bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Partnership for Research on Ebola VACcination (PREVAC): protocol of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial evaluating three vaccine strategies against Ebola in healthy volunteers in four West African countries
Authors: Badio Moses , Lhomme Edouard , Kieh Mark , Beavogui Abdoul Habib , Kennedy Stephen B , Doumbia Seydou , Leigh Bailah , Sow Samba O , Diallo Alpha , Fusco Daniela , Kirchoff Matthew , Termote Monique , Vatrinet Renaud , Wentworth Deborah , Esperou Helène , Lane H Clifford , Pierson Jerome , Watson-Jones Deborah , Roy Céline , D'Ortenzio Eric , Greenwood Brian , Chêne Genevieve , Richert Laura , Neaton James D , Yazdanpanah Yazdan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
IntroductionThe Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in 2014–2016 in West Africa was the largest on record and provided an opportunity for large clinical trials and accelerated efforts to develop an effective and safe preventative vaccine. Multiple questions regarding the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of EVD vaccines remain unanswered. To address these gaps in the evidence base, the Partnership for Research on Ebola Vaccines (PREVAC) trial was designed. This paper describes the design, methods, and baseline results of the PREVAC trial and discusses challenges that led to different protocol amendments.MethodsThis is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial of three vaccine strategies against the Ebola virus in healthy volunteers 1 year of age and above. The three vaccine strategies being studied are the rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP vaccine, with and without a booster dose at 56 days, and the Ad26.ZEBOV,MVA-FN-Filo vaccine regimen with Ad26.ZEBOV given as the first dose and the MVA-FN-Filo vaccination given 56 days later. There have been 4 versions of the protocol with those enrolled in Version 4.0 comprising the primary analysis cohort. The primary endpoint is based on the antibody titer against the Ebola virus surface glycoprotein measured 12 months following the final injection.ResultsFrom April 2017 to December 2018, a total of 5,002 volunteers were screened and 4,789 enrolled. Participants were enrolled at 6 sites in four countries (Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali). Of the 4,789 participants, 2,560 (53%) were adults and 2,229 (47%) were children. Those < 18 years of age included 549 (12%) aged 1 to 4 years; 750 (16%) 5 to 11 years; and 930 (19%) aged 12–17 years. At baseline, the median (25th, 75th percentile) antibody titer to Ebola virus glycoprotein for 1,090 participants was 72 (50, 116) EU/mL.DiscussionThe PREVAC trial is evaluating - placebo-controlled - two promising Ebola candidate vaccines in advanced stages of development. The results will address unanswered questions related to short- and long-term safety and immunogenicity for three vaccine strategies in adults and children.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT02876328. Registred 23 August 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02876328
Genome-wide in silico&nbsp;identification and expression analysis of beta-galactosidase family members in sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]
Authors: Hou Fuyun , Qin Zhen , Du Taifeng , Xu Tao , Li Aixian , Dong Shunxu , Ma Daifu , Wang Qingmei , Li Zongyun , Zhang Liming 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) serves as an important food source for human beings. β-galactosidase (bgal) is a glycosyl hydrolase involved in cell wall modification, which plays essential roles in plant development and environmental stress adaptation. However, the function of bgals genes in sweetpotato has yet to be reported.Results: In this study, 17 β-galactosidase genes (Ibbgal) were identified in sweetpotato, which were classified into seven subfamilies using interspecific phylogenetic and comparative analyses. The promoter regions of Ibbgals harbored several stress, hormone and light responsive cis-acting elements. Quantitative real-time PCR results displayed that Ibbgal genes had the distinct expression patterns across different tissues and varieties. Moreover, the expression profiles under various hormonal treatments, abiotic and biotic stresses were highly divergent in leaves and root. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Ibbgals may involve in plant development and stress responses through regulating the metabolism of cell wall polysaccharides.
The COVID-19 pandemic in Norway and Sweden – threats, trust, and impact on daily life: A comparative survey
Authors: Helsingen Lise , Refsum Erle , Gjøstein Dagrun Kyte , Løberg Magnus , Bretthauer Michael , Kalager Mette , Emilsson Louise 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Norway and Sweden have similar populations and health care systems, but different reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. Norway closed educational institutions, and banned sports and cultural activities; Sweden kept most institutions and training facilities open. We aimed to compare peoples’ attitudes towards authorities and control measures, and perceived impact of the pandemic and implemented control measures on life in Norway and Sweden.Methods: Anonymous web-based surveys for individuals age 15 or older distributed through Facebook using the snowball method, in Norway and Sweden from mid-March to mid-April, 2020. The survey contained questions about perceived threat of the pandemic, views on infection control measures, and impact on daily life. We performed descriptive analyses of the responses and compared the two countries.Results: 3,508 individuals participated in the survey (Norway 3000; Sweden 508). 79% were women, the majority were 30-49 years (Norway 60%; Sweden 47%), and about 45% of the participants in both countries had more than four years of higher education.Participants had high trust in the health services, but differed in the degree of trust in their government (High trust in Norway 17%; Sweden 37%). More Norwegians than Swedes agreed that school closure was a good measure (Norway 66%; Sweden 18%), that countries with open schools were irresponsible (Norway 65%; Sweden 23%), and that the threat from repercussions of the mitigation measures were large or very large (Norway 71%; Sweden 56%). Both countries had a high compliance with infection preventive measures (> 98%). Many lived a more sedentary life (Norway 69%; Sweden 50%) and ate more (Norway 44%; Sweden 33%) during the pandemic. Conclusion: Sweden had more trust in the authorities, while Norwegians reported a more negative lifestyle during the pandemic. The level of trust in the health care system and self-reported compliance with preventive measures was high in both countries despite the differences in infection control measures.
Knowledge, attitudes, anxiety, and preventive behaviours towards COVID-19 among health care providers in Yemen: an online cross-sectional survey
Authors: Alrubaiee Gamil Ghaleb , Al-Qalah Talal Ali Hussein , Al-Aawar Mohammed Sadeg A. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The current rapid prevalence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic over the world is associated with a considerable level of scared, anxiety, and panic among the public, in particular, healthcare providers (HCPs) as the most vulnerable group at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. To protect and enhance HCPs' capacity to carry out their duties in responding to COVID-19, healthcare authorities should keep them away from stress and anxiety and improve their knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 to ensure their compliance with infection control precautions. Therefore, this study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes, anxiety, and preventive behaviours among Yemeni HCPs towards COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive, web-based-cross-sectional study was conducted among 1231 Yemeni HCPs. The COVID-19 related questionnaire was designed using Google forms. The responses were coded and analyzed using the software package (IBMSPSS), version 22.0. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient test were also used in this study. A p-value of < 0.05 levels with a 95% confidence interval was considered as statistically significant. The data collection started on 22nd April 2020, at 6 PM and closed on 26th April 2020 at 11 AM. Results: The results indicated that out of 1231 of the HCPs participating in this study, 61.6% were male and 67% were in the age group of 20 to 30 years old with a mean of 29.29±6.75. Most of them (86%) had a bachelor's degree or above and had 10 years of working experience or less (88.1%). Besides, although 57.1% of the respondents obtained their information via social and news media and 60.0% had never attended lectures/discussions about COVID-19, the results revealed that the majority of respondents had an adequate level of knowledge, an optimistic attitude, moderate anxiety, and high performance in preventive behaviours (69.8%, 85.10%, 51.0& 87.70%, respectively) toward the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Although the Yemeni HCPs exhibited an adequate level of knowledge, an optimistic attitude, moderate anxiety, and high performance in preventive behaviours toward the COVID-19 pandemic, the results showed gaps in some themes, particularly in their knowledge and attitude on the COVID-19 pandemic which needs to be updated or refreshed.
Use of Spinal Anaesthesia in Neonates and Infants in Antananarivo, Madagascar: A Retrospective Descriptive Study
Authors: Randriamizao Harifetra Mamy Richard , Rakotondrainibe Aurelia , Razafindrabekoto Lova Dany Ella , Ravoaviarivelo Prisca Funken , Rajaonera Andriambelo Tovohery , Andriamanarivo Mamy Lalatiana 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to present the first cases of spinal anesthesia, in newborns and infants, preterm / ex-prematures, in order to determine its feasibility and its potential harmlessness, in Antananarivo – Madagascar. Indeed, spinal anesthesia is a low cost technique and can limit respiratory complications, postoperative apnea a contrario with pediatric general anesthesia which can lead to perioperative risks.Results: In a retrospective, descriptive, seven-year (2013 to 2019) period study, conducted in the University Hospital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona, 69 patients’ data files planned to have spinal anesthesia were recorded. These pediatric patients were predominantly male (sex ratio = 2.8) and 37 [28 - 52] days old. The smallest anesthetized child weighed 880g; the youngest was 4 days old. Twenty-seven (27) of them were premature and 20.3% presented respiratory diseases. They were mostly scheduled for hernia repair (90%). Spinal anesthesia was performed, with a Gauge 25 Quincke spinal needle, after 2 [1 - 2] attempts with hyperbaric bupivacaine of 4 [3.5 - 4] mg. Failure rate was 5.8%. The heart rate was stable throughout perioperative period and no complications were observed.
Compensation Models for Community Health Workers: Comparison of Legal Frameworks across Five Countries
Authors: Ballard Madeleine , Westgate Carey , Alban Rebecca , Choudhury Nandini , Adamjee Rehan , Schwarz Ryan , Bishop Julia , McLaughlin Meg , Flood David , Finnegan Karen , Rogers Ash , Olsen Helen , Johnson Ari , Palazuelos Daniel , Schechter Jennifer 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite the life-saving work they perform, community health workers (CHWs) have long been subject to global debate about their remuneration. There is now, however, an emerging consensus that CHWs should be paid. As the discussion evolves from whether to financially remunerate CHWs to how to do so, there is an urgent need to better understand the types of CHW payment models and their implications. Methods: This study examines the legal framework on CHW compensation in five countries: Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa. In order to map the characteristics of each approach, a review of the regulatory framework governing CHW compensation in each country was undertaken. Law firms in each of the five countries were engaged to support the identification and interpretation of relevant legal documents. To guide the search and aid in the creation of uniform country profiles, a standardized set of questions was developed, covering : (i) legal requirements for CHW compensation, (ii) CHW compensation mechanisms, and (iii) CHW legal protections and benefits. Findings: The five countries profiled represent possible archetypes for CHW compensation: Brazil (public), Ghana (volunteer-based), Nigeria (private), Rwanda (cooperatives with performance based incentives) and South Africa (hybrid public/private). Advantages and disadvantages of each model with respect to (i) CHWs, in terms of financial protection, and (ii) the health system, in terms of ease of implementation, are outlined.Conclusions: While a strong legal framework does not necessarily translate into high-quality implementation, it is the first necessary step. Certain approaches to CHW compensation - particularly public-sector or hybrid models with public sector wage floors - best institutionalize recommended CHW protections. Political will and long-term financing often remain; removing ecosystem barriers - such as multilateral and bilateral restrictions on the payment of salaries - can help governments institutionalize CHW payment.
Updates on malaria epidemiology and profile in Cabo Verde from 2010 to 2019: The goal of Elimination
Authors: DePINA Adilson José , Stresman Gillian , Barros Helga Sofia Baptista , Moreira António Lima , Dia Abdoulaye Kane , Furtado Ullardina Domingos , Faye Ousmane , Seck Ibrahima , Niang El Hadji Amadou Niang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Located in West Africa, Cabo Verde is an archipelago consisting of nine inhabited islands. Malaria has been endemic since the settlement of the islands during the 16th century and is poised to achieve malaria elimination in January 2021. The aim of this research is to characterise the trends in malaria cases from 2010 to 2019 in Cabo Verde as the country transitions from endemic transmission to elimination and prevention of reintroduction phases. Methods: All confirmed malaria cases reported to the Ministry of Health between 2010 and 2019 were extracted from the passive malaria surveillance system. Individual-level data available included age, sex, municipality of residence, and the self-reported countries visited if travelled within the past 30 days, therby classified as imported. Trends in reported cases were visualised and multivariable logistic regression used to assess risk factors associated with a malaria case being imported and differences over time.Results: A total of 814 incident malaria cases were reported in the country between 2010 and 2019, the majority of which were Plasmodium falciparum. Overall, prior to 2017, when the epidemic occurred, 58.08% (95% CI: 53.56-64.59) of infections were classified as imported, whereas during the post-epidemic period, 93.33% (95% CI: 86.97-99.70) were imported. The last locally acquired case was reported in January 2018. Imported malaria cases were more likely to be 25-40 years old (AOR: 15.14, 95% CI: 5.86-39.15) compared to those under 15 years of age and more likely during the post-epidemic period (AOR: 56.12; 95% CI: 13.97-225.49) and most likely to be reported on Sao Vicente Island (AOR=4256.9, 95% CI=260-6.96e+4) compared to Boa Vista. Conclusions: Cabo Verde has made substantial gains in reducing malaria burden in the country over the past decade and are poised to achieve elimination in 2021. However, the high mobility between the islands and continental Africa, where malaria is still highly endemic, means there is a constant risk of malaria reintroduction. Characterisation of imported cases provides useful insight for program and enables better evidence-based decision-making to ensure malaria elimination can be sustained.
Inflammatory potential of the diet and risk of sarcopenia and its components
Authors: Bagheri Amir , Soltani Sanaz , Hashemi Rezvan , Heshmat Ramin , Motlagh Ahmadreza Dorosty , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite a large body of evidence on the link between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and several chronic conditions, limited data are available about the association of DII and sarcopenia. This study aimed to examine the relationship between inflammatory potential of the diet (as measured by DII) and sarcopenia and its components among community-dwelling elderly population.Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was performed in 2011 among 300 elderly people (150 men and 150 women) aged ≥55 years, who were selected using cluster random sampling method. Dietary assessment was done using a pre-tested food frequency questionnaire. Energy-adjusted DII was calculated based on earlier studies. Sarcopenia and its components were determined based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia (EWGSOP) definition.Results: Mean age of study participants was 66.7 ± 7.7 y. Subjects in the highest tertile of DII score (i.e. those with a more pro-inflammatory diet) were more likely to be older (P=0.02). The prevalence of sarcopenia (P=0.016) and low muscle mass (P=0.041) was significantly higher among subjects in the top tertile compared with those in the bottom tertile of DII. After adjustment for potential confounders, those with the highest DII were 2.18 times (95% CI: 1.01-4.74) more likely to have sarcopenia than those with the lowest DII. With regard to components of sarcopenia, subjects in the top tertile of DII had not significantly greater odds of low muscle mass (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 0.72-2.63), abnormal handgrip strength (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.49-1.89), and abnormal gait speed (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 0.84-3.08) than those in the bottom tertile.Conclusions: In conclusion, a diet with more pro-inflammatory potential was associated with a greater odds of sarcopenia. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.
COVID-19 and information - communication technology: Common components in an interactive framework for predicting, preventing, controlling and monitoring the new COVID-19 disease
Authors: Yazdani Azita , Sharifian Roxana , Ravangard Ramin , dashti seyedeh fatemeh , Shukohifar Marzieh , Gholampour Yousef , zahmatkeshan maryam 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSince there is no specific treatment for coronavirus, there is an urgent need for global monitoring of people with Covid-19. The use of e-health services should be compatible with the diagnosis and control of the outbreak of zoonotic infectious diseases. The aim of this study is to provide a conceptual model based on health information technology services for Covid-19 disease management.MethodsThe present study is an applied descriptive study that was performed on a cross-sectional basis in a COVID-19 Center Hospital in Fars province of IRAN country in April 2020. The main tool of this research is a questionnaire that has been compiled by reviewing related articles in databases and surveying with experts in order to determine the necessary services in the management and control model of the prevalence of Covid19 disease. Then, in order to determine the necessary services in the conceptual model, this questionnaire was given to various specialists in the COVID-19 Center Hospital. Finally, based on the results of the questionnaire, a comprehensive conceptual model for the management and control of COVID 19 diseases is presented.ResultsThe proposed model consisted of three layers of cloud computing, fog and data acquisition. All services were approved by the surveyed participants. Among the services, Tele- monitoring for home quarantine, Electronic self-assessment, Telepsychology of patients in home and hospital quarantine, Tele prescription, Tele- information Tele- training have the highest agreement rate. proposed model is an integrated model. The innovation that can be mentioned in this research is the use of priority queue service as a service of the fog layer.ConclusionInformation communication technology tools have an important role in all aspects of contagious diseases management.
Sex Differences in Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Disease Severity of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 in Beijing
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Su Yunjuan , Wang Qi , Cao Ying , Wang Aibin , Ding Rui , Xie Wen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent studies reported that sex differences in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). However the predictive value of sex differences in disease severity were less studied by previous scholars. Methods: All adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University (admission date from January 13 to March 19, 2020) were included in samples. Data analyzed in this study included epidemiological, demographic, comorbidities, initial symptoms and signs, laboratory findings, imaging study, disease severity and in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 185 inpatients were enrolled in the study, among whom 95 patients are males (51.4%). The mean age of all patients was 41 years. Based on the hospital record, the duration from symptoms initiation to hospital admission was longer for men than that for women. Moreover, the mean BMI of males was relatively higher compared to females (25.45vs22.29, p<.001). In addition, the proportion of male patients with CHD, NAFLD, smoking and drinking history was higher than females. During the hospital stay, compared to female patients, male patients were more prone to develop symptoms such as high fever, cough, and chill. Higher levels of AST, CK, CRP and FIB were also observed in male patients. Following this fact, more patients with abnormal CT activities, severe and critical symptoms were developed in male group than females. However, there was no difference in complications and outcome between two groups. By analyzing data comprehensively, we found out that age (analyzed in quartiles, OR: 1.087; 95% CI: 1.038–1.139; p <.001) and BMI (OR: 1.250; 95% CI: 1.046–1.493; p =.014) could be used to help predict disease severity. ﻿Conclusions: In this cohort of hospitalized patients in Beijing, male patients developed more clinical symptoms, obtained more abnormal laboratory test results, and showed higher rates in severity of COVID-19. Other than that, the severity of COVID-19 was positively correlated with age and BMI independently.