bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of Real-Time RT-PCR for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Outbreak Without Emergency Use Authorization Reagents in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Chung Yoon-Seok , Lee Nam-Joo , Woo Sang Hee , Kim Jeong-Min , Kim Heui Man , Jo Hye Jun , Park Ye Eun , Han Myung-Guk 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: A real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was developed to rapidly diagnose coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Early diagnosis of COVID-19 enables timely treatment and the implementation of public health measures. We validated the sensitivity, specificity, precision, linearity, accuracy, and robustness of a real-time RT-PCR-based assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection and compared the sensitivity and specificity of Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)-approved reagents for COVID-19 with those of the real-time RT-PCR method.Methods: The real-time RT-PCR-based assay was performed to specifically amplify genomic markers of SARS-CoV-2.Results: The real-time RT-PCR assay was highly specific for SARS-CoV-2, and did not amplify genomic fragments of 13 other viruses that cause respiratory diseases. The assay showed high linearity when conducted with a viral isolate from a patient with COVID-19 together with plasmids containing the target genes. The assay showed good repeatability and reproducibility, with a coefficient of variation of 3%, and detected SARS-CoV-2 with a limit of detection of 1 PFU/mL.Conclusions: The present real-time RT-PCR-based assay can diagnose COVID-19 with high accuracy and sensitivity. This approach is highly effective and can facilitate the early diagnosis of COVID-19 without the use of EUA reagents in the Republic of Korea.
Physiological Characterization of the Chitin Synthase A Gene Responsible for Biosynthesis of Cuticle Chitin in Culex Pipiens Pallens (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Yang Xiaoshan , Xu Yang , Yin Qi , Zhang Hongbo , Yin Haitao , Sun Yan , Ma Lei , Zhou Dan , Shen Bo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes (Culex pipiens pallens) to humans and animals cause several emerging and resurgent infectious diseases. Increasing insecticide resistance requires rational action to control the target vector population. Chitin is indispensable for insect growth and development and absent from vertebrates and higher plants. Chitin synthase A (CHSA) represents a crucial enzyme in chitin synthesis; therefore, identifying and characterizing how CHSA determines the chitin content might help with novel vector control strategies. Results: The injection of small interfering RNA targeting CHSA (siCHSA) to knock down CHSA transcripts of in larval, pupal, and adult stages, showed different lethal phenotypes. In the larval and pupal stages, CHSA knockdown prevented larval molting, pupation, and adult eclosion, and affected the production of chitin and chitin degradation, which resulted in an ecdysis defect phenotype of mosquitoes. In the adult stage, it also affected the laminar organization of mesoderm and the formation of pseudo orthogonally large fibers of the endoderm. Conclusion: The present study provides a systematic and comprehensive description of the effects of CHSA on morphogenesis and metamorphosis. The results showed that CHSA not only affects chitin synthesis during molting, but also might be involved in chitin degradation. Our result further showed that CHSA is important for the structural integrity of the adult mosquito cuticle.
Establishment and Evaluation of a Rat Model of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Thrombosis Using a 3D-printed Mock Oxygenator
Authors: Umei Nao , Lai Angela , Miller Jennifer , Shin Suji , Roberts Kalliope Georgette , Qatarneh Saif Al , Ichiba Shingo , Sakamoto Atsuhiro , Cook Keith Elliot 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) research using large animals requires a significant amount of resources, slowing down the development of new means of ECMO anticoagulation. Therefore, this study developed and evaluated a new rat ECMO model using a 3D-printed mock oxygenator.Methods: The circuit consisted of tubing, a 3D-printed mock oxygenator, and a roller pump. The mock oxygenator was designed to simulate the geometry and blood flow patterns of the fiber bundle in full-scale oxygenators but with a low (2.5 mL) priming volume. Rats were placed on arteriovenous ECMO at a 1.9 mL/min flow rate at two different heparin doses (n = 3 each): low (15 IU/kg/h for eight hours) versus high (50 IU/kg/h for one hour followed by 25 IU/kg/h for seven hours). The experiment continued for eight hours or until the mock oxygenator failed. The mock oxygenator was considered to have failed when its blood flow resistance reached three times its baseline resistance.Results: During ECMO, rats maintained near-normal mean arterial pressure and arterial blood gases with minimal hemodilution. The mock oxygenator thrombus weight was significantly different (p < 0.05) between the low (0.02 ± 0.006 g) and high (0.003 ± 0.001 g) heparin delivery groups, and blood flow resistance was also larger in the low anticoagulation group.Conclusions: This model is a simple, inexpensive system for investigating new anticoagulation agents for ECMO and provides low and high levels of anticoagulation that can serve as control groups for future studies.
Clinical Outcomes and Retention Among HIV-Infected Adolescents and Adults Initiated on Protease Inhibitors Antiretroviral Therapy Regimen in Dar ES Salaam; A Longitudinal Retrospective Descriptive Study
Authors: Rugemalila Joan , Sariah Adellah , Mwaikambo Samuel , Sando David , Kalluvya Samuel 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Globally antiretroviral therapy access has increased and significantly changed HIV morbidity and mortality patterns. In sub-Saharan Africa there are reports of increasing rates of failure to second-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) hence, assessment for clinical outcomes is critical. Objectives: To assess clinical outcomes and retention using programmatic indicators among HIV-infected adolescents and adults receiving second-line ART in Tanzania. Methods: In this longitudinal retrospective cohort study, we enrolled HIV-infected individuals aged 15 years and above who were initiated on second-line ART (Protease Inhibitor based regimen) due to documented failure of first-line ART between July 2012 and September 2015. We evaluated mean change in CD4 cell count, HIV viral load and retention using survival analysis. Results : A total of 1446 participants were enrolled, the mean duration of second-line therapy was 37.0 months± SD 26.50 and the median CD4 cell count at initiation of the second line was 290 cells/mm3. Virologic suppression <50 copies/ml was increasing over time and reached 58% at 36 months. Six months after switching, 80% of patients were retained and thereafter. Predictors of retention were male gender with hazard ratio (HR) 1.04; 95% CI 1.0-1.1 P-value 0.037 and younger age (25 -39 years) with HR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.2 P-value 0.006. Additionally, adherence > 90% increased the likelihood of retention with a strong correlation HR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-1.7 P-value 0.00. Clinical stage III and IV at switch were less likely to be retained HR 0.6; 95% CI 0.5-0.6 P-value 0.000 and higher CD4 cell count was associated with less retention HR <1; 95 % CI 0.4-0.6 P-value 0.000. Conclusion: There was a low rate of viral suppression (<50copies/ml) 58% 36 months after switch however, more than 87% of participants were retained to care after switch. Predictors of retention were male gender, younger age (25-39 years) and adherence > 90%. Therefore, improving viral suppression after switching to second-line requires further interventions.
Ultimate Molecular Theory of Sweet Taste
Authors: He Huazhong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
More than thirty years ago, I proposed a theory about sweet and bittermolecules’ recognition by protein helical structures. Unfortunately the paperscould not go to public platform until now. The sweet and bitter taste theory isupdated and presented in separated papers1,2. The sweet taste theory conveysthat sweet molecules are recognized by receptor protein helical structures andthe recognition process is a dynamic action, in which the sweet receptor proteinhelix has a torsion-spring-like oscillation between helical structures of 3.6 and 3amino acids per turn. To help this kind of oscillation, there are two kinds ofhydrogen donor and hydrogen acceptor DH-B entities for both receptor andsweet molecules: H-bond or non-H-bond. The distances between DH and Bcould be up to ~ 8.5 Å. The receptor H-bond type DH-B entities are the NH-Opairs forming H-bonds in protein helices; the receptor non-H-bond type DH-Bentities are the ones from two pairs of NH-Os forming H-bonds which are aboutone turn away. To facilitate this kind of movement, the interaction of DH-Bs of asweet molecule with those of sweet receptor, through a pair of complementaryhydrogen bonds, must have hydrogen bond complementarities, which means Hbondtype of ligands’ DH-Bs reacts on non-H-bond type of receptor’s O-NHs, andvice versa. As the oscillation may have different extent, it translates to sweetintensity. As recognition sites are only associated with a small fraction – helixstructure of whole sweet receptor, multiple binding sites or multiple receptors arewell expected.
Discovery of Vanoxerine Dihydrochloride as a CDK2 / 4 / 6 Triple-Inhibitor for the Treatment of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Ying , Ke Kun-Bin , Xia Zhong-Kun , Li Hong-Jian , Su Rong , Dong Chao , Zhou Feng-Mei , Wang Lin , Chen Rong , Wu Shi-Guo , Zhao Hui , Gu Peng , Leung Kwong-Sak , Wong Man-Hon , Lu Gang , Zhang Jian-Ying , Jiang Bing-Hua , Qiu Jian-Ge , Shi Xi-Nan , Lin Marie Chia-mi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Cyclin-dependent kinases 2/4/6 (CDK2/4/6) play critical roles in cell cycle progression, and their deregulations are hallmarks of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We used the combination of computational and experimental approaches to discover a CDK2/4/6 triple-inhibitor from FDA approved small-molecule drugs for the treatment of HCC.Results: We identified vanoxerine dihydrochloride as a new CDK2/4/6 inhibitor, and a strong cytotoxic drug in human HCC QGY7703 and Huh7 cells (IC50: 3.79μM for QGY7703and 4.04μM for Huh7 cells). In QGY7703 and Huh7 cells, vanoxerine dihydrochloride treatment caused G1‑arrest, induced apoptosis, and reduced the expressions of CDK2/4/6, cyclin D/E, retinoblastoma protein (Rb), as well as the phosphorylation of CDK2/4/6 and Rb. Drug combination study indicated that vanoxerine dihydrochloride and 5-Fu produced synergistic cytotoxicity in vitro in Huh7 cells. Finally, in vivo study in BALB/C nude mice subcutaneously xenografted with Huh7 cells, vanoxerine dihydrochloride (40mg/kg, i.p.) injection for 21 days produced significant anti‑tumor activity (p<0.05), which was comparable to that achieved by 5-Fu (10mg/kg, i.p.), with the combination treatment resulted in synergistic effect. Immunohistochemistry staining of the tumor tissues also revealed significantly reduced expressions of Rb and CDK2/4/6in vanoxerine dihydrochloride treatment group.Conclusions: The present study is the first report identifying a new CDK2/4/6 triple inhibitor vanoxerine dihydrochloride, and demonstrated that this drug represents a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment.
Health literacy and health outcomes in China’s floating population: mediating effects of health services
Authors: Yu Haiyan , Wu Wei-ling , Yu lin-wei , Wu Lei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The floating population in China consists primarily of internal immigrants and represents a typical health vulnerable group. Poor health literacy has recently become an obstacle in the accessibility and utilization of health services for the vulnerable population, leading to adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine whether health literacy affected health outcomes in China’s floating population and whether health service utilization had a mediating effect between health literacy and health outcomes.Method: The current study utilized a cross-sectional stratified, multistage, proportional to scale (PPS) study in Zhejiang Province, China, in November and December 2019. In total, 657 valid self-reported questionnaires were recovered and used for data collection. Questionnaires included questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics, health literacy, health outcomes, and health service utilization. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test questionnaire validity; descriptive statistics were used to understand the demographic characteristics of the floating population; and structural equation modeling was used to determine whether health service utilization mediated health literacy and health outcomes. Results: We report positive correlations between health literacy, health service utilization, and health outcomes. Mediation analysis demonstrated that health service utilization had partial mediating effects between health literacy and health outcomes. In the relationship between health literacy and health outcomes, the indirect effects of health service utilization accounted for 6.6%–8.7% of the total effects. Conclusion: Complete health literacy, through health care literacy and health promotion literacy, affects the mobile population's initiative to use health services, which, in turn, affects health outcomes. Thus, improving the health literacy of the floating population will help to improve health outcomes. Furthermore, health service providers should enhance the diversity of health service supply to ensure that the floating population has the external resources to improve personal health literacy.
Recognizing the hidden: Strengthening the HIV surveillance system among key and priority populations in Mozambique
Authors: Baltazar Cynthia Semá , Boothe Makini , Langa Denise Chitsondzo , Sathane Isabel , Horth Roberta , Young Peter , Schaad Nick , Raymond Henry F 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
High quality, representative data from HIV surveillance systems that have country ownership and commitment are critical for guiding national HIV responses, especially among key and priority populations given their disproportionate role in the transmission of the virus. Between 2011 to 2013, the Mozambique Ministry of Health has conducted five Biobehavioral Surveillance Surveys among key populations (Female sex workers, men who has sex with men and people who inject drugs) and priority populations (long distance truck drives and miners) as part of the national HIV surveillance system. We describe the experience of strengthening the HIV surveillance system among those populations through the implementation of these surveys in Mozambique. We document the lessons learned through the impact on coordination and collaboration; workforce development and institutional capacity building; data use and dissemination; advocacy and policy impact; financial sustainability and community impact. Key lessons learned include the importance of multisectoral collaboration, vital role of data to support KP visibility and advocacy efforts, and institutional capacity building of government agencies and KP organizations. Given that traditional surveillance methodologies from routine data often do not capture these hidden populations, it will be important to ensure that BBS surveys are an integral part of ongoing HIV surveillance activities in Mozambique.
Understanding the spiritual and emotional needs of siblings of chronically sick children with a rare disease
Authors: Nash Sally , Bryson Laura , Nash Paul , Gray Susannah 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Family morbidity is a concern in the treatment of paediatric patients but guidance and research lacks reference to siblings. Siblings of chronically sick children are at risk of adverse outcomes if needs are not recognized and met. A literature review demonstrated that positive outcomes are possible with appropriate support. Objective To identify emotional and spiritual needs of children and young people (CYP) with a sibling with a chronic disease locating this within a wider understanding of the needs of this population.Method A mixed methods study including: validated, UK normed 52-item Kidscreen questionnaire for siblings, proxy version for parents; interviews of each sibling and focus groups drawn from these siblings were recorded, transcribed and subjected to iterative thematic analysis. The setting was Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHSFT, UK. Participants were 16 siblings and 16 parents of children with a chronic rare disease aged 8-16, one specialist nurse.Results The mean of parents’ scores on the questionnaire rated the sibling below the 50th percentile on all ten areas covered. A mean of 34.9 (median 31) for home life shows a significant impact of having a sick child. Siblings consistently rated themselves higher than parents. From the thematic analysis, largely negative consequences of having a sick sibling appeared in all domains. Coping mechanisms were in two main categories: 1. Creative and leisure activities, 2. Family and friends.Discussion and Conclusion Having a chronically unwell sibling negatively impacts global wellbeing, and, specifically in this study, their emotional and spiritual development. Further research will be needed to determine if this can be ameliorated
Development and usability of educational material about workplace particulate matter exposure
Authors: Stege Thomas A. M. , Bolte John F. B. , Claassen Liesbeth , Timmermans Danielle R. M. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background. Particulate matter (PM) exposure is an important health risk, both in daily life and in the workplace. It causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and results in 800,000 premature deaths per year worldwide. In earlier research, we assessed workers’ information needs regarding workplace PM exposure, the properties and effects of PM, and the rationale behind various means of protection. We also concluded that workers do not always receive appropriate risk communication tools with regards to PM, and that their PM knowledge appears to be fragmented and incomplete. Methods. We considered several concepts for use as an educational material based on evaluation criteria: ease of use, costs, appropriateness for target audiences and goals, interactivity, implementation issues, novelty, and speed. We decided to develop an educational folder, which can be used to inform employees about the properties, effects and prevention methods concerning PM. Furthermore, we decided on a test setup of a more interactive way of visualisation of exposure to PM by means of exposimeters. For the development of the folder, we based the information needs on our earlier mental models-based research. We adjusted the folder based on the results of ten semi-structured interviews evaluating its usability. Results. The semi-structured interviews yielded commentaries and suggestions for further improvement, which resulted in a number of alterations to the folder. However, in most cases the folder was deemed satisfactory. Conclusion. Based on this study, the folder we developed is suitable for a larger-scale experiment and a practical test. Further research is needed to investigate the efficacy of the folder and the application of the exposimeter in a PM risk communication system.
Empowering Healthcare Volunteer’s through Participatory Action Research in a Comprehensive Healthcare Center
Authors: Vizeshfar Fatemeh , Momennasab Marzieh , Yektatalab Shahrzad , Iman Mohamad Taghi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: healthcare volunteers act as the link between the society and the healthcare system and are a symbol of people's participation in the health maintenance and promotion. Despite the important role of health volunteers in the health system, it seems they experience several problems. The aim of this study was empowering health volunteers by determining and relining their problems through a participatory approach.Methods: This study a participatory action research was done through two continuous cycles of reflection and acting for change over 20 months, in A comprehensive health center in Southern of Fars province in Iran.25 health volunteers, two instructors, and academic researcher as facilitator participate in this study. In the first cycle, the participants discovered the challenges of health volunteers prioritized them and an action plan was designed. Immersion and implementation of the plans were done. At the end of this cycle evaluation was done with the participants’ cooperation. The second cycle began with reflecting on the results of the first cycle and final evaluation was done. Results: Qualitative content analysis in the first phase led to the emergence of four major categories, including inefficiency of volunteers training, inefficiency of attraction and maintenance of volunteers, and being unknown to people and the major theme was named “unfertilized capacity”. After the implementation of the operational plan, the participants learned through reflection and immersing in action. Finally, quantitative content and data analysis showed improvement of knowledge and performance, satisfaction, effectiveness of programs and improvement in volunteer’s competence.Conclusions: Clarification of volunteers’ roles, supporting volunteers to improve their knowledge and skills with coherent planning based on their educational needs, are appropriate management plans to attract and retain volunteers. By presenting their services to the society, they will be empowered and motivated to continue.
Alterations in MicroRNA Gene Expression Profile in Liver Transplant Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Afshari Afsoon , Yaghobi Ramin , Karimi Mohammad hossin , Mowla Jvad 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) can lead to liver failure which renders to liver transplant. miRNAs might be detected as biomarkers in subclinical stage of several hepatobiliary disorders like HCC. Therefore, in the present study, alterations in miRNAs as biomarkers were detected in LT patients with HCC. Methods: Fourteen tissue samples composed of 5 rejected and 9 non-rejected ones were used for studying the miRNAs expression pattern using LNA-array probe assay and the result was evaluated by in house SYBR Green Real-time PCR protocols on 30 other tissue samples composed of 10 rejected and 20 non-rejected ones for the selected miRNAs. All samples were collected from liver transplanted patients with HCC.Results: The study results revealed that in rejected patients compared to non-rejected ones, hsa-miR-3158-5p, -4449, -4511, and -4633-5p were up-regulated and hsa-miR-122-3p, -194-5p, 548as-3p, and -4284 were down-regulated. ROC curve analysis also confirmed that miR194-5p and -548as-3p in up-regulated and also, miR-3158-5p, -4449 in down-regulated microRNAs are significantly important molecules in rejection.Conclusion: Finally, the tissue levels of specific miRNAs (especially hsa-miR-3158-5p, -4449, -194-5p and -548as-3p) significantly correlated with the development of HCC, which can be present as biomarkers after further completing studies.