bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incorporating operational research in programmes funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in four sub-Saharan African countries.
Authors: Camacho Salvador , Maher Dermot , Kamau Edward Mberu , Saric Jasmina , Segura Luis , Zachariah Rony , Wyss Kaspar 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The current study builds upon a previous situation analysis of the extent to which grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) are being utilized to support operational research and implementation research (OR/IR) activities in recipient countries. The objective of this follow-up study was to identify approaches and pathways to implement an OR component into grants to the Global Fund, in four sub-Saharan African countries. Special focus was given to the Structured Operational Research and Training IniTiative (SORT IT).Methods: The conceptual framework was based on an analysis to identify elements supporting and blocking the integration of OR, called force field analysis, and a behavioural change assessment covering aspects such as opportunity, motivation, capability and triggers to do the integration. Data were collected through online surveys and stakeholder interviews both via telephone/online conference tools and in person in four countries with a high burden of malaria and tuberculosis. These countries were Ghana, Sierra Leone, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The stakeholders included programme managers, implementation partners, representatives from international organisations, academic and governmental research institutions and other individuals involved in the countries’ needs assessment and National Strategic Plan development. Results: We identified opportunities to integrate OR into the countries’ programmes during the funding process, the country’s needs assessment being the most important one, including the need of OR-related capacity. Both the force field analysis and the behavioural change assessment showed that the necessary elements to integrate OR were present in the countries. Motivation, capability and efficiency were found to be a managerial value omnipresent across stakeholders. However, those elements were influenced by the tendency to favour tangible assets over any abstract ones, such as increasing organisational capacity in OR.Conclusions: In each of the countries assessed, there is potential to integrating OR into the programmes supported by the Global Fund. However, given the relative lack of OR-related capacity and skills encountered, a capacity strengthening tool, such as SORT IT, would be of benefit helping to identify and carry forward OR activities sustainably.
Stage-dependent angiopoietin-Tie2 and nitric oxide signaling of erythrocytes in response to surgical trauma in head and neck cancer
Authors: Wu Hsiang-Ling , Chu You-Hsiang , Tai Ying-Hsuan , Tsou Mei-Yung , Wu Cheng-Hsien , Lo Wen-Liang , Tai Shyh-Kuan , Yeh Chun-Chang , Lu Chih-Cherng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Angiopoietin-Tie2 and nitric oxide pathway is crucial in tumor angiogenesis and closely correlates with tumor development, growth, and metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the angiopoietin-Tie2 and nitric oxide signaling of erythrocyte membrane in response to surgical trauma in head and neck cancer.Methods: We prospectively enrolled the patients with histology-proven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma undergoing surgical resection of primary tumors at the medical center between August and November 2019. We measured the preoperative and postoperative levels of angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2 in plasma using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, nitric oxide in plasma using nitrate/nitrite colorimetric assays, and Tie2 phosphorylation in erythrocyte membrane using Western blotting. Results: The plasma angiopoietin-1 was down-regulated from median 971.3 pg/mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 532.1 – 1569.3) to 417.9 (IQR: 270.5 – 597.3) after tumor resection (p=0.0020). Conversely, the plasma angiopoietin-2 was enhanced from 1173.6 pg/mL (IQR: 977.7 – 1450.2) to 2353.7 (IQR: 1352.4 – 2954.3) after surgery (p=0.0021), with a concomitant increase in plasma nitric oxide level from 7.73 μM (IQR: 5.39 – 10.06) to 10.50 (IQR: 7.65 – 14.18) after surgical resection (p=0.0093). Subgroup analyses further showed the angiopoietin-Tie2 and nitric oxide signaling was significant only in stage III and IV cancer.Conclusions: The dynamic change of angiopoietin-Tie2 signaling in erythrocyte membrane along with the enhanced nitric oxide in plasma after tumor resection suggests erythrocytes play a significant role in modulating surgery-induced angiogenesis, which may provide a novel marker for cancer surveillance and control.
Evaluation of the Effect and Safety of HeberFERON vs Heberon Alpha in Patients Infected with Corona Virus SARS-CoV-2 (Study ESPERANZA/HOPE): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Iraldo Bello-Rivero , Hernandez-Bernal Francisco , Nodarse-Cuni Hugo , Duncan-Roberts Yaquelin , Suarez Claudia Martínez , Campa-Legrá Ivan , Esquivel-Moy Idelsis , Muzio-Gonzalez Verena , Guillen-Nieto Gerardo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: As the outbreak of COVID-19 has accelerated, an urgent need for finding strategies to combat the virus is growing. Results from in vitro studies suggest that a combination of IFN type I and Type II may be effective against SARS-CoV. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of treatment with a recombinant IFN alpha 2b and gamma, provided with standard protocol (Kaletra (lopinavir-ritonavir 200/50 mg; 200/100 mg every 12 hour for 30 days; Chloroquine (250 mg) every 12 hours for 10 days) for COVID-19 patients, compared to standard protocol (IFN alpha 2b/Kaletra/Chloroquine) for COVID-19 hospitalized patients, positive diagnosed for SARS-Cov-2. Methods: Hospitalized adult patients with qPCR confirmed SARS-Cov-2 will be enrolled in this open-labeled, single center, prospective, randomized and controlled clinical trial. One hundred and twenty eligible patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positivity by qPCR amplification in oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swab samples will be enrolled at “Luis Diaz Soto” Hospital, Havana, Cuba. The primary outcomes are the time to 2019-nCoV RNA negativity in patients and the time until progression to severe COVID-19. Discussion: This will be the first randomized controlled trial of a potential treatment for SARC-Cov-2 using the combinations of IFNs. Trial registration: The study is sponsored by Center for Genetic and Biotechnology and Ministry of Health of Cuba and was duly registered April 2020 at http://registroclinico.sld.cu/en/trials/RPCEC00000307-En. Enrolment for this study began in April 11, 2020, and has enrolled one hundred patients as of May-26-2020
Association between dietary patterns and prediabetes risk in a middle-aged Chinese population
Authors: Shen Xiao-Ming , Huang Yi-Qian , Zhang Xiao-Yan , Tong Xiao-Qing , Zheng Pei-Fen , Shu Long 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Information regarding dietary patterns associated with prediabetes in the Chinese population is lacking. The objective of the present study was to explore the association between major dietary patterns and the risk of prediabetes in a middle-aged Chinese population. Methods: A total of 1761 participants (aged 45 to 59 years) were recruited in Hangzhou city, the capital of Zhejiang Province, China from June 2015 to December 2016. Dietary information was obtained by interview using a 138-item, validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire(SQFFQ). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between dietary patterns and the risk of prediabetes with adjustment of potential confounding variables. Results:Three dietary patterns were ascertained by factor analysis and labeled as traditional southern Chinese, Western, and grains-vegetables patterns. After controlling of the potential confounders, participants in the top quartile of the Western pattern scores had greater odds ratio(OR) for prediabetes (OR=1.54; 95% confidence interval(CI):1.068-2.059; P=0.025) than did those in the bottom quartile. Compared with those in the bottom quartile, participants in the top quartile of the grains-vegetables pattern scores had a lower OR for prediabetes(OR=0.83; 95% CI:0.747-0.965; P=0.03). Besides, no statistically significant association was observed in the association between the traditional southern Chinese pattern and prediabetes risk (P>0.05). Conclusions:The findings of this study showed that the Western pattern was associated with higher risk, and the grains-vegetables pattern was associated with lower risk of prediabetes. Future prospective studies are required to validate our findings.
Feasibility of Rectal Stent Development for Fecal Diversion: A Porcine Experiment
Authors: Han Yoon Dae , Park Youn Young , Yoon Jiho , Kim Nam Kyu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective

Since low rectal anastomosis leakage may cause severe morbidity, surgeons create diversion stoma to prevent complication. However, stoma requires additional surgery with morbidity. Therefore, rectal stent may help prevent these problems. This preliminary report details the development of new rectal stent in animal experiment. Thirteen female 12 week-old pigs weighing 30–35 kg each (four in the control group, nine in the experimental group) were included. Under general anesthesia, pigs underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection. In experimental group, a Niti-S fully covered stent (Taewoong Medical Inc.) was inserted by guidewire, under direct laparoscopic vision, and affixed near the anus. All pigs were sacrificed for autopsy. Including the anastomosis line, 10 cm length of bowel was obtained and a water-air leak and barium leakage X-ray tests were performed to confirm anastomosis integrity.
Results

Among the four control pigs, anastomosis leakage was confirmed in only one. For the experimental pigs, 36-mm-diameter stent was used. The last three pigs were subjected to additional intra-abdominal stent fixation by laparoscopic guidance, but all stents were removed. Despite natural stent removal, there were only two cases of intraoperative leakage. To overcome rectal pressure and fecal bulk, rectal stent development requires further investigation.
Investigation on the effect of vitamin C on growth &amp; biofilm-forming potential of Streptococcus mutans isolated from patients with dental caries
Authors: Eydou Zehdi , Jad Bader Naser , Elsayed Zeyad , Ismail Anas , Magaogao Michael , Hossain Ashfaque 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Streptococcus mutans is a major cause of dental caries. Its capacity to produce biofilm is fundamental in the pathogenesis of this ubiquitous condition. As maintaining a healthy dentition is a genuine goal given the contemporary advance in caries control, researchers are striving to achieve a breakthrough in caries therapy. We are taking the anti-cariogenic properties of vitamin C a step-further, considering the well-known evidence of the inversely proportionate relationship between salivary levels of vitamin C and dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine MIC, MBC, biofilm prevention concentration (BPC), and derivative measures of vitamin C against fresh clinical isolates of S. mutans to evaluate its efficacy as an anti-cariogenic agent.Results: Based on the data of four independent experiments done in quadruplicates, we found a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of vitamin C on all S. mutans strains tested. The average MBC, MIC, and BPC of vitamin C were found to be 10.16, 9.38, and 5.61 mg/ml, respectively. Spectrophotometric quantitation of crystal violet showed diminished biofilm formation in the presence of vitamin C (p < 0.05). When compared with gentamicin, vitamin C produced a zone of inhibition that was three times as large against the clinical isolates.Conclusion: Our results show that vitamin C has a negative effect on S. mutans growth and biofilm formation. Being the first to meticulously utilize BPC to explore a well-known effect of vitamin C, this report aims to help in the instigation of trials of higher evidence that will ultimately culminate in repurposing vitamin C as a novel anti-cariogenic agent, albeit further studies are required to provide auxiliary evidence in this context.
Fluorescent bead-based serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in chickens
Authors: Fabian Benedikt T. , Hedar Fatima , Koethe Martin , Bangoura Berit , Maksimov Pavlo , Conraths Franz J. , Villena Isabelle , Aubert Dominique , Seeber Frank , Schares Gereon 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Free-ranging chickens are often infected with Toxoplasma gondii and seroconvert upon infection. This indicates environmental contamination with T. gondii. Methods: Here, we established a bead-based multiplex assay (BBMA) using the Luminex technology for the detection of T. gondii infections in chickens. Recombinant biotinylated T. gondii surface antigen 1 (TgSAG1bio) bound to streptavidin-conjugated magnetic Luminex beads served as antigen. Serum antibodies were detected by a fluorophore-coupled secondary antibody. Beads of differing color codes were conjugated with anti-chicken IgY or chicken serum albumin and served for each sample as an internal positive or negative control, respectively. The assay was validated with sera from experimentally and naturally infected chickens. The results were compared to those from reference methods, including other serological tests, PCRs and bioassay in mice.Results: In experimentally infected chickens, the vast majority (98.5%, n = 65/66) of birds tested seropositive in the BBMA. This included all chickens positive by magnetic-capture PCR (100%, n = 45/45). Most, but not all inoculated and TgSAG1bio-BBMA-positive chickens were also positive in two previously established TgSAG1-ELISAs (TgSAG1-ELISASL, n = 61/65; or TgSAG1-ELISASH, n = 60/65), or positive in an immunofluorescence assay (IFAT, n = 64/65)) and in a modified agglutination test (MAT, n = 61/65). All non-inoculated control animals (n = 28/28, 100%) tested negative. In naturally exposed chickens, the TgSAG1bio-BBMA showed a high sensitivity (98.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 90.7–99.9%) and specificity (100%; 95% CI: 85.0–100%) relative to a reference standard established using ELISA, IFAT and MAT. Almost all naturally exposed chickens that were positive in bioassay or by PCR tested positive in the TgSAG1bio-BBMA (93.5%; 95% CI: 77.1–98.9%), while all bioassay- or PCR-negative chickens remained negative (100%; 95% CI: 85.0–100%).Conclusions: The TgSAG1bio-BBMA represents a suitable method for the detection of T. gondii infections in chickens with high sensitivity and specificity, which is comparable or even superior to other tests. Since assays based on this methodology allow for the simultaneous analysis of a single biological sample with respect to multiple analytes, the described assay may represent a component in future multiplex assays for broad serological monitoring of poultry and other farm animals for various pathogens.
Assessment of Early Juvenil Idiopathic Scoliosis: Clinical Trial for the Evaluation of A School-Based Screening Protocol
Authors: Scaturro Dalila , Terrana Pietro , Costantino Caludio , Lauricella Lorenza , tomasello Sofia , sannasardo claudia , Vitale Francesco , Mauro Giulia Letizia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical tests currently in use for the diagnosis of JIS, through a survey, carried out in secondary schools in the province of Palermo, in order to standardize a school screening protocol that could be extended to the whole regional territory. The adolescents underwent a specialist physiatric examination in their classrooms; moreover three screening tests have been administred: Adams test, Bunnel Inclinometer and Plumb line test. In case of single positivity to one of the three tests, the adolescent underwent to radiography of the whole column. Then we examined the sensitivity and diagnostic specificity of the Adams or inclinometer test, respectively: 56.3% and 92.7%. On the other hand, the positivity to at least one between inclinometer or plumb line sensitivity was higher than the specificity: 91.3% versus 80.8%. The same happened for the positivity to at least one test between Adams index or plumb line test, which showed a sensitivity of 95.2% compared to a specificity of 81.5%. Finally, taking into consideration patients with triple test positivity, a clear increase in specificity compared to sensitivity was demonstrated, reaching 99.7% Performing a single test cannot be considered a sufficient tool aiming to detect potential scoliotic subjects. To conclude, an effective screening program can reduce health care expenditure related to specialist medical examinations as well as unnecessary instrumental exams such as X-rays.
Hunting for the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein Ancestor
Authors: Flores-Alanis Alejandro , Sandner-Miranda Luisa , Delgado Gabriela , Cravioto Alejandro , Morales-Espinosa Rosario 
Published: July 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.
Identification of additive and epistatic effects QTLs for seed oil content in soybean based on an integrating map of two RIL populations
Authors: Wang Yue , Liu Shulin , Wang Jiajing , Yang Chang , Tian Zhixi , Li Wen-Xia , Ning Hailong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Soybean seed oil has been widely used in human consumption and industrial production.
Results

In order to identify the additive and epistatic effects QTLs and QTLs by environments interactions (AE and AAE) for seed oil content in soybean, an eight-environment conjoint analysis based on two populations RIL3613 and RIL6013 with an integrating map was conducted. An new high-density integrated genetic map containing 2212 SNP markers and covering 5718.01 cM with an average distance of 2.61 cM were constructed by the combination of two linkage maps of two associated recombinant inbred line (A-RIL) populations. A total of 64 additive effect and additive × environment interaction (AE) QTL were identified on 19 chromosomes by both ICIM and IM methods, and the proportion of phenotypic variations explained (PVE) range of QTL related to oil content was 1.29–10.75%, of which 19 QTLs had overlapping marker intervals, and qOil-5-1 was identified simultaneously in both RIL populations. Compared with previous SSR positioning results, it is found 8 SNP sites within the QTL physical interval located in the SSR sites. Among them, 4 QTLs were new found. Twelve pairs of epistatic QTLs (additive × additive, AA) and QTL interactions with environments (AAE) for oil content were identified by the ICIM method, of which 3 QTLs were new found, and 2 additive effect QTLs, qOil-9-2 and qOil-15-1, linked to the other two QTLs to produce epistatic effects. A total of 5 potential candidate genes were identified based on genetic ontology and annotated information showing the relationship with seed oil content and/or fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism.
Conclusion

These QTLs with different effects provide the good basis for molecular-assisted breeding of soybean oil content-related traits and further fine mapping of related genes.
Psychosocial impact of respiratory infectious disease pandemics on children: a systematic review
Authors: Wang Chenran , Xiao Shuyue , Sun Yijie , Wang Jinpeng , Xu Tao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective

To examine the impact of respiratory infectious disease pandemics in the new millennium on mental health, behavioral responses, and parenting practices in children, and provide further intervention directions to mitigate negative effects of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Methods

We conducted a systemic literature review of researches from January 2003 to May 2020 with three mainstream electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Quality of included studies were assessed using Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) according to different study design. Further directions were identified for developing appropriate interventions.
Results

Twenty-four studies conducted in the context of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) (n = 10), influenza A (H1N1) (n = 3), and COVID-19 (n = 11) pandemics met the inclusion criteria. Children showed emotional conditions such as anxiety, fear, and depression, while psychological responses varied across age and gender groups. Children with mental illness history experienced an exacerbation of psychological symptoms. The pandemics changed hygiene habits and learning styles, and led to the increased participation in unfavorable lifestyles. For families with pediatric patients, the pandemic decreased parents’ participation in providing family-centered care and threatened to supportive family relationship and effective parents-child communication.
Conclusion

The emerging virus outbreaks and subsequent disease-control measures have impacts on mental health status, behavioral responses, and parenting practices in children. In response to COVID-19, greater efforts taking into account children’s developmental stage should be made to implement evidence-based psychological interventions, enhance effective communication, and encourage collaboration.