bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Framework for Assessing the Performance of the Ghanaian Health System: Study Protocol
Authors: Kumah Emmanuel , Ankomah Samuel E. , Fusheini Adam , Baffour Peter Agyei , Ayanore Martin A. , Asravor Richard K. , Kesse Felix O. , Mwini Emmanuel , Otchere Godfrd 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Assessing the performance of health systems through quantitative and qualitative methods is recognized as an effective approach to strengthening national health systems. However, while many high-income countries have institutionalized health system performance assessment (HSPA) as an integral component of their respective health systems, few studies on HSPA have been documented in low and middle-income countries, including Ghana. This study aims at providing a comprehensive framework for periodic assessment of the performance of the entire health system in Ghana.Methods: The study will have four work packages. First, a structured review will be conducted to identify both international and national HSPA frameworks that could be applied to the Ghanaian context. Second, based on the structured review, an assessment framework tailored to the Ghanaian health system context will be developed. Third, the draft framework will be presented and discussed with experts and stakeholders for its appropriateness, feasibility and acceptability. Finally, the framework will be piloted to assess its effectiveness and suitability for full-scale implementation.Discussion: Currently, Ghana does not have a full-fledged HSPA tool that provides a holistic health sector-wide approach to assessing health system performance. Thus, developing this HSPA framework for the country will provide a tool for periodic and comprehensive assessment of the performance of the health system, which can be compared with that of other countries. Such a comparison will offer the opportunity for mutual learning and for exploring new options for formulating more effective national health policies. As this is expected to be the first attempt to develop a comprehensive HSPA framework in Ghana, this study will provide a basis for future discussions on how to further develop and implement HSPA programs in the country.
PGC-1α Regulates Airway Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction Induced by House Dust Mite.
Authors: Saito Tsutomu , Ichikawa Tomohiro , Numakura Tadahisa , Yamada Mitsuhiro , Koarai Akira , Fujino Naoya , Murakami Koji , Yamanaka Shun , Sasaki Yusaku , Kyogoku Yorihiko , Itakura Koji , Sano Hirohito , Takita Katsuya , Tanaka Rie , Tamada Tsutomu , Ichinose Masakazu , Sugiura Hisatoshi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The airway epithelial barrier function is disrupted in the airways of asthmatic patients. Abnormal mitochondrial biogenesis is reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. However, the role of mitochondrial biogenesis in the airway barrier dysfunction has not been elucidated yet. This study aimed to clarify whether the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α), a central regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, is involved in the disruption of the airway barrier function induced by aeroallergens. Methods: BEAS-2B cells were exposed to house dust mite (HDM) and the expressions of PGC-1α and E-cadherin, a junctional protein, were examined by immunoblotting. The effect of SRT1720, a PGC-1α activator, was investigated by immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) on the HDM-induced reduction in mitochondrial biogenesis markers and junctional proteins in airway bronchial epithelial cells. Furthermore,the effects of protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) inhibitor, GB83, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor, lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphaeroides (LPS-RS), protease inhibitors including E64 and 4-(2-Aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) on the HDM-induced barrier dysfunction were investigated. Results: The amounts of PGC-1α and E-cadherin in the HDM-treated cells were significantly decreased compared to the vehicle-treated cells. SRT1720 restored the expressions of PGC-1α and E-cadherin reduced by HDM in BEAS-2B cells. Treatment with SRT1720 also significantly ameliorated the HDM-induced reduction in TEER. In addition, GB83, LPS-RS, E64 and AEBSF prevented the HDM-induced reduction in the expression of PGC1α and E-cadherin. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that HDM disrupted the airway barrier function through the PAR2/TLR4/PGC-1α-dependent pathway. The modulation of this pathway could be a new approach for the treatment of asthma.
Curbing Adolescent Illicit Drug use in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria: A Public Perceptive.
Authors: U. Ogu Udochukwu , Ezumah Nkoli , Odii Aloysius , Uguru Nkolika P. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: In order to reduce the rate of illicit drug use, the public has an important role to play, therefore how they perceive illicit drug use among youths must be ascertained. This study, seeks to ascertain public perception on strategies for curbing adolescent drug use.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The study adopted a mixed method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population consisted of members of the public aged 18 years and above, residing in Owerri metropolis at the time of the study. A total of 10 communities were selected randomly in all: four communities from the 16 communities that make up Owerri West, five communities from the 18 communities that make up Owerri North and one community from the five communities that make up Owerri Municipal. A total of 16 respondents were purposively selected for in-depth interviews.Results: The quantitative findings show that 70.7% of respondents believe that the use of illicit drugs by adolescents can be controlled. The findings also show that one of the ways to control adolescent drug use is to establish stringent anti-illicit drugs consumption laws/policies (20.4%) amongst others. The qualitative findings report that in order to curb the use of drugs by adolescents, the following activities and bodies need to be implored: health promotion, raising more awareness and sensitization campaigns, creation of remand homes for juveniles, the involvement of parents, school authorities and religious organizations and rehabilitation programmes. However, raising awareness, according to the study was reported as a reliable way in eliminating drug use among adolescents.Conclusion: To curb illicit drug use, proper funding of drug enforcement agencies, sensitization campaigns, strict laws on drug prescription, provision and use and health education etc. are very necessary for reducing adolescents’ illicit drug consumption.
ASFP (AI-based Scoring Function Platform): a web server for the development of customized scoring functions
Authors: Zhang Xujun , Shen Chao , Wang Zhe , Weng Gaoqi , Ye Qing , Wang Gaoang , He Qiaojun , Yang Bo , Cao Dongsheng , Hou Tingjun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Virtual screening (VS) based on molecular docking has emerged as one of the mainstream technologies of drug discovery due to its low cost and high efficiency. However, the scoring functions (SFs) implemented in most docking programs are not always accurate enough and how to improve their prediction accuracy is still a big challenge. Here, we propose an integrated platform called ASFP, a web server for the development of customized SFs for structure-based VS. There are three main modules in ASFP: 1) the descriptor generation module that can generate up to 3437 descriptors for the modelling of protein-ligand interactions; 2) the AI-based SF construction module that can establish target-specific SFs based on the pre-generated descriptors through three machine learning (ML) techniques; 3) the online prediction module that provides some well-constructed target-specific SFs for VS and a generic SF for binding affinity prediction. Our methodology has been validated on several benchmark datasets. The target-specific SFs can achieve an average ROC AUC of 0.841 towards 32 targets and the generic SF can achieve the Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.81 on the PDBbind version 2016 core set. To sum up, the ASFP server is a powerful tool for structure-based VS and binding affinity prediction.
Availability and Implementation: ASFP web server is freely available at http://cadd.zju.edu.cn/asfp/.
The changes in the amino and fatty acid profiles in the semifinished foodstuffs based on broiler meat and components of chicken eggs after different types of thermal treatment
Authors: Stefanova I. L. , Shakhnazarova L. V. , Klimenkova A. Yu. , Sorokina I. M. 
Published: October 2020

The changes in the amino and fatty acid profiles in the semifinished foodstuffs (SFFs) based on broiler meat and coagulated chicken egg melange after different types of thermal treatment (water or steam boiling, braising, baking, frying) were studied. The amino acid profiles were determined on Knauer analyzer; tryptophan by standard method. The biological value of the treated products was assessed using amino acid balance coefficients calculated by the method of N. N. Lipatov. It was found that the changes in the initial amino acid profiles of the SFFs were the least after water and steam boiling; braising and baking were found to increase the contents of the essential amino acids. The amino acid profiles in the treated SFFs were close to the reference values. The best criteria of their biological value (coefficient of rationality of amino acid composition, comparable redundance) were found after water and steam boiling. It was found that all types of thermal treatments insignificantly affected the parameters of fatty acid balance within the SFFs; the changes found were primarily related to slight increase in total content of saturated fatty acids and increase in total content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in compare to initial profiles, by 2.64–3.88% depending on the treatment type. The changes in ω‑6/ω‑3 PUFAs ratios were more substantial especially after braising
Allergenomics and analysis of causes of unintentional incorpo‑ ration of substances capable of causing IgE‑mediated food allergy into meat products
Authors: Kryuchenko E. V. , Kuzlyakina Yu. A. , Zamula V. S. , Chernukha I. M. 
Published: October 2020

The article discusses the definition and mechanism of IgE‑mediated food allergy, provides an overview of the legal regulation of the production and labeling of allergen-containing food products. In order to prevent the inadvertent appearance of allergens in products during their production, an allergenomics procedure is required — a comprehensive assessment of the allergic potential of a food product: allergenicity of product ingredients, risk analysis, and the procedure for managing allergens in the production.
Evidence and the Main Adverse Effects Regarding Drug Therapies in the War Against COVID-19
Authors: Mora-Ramírez Mauricio , Melgoza-Hernández Paulina , Toledo-Ramírez Sebastian Eduardo , Aranguré Juan Manuel Mejía 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Nowadays, the breakthrough of COVID-19 pandemic around
the world is the biggest health challenge for the clinicians, and it represents an unexpected
effort to identify an effective treatment for those patients. No proven definitive therapies
for this infection currently exist. Unfortunately, the infected patients increased in an
alarming way every day, faster than medical evidence. At present, the expanding knowledge
regarding SARS-COV-2 virology provides several potential drug targets.

Objective:
Therefore, clinicians need a rapid review and guideline about the main adverse
effects regarding the most prescribed drugs and, specifically, the efficacy and potential
risk of each pharmacological therapy, during hospital care.

Methods:
The articles review was performed using PubMed to identify relevant papers in
English language reported through July 20th, 2020; a second review was performed using
Web of Science until August 28th, 2020. Due to the lack of randomized clinical trials,
we included case reports, case series and reviews. We found a total of 1606 related articles.
The authors independently reviewed the titles and abstracts for inclusion.

Conclusion:
At present, despite the enormous medical effort for publishing several trials
or case reports, we have not yet discovered a definitive therapy against the COVID-19 infection.
This brief review aims to prompt identification of risk factors and main adverse
effects in a systematic view related to therapy with partial evidence proposed to date.
DLEU2: A Meaningful Long Noncoding RNA in Oncogenesis
Authors: Xu Wen , Wang Bei , Cai Yuxuan , Guo Chong , Liu Kai , Yuan Chengfu 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) with little or no coding ability has shown a variety
of biological functions in cancer, including epigenetic regulation, DNA damage, regulation of microRNAs, and
participation in signal transduction pathways. LncRNA can be used as an oncogene and tumor suppressor gene
through transcriptional regulation in cancer. For example, the over-expressed lncRNA DLEU2 promotes the occurrence
of laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, etc., and inhibits the progression of chronic
lymphocytic leukemia. Deleted in Lymphocytic Leukemia 2 (DLEU2), as one of the long non-coding RNAs,
was first found in chronic lymphoblastic leukemia and drawn into the progress of innumerable cancers. The
molecular mechanism of DLEU2 in multiple tumors will be revealed.

Methods:
In this review, current studies on the biological functions and mechanisms of DLEU2 in tumors are
summarized and analyzed; related researches are systematically retrieved and collected through PubMed.

Results:
DLEU2, a novel cancer-related lncRNA, has been demonstrated to be abnormally expressed in various
malignant tumors, including leukemia, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, malignant
pleural mesothelioma, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, pharynx and throat cancer, renal clear cell carcinoma,
breast cancer, osteosarcoma. Besides, lncRNA DLEU2 has been shown to be involved in the process of
proliferation, migration, invasion and inhibition of apoptosis of cancer cells.

Conclusion:
Due to the biological functions and mechanisms involved in DLEU2, it may represent an available
biomarker or potential therapeutic target in a variety of malignant tumors.
Mechanistic Insights to the Binding of Antibody CR3022 Against RBD from SARS-CoV and HCoV-19/SARS-CoV-2: A Computational Study
Authors: Yu Wei , Wu Xiaomin , Ren Jiayi , Zhang Xiaochun , Wang Yueming , Li Chengming , Xu Wenwen , Li Jason , Li Gang , Zheng Weihong , Liao Huaxin , Yuan Xiaohui 
Published: October 2020

Aims & Objective:
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the human
coronavirus 2019 (HCoV-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2) infection is currently in a global
outbreak. COVID-19 has posed a huge threat to public health and economic stability worldwide.
CR3022, a human monoclonal neutralizing antibody isolated from a Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS) recovery patient, was confirmed to be able to bind the S protein of HCoV-19
with a certain degree of neutralizing activity. Crystal structural information indicated that CR3022
could bind to the epitope on the receptor binding domain (RBD) of HCoV-19, whose epitope
consists of 28 amino acids, and 24 of them are conserved in SARS-CoV of SARS. However, the
crystal structure is only a static conformation at a certain moment in time, and it cannot provide
dynamic details of the interaction between antigen and antibody.

Methods:
In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation combined with MM/PBSA and CAS
methods were performed to investigate the mechanism of binding of CR3022 against SARS-CoVRBD
and HCoV-19-RBD in order to determine their holographic dynamic information.

Results:
It was found that the CR3022-SARS-CoV-RBD complex was more stable during 100ns
MD run than that of the CR3022-HCoV-19-RBD system. There were common conservative amino
acids on the β2 sheet of RBD, including Tyr369, Phe377, Lys378, Tyr380, Gly381, Lys386,
Leu390 and others. These conservative amino acids play significant roles in the binding process of
CR3022 antibody against SARS-CoV-RBD and HCoV-19-RBD. It was also found that the binding
mode of CR3022 to its native target SARS-CoV-RBD is more comprehensive and uniform.
Moreover, the β2 sheet residue Thr385 and non-β2 sheet residues Arg408 and Asp428 of the
CR3022-SARS-CoV-RBD system were found to be crucial for their binding affinities, thus
forming a special conformational epitope. However, these key amino acids are not present in the
CR3022-HCoV-19-RBD system. The binding mode of CR3022 and HCoV-19-RBD is similar to
that of SARS-CoV-RBD, but the deficiency of crucial hydrogen-bonds and salt-bridges. Therefore,
the binding of CR3022 and HCoV-19-RBD only draws on the partial mode of the binding of
CR3022 and SARS-CoV-RBD, so there is a loss of affinity.

Conclusion:
Thus, in order to better fight the epidemic of COVID-19 with the CR3022 antibody,
this antibody needs to further improve the neutralization efficiency of HCoV-19 through mutation
of it’s CDR region.
Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Etodolac by the Liquisolid Compact Technique: Optimisation, In-Vitro and In-Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Pathak Bhumin K. , Raghav Meenakshi , Thakkar Arti R. , Vyas Bhavin A. , Shah Pranav J. 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Poor dissolution of Etodolac is one of the major challenges in achieving
the desired therapeutic effect in oral therapy.

Objective:
This study aimed to assess the potential of the liquisolid compact technique in increasing
the rate of dissolution of Etodolac and thus its bioavailability.

Methods:
Liquisolid compacts were prepared using PEG 400, Avicel PH-200 and Aerosil 200 as
non-volatile liquid, carrier and coating material, respectively. The optimisation was carried out by
applying a 32 full factorial design using Design expert software 11.0.3.0 to examine the effects of
independent variables (load factor and carrier: coating ratio) on dependent variables (angle of repose
and % cumulative drug release at 30 min [Q 30 min]). Assessment of bioavailability was based
on a pharmacokinetic study on rabbits and pharmacodynamics evaluation on rats, respectively.

Results:
The formulation M3 was identified as the optimised formulation based on the better flow
(lower angle of repose) and a higher rate of dissolution (Q 30 min >95%). The higher dissolution rate
could be due to conversion of Etodolac into an amorphous molecularly dispersed state, availability
of larger surface area, enhancement of aqueous solubility and enhanced wetting of drug particles.
Studies with DSC, XRD, and SEM verified the transformation of Etodolac from crystalline to
amorphous state, a key factor responsible for improving the dissolution rate. The pharmacokinetic
profile of M3 was prominent, demonstrating higher absorption of Etodolac in comparison to oral
suspension and immediate-release conventional tablets in rabbits. Liquisolid formulation exhibited
a 27% increment in paw thickness as compared to 57% and 46% increments for oral suspension
and immediate-release conventional tablets, respectively, after 7 hrs in the carrageenan-induced
paw model in rats.

Conclusion:
The results indicated the liquisolid compact technique to be a promising strategy to enhance
the bioavailability of Etodolac.
Evaluation of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Iranian Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Ghaffaripour Hosseinali , Mirkarimi Mohammadreza , Hassanzad Maryam , Boloursaz Mohammadreza , Mohammadi Shooka 
Published: October 2020

Background::
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by a
progressive and recurrent lung infection.

Objective::
This study aimed to evaluate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and their correlations
with lung function in CF patients.

Methods::
A matched case-control study was conducted among 18 CF (children and adults) and 18
control patients (age and gender-matched) who were admitted to Masih Daneshvari Hospital
(Tehran, Iran). The controls had no obvious inflammatory lung disease. The samples of bronchoalveolar
lavage (BAL) fluid, serum, and sputum of participants were collected to determine concentrations
of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukins (IL-8, IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor-
alpha (TNF-α) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spirometry was applied
and functional pulmonary indices [forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1
second (FEV1)] were assessed.

Results::
The mean age of CF patients was 15.43 ± 5.970 years (range 4-24). The FVC in a majority
of the CF patients (66.7%) was below 60% and only 33.3% of the patients exhibited normal or
mild respiratory dysfunction. There were significant differences between FVC and FEV1 measurements
before and after bronchoscopy. In addition, IL-8 levels in all three samples (serum, sputum,
and BAL) of CF patients and levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in BAL and sputum samples of CF patients
were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.001). However, increased cytokine levels
were not associated with lung function.

Conclusion::
Increased IL-8 and TNF-α levels seemed to be associated with signs of clinical deterioration
and might be useful as diagnostic markers.
Efficacy and Cardiovascular Safety of Thiazolidinediones
Authors: Raveendran Arkiath Veettil , Fernandez Cornelius James , Jacob Koshy 
Published: October 2020

Abstract::
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by a progressive beta cell dysfunction
in the setting of peripheral insulin resistance. Insulin resistance in subjects with type 2 diabetes and
metabolic syndrome is primarily caused by an ectopic fat accumulation in the liver and skeletal
muscle. Insulin sensitizers are particularly important in the management of T2DM. Though thiazolidinediones
(TZDs) are principally insulin sensitizers, they possess an ability to preserve pancreatic
β-cell function and thereby exhibit durable glycemic control. Cardiovascular outcome trials
(CVOTs) have shown that Glucagon-like-peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium glucose
transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have proven cardiovascular safety. In this era of CVOTs,
drugs with proven cardiovascular (CV) safety are often preferred in patients with preexisting cardiovascular
disease or at risk of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we will describe the three
available drugs belonging to the TZD family, with special emphasis on their efficacy and CV safety.