bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Family, social and cultural determinants of long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) use in Madagascar: secondary analysis of three qualitative studies focused on children aged 5–15 years
Authors: Njatosoa Ammy Fiadanana , Mattern Chiarella , Pourette Dolorès , Kesteman Thomas , Rakotomanana Elliot , Rahaivondrafahitra Bakoly , Andriamananjara Mauricette , Harimanana Aina , Razafindrakoto Jocelyn , Raboanary Emma , Andrianasolo Andry , Rogier Christophe 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlthough it is accepted that long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) use is an effective means to prevent malaria, children aged 5 to 15 years do not appear to be sufficiently protected in Madagascar; the malaria prevalence is highest in this age group. The purpose of this research is to summarize recent qualitative studies describing LLIN use among the Malagasy people with a focus on children aged 5–15 years.MethodsQualitative data from three studies on malaria conducted between 2012 and 2016 in 10 districts of Madagascar were analysed. These studies cover all malaria epidemiological profiles and 10 of the 18 existing ethnic groups in Madagascar. A thematic analysis was conducted on the collected data from semi-structured interviews, direct observation data, and informal interviews.ResultsA total of 192 semi-structured interviews were conducted. LLINs are generally perceived positively because they protect the health and well-being of users. However, regional representations of mosquito nets may contribute to LLIN lower use by children over 5 years of age including the association between married status and LLIN use, which leads to the refusal of unmarried young men to sleep under LLINs; the custom of covering the dead with a mosquito net, which leads to fear of LLIN use; and taboos governing sleeping spaces for siblings of opposite sexes, which leads to LLIN shortages in households. Children under 5 years of age are known to be the most vulnerable age group for acquiring malaria and, therefore, are prioritized for LLIN use when there are limited supplies in households. In contrast, children over 5 years of age, who are perceived to be at less risk for malaria, often sleep without LLINs.ConclusionsPerceptions, social practices and regional beliefs regarding LLINs and vulnerability to malaria contribute to the nonuse of LLINs among children over 5 years of age in Madagascar. Modifying LLIN policies to account for these factors may increase LLIN use in this age group and reduce disease burden.
Hypoxia modulation by dual-drug nanoparticles for enhanced synergistic sonodynamic and starvation therapy
Authors: Wang Jingxue , Huang Ju , Zhou Weichen , Zhao Jiawen , Peng Qi , Zhang Liang , Wang Zhigang , Li Pan , Li Rui 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an emerging non-invasive therapeutic technique. SDT-based cancer therapy strategies are presently underway, and it may be perceived as a promising approach to improve the efficiency of anti-cancer treatment. In this work, multifunctional theranostic nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized for synergistic starvation therapy and SDT by loading glucose oxidase (GOx, termed G) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis (4-chlorophenyl) porphyrin) Cl (T (p-Cl) PPMnCl, termed PMnC) in Poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) NPs (designated as MG@P NPs).

Results
On account of the peroxidase-like activity of PMnC, MG@P NPs can catalyze hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in tumor regions to produce oxygen (O2), thus enhancing synergistic therapeutic effects by accelerating the decomposition of glucose and promoting the production of cytotoxic singlet oxygen (1O2) induced by ultrasound (US) irradiation. Furthermore, the NPs can also serve as excellent photoacoustic (PA)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agents, effectuating imaging-guided cancer treatment.

Conclusion
Multifunctional MG@P NPs can effectuate the synergistic amplification effect of cancer starvation therapy and SDT by hypoxia modulation, and act as contrast agents to enhance MR/PA dual-modal imaging. Consequently, MG@P NPs might be a promising nano-platform for highly efficient cancer theranostics.

Graphical Abstract
Therapeutic strategies in RET gene rearranged non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Drusbosky Leylah M. , Rodriguez Estelamari , Dawar Richa , Ikpeazu Chukwuemeka V. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe recent approvals by the Food and Drug Administration several tumor-agnostic drugs have resulted in a paradigm shift in cancer treatment from an organ/histology-specific strategy to biomarker-guided approaches. RET gene fusions are oncogenic drivers in multiple tumor types and are known to occur in 1–2% of non-squamous NSCLC patients. RET gene fusions give rise to chimeric, cytosolic proteins with constitutively active RET kinase domain. Standard therapeutic regimens provide limited benefit for NSCLC patients with RET fusion-positive tumors, and the outcomes with immunotherapy in the these patients are generally poor. Selpercatinib (LOXO-292) and pralsetinib (BLU-667) are potent and selective inhibitors that target RET alterations, including fusions and mutations, irrespective of the tissue of origin. Recently, the results from the LIBRETTO-001 and ARROW clinical trials demonstrated significant clinical benefits with selpercatinib and pralsetinib respectively, in NSCLC patients with RET gene fusions, with tolerable toxicity profiles. These studies also demonstrated that these RET-TKIs crossed the blood brain barrier with significant activity. As has been observed with other TKIs, the emergence of acquired resistance may limit long-term efficacy of these agents. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of resistance is necessary for the development of strategies to overcome them.
Characterization of 29 polymorphic microsatellite markers developed by genomic screening of Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis)
Authors: Brandt Jessica R. , Saidah Sinta H. , Zhao Kai , Ishida Yasuko , Apriyana Isabella , Ryder Oliver A. , Ramono Widodo , Sudoyo Herawati , Suryadi Helena , Van Coeverden de Groot Peter J. , Roca Alfred L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe Sumatran rhinoceros is critically endangered, with fewer than 100 individuals surviving across its current range. Accurate census estimates of the remaining populations are essential for development and implementation of conservation plans. In order to enable molecular censusing, we here develop microsatellite markers with amplicon sizes of short length, appropriate for non-invasive fecal sampling.ResultsDue to limited sample quantity and potential lack of genome-wide diversity, Illumina sequence reads were generated from two Sumatran rhinoceros samples. Genomic screening identified reads with short tandem repeats and loci that were polymorphic within the dataset. Twenty-nine novel polymorphic microsatellite markers were characterized (A = 2.4;HO = 0.30). These were sufficient to distinguish among individuals (PID < 0.0001), and to distinguish among siblings (PID(sib) < 0.0001). Among rhinos in Indonesia, almost all markers were established as polymorphic and effective for genotyping DNA from fecal samples. Notably, the markers amplified and displayed microsatellite polymorphisms using DNA extracted from 11 fecal samples collected non-invasively from wild Sumatran rhinoceros. These microsatellite markers provide an important resource for a census and genetic studies of wild Sumatran rhinos.
Efficacy and safety of GV1001 in patients with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease already receiving donepezil: a phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial
Authors: Koh Seong-Ho , Kwon Hyuk Sung , Choi Seong Hye , Jeong Jee Hyang , Na Hae Ri , Lee Chan Nyoung , Yang YoungSoon , Lee Ae Young , Lee Jae-Hong , Park Kyung Won , Han Hyun Jeong , Kim Byeong C. , Park Jin Se , Lee Jee-Young , Kim Sangjae , Lee Kyu-Yong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundOur previous studies showed that GV1001 has various protective effects against β-amyloid and other stressors. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that GV1001 might have beneficial effects in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).MethodsA phase 2, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 6-month randomized clinical trial was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of subcutaneously administered GV1001. Between September 2017 and September 2019, 13 centers in South Korea recruited participants. A total of 106 patients were screened, and 96 patients with moderate-to-severe AD were randomized 1:1:1 to the placebo (group 1,n = 31), GV1001 0.56 mg (group 2,n = 33), and 1.12 mg (group 3,n = 32) groups. GV1001 was administered every week for 4 weeks (4 times), followed by every 2 weeks until week 24 (10 times). The primary endpoint was the change in the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB) score from baseline to week 24. The key secondary efficacy endpoints were the change in the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Box (CDR-SOB), Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Mini-Mental State Examination, and Global Deterioration Scale scores. The safety endpoints were also assessed based on adverse events, laboratory test results, vital signs, and other observations related to safety.ResultsGroup 3 showed less decrease in the SIB score at 12 and 24 weeks compared with group 1 (P < 0.05). These were not significantly observed in group 2. Among the secondary endpoints, only the NPI score showed significantly better improvement in group 2 than in group 3 at week 12; however, there were no other significant differences between the groups. Although the ADCS-ADL and CDR-SOB scores showed a pattern similar to SIB scores, a statistically significant result was not found. Adverse events were similar across all three groups.ConclusionsThe results indicate that GV1001 1.12 mg met the primary endpoint of a statistically significant difference. GV1001 was well tolerated without safety concerns. This study warrants a larger clinical trial.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT03184467. Registered on June 12, 2017.
Coronavirus disease 2019 and dengue: two case reports
Authors: Hilmy Abdullah Isneen , Dey Rajib Kumar , Imad Hisham Ahmed , Yoosuf Abdul Azeez , Nazeem Ali , Latheef Ali Abdulla 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe pandemic of this century has overwhelmed the healthcare systems of affected countries, and all resources have been diverted to coronavirus disease 2019. At the onset, coronavirus disease 2019 can present as any other acute febrile undifferentiated illness. In tropical regions, clinicians are increasingly challenged to differentiate these febrile illnesses without the use of diagnostics. With this pandemic, many of these tropical diseases are neglected and go underreported. Dengue is holoendemic in the Maldives, and dengue viruses circulate throughout the year. Reports about coinfections with dengue virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 are scarce, and the outcome and the dynamics of the disease may be altered in the presence of coinfection. We have described the clinical manifestation and serial laboratory profile, and highlighted the atypical findings uncommon in dengue infection.Case presentationCase 1 was a 39-year old Asian male, presented on day 6 of dengue infection with warning signs. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that was done as per hospital protocol was found to be positive. Case 2 was a 38-year old Asian male, was admitted on day 5 of illness with symptoms of acute respiratory infection with positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Evaluation of progressive leukopenia and thrombocytopenia showed positive dengue serology.ConclusionClinicians must be conscientious when working on the differential diagnosis of possible tropical diseases in cases of coronavirus disease 2019, specifically, when patients develop hemoconcentration, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis with elevated expression of aspartate higher than alanine transaminase, which is frequently observed in dengue infection. Caution must be taken during the administration of intravenous fluids when treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and dengue coinfection, as coronavirus disease 2019 patients are more prone to develop pulmonary edema. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to avoid the devastating complications of severe forms of dengue infection. It is important to repeat and reconfirm the dengue serology in coronavirus disease 2019 patients to avoid false positivity. Diligence and care must be taken not to neglect other endemic tropical diseases in the region during the present pandemic.
Aldose reductase deficiency inhibits LPS-induced M1 response in macrophages by activating autophagy
Authors: Cheng Peng , Xie Jianwei , Liu Zhiyong , Wang Jian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMacrophage M1 polarization mediates inflammatory responses and tissue damage. Recently, aldose reductase (AR) has been shown to play a critical role in M1 polarization in macrophages. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we demonstrated, for the first time, that AR deficiency repressed the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages via activation of autophagy. This suppression was related to a defect in the inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) kinase (IKK) complex in the classical NF-κB pathway. However, the mRNA levels of IKKβ and IKKγ were not reduced in LPS-treated AR knockout (KO) macrophages, indicating that their proteins were downregulated at the post-transcriptional level. We discovered that LPS stimuli induced the recruitment of more beclin1 and increased autophagosome formation in AR-deficient macrophages. Blocking autophagy through 3-methyladenine and ammonium chloride treatment restored IKKβ and IKKγ protein levels and increased nitric oxide synthase production in LPS-stimulated AR-deficient macrophages. More assembled IKKβ and IKKγ underwent ubiquitination and recruited the autophagic adaptor p62 in LPS-induced AR KO macrophages, promoting their delivery to autophagosomes and lysosomes. Collectively, these findings suggest that AR deficiency is involved in the regulation of NF-κB signaling, and extends the role of selective autophagy in fine-tuned M1 macrophage polarization.
Sero-epidemiological survey of bluetongue disease in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan
Authors: Elmahi Molhima M. , Hussien Mohammed O. , Karrar Abdel Rahim E. , Elhassan Amira M. , El Hussein Abdel Rahim M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Bluetongue (BT) is a vector-borne viral disease of ruminant and camelid species which is transmitted by Culicoides spp. The causative agent of BT is bluetongue virus (BTV) that belongs to genus Orbivirus of the family Reoviridae. The clinical disease is seen mainly in sheep but mostly sub-clinical infections of BT are seen in cattle, goats and camelids. The clinical reaction of camels to infection is usually not apparent. The disease is notifiable to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), causing great economic losses due to decreased trade and high mortality and morbidity rates associated with bluetongue outbreaks. The objective of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of BTV in camels in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan and to identify the potential risk factors associated with the infection. A cross sectional study using a structured questionnaire survey was conducted during 2015–2016. A total of 210 serum samples were collected randomly from camels from 8 localities of Kassala State. The serum samples were screened for the presence of BTV specific immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA).

Results
Seropositivity to BTV IgG was detected in 165 of 210 camels’ sera accounting for a prevalence of 78.6%. Potential risk factors to BTV infection were associated with sex (OR = 0.061, p-value = 0.001) and seasonal river as water source for drinking (OR = 32.257, p-value = 0.0108).

Conclusions
Sex and seasonal river as water source for drinking were considered as potential risk factors for seropositivity to BTV in camels. The high prevalence of BTV in camels in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan, necessitates further epidemiological studies of BTV infection in camels and other ruminant species to better be able to control BT disease in this region.
Representations of degenerate poly-Bernoulli polynomials
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San , Kwon Jongkyum , Lee Hyunseok 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAs is well known, poly-Bernoulli polynomials are defined in terms of polylogarithm functions. Recently, as degenerate versions of such functions and polynomials, degenerate polylogarithm functions were introduced and degenerate poly-Bernoulli polynomials were defined by means of the degenerate polylogarithm functions, and some of their properties were investigated. The aim of this paper is to further study some properties of the degenerate poly-Bernoulli polynomials by using three formulas coming from the recently developed ‘λ-umbral calculus’. In more detail, among other things, we represent the degenerate poly-Bernoulli polynomials by higher-order degenerate Bernoulli polynomials and by higher-order degenerate derangement polynomials.
Gut microbiota signatures in Schistosoma japonicum infection-induced liver cirrhosis patients: a case–control study
Authors: Gui Qi-Feng , Jin Hui-Lin , Zhu Feng , Lu Hai-Feng , Zhang Qin , Xu Jia , Yang Yun-Mei , Xiao Chi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Several studies have assessed the role of gut microbiota in various cirrhosis etiologies, however, none has done so in the context of Schistosoma japonicum infection in humans. We, therefore, sought to determine whether gut microbiota is associated with S. japonicum infection-induced liver cirrhosis.

Methods
From December 2017 to November 2019, 24 patients with S. japonicum infection-induced liver cirrhosis, as well as 25 age- and sex-matched controls from the Zhejiang Province, China, were enrolled. Fecal samples were collected and used for 16S rRNA gene sequencing (particularly, the hypervariable V4 region) using the Illumina MiSeq system. Wilcoxon Rank-Sum and PERMANOVA tests were used for analysis.

Results
Eight hundred and seven operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected, of which, 491 were common between the two groups, whereas 123 and 193 were unique to the control and cirrhosis groups, respectively. Observed species, Chao, ACE, Shannon, Simpson, and Good’s coverage indexes, used for alpha diversity analysis, showed values of 173.4 ± 63.8, 197.7 ± 73.0, 196.3 ± 68.9, 2.96 ± 0.57, 0.13 ± 0.09, and 1.00 ± 0.00, respectively, in the control group and 154.0 ± 68.1, 178.6 ± 75.1, 179.9 ± 72.4, 2.68 ± 0.76, 0.19 ± 0.18, and 1.00 ± 0.00, respectively, in the cirrhosis group, with no significant differences observed between the groups. Beta diversity was evaluated by weighted UniFrac distances, with values of 0.40 ± 0.13 and 0.40 ± 0.11 in the control and cirrhosis groups, respectively (P > 0.05). PCA data also confirmed this similarity (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, the relative abundance of species belonging to the Bacilli class was higher in cirrhosis patients [median: 2.74%, interquartile range (IQR): 0.18–7.81%] than healthy individuals (median: 0.15%, IQR: 0.47–0.73%; P < 0.01), and that of Lactobacillales order was also higher in cirrhosis patients (median: 2.73%, IQR: 0.16–7.80%) than in healthy individuals (median: 0.12%, IQR: 0.03–0.70%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Cumulatively, our results suggest that the gut microbiota of S. japonicum infection-induced liver cirrhosis patients is similar to that of healthy individuals, indicating that bacterial taxa cannot be used as non-invasive biomarkers for S. japonicum infection-induced liver cirrhosis.
The impact of lockdown policy on depressive symptoms among pregnant women in China: mediating effects of internet use and family support
Authors: Zhou Yongjie , Wang Ruoxi , Liu Lei , Ding Ting , Huo Lijuan , Qi Ling , Xiong Jie , Yan Jie , Zeng Lingyun , Yang Jiezhi , Song Suyi , Dai Gaolanxin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlthough more and more attention has been paid to the psychological consequences of the lockdown policy amongst pregnant women, the underlying mechanism linking the lockdown policy to maternal depression has not been studied in the context of China. This study aimed to explore the association between the lockdown policy and maternal depressive symptoms, and whether such association was mediated by internet use and/or family support.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used multi-stage sampling techniques in central and western China. Data were collected from 1266 pregnant women using a structtured questionnaire that measured internet use, family support, and depressive symptoms. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to measure depressive symptoms. Internet use was measured by length of usage and varierity of purpose for internet use. Family support was measureed by spousal support and parental support. The structural equation modelling was employed to conduct mediation analysis to test the specificity of the hypothetical paths.ResultsOverall, 527 respondents (41.63%) presented depressive symptoms. The lockdown policy was negatively associated with depressive symptoms in pregnant women (β = − 0.925, 95% CI = −1.510, − 0.360). The impact of the lockdown policy on depressive symptoms was partially mediated by internet use (β = 1.589, 95% CI = 0.730, 2.807) and family support (β = − 0.162, 95% CI = − 0.341, − 0.017), accounting for 42.67% of the total effect.ConclusionsThe lockdown policy was generally associated with fewer depressive symptoms in pregnant women. The lockdown policy increased maternal depressive symptoms through increased internet use, but decreased maternal depressive symptoms through enhanced family support. The findings suggest that the psychological consequence of the lockdown policy may vary across different populations, and warrant the need to take into consideration the features of subgroups.
Effects of whole-body vibration on quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, endurance, and power in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Hegazy Rania G. , Abdel-aziem Amr Almaz , El Hadidy Eman I. , Ali Yosra M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) enormously affects the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. It causes weakness in the affected lower-extremity muscles in addition to muscle imbalance and inadequate power production, especially in the ankle plantar-flexor and knee extensor muscles. It also causes anomalous delayed myoelectrical action of the medial hamstring. A whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise can diminish muscle spasticity and improve walking speed, muscle strength, and gross motor function without causing unfavorable impacts in adults suffering from CP. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the impacts of WBV training associated with conventional physical therapy on the quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, endurance, and power in children with hemiparetic CP.

Results
The post-intervention values of the quadriceps and hamstring muscle force, endurance, and power were significantly higher than the pre-intervention values for both groups (p = 0.001). The post-intervention values of the study group were significantly higher than the control group (quadriceps force, p = 0.015; hamstring force, p = 0.030; endurance, p = 0.025; power, p = 0.014).

Conclusion
The 8 weeks of WBV training that was added to traditional physical therapy was more successful in improving the quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, endurance, and power in children with hemiparetic CP when compared to traditional physical therapy alone.