a prognostic biomarker and suggest therapeutic targets for melanoma. The prognostic nomogram could help individualized survival prediction and improve treatment strategies.
Lay therapist delivered low intensity psychosocial intervention for refugees and asylum seekers (PROSPER): protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Rawlinson Rebecca , Aslam Rabeea’h , Burnside Girvan , Chiumento Anna , Eriksson-Lee Malena , Humphreys Amy , Khan Naila , Lawrence Daniel , Mahzir Iqra , McCluskey Rachel , Mackinnon Annette , Orton Lois , Rahman Atif , Roberts Ewan , Rosala-Hallas Anna , Tudor-Edwards Rhiannon , Uwamaliya Philomene , White Ross , Winrow Eira , Dowrick Christopher 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Asylum seekers and refugees (AS&Rs) experience impaired mental health and wellbeing, related to stresses in their country of origin, experiences in transit and reception on arrival, including significant barriers to accessing mainstream services. Their contact with healthcare is often crisis-driven and mediated through non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a psychosocial intervention recommended by the World Health Organization to address distress experienced by adults affected by humanitarian crises. We are investigating its application for the first time in a high income country. Methods In a pilot randomised controlled trial, PM+ will be delivered to AS&Rs in contact with NGOs in Liverpool City Region, UK, by lay therapists who have lived experience of forced migration. Following systematic review and stakeholder engagement, PM+ has been adapted to the local context, and lay therapists have been trained in its delivery. We will assess the feasibility of conducting a three-arm RCT of five 90-minute sessions of PM+, delivered individually or in groups by lay therapists to AS&Rs experiencing emotional distress and functional impairment, compared with each other and with usual support offered by local NGOs. Distress and impairment at baseline will be measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO-DAS). We aim to recruit 105 participants, 35 per arm. Primary health outcomes are anxiety and depressive symptoms at 3 months, measured by HADS. Secondary outcomes include subjective wellbeing, functional status, progress on identified problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder and service usage. Longer term impact will be assessed at 6-months post baseline, on the same parameters. We will assess the feasibility of conducting a full RCT in relation to the following elements: recruitment and retention of lay therapists and study participants; fidelity of delivery of PM+; and suitability of the study measures, including any linguistic or cultural barriers. Discussion We will use these findings to specify the parameters for a full randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of PM+ in reducing emotional distress and health inequalities, and improving functional ability and wellbeing, amongst asylum seekers and refugees.
Ellagic acid produces neuroprotection against LPS-induced dopamine neurotoxicity via the inhibition of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: He Xuemei , Yang Qiuyu , He Jingyi , Sheng Shuo , Li Jingjie , Li Daidi , Wang Guoqing , Zhang Feng 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathological process of Parkinson's disease (PD). Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was highly located in microglia and involved in the process of neuroinflammation. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome has been confirmed to contribute to the progression of PD. Thus, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasomes activation could be an important breakthrough point in PD drug therapy. Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural polyphenol that has been widely found in soft fruits, nuts and other plant tissues with various anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. However, the mechanisms underlying EA-mediated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotection have not been fully elucidated.Methods: In this study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat dopamine (DA) neuronal damage model was performed to determine the effects of EA on the protection of DA neurons. Furthermore, DA neuron MN9D cell line and microglia BV-2 cell line were employed to explore whether EA-mediated neuroprotection was through an NLRP3-dependent mechanism.Results: EA ameliorated LPS-induced DA neuronal loss in rat substantia nigra. Furtherly, inhibition of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome signaling activation was involved in EA-generated neuroprotection, as evidenced by the following observations. First, EA reduced NLRP3 inflammasome signaling activation in microglia and the subsequent pro-inflammatory cytokines excretion. In addition, EA-mediated anti-neuroinflammation and further DA neuroprotection from LPS-induced neurotoxicity was not shown upon microglial NLRP3 siRNA treatment.Conclusions: This study demonstrated EA has a profound effect on protecting DA neurons against LPS-induced neurotoxicity via the suppression of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome signaling activation.
The Potential Role of Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells in the Neuroinflammation Induced by Social Isolation Stress: Introduction of a New Paradigm
Authors: Haj-Mirzaian Arvin , Khosravi Ayda , Haj-Mirzaian Arya , Rahbar Alireza , Ramezanzadeh Kiana , Nikbakhsh Rajan , Pirri Fardad , Talari Bhenam , Shakiba Saeed , Nikbakhsh Rambod , Badripour Abolfazl , Dehpour Ahmad Reza 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Lack of social contacts could induce psychiatric features and lead to various behavioral and neurochemical abnormalities in rodents. Social isolation stress (SIS) is a valid paradigm of depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors in animals. It has demonstrated that psychiatric disorder could affect the peripheral blood population of very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs). The aim of the current study is to evaluate the role of VSELs in behavioral impairments induced by SIS through neuroinflammation in mice. Methods: Behavioral experiments were evaluated by using forced swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT), and splash test in male NMRI mice. In addition, plasma and bone marrow samples, as well as hippocampus, were collected to evaluate the population of VSELs, nitrite level, and inflammatory cytokines by using flow cytometry and ELISA. Results: Behavioral tasks showed that SIS could induce depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Data obtained from flow cytometry showed that VSELs significantly increased in socially isolated animals in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and hippocampus. Also, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 significantly increased in hippocampal and plasma samples in socially isolated animals. Correlation analysis indicated that mice with higher VSELs counts have better results in behavioral tasks, and lower pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as nitrite level in mice. Conclusion: VSELs could be used as a biological marker to enhance diagnostic accuracy as well as predicting the prognosis. Also, increment in the VSELs counts might decrease the neuro-inflammation and subsequently improve the behavioral impairments induced by SIS.
Transcriptome and proteome profiling reveal complementary scavenger and immune features of rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and liver macrophages
Authors: Bhandari Sabin , Li Ruomei , Simón-Santamaría Jaione , McCourt Peter , Johansen Steinar Daae , Smedsrød Bård , Martinez-Zubiaurre Inigo , Sørensen Karen Kristine 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and Kupffer cells (KCs; liver resident macrophages) form the body´s most effective scavenger cell system for removal of harmful blood-borne substances, ranging from modified own proteins to pathogens and xenobiotics. Controversies in the literature regarding the LSEC phenotype pose a challenge when determining distinct functionalities of KCs and LSECs. This may be due to overlapping functions of the two cells, insufficient purification and/or identification of the cells, rapid dedifferentiation of LSECs in vitro, or species differences. We therefore characterized and quantitatively compared expressed gene products of freshly isolated, highly pure LSECs (fenestrated SE-1/FcγRIIb2 + ) and KCs (CD11b/c + ) from Sprague Dawley, Crl:CD(SD), male rats using high throughput mRNA-sequencing and label-free proteomics. Results: We observed a robust correlation between the proteomes and transcriptomes of the two cell types. Integrative analysis of the global molecular profile demonstrated the immunological aspects of LSEC. The constitutive expression of several immune genes and corresponding proteins of LSECs bore resemblance with the expression in macrophages. LSECs and KCs both expressed high levels of scavenger receptors (SR) and C-type lectins. Equivalent expression of SR-A1 (Msr1), mannose receptor (Mrc1), SR-B1 (Scarb1), and SR-B3 (Scarb2) suggested functional similarity between the two cell types, while functional distinction between the cells was evidenced by LSEC-specific expression of the SRs stabilin-1 (Stab1) and stabilin-2 (Stab2), and the C-type lectins LSECtin (Clec4g) and DC-SIGNR (Clec4m). Many immune regulatory factors were differentially expressed between LSECs and KCs, with one cell predominantly expressing a specific cytokine/chemokine and the other cell the cognate receptor, illustrating the complex cytokine milieu of the sinusoids. Both cells expressed genes and proteins involved in antigen processing and presentation, and lymphocyte co-stimulation. Conclusions: Our findings support complementary and partly overlapping scavenging and immune functions of LSECs and KCs. This highlights the importance of including LSECs in studies of liver immunity, and liver clearance and toxicity of large molecule drugs and nano-formulations.
Acetabular defects reconstruction with tantalum constructions.
Authors: Galstyan Artak , Wu Yulin , Fu Peiliang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Total hip replacement (THR) is a common procedure that is performed increasingly often. Al­though most patients have satisfactory long-term stability, approximately 17% of prosthetic hips fail, thus requiring revision. Frequently, when hip prosthesis revision is undertaken, there is significant ace­tabular bone deficiency present; this clinical setting presents one of the most challenging circu­m­stances in hip surgery. There is a variety of surgical hardware and strategies available to address this problem. Preoperative planning is a critical aspect of any reconstructive hip surgery but is particularly im­por­tant in revision surgery. The surgeon must anticipate instrument, bone graft, and implant requi­re­ments for the surgery, as well as which reconstructive options may be needed, based on what may be found intraoperatively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate early functional results of hip arthroplasty with acetabular defects, pelvic bone loss revised with porous tantalum acetabular components.Methods 56 patients were operated during research period with different kind of acetabular defects. W.G. Paprosky classification was used to classify existing acetabular defect. From 56 patients 26 was primary hip replacement and 30 – revision.Results Different kind of tantalum constructions were used to reconstruct acetabular defects during replacement surgery. During research period three patient had complications: two cases of dislocation after revision replacement (3,6%) and one – after primary replacement (1,8%), one suppuration case (1,8%).Conclusions According research results possible to make conclusion: using tantalum augments during acetabular region reconstruction allow to avoid non-biological fixators – support rings and structural grafts; tantalum augments are successfully applicable during all kinds of acetabular defects reconstruction, in primary and revision replacement; using tantalum augments during acetabular region reconstruction allow to achieve components stable primary fixation.