bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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 
Published: October 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 sixteenth century and is poised to achieve malaria elimination in January 2021. The aim of this research is to characterize 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, gender, 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 visualized 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, 58.1% (95% CI 53.6–64.6) of infections were classified as imported, whereas during the post-epidemic period, 93.3% (95% CI 86.9–99.7) 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: 15.1, 95% CI 5.9–39.2) compared to those under 15 years of age and more likely during the post-epidemic period (AOR: 56.1; 95% CI 13.9–225.5) and most likely to be reported on Sao Vicente Island (AOR = 4256.9, 95% CI = 260–6.9e+4) compared to Boavista.

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. Characterization of imported cases provides useful insight for programme and enables better evidence-based decision-making to ensure malaria elimination can be sustained.
Epidemiology of malaria among pregnant women during their first antenatal clinic visit in the middle belt of Ghana: a cross sectional study
Authors: Dosoo David Kwame , Chandramohan Daniel , Atibilla Dorcas , Oppong Felix Boakye , Ankrah Love , Kayan Kingsley , Agyemang Veronica , Adu-Gyasi Dennis , Twumasi Mieks , Amenga-Etego Seeba , Bruce Jane , Asante Kwaku Poku , Greenwood Brian , Owusu-Agyei Seth 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Malaria during pregnancy may result in unfavourable outcomes in both mothers and their foetuses. This study sought to document the current burden and factors associated with malaria and anaemia among pregnant women attending their first antenatal clinic visit in an area of Ghana with perennial malaria transmission.

Methods
A total of 1655 pregnant women aged 18 years and above with a gestational age of 13–22 weeks, who attended an antenatal care (ANC) clinic for the first time, were consented and enrolled into the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and obstetric data and information on use of malaria preventive measures. Venous blood (2 mL) was collected before sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine administration. Malaria parasitaemia and haemoglobin concentration were determined using microscopy and an automated haematology analyser, respectively. Data analysis was carried out using Stata 14.

Results
Mean age (SD) and gestational age (SD) of women at enrolment were 27.4 (6.2) years and 16.7 (4.3) weeks, respectively. Overall malaria parasite prevalence was 20.4% (95% CI 18.5–22.4%). Geometric mean parasite density was 442 parasites/µL (95% CI 380–515). Among women with parasitaemia, the proportion of very low (1–199 parasites/µL), low (200–999 parasites/µL), medium (1000–9999 parasites/µL) and high (≥ 10,000 parasites/µL) parasite density were 31.1, 47.0, 18.9, and 3.0%, respectively. Age ≥ 25 years (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41–0.79), multigravid (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.33–0.74), educated to high school level or above (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33–0.83) and in household with higher socio-economic status (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21–0.54) were associated with a lower risk of malaria parasitaemia. The prevalence of anaemia (< 11.0 g/dL) was 56.0%, and the mean haemoglobin concentration in women with or without parasitaemia was 9.9 g/dL or 10.9 g/dL, respectively.

Conclusion
One out of five pregnant women attending their first ANC clinic visit in an area of perennial malaria transmission in the middle belt of Ghana had Plasmodium falciparum infection. Majority of the infections were below 1000 parasites/µL and with associated anaemia. There is a need to strengthen existing malaria prevention strategies to prevent unfavourable maternal and fetal birth outcomes in this population.
An exploratory study to estimate cost-effectiveness threshold value for life saving treatments in western Iran
Authors: Moradi Najmeh , Woldemichael Abraha , Malekian Parisa , Rotvandi Delnia Moradi , Rezaei Satar 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Cost-effectiveness analysis provides a crucial means for evidence-informed decision-making on resource allocation. This study aims to elicit individuals' willingness to pay (WTP) for one additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained from life-saving treatment and associated factors in Kermanshah city, western Iran.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study on a total of 847 adults aged 18 years and above to elicit their WTP for one additional QALY gained by oneself and a family member using a hypothetical life-saving treatment. We used a multistage sampling technique to select the samples, and the Iranian version of EQ-5D-3L, and visual analogue scale (VAS) measures to obtain the participants’ health utility value. The Tobit regression model was used to identify the factors affecting WTP per QALY values.

Results
The mean WTP value and standard deviation (SD) was US$ 862 (3,224) for the respondents. The mean utility values using EQ-5D-3L and VAS methods for respondents were 0.779 and 0.800, respectively. Besides, the WTP for the additional QALY gained by the individual participants using the EQ-5D-3L and VAS methods were respectively US$ 1,202 and US$ 1,101, while the estimated value of the family members was US$ 1,355 (SD = 3,993). The Tobit regression models indicated that monthly income, education level, sex, and birthplace were statistically significantly associated (p < 0.05) with both the WTP for the extra QALY values using the EQ-5D-3L and the VAS methods. Educational level and monthly income also showed statistically significant relationships with the WTP for the additional QALY gained by the family members (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
Our findings indicated that the participants' WTP value of the additional QALY gained from the hypothetical life-saving treatment was in the range of 0.20–0.24 of the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Iran. This value is far lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended CE threshold value of one. This wide gap reflects the challenges the health system is facing and requires further research for defining the most appropriate CE threshold at the local level.
Lactate-induced MRP1 expression contributes to metabolism-based etoposide resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Dong Qi , Zhou Chenkang , Ren Haodong , Zhang Zhijian , Cheng Feng , Xiong Zhenkai , Chen Chuantao , Yang Jianke , Gao Jiguang , Zhang Yao , Xu Lei , Fang Jian , Cao Yuxiang , Wei Huijun , Wu Zhihao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Metabolic reprogramming contributes significantly to tumor development and is tightly linked to drug resistance. The chemotherapeutic agent etoposide (VP-16) has been used clinically in the treatment of lung cancer but possess different sensitivity and efficacy towards SCLC and NSCLC. Here, we assessed the impact of etoposide on glycolytic metabolism in SCLC and NSCLC cell lines and investigated the role of metabolic rewiring in mediating etoposide resistance.

Methods
glycolytic differences of drug-treated cancer cells were determined by extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), glucose consumption, lactate production and western blot. DNA damage was evaluated by the comet assay and western blot. Chemoresistant cancer cells were analyzed by viability, apoptosis and western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was used for analysis of DNA-protein interaction.

Results
Here we showed that exposure to chemotherapeutic drug etoposide induces an exacerbation of ROS production which activates HIF-1α-mediated the metabolic reprogramming toward increased glycolysis and lactate production in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We identified lactic acidosis as the key that confers multidrug resistance through upregulation of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1, encoded by ABCC1), a member of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family. Mechanistically, lactic acid coordinates TGF-β1/Snail and TAZ/AP-1 pathway to induce formation of Snail/TAZ/AP-1 complex at the MRP1/ABCC1 promoter. Induction of MRP1 expression inhibits genotoxic and apoptotic effects of chemotherapeutic drugs by increasing drug efflux. Furthermore, titration of lactic acid with NaHCO3 was sufficient to overcome resistance.

Conclusions
The chemotherapeutic drug etoposide induces the shift toward aerobic glycolysis in the NSCLC rather than SCLC cell lines. The increased lactic acid in extracellular environment plays important role in etoposide resistance through upregulation of MRP expression. These data provide first evidence for the increased lactate production, upon drug treatment, contributes to adaptive resistance in NSCLC and reveal potential vulnerabilities of lactate metabolism and/or pathway suitable for therapeutic targeting.

Graphical abstract
Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 improves amino acid absorption from milk protein
Authors: Stecker Richard A. , Moon Jessica M. , Russo Travis J. , Ratliff Kayla M. , Mumford Petey W. , Jäger Ralf , Purpura Martin , Kerksick Chad M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (BC30) has been shown to increase protein digestion in an in vitro model of the stomach and small intestine. Once active in the small intestine after germination, BC30 aids the digestion of carbohydrates and proteins. The extent to which BC30 administration may impact protein digestion and amino acid appearance in humans after protein ingestion is currently unknown. This study examined the impact of adding BC30 to a 25-g dose of milk protein concentrate on post-prandial changes in blood amino acids concentrations.

Methods
14 males and 16 females (n = 30, 26.4 ± 6.5 years; 172.3 ± 10.8 cm; 78.2 ± 14.8 kg; 22.6 ± 7.2% fat) completed two supplementation protocols that each spanned two weeks separated by a washout period that lasted three weeks. Participants were instructed to track their dietary intake and ingest a daily 25-g dose of milk protein concentrate with (MPCBC30) or without (MPC) the addition of BC30. Body composition and demographics were assessed upon arrival to the laboratory. Upon ingestion of their final assigned supplemental dose, blood samples were taken at 0 (baseline), 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min post-consumption and analyzed for amino acid concentrations.

Results
Arginine (p = 0.03) and Isoleucine (p = 0.05) revealed greater area-under-the curve (AUC) in MPCBC30 group compared to MPC. In addition, Arginine (p = 0.02), Serine (p = 0.01), Ornithine (p = 0.02), Methionine (p = 0.04), Glutamic Acid (p = 0.01), Phenylalanine (p = 0.05), Isoleucine (p = 0.04), Tyrosine (p = 0.02), Essential Amino Acids (p = 0.02), and Total Amino Acids (p < 0.01) all revealed significantly greater concentration maximum (CMax) in MPCBC30 compared to MPC. Finally, time to reach CMax (TMax) was significantly faster for Glutamine (p < 0.01), Citrulline (p < 0.01), Threonine (p = 0.04), Alanine (p = 0.02) in MPCBC30 when compared to MPC. Greater mean differences between groups for AUC and CMax in women when compared to the mean differences in men were found for several amino acids.

Conclusion
In concert with previous in vitro evidence of improved protein digestion and amino acid appearance, these results reveal that adding BC30 to protein sources such as milk protein concentrate can improve AUC, CMax, and faster TMax. Follow-up research should examine differences between gender and explore how aging can impact these outcomes. Retrospectively registered on June 11, 2020 at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT04427020.
Isolation of antimicrobial peptides from different plant sources: Does a general extraction method exist?
Authors: Barashkova Anna S. , Rogozhin Eugene A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPlants are good sources of biologically active compounds with antimicrobial activity, including polypeptides. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent one of the main barriers of plant innate immunity to environmental stress factors and are attracting much research interest. There are some extraction methods for isolation of AMPs from plant organs based on the type of extractant and initial fractionation stages. But most methods are directed to obtain some specific structural types of AMPs and do not allow to understand the molecular diversity of AMP inside a whole plant. In this mini-review, we suggest an optimized scheme of AMP isolation from plants followed by obtaining a set of peptides belonging to various structural families. This approach can be performed for large-scale screening of plants to identify some novel or homologous AMPs for fundamental and applied studies.
Serum IgE in the clinical features and disease outcomes of IgG4-related disease: a large retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Jiaxin , Peng Yu , Peng Linyi , Wu Di , Li Jing , Jiang Nan , Li Jieqiong , Lu Hui , Liu Zheng , Luo Xuan , Teng Fei , Fei Yunyun , Zhang Wen , Zhao Yan , Zeng Xiaofeng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of serum IgE levels in the clinical features and outcomes of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD).

Methods
We retrospectively enrolled 459 newly diagnosed IgG4-RD patients with serum IgE examined at baseline from 2012 to 2019 and compared the clinical features between group A (serum IgE level ≤ 60 KU/L) and group B (serum IgE level > 60 KU/L). Subsequently, 312 patients who had been followed up for ≥ 1 year were further selected to evaluate the correlation between serum IgE level and disease outcome.

Results
At baseline, the serum IgE level was positively correlated with the serum IgG4 level (r = 0.1779, P = 0.0001), eosinophil count (r = 0.3004, P < 0.0001), and serum IgG level (r = 0.2189, P < 0.0001) in IgG4-RD patients. Compared with group A, group B had more patients with allergic diseases (P = 0.004), more organ involvement (P = 0.003), and higher IgG4-RD responder index scores (P = 0.002). During follow-up, group A patients had a higher remission induction rate than group B patients (88.4% vs. 73.6%, P = 0.035), while group B patients had a higher relapse rate than group A patients (29.0% vs. 16.2%, P = 0.039). Multivariate analysis found that a serum IgE level > 125 KU/L at baseline was a risk factor for disease relapse (hazard ratio [HR], 1.894 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.022–3.508]; P = 0.042). Cox regression analysis showed that elevation of the eosinophil count was a risk factor for relapse in both group A and group B patients (HR, 8.504 [95% CI 1.071–42.511]; P = 0.009; and HR, 2.078 [95% CI 1.277–3.380]; P = 0.003, respectively), and the involvement of the lacrimal gland (HR, 1.756 [95% CI 1.108–2.782]; P = 0.017), submandibular gland (HR, 1.654 [95% CI 1.037–2.639]; P = 0.035), and kidney (HR, 3.413 [95% CI 1.076–10.831]; P = 0.037) were also risk factors for relapse in group B patients.

Conclusion
IgG4-RD patients with high serum IgE levels at baseline were more likely to have higher disease activity, and baseline high IgE levels were associated with disease relapse.
Effects of maximal strength training on bone mineral density in people living with HIV and receiving anti-retroviral therapy: a pilot study
Authors: Chisati Enock M. , Constantinou Demitri , Lampiao Fanuel 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) among people living with HIV (PLWHIV). Although physical activity is recommended for improving bone health in patients with reduced BMD, data on effects of strength exercises on low BMD among PLWHIV is scarce. This study therefore aimed to determine the effects of a 12 weeks maximal strength training (MST) on BMD among PLWHIV in Blantyre, Malawi.

Methods
Twenty-six PLWHIV with reduced BMD were randomised into a training group (TG, n = 15) and control group (CG, n = 11). The TG underwent 12 weeks of MST consisting of 4 sets of 3 to 5 repetitions at 85–90% of one repetition maximum (1RM) 3 times per week. The CG was advised to maintain their usual lifestyle. Measurements of BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, 1RM using a squat machine, heart rate using a heart rate monitor, weight, height and body mass index were obtained before and after the intervention in the TG and CG. Descriptive statistics and student’s t - tests were used to analyse data.

Results
The study was conducted for 12 weeks. Data of 24 participants [14 (TG) and 10 (CG)] were analysed. At base line, there were no significant differences in age (p = 0.34), height (p = 0.91), weight (p = 0.43) and body mass index (p = 0.34) between participants in the TG and the CG. After the intervention, there were significant improvements in lumbar BMD (p < 0.001) and resting heart rate (p = 0.03) in the TG compared to the CG. There were significant improvements in muscle strength (1 RM) in both the TG (p < 0.001) and the CG (p = 0.01).

Conclusions
MST improves lumbar BMD and strength in PLWHIV receiving ART in Blantyre, Malawi. MST with a shorter exercise duration of 12 weeks seem to have the potential in treating reduced BMD in PLWHIV.

Trial registration
PACTR201712002889203. Registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry on 22nd December, 2017 at www. pactr.org
Identification of AAV serotypes for lung gene therapy in human embryonic stem cell-derived lung organoids
Authors: Meyer-Berg Helena , Zhou Yang Lucia , Pilar de Lucas María , Zambrano Alberto , Hyde Stephen C. , Gill Deborah R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGene therapy is being investigated for a range of serious lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and emphysema. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is a well-established, safe, viral vector for gene delivery with multiple naturally occurring and artificial serotypes available displaying alternate cell, tissue, and species-specific tropisms. Efficient AAV serotypes for the transduction of the conducting airways have been identified for several species; however, efficient serotypes for human lung parenchyma have not yet been identified. Here, we screened the ability of multiple AAV serotypes to transduce lung bud organoids (LBOs)—a model of human lung parenchyma generated from human embryonic stem cells. Microinjection of LBOs allowed us to model transduction from the luminal surface, similar to dosing via vector inhalation. We identified the naturally occurring rAAV2 and rAAV6 serotypes, along with synthetic rAAV6 variants, as having tropism for the human lung parenchyma. Positive staining of LBOs for surfactant proteins B and C confirmed distal lung identity and suggested the suitability of these vectors for the transduction of alveolar type II cells. Our findings establish LBOs as a new model for pulmonary gene therapy and stress the relevance of LBOs as a viral infection model of the lung parenchyma as relevant in SARS-CoV-2 research.
Further results on existence of positive solutions of generalized fractional boundary value problems
Authors: Afshari Hojjat , Abdo Mohammed S. , Alzabut Jehad 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis paper studies two classes of boundary value problems within the generalized Caputo fractional operators. By applying the fixed point result ofα-ϕ-Geraghty contractive type mappings, we derive new results on the existence and uniqueness of the proposed problems. Illustrative examples are constructed to demonstrate the advantage of our results. The theorems reported not only provide a new approach but also generalize existing results in the literature.
Associations between adolescents’ physical activity behavior and their perceptions of parental, peer and teacher support
Authors: Pluta Beata , Korcz Agata , Krzysztoszek Jana , Bronikowski Michał , Bronikowska Małgorzata 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to examine adolescents’ perceptions of parental, teacher, and peer support for physical activity, and to examine the associations between these perceptions and physical activity behavior.

Methods
The study included 902 secondary school students, who completed the Short Scale of Youth’s Social Support Assessment (SSYSS). The level of physical activity – more specifically, moderate to vigorous physical activity – was measured using a Physical Activity Screening Measure. The associations were examined by a five-step hierarchical regression. Body mass index (BMI) was defined using the LMS method, which summarizes the distribution of BMI by age and gender in terms of three curves, L (lambda), M (mu), and S (sigma), and was based on a nationally representative sample of Polish children and adolescents.

Results
The study indicated a positive correlation between MVPA (moderate to vigorous physical activity) and three sources of social support; however, in the regression model, this explained only part of the variance. In the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, MVPA level was predicted by five variables involvement in sports training, teachers support, parents support, gender and BMI. The direct effects for teachers and parents support were similar. This demonstrates that both teachers’ and parents’ social support exert influence on adolescent MVPA.

Conclusions
The findings from this research suggest that school-based interventions for adolescents should specifically take into consideration family, teachers, and peers as important sources of social support for general physical activity promotion that aims to increase its levels.