bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of MicroRNA Biogenesis Genes Polymorphisms with Risk of Large Artery Atherosclerosis Stroke
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Gu Jinyu , Shen Chong , Tang Wuzhuang , Xing Xiaoru , Zhang Zhizhong , Liu XinFeng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Compelling Convincing evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of stroke. This study aimed to examine whether miRNA biogenesis genes polymorphisms are associated with risk of large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke. Three polymorphisms (DROSHA rs10719 T > C, RAN rs3803012 A > G, and PIWIL1 rs10773771 C > T) were screened by certain criterion. A total of 1785 (710 cases and 1075 controls) study subjects were included in this study. We found that rs10773771 CC genotype was associated with a decreased risk of LAA stroke (CC vs. TT/CT: OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.46–0.86, P = 3×10− 3). In silico analysis suggested that rs10773771 can change the mRNA secondary structure of PIWIL1 and affect the binding of the miRNAs and regulatory motifs to the 3'-UTR of PIWIL1. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis showed that rs10773771 could change the expression of PIWIL1 in human skin (P = 1.534×10− 10) and thyroid tissues (P = 4.869×10− 6). These findings suggested that PIWIL1 rs10773771 may be associated with a decreased risk of LAA stroke.
New reproduction number and acceleration parameter&nbsp;introduced and applied to COVID-19
Authors: Rebhan Eckhard 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
To characterize the progression of a pandemic, a well interpretable reproduction number is introduced which is easily applicable to many different situations due to its handy analytical form. On the basis of its derivation it can be understood as a cross between a volatile instantaneous reproduction number and the more robust effective reproduction number commonly used. Starting from it, a further quantity, termed acceleration parameter, is introduced, which facilitates a more differentiated characterization of the infection dynamics. In particular, it enables the precise determination of when the limit to exponential growth is reached and exceeded. A variety of possible developments is examined, including linear and exponential growth of the infection numbers as well as sub- and super-exponential growth. It turned out useful to incorporate the incidence as a further epidemiological indicator. It is used for calculating the trace that the progression of the pandemic leaves behind on a plain spanned by itself and the acceleration parameter. This plane can be divided into a dangerous area, where the pandemic becomes uncontrollable, and a safer area that must be the target of mitigation efforts. At present, many countries and the world as a whole are mired in the dangerous area.
Subpacket Structure in Strong VLF Chorus Rising Tones: Characteristics and Consequences for Radiation Belt Acceleration
Authors: Foster John C. , Erickson Philip J. , Omura Yoshiharu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Van Allen Probes in situ observations are used to examine detailed subpacket structure observed in strong VLF (very low frequency) rising tone chorus elements observed at the time of a rapid MeV electron energization in the inner magnetosphere. Analysis of the frequency gap between lower and upper chorus-band waves identifies fceEQ, the electron gyrofrequency in the equatorial wave generation region. Initial subpackets in these strong chorus rising-tone elements begin at a frequency near 1/4 fceEQ, exhibit smooth gradual frequency increase across their > 10 ms temporal duration. A second much stronger subpacket is seen at frequencies around the local value of 1/4 fce with small wave normal angle (< 10 deg) and steeply rising df/dt. Smooth frequency and phase variation across and between the initial subpackets supports continuous phase trapping of resonant electrons and increased potential for MeV electron acceleration. The total energy gain for seed electrons with energies between 100 keV and 3 MeV ranges between 2 % and 15 %, in their nonlinear interaction with a single chorus element.
SARS-CoV-2 variants show resistance to neutralization by many monoclonal and serum-derived polyclonal antibodies
Authors: Diamond Michael , Chen Rita , Xie Xuping , Case James , Zhang Xianwen , VanBlargan Laura , Liu Yang , Liu Jianying , Errico John , Winkler Emma , Suryadevara Naveenchandra , Tahan Stephen , Turner Jackson , Kim Wooseob , Schmitz Aaron , Thapa Mahima , Wang David , Boon Andrianus , Pinto Dora , Presti Rachel , O’Halloran Jane , Kim Alfred , Deepak Parakkal , Fremont Daved , Corti Davide , Virgin Herbert , Crowe James , Droit Lindsay , Ellebedy Ali , Shi Pei-Yong , Gilchuk Pavlo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the global COVID-19 pandemic infecting more than 106 million people and causing 2.3 million deaths. The rapid deployment of antibody-based countermeasures has provided hope for curtailing disease and ending the pandemic1. However, the emergence of rapidly-spreading SARS-CoV-2 variants in the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), and elsewhere with mutations in the spike protein has raised concern for escape from neutralizing antibody responses and loss of vaccine efficacy based on preliminary data with pseudoviruses2-4. Here, using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), animal immune sera, human convalescent sera, and human sera from recipients of the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine, we report the impact on antibody neutralization of a panel of authentic SARS-CoV-2 variants including a B.1.1.7 isolate, a chimeric Washington strain with a South African spike gene (Wash SA-B.1.351), and isogenic recombinant variants with designed mutations or deletions at positions 69-70, 417, 484, 501, and/or 614 of the spike protein. Several highly neutralizing mAbs engaging the receptor binding domain (RBD) or N-terminal domain (NTD) lost inhibitory activity against Wash SA-B.1.351 or recombinant variants with an E484K spike mutation. Most convalescent sera and virtually all mRNA vaccine-induced immune sera tested showed markedly diminished neutralizing activity against the Wash SA-B.1.351 strain or recombinant viruses containing mutations at position 484 and 501. We also noted that cell line selection used for growth of virus stocks or neutralization assays can impact the potency of antibodies against different SARS-CoV-2 variants, which has implications for assay standardization and congruence of results across laboratories. As several antibodies binding specific regions of the RBD and NTD show loss-of-neutralization potency in vitro against emerging variants, updated mAb cocktails, targeting of highly conserved regions, enhancement of mAb potency, or adjustments to the spike sequences of vaccines may be needed to prevent loss of protection in vivo.
Clinical efficacy of Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) versus Sham therapy (Part I) and TTNS versus Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) (Part II) on the short term in children with the idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome: Protocol for Part I of the two-fold double blinded randomized controlled TaPaS trial.
Authors: Ghijselings Lynn , Renson Catherine , Walle Johan Vande , Everaert Karel , Spinoit Anne-Françoise 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) are effective and safe therapies for overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in adults. However, few randomized sham-controlled trials have been conducted in a paediatric population. To our knowledge, both therapies never have been compared in children.Aim: The aim of the complete study is twofold: 1) To assess the efficacy of TTNS therapy on bladder symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment in a paediatric population with idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome (iOAB) and/or nocturnal enuresis (part I). 2) To assess the effect of TTNS compared to PTNS (part II). In this article, we aim to present the protocol of the first part of the TaPaS trial (TTNS, PTNS, Sham therapy). Methods: Part I of the TaPaS trial is set up as a single-centre randomized-controlled trial. Children, aged from 5 to 12 years with iOAB and/or nocturnal enuresis, are assigned to two groups by computer-generated randomization: TTNS therapy (intervention) and sham therapy (control). The primary outcome is the percentage difference in average voided volume (AVV) between baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints are the percentage difference in supervoids volumes, number of urinary incontinence episodes/24 hours and in voiding frequency, the difference in parent reported outcomes between baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment and the duration of clinical response. Discussion: We hypothesize that TTNS is a non-inferior treatment for iOAB in children compared to PTNS therapy. Since literature is inconclusive about the efficacy of TTNS in a paediatric population, a sham controlled RCT on TTNS will be conducted (part I). A protocol for a prospective randomized sham-controlled trial has been developed. Enrolment has started in November 2018. Study completion of part I is expected by August 2021.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 04256876. Retrospectively registered on February 5, 2020. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04256876
Effects of three methods of breast milk expression on breastfeeding initiation, breast milk extraction and proportion of exclusive breastfeeding—an open label, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Yun , Ni Jiaying , Zhou Chenchen , Chen Ying , Little Julian , Zhang Lin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Direct breastfeeding has multiple health benefits. However, in certain circumstances direct breastfeeding is not possible immediately after delivery, yet provision of infants with their mother’s milk is important. There is insufficient evidence regarding an effective method of breast milk expression in the absence of an infant's suction. Therefore, we undertook a trial to investigate the effects of different methods of breast milk expression on breastfeeding initiation, efficacy of breast milk extraction, and on the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. Methods The participants of mother-infant dyads separated immediately after birth for at least 6 hrs were recruited and randomly assigned (1:1:1) into three groups: (1) hand expression of breast milk; (2) sequential and (3) simultaneous electrical breast pumping. The two primary outcome measures were the time required for initiation of breastfeeding and the milk volume expressed in a 10-minute session (direct breastfeeding in hand expression group) at 3 days and at 6 weeks; a secondary outcome was the proportion of exclusive breastfeeding at 4 and 6 months. The data were analysed according to intention-to-treat. Results Between 2018 and 2019, we recruited 226 participants, of whom 154 were randomized. The median time (in hours) of breastfeeding initiation of the sequential (46.5, 95% CI 36.1-50.5) and simultaneous (45.6, 95% CI 34.2-53.0) breast pumping groups did not differ from those of hand expression group (46.7, 95% CI 40.8-50.0) (p=1.000). At 3 days the breast milk volume (10 min per breast) through simultaneous pumping (13.1±10.9 ml), but not sequential pumping (16.7±11.6 ml) (p=0.560), was significantly less than hand expression (23.8±26.2 ml through direct sucking) (p=0.007). At 6 weeks the breast milk volume through sequential pumping (64.7±51.0 ml), but not simultaneous pumping (71.6±50.8 ml) (p=0.670), was significantly less than hand expression (89.8±67.3 ml through direct sucking) (p=0.035). The breast milk volume obtained through sequential breast pumping was 37.9 ml less than that obtained by those of simultaneous pumping (p<0.001). The rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 4 months was 21.0%, and at 6 months 10.6%, and did not differ between the three methods of breast milk expression. Conclusions Hand expression, sequential breast pumping, or simultaneous breast pumping in absence of immediate infant suction after birth did not show differences on the time required to initiate breastfeeding, or on the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 4 and 6 months. Trial registration This trial was registered with www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1800018193) on 4 September 2018.
The Distribution of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Nurses in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Kgakge Kagiso , Hlongwa Mbuzeleni , Ginindza Themba 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough measures have been put in place, musculoskeletal injuries are noticeable high among the nursing fraternity with Low back pain (LBP) being the most prevalent. It is evident that healthcare professionals are in constant exposure to occupational hazards such as musculoskeletal injuries as they discharge their professional duties. Not only does LBP affect the health of the nurses, it also creates a huge burden on the health systems with consequent poor performance at the workplace as well as economic burden. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to map evidence on the prevalence, incidence, mortality, risk factors and economic costs of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in sub Saharan Africa (SSA).Methods and analysisScoping review will be done to explore, describe and map literature on the prevalence, incidence, mortality, risk factors, and economic costs related to MSD among nurses in SSA. The search will be done using databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, nursing academic editions and World Health Organization (WHO) library databases. The search will look for primary studies within peer-reviewed articles as well as gray literature. In addition, the researcher will search the articles using keywords from the included studies as well as the list of references for related studies. The screening will be guided by the inclusion and exclusion criteria and the scoping review will be reported in accordance to PRISMA-P guidelines. The NVivo 12 data analysis software will be used to generate themes, and a thematic content analysis will be used to give the narrative account of the review.DiscussionAt the end, this study anticipates to uncover the relevant literature in SSA in regard to prevalence, incidence, mortality, risk factors and costs related to MSD among nurses; furthermore findings from this study will help in identifying research gaps, informing policy, priority in funding and planning and to guide future research.
Seizure Detection and Tracking Through Portable Technologies: Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Beauchamp-Chalifour Elisabeth , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Fortin Tamara Herrera , Assi Elie Bou , Nguyen Dang Khoa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEpilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by recurrent seizures due to excessive neuronal discharges and abnormal neuronal discharges. 30-40% of them are pharmaco-resistant, which is associated with cognitive impairment. seizure-related injuries and a higher risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The only way to minimize the risk of SUDEP is having a control of seizures. However, epileptics living or get a seizure alone can’t report the exact information to their physicians. Then, the level of gravity of their disease is inexact. Currently, the only way to identify a seizure is by electroencephalography (EEG), used by healthcare resources. It requires medical staff for its installation and interpretation. Nonetheless, a lot of new technologies developed for recording seizures at home have been developed. These one hasn’t optimally included epileptics and only a few went to a clinical trial; thus, scientific evidence is limited regarding their effectiveness. MethodsThe methodological approach is based in the Cochrane handbook for conducting systematic review. All studies in any languages about the technologies detecting seizures will be compared for any type of epilepsy and for any outcome measured. Two reviewers will independently screen the results for MEDLINE [PubMed, 1951-June 2019], EMBASE [OVID, 1947-June 2019], the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trails (CENTRAL) [up to June 2019] and grey literature [up to June 2019]. Extracted data will be recorded, categorized and summarized.DiscussionThe expected results would be the too short time of the trials and many positive false to get a conclusion of the effectiveness of the technologies studied. This systematic review is needed in order to improve knowledge of the effectiveness of technologies for detecting seizures and use this information for the development of a personalized tool for detecting seizures on the basis of the best available scientific evidence.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42020129787.
Genomic analysis reveals independent evolution of Plasmodium falciparum populations in Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Deriba Abera , Kibet Caleb Kipkurui , Degefa Teshome , Amenga-Etego Lucas , Bargul Joel L , Golassa Lemu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Plasmodium falciparumparasite populations in Ethiopia have been experiencing local selective pressures from drugs and immunity, leading to evolutionary adaptation. However, there wasthe paucity of data on the genomic characterization and the evolutionary adaptations of P. falciparum isolates from the central area of Ethiopia. Method: Whole-genome analysis of 25 P. falciparum isolates from central Ethiopia, specifically from West Arsi, were studied to determine theirgenetic diversity, population structures, and signatures of selection in known drug resistance alleles against global isolates from Cambodia, Thailand, DR Congo, and Malawi.Result: A total of 18,517high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identifiedin Ethiopian P. falciparum isolates.About 84% of the Ethiopian P. falciparum isolates hadan FWS value >0.95showing a dominant single genotype infection in most isolates at the time of collection with little potential for out-crossing as expected in areaswith low transmission intensity. Within host diversity of Ethiopian infectionswas significantly differentfrom East African (p < 0.001) but not Southeast Asian infections (P >0.05). We observed significant population structureby PCA andpopulation differentiation between Ethiopian parasitesand East Africa (Fst~ 10%) and Southeast Asia populations (Fst ~18%), suggesting limited gene flow and the independent evolution of the Ethiopian parasite population. Moreover, we found a total of 125 genes under balancing selection that includedama1, trap, eba175, and lsa3previously identified as targets of human host immunity. Recent directional selection analysis using integrated standardized haplotype score (IHS) did not detect any selection signatures in the Pfcrt,Pfdhfr,Pfdhps, Pfmdr1, and PfK13 genes. However, known drug resistance-conferring mutations analysis showed that at least one SNP marker was fixed in these genes, but not in Pfdhps and PfK13.Conclusion: Plasmodium falciparumpopulation in the central region of Ethiopia wasstructurally diverged from both Southeast Asian and other East African populations. Malaria infections in Ethiopia had low within-host diversity, and parasites carryfixed chloroquine resistance markers despite the withdrawal of this drug for the treatment of P. falciparum.
A participatory approach to address within-country cross-border Malaria: the case of Menoreh Hills in Java, Indonesia
Authors: Ahmad Riris Andono Andono , Ferdiana Astri , Surendra Henry , Sy Tyrone Reden , Herbianto Deni , Rahayujati Theodola Baning , Rej Dwi Sarwani Sri , Murhandarwati E. Elsa Herdiana 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Malaria remains Indonesia's significant public health issue. Most of the endemic areas are in the eastern parts of Indonesia. However, there are a few remaining foci of persistent endemic malaria in Java, particularly in Menoreh Hill, a region bordering three districts of two provinces on this island. Despite a commitment to build a partnership to eliminate cross-border malaria, there is a lack of understanding of how this partnership might be translated into an implementable strategic plan. The study aims to provide evidence of how a participatory approach was used to strengthen the cross-border collaboration and stakeholders' capacity to develop a joint strategic, operational, and costing plan for cross-border malaria elimination. Methods We performed participatory action research from January to August 2017, involving participants from the village, district, provincial, and national levels. This study was conducted in seven phases, including document review, focus group discussions (FGDs), planning and costing workshops, and a dissemination meeting. A total of 44 participants from primary health centers (PHC) and 27 representatives of affected villages in three districts, 16 participants from the district and provincial malaria programs and planning bureaus, and 11 participants from the national level were involved in the processes. Data on priority issues, costing, program coverage, and administration were collected. We use thematic coding and feedback for analysis. Results Problems identified by stakeholders included low community awareness and participation in malaria prevention, high mobility across three districts, lack of financial and human resources, lack of inter-district coordination, and poor implementation of migration surveillance. Cross-border strategies identified to address malaria were improving cross-border migration surveillance, strengthening the network, governance, and advocacy of malaria control implementation across borders, and developing the malaria information system. A working group composed of the three districts' representatives authorized to decide on cross-border issues will be created. Conclusion The participatory approach was applicable in cross-border malaria planning for within-country settings and useful in enhancing stakeholders' capacities as implementers. While done in a participatory way, the joint plan crafted was a non-binding agreement; stakeholders should advocate to ensure adequate funds are poured into mobilizing the program.