bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small RNA sequencing reveals distinct nuclear microRNAs in pig granulosa cells during ovarian follicle growth
Authors: Toms Derek , Pan Bo , Bai Yinshan , Li Julang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNuclear small RNAs have emerged as an important subset of non-coding RNA species that are capable of regulating gene expression. A type of small RNA, microRNA (miRNA) have been shown to regulate development of the ovarian follicle via canonical targeting and translational repression. Little has been done to study these molecules at a subcellular level. Using cell fractionation and high throughput sequencing, we surveyed cytoplasmic and nuclear small RNA found in the granulosa cells of the pig ovarian antral preovulatory follicle. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a diverse network of small RNA that differ in their subcellular distribution and implied function. We identified predicted genomic DNA binding sites for nucleus-enriched miRNAs that may potentially be involved in transcriptional regulation. The small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) SNORA73, known to be involved in steroid synthesis, was also found to be highly enriched in the cytoplasm, suggesting a role for snoRNA species in ovarian function. Taken together, these data provide an important resource to study the small RNAome in ovarian follicles and how they may impact fertility.
Which symptoms pose the highest risk in patients calling for an ambulance? A population-based cohort study from Denmark
Authors: Ibsen Stine , Lindskou Tim Alex , Nickel Christian H. , Kløjgård Torben , Christensen Erika Frischknecht , Søvsø Morten Breinholt 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundEmergency medical service patients are a vulnerable population and the risk of mortality is considerable. In Denmark, healthcare professionals receive 112-emergency calls and assess the main reason for calling. The main aim was to investigate which of these reasons, i.e. which symptoms or mechanism of injury, contributed to short-term risk of death. Secondary aim was to study 1–30 day-mortality for each symptom/ injury.MethodsHistoric population-based cohort study of emergency medical service patients calling 112 in the North Denmark Region between 01.01.2016–31.12.2018. We defined 1-day mortality as death on the same or the following day. The frequency of each symptom and cumulative number of deaths on day 1 and 30 together with 1- and 30-day mortality for each symptom/mechanism of injury is presented in proportions. Poisson regression with robust variance estimation was used to estimate incident rates (IR) of mortality with 95% confidence intervals (CI), crude and age and sex adjusted, mortality rates on day 1 per 100,000 person-year in the population.ResultsThe five most frequent reasons for calling 112 were “chest pain” (15.9%), “unclear problem” (11.9%), “accidents” (11.2%), “possible stroke” (10.9%), and “breathing difficulties” (8.3%). Four of these contributed to the highest numbers of deaths: “breathing difficulties” (17.2%), “unclear problem” (13.2%), “possible stroke” (8.7%), and “chest pain” (4.7%), all exceeded by “unconscious adult – possible cardiac arrest” (25.3%). Age and sex adjusted IR of mortality per 100,000 person-year was 3.65 (CI 3.01–4.44) for “unconscious adult – possible cardiac arrest” followed by “breathing difficulties” (0.45, CI 0.37–0.54), “unclear problem”(0.30, CI 0.11–0.17), “possible stroke”(0.13, CI 0.11–0.17) and “chest pain”(0.07, CI 0.05–0.09).ConclusionIn terms of risk of death on the same day and the day after the 112-call, “unconscious adult/possible cardiac arrest” was the most deadly symptom, about eight times more deadly than “breathing difficulties”, 12 times more deadly than “unclear problem”, 28 times more deadly than “possible stroke”, and 52 times more deadly than “chest pain”. “Breathing difficulties” and “unclear problem” as presented when calling 112 are among the top three contributing to short term deaths when calling 112, exceeding both stroke symptoms and chest pain.
Protocol for a randomized pilot study (FIRST STEPS): implementation of the Incredible Years-ASLD® program in Spanish children with autism and preterm children with communication and/or socialization difficulties
Authors: Valencia Fátima , Urbiola Elena , Romero-González Marina , Navas Inmaculada , Elías María , Garriz Alexandra , Ramírez Almudena , Villalta Laia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Having access to parenting interventions in the early years is key to improve the developmental outcomes of children with neurodevelopmental problems. The Incredible Years® (IY) Parent Program is a group intervention that has demonstrated efficacy in terms of reducing stress in parents, as well as improving behavioral, emotional, and social outcomes in children. The program has been recently adapted for families of children with autism or language delays (IY-ASLD®). This intervention has not yet been implemented in the Spanish Public Health System, where there is a scarcity of evidence-based interventions being offered to families with young children presenting neurodevelopmental problems. The main aims of this study are to determine the feasibility of implementing the IY-ASLD® program within Spanish Child Mental Health Services and to examine parents’ acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention. As a secondary objective, we aim to evaluate its preliminary effectiveness in terms of reducing parental stress and behavioral difficulties in their children. The FIRST STEPS study is a multicenter, pilot randomized controlled trial comparing the IY-ASLD® program with a treatment-as-usual (TAU) condition. Approximately 70 families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and preterm children with communication and/or socialization difficulties (aged 2–5 years) will be recruited. Families will be assessed prior to randomization and after the intervention. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the intervention will consist of 22 weekly online sessions (approximately 6 months).
The FIRST STEPS pilot trial will demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of reliably implementing the IY-ASLD® program within the Spanish Public Health System. The results of this study could represent the first step to inform policymakers in Spain when designing evidence-based healthcare pathways for families of children presenting ASD symptoms or neurodevelopmental difficulties at early stages.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04358484. Registered on 04 April 2020
The UPTAKE study: implications for the future of COVID-19 vaccination trial recruitment in UK and beyond
Authors: Sethi Sonika , Kumar Aditi , Mandal Anandadeep , Shaikh Mohammed , Hall Claire A. , Kirk Jeremy M. W. , Moss Paul , Brookes Matthew J. , Basu Supratik 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Developing a safe and effective vaccine will be the principal way of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. However, current COVID-19 vaccination trials are not adequately representing a diverse participant population in terms of age, ethnicity and comorbidities. Achieving the representative recruitment targets that are adequately powered to the study remains one of the greatest challenges in clinical trial management. To ensure accuracy and generalisability of the safety and efficacy conclusions generated by clinical trials, it is crucial to recruit patient cohorts as representative as possible of the future target population. Missing these targets can lead to reduced validity of the study results and can often slow down drug development leading to costly delays.

Objective
This study explores the key factors related to perceptions and participation in vaccination trials.

Methods
This study involved an anonymous cross-sectional online survey circulated across the UK. Statistical analysis was done in six phases. Multi-nominal logistic models examined demographic and geographic factors that may impact vaccine uptake.

Results
The survey had 4884 participants of which 9.44% were Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME). Overall, 2020 (41.4%) respondents were interested in participating in vaccine trials; 27.6% of the respondents were not interested and 31.1% were unsure. The most interested groups were male (OR = 1.29), graduates (OR = 1.28), the 40–49 and 50–59 age groups (OR = 1.88 and OR = 1.46 respectively) and those with no health issues (OR = 1.06). The least interested groups were BAME (OR = 0.43), those from villages and small towns (OR = 0.66 and 0.54 respectively) and those aged 70 and above (OR = 1.11).

Conclusions
In order to have a vaccination that is generalisable to the entire population, greater work needs to be done in engaging a diverse cohort of participants. Public health campaigns need to be targeted in improving trial recruitment rates for the elderly, BAME community and the less educated rural population.
Additional evidence on the efficacy of different Akirin vaccines assessed on Anopheles arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Letinić Blaženka D. , Contreras Marinela , Dahan-Moss Yael , Linnekugel Ingrid , de la Fuente José , Koekemoer Lizette L. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Anopheles arabiensis is an opportunistic malaria vector that rests and feeds outdoors, circumventing current indoor vector control methods. Furthermore, this vector will readily feed on both animals and humans. Targeting this vector while feeding on animals can provide an additional intervention for the current vector control activities. Previous results have displayed the efficacy of using Subolesin/Akirin ortholog vaccines for the control of multiple ectoparasite infestations. This made Akirin a potential antigen for vaccine development against An. arabiensis.

Methods
The efficacy of three antigens, namely recombinant Akirin from An. arabiensis, recombinant Akirin from Aedes albopictus, and recombinant Q38 (Akirin/Subolesin chimera) were evaluated as novel interventions for An. arabiensis vector control. Immunisation trials were conducted based on the concept that mosquitoes feeding on vaccinated balb/c mice would ingest antibodies specific to the target antigen. The antibodies would interact with the target antigen in the arthropod vector, subsequently disrupting its function.

Results
All three antigens successfully reduced An. arabiensis survival and reproductive capacities, with a vaccine efficacy of 68–73%.

Conclusions
These results were the first to show that hosts vaccinated with recombinant Akirin vaccines could develop a protective response against this outdoor malaria transmission vector, thus providing a step towards the development of a novel intervention for An. arabiensis vector control.

Graphical Abstract
Scoping review of implementing a longitudinal curriculum in undergraduate medical education: The wake forest experience
Authors: Glass Casey , Sarwal Aarti , Zavitz Joshua , Nitsche Joshua , Joyner JaNae , Johnson Leilani L. , Garcia-Vargas Julia , O’Brien Mary Claire 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Hands-on ultrasound experience has become a desirable component for undergraduate medical education (UGME) curricula throughout medical schools in the United States (US) to enhance readiness for future training. Ultrasound integration can be a useful assistive educational method in undergraduate medical education to improve anatomy and physiology skills. Relatively few medical schools have integrated ultrasound experiences formally into their 4-year medical school curriculum due to limitations of a resource intensive set up.

Methods
We undertook a scoping review of published UGME ultrasound curricula integrated into all four years in peer-reviewed as well online literature. In addition, we provide a narrative review of our institutional experience in conceptualization, design and implementation of UGME ultrasound curriculum driven by need to address the fading knowledge in anatomy and physiology concepts beyond pre-clinical years.

Results
Integrated ultrasound curriculum at WFSOM utilizes focused ultrasonography as a teaching aid for students to gain a more thorough understanding of basic and clinical science concepts taught in the medical school curriculum. We found 18 medical schools with ultrasound curricula published in peer-reviewed literature with a total of 33 ultrasound programs discovered by adding Google search and personal communication

Conclusions
The results of the review and our institutional experience can help inform future educators interested in developing similar curricula in their undergraduate programs. Common standards, milestones and standardized competency-based assessments would be helpful in more widespread application of ultrasound in UGME curricula.
The IFN-Ɣ + 874 A/T polymorphism is associated with malignant breast cancer in a population from the southwest of Iran
Authors: Rezaeean Hadi , Kaydani Gholam Abbas , Saki Najmaldin , Razmjoo Sasan , Labibzadeh Maryam , Yaghooti Hamid 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common diseases in women globally, with an increasing number of deaths associated with it. Recently the role of polymorphisms in the genes encoding cytokines and immune cells has been demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate the association of IFN-Ɣ + 874 A/T polymorphism with BC clinical symptoms.

Results
The study included 88 women with BC and 88 healthy women who had no history of cancer and were matched for age and sex. Allele-specific oligonucleotide-polymerase chain reaction technique was used to investigate the IFN-Ɣ polymorphism. Clinical data were obtained from the patients’ records. Our results showed that the frequencies of genotypes in the BC patients were not significantly different from the control subjects. However, in the patients, the AT genotype was associated with the risk of malignant BC. The age at BC diagnosis was not different in patients with AA and AT genotypes; however, it was significantly earlier in HER2 negative subjects (p = 0.002). Given the higher frequency of AT in malignant BC patients, our results confirm the association of the IFN-Ɣ polymorphism with the disease’s progression to a malignant state.
Data mining of coronavirus: SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV
Authors: Huh Jung Eun , Han Seunghee , Yoon Taeseon 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective
In this study we compare the amino acid and codon sequence of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV using different statistics programs to understand their characteristics. Specifically, we are interested in how differences in the amino acid and codon sequence can lead to different incubation periods and outbreak periods. Our initial question was to compare SARS-CoV-2 to different viruses in the coronavirus family using BLAST program of NCBI and machine learning algorithms.

Results
The result of experiments using BLAST, Apriori and Decision Tree has shown that SARS-CoV-2 had high similarity with SARS-CoV while having comparably low similarity with MERS-CoV. We decided to compare the codons of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV to see the difference. Though the viruses are very alike according to BLAST and Apriori experiments, SVM proved that they can be effectively classified using non-linear kernels. Decision Tree experiment proved several remarkable properties of SARS-CoV-2 amino acid sequence that cannot be found in MERS-CoV amino acid sequence. The consequential purpose of this paper is to minimize the damage on humanity from SARS-CoV-2. Hence, further studies can be focused on the comparison of SARS-CoV-2 virus with other viruses that also can be transmitted during latent periods.
Circulating anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N)-protein antibodies and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike (S)-protein antibodies in an African setting: herd immunity, not there yet!
Authors: Mveang Nzoghe Amandine , Leboueny Marielle , Kuissi Kamgaing Eliane , Maloupazoa Siawaya Anicet Christel , Bongho Eliode Cyrien , Mvoundza Ndjindji Ofilia , Padzys Guy-Stephan , Ndeboko Bénédicte , Ategbo Simon , Djoba Siawaya Joel Fleury 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective
Herd immunity is achieved when in a population, immune individuals are in a sufficiently large proportion. Neutralizing antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 that are produced following infection or vaccination are critical for controlling the spread of COVID-19. The objective of the present work was to investigate the rate of SARS-CoV-2 natural immunization in Gabonese.

Results
One thousand, four hundred and ninety two people were enrolled. The overall prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 36.2%. Moreover, 76.4% of people who developed a humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 produced both anti-SARS-CoV-2 N-protein antibodies and anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-protein antibodies, which correspond to 27.7% of the total population. In infants (0–9 month), children (1–17 years) and adults, the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was relatively the same, between 33 and 37% (any antibody types) and between 25 and 28.6% (neutralizing antibodies). In this African context, one-third (1/3) of the screened population was exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and three-quarter (3/4) of those exposed individuals developed neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. This data suggest that herd immunity is not yet to be achieved in Gabon.
Standardisation of prostate multiparametric MRI across a hospital network: a London experience
Authors: Papoutsaki Marianthi-Vasiliki , Allen Clare , Giganti Francesco , Atkinson David , Dickinson Louise , Goodman Jacob , Saunders Helen , Barrett Tristan , Punwani Shonit 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives
National guidelines recommend prostate multiparametric (mp) MRI in men with suspected prostate cancer before biopsy. In this study, we explore prostate mpMRI protocols across 14 London hospitals and determine whether standardisation improves diagnostic quality.

Methods
An MRI physicist facilitated mpMRI set-up across several regional hospitals, working together with experienced uroradiologists who judged diagnostic quality. Radiologists from the 14 hospitals participated in the assessment and optimisation of prostate mpMRI image quality, assessed according to both PiRADSv2 recommendations and on the ability to “rule in” and/or “rule out” prostate cancer. Image quality and sequence parameters of representative mpMRI scans were evaluated across 23 MR scanners. Optimisation visits were performed to improve image quality, and 2 radiologists scored the image quality pre- and post-optimisation.

Results
20/23 mpMRI protocols, consisting of 111 sequences, were optimised by modifying their sequence parameters. Pre-optimisation, only 15% of T2W images were non-diagnostic, whereas 40% of ADC maps, 50% of high b-value DWI and 41% of DCE-MRI were considered non-diagnostic. Post-optimisation, the scores were increased with 80% of ADC maps, 74% of high b-value DWI and 88% of DCE-MRI to be partially or fully diagnostic. T2W sequences were not optimised, due to their higher baseline quality scores.

Conclusions
Targeted intervention at a regional level can improve the diagnostic quality of prostate mpMRI protocols, with implications for improving prostate cancer detection rates and targeted biopsies.
Characterisation of cardiac health in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure model and a 3D cardiac spheroid model, of preeclampsia
Authors: Richards Claire , Sesperez Kimberly , Chhor Michael , Ghorbanpour Sahar , Rennie Claire , Ming Clara Liu Chung , Evenhuis Chris , Nikolic Valentina , Orlic Natasa Karadzov , Mikovic Zeljko , Stefanovic Milan , Cakic Zoran , McGrath Kristine , Gentile Carmine , Bubb Kristen , McClements Lana 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Preeclampsia is a dangerous cardiovascular disorder of pregnancy that leads to an increased risk of future cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Much of the pathogenesis and mechanisms involved in cardiac health in preeclampsia are unknown. A novel anti-angiogenic protein, FKBPL, is emerging as having a potential role in both preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, in this study we aimed to characterise cardiac health and FKBPL regulation in the rat reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) and a 3D cardiac spheroid model of preeclampsia.

Methods
The RUPP model was induced in pregnant rats and histological analysis performed on the heart, kidney, liver and placenta (n ≥ 6). Picrosirius red staining was performed to quantify collagen I and III deposition in rat hearts, placentae and livers as an indicator of fibrosis. RT-qPCR was used to determine changes in Fkbpl, Icam1, Vcam1, Flt1 and Vegfa mRNA in hearts and/or placentae and ELISA to evaluate cardiac brain natriuretic peptide (BNP45) and FKBPL secretion. Immunofluorescent staining was also conducted to analyse the expression of cardiac FKBPL. Cardiac spheroids were generated using human cardiac fibroblasts and human coronary artery endothelial cells and treated with patient plasma from normotensive controls, early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and late-onset preeclampsia (LOPE); n = 3. FKBPL and CD31 expression was quantified by immunofluorescent labelling.

Results
The RUPP procedure induced significant increases in blood pressure (p < 0.001), collagen deposition (p < 0.001) and cardiac BNP45 (p < 0.05). It also induced a significant increase in cardiac FKBPL mRNA (p < 0.05) and protein expression (p < 0.01). RUPP placentae also exhibited increased collagen deposition and decreased Flt1 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). RUPP kidneys revealed an increase in average glomerular size (p < 0.05). Cardiac spheroids showed a significant increase in FKBPL expression when treated with LOPE plasma (p < 0.05) and a trend towards increased FKBPL expression following treatment with EOPE plasma (p = 0.06).

Conclusions
The rat RUPP model induced cardiac, renal and placental features reflective of preeclampsia. FKBPL was increased in the hearts of RUPP rats and cardiac spheroids treated with plasma from women with preeclampsia, perhaps reflective of restricted angiogenesis and inflammation in this disorder. Elucidation of these novel FKBPL mechanisms in cardiac health in preeclampsia could be key in preventing future CVD.
Rich dynamics of a Filippov avian-only influenza model with a nonsmooth separation line
Authors: Yang Youping , Wang Jingwen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDepopulation of birds has been authenticated to be an effective measure in controlling avian influenza transmission. In this work, we establish a Filippov avian-only model incorporating a threshold policy control. We choose the index—the maximum between the infected threshold level$I_{T}$ITand the product of the number of susceptible birdsSand a ratio threshold valueξ—to decide on whether to trigger the control measures or not, which then leads to a discontinuous separation line and two pieces of sliding-mode domains. Meanwhile, one more sliding-mode domain gives birth to more complex dynamics. We investigate the global dynamical behavior of the Filippov model, including the real and/or virtual equilibria and the two sliding modes and their dynamics. The solutions will eventually stabilize at the real endemic equilibrium of the subsystem or the pseudoequilibria on the two sliding modes due to different threshold values. Therefore an effective and efficient threshold policy is essential to control the influenza by driving the number of infected birds below a certain level or at a previously given level.