bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticles derived from insect exoskeleton modulates NLRP3 inflammasome complex activation in cervical cancer cell line model
Authors: Chakraborty Rituparna , Bose Ujjal , Pawaskar Goutam , Bola Sadashiva Satish Rao , Raval Ritu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Immune evasion is an important hallmark of cancer progression and tumourigenesis. Among the cancer types, cervical cancer has very high global prevalence, severely affecting female reproductive health. Its preponderance is also observed in the Indian health sector.

Results
The NLRP3 inflammasome, an intracellular complex regulates the innate immune activity and a variant gene of it has been significantly associated with cervical cancer development. We aimed to evaluate the potential role of our chitosan engineered nanoparticles (CSNP) and gallic acid conjugated chitosan (gCSNP), to modulate the NLRP3 inflammasome complex in cervical cancer cell lines to explore their novel physicochemical properties. The encapsulation of gallic acid (GA) with chitosan was performed using ion gelation method. The CSNP and gCSNP nanoparticles ranged between 155 and 181 nm as determined by zeta sizer. The conjugations were validated by FTIR and XRD analysis. In the cervical cell line model, CSNP suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in contrast to gCSNP at higher doses.

Conclusion
In contrast to gCSNP, the CSNP not only demonstrated inhibitory effect on the expression of genes coding for the NLRP3 inflammasome complex (signal 1—priming), but also decreased relative expression of gene involved in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome complex (signal 2—activation). Conjugation of gallic acid reversed the immunosuppressor mimicking action of CSNP in cervical cancer cell line. Future research can reveal the immunomodulatory mechanism of CSNP may have its translational significance as potential treatment strategies targeting immune evasion as an important hallmark of cancer.

Graphical abstract
Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for the detection and quantification of Ureaplasma spp.
Authors: Huang Yanfang , Pan Huifen , Xu Xiaoqin , Lv Panpan , Wang Xinxin , Zhao Zhen 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundUreaplasmaspp.are associated with various infectious diseases in females, but there is still limited evidence regarding whether they are related to nonspecific cervicitis. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) assay for the detection and quantification ofUreaplasmaspp. in cervical swabs.MethodsA total of 267 non-specific cervicitis (NSC) patients and 195 asymptomatic females were included in this study. We produced standard curves forUreaplasmaspp.to evaluate the analytical performance of the ddPCR assay. Then, we detected and quantified the bacterial load ofUreaplasmaspp. in cervical swabs.ResultsThe prevalences ofU. parvumwere 37.8% (101/267) and 29.7% (58/195), U. urealyticumwere 9.0% (24/267) and 8.7% (17/195) in the NSC group and control group, respectively. In addition, the median copy number ofU. parvumwas 2.5 × 104copies/ml (n = 101) in the NSC group and 9.2 × 103copies/ml (n = 58) in the control group. TheU. parvumload in the NSC group was significantly higher than that in the asymptomatic individuals (P < 0.001). whereas the median load ofU. urealyticumwas 8.4 × 103copies/ml (n = 24) and 1.4 × 103(n = 17) copies/ml in the two groups, respectively, , the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.450).ConclusionsOur study is the first to develop a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) method for the detection and quantification ofUreaplasmaspp. in clinical samples, and the method has excellent analytical performance and a wide range of clinical application prospects.
Concordance of skin test reactivity between indoor inhalant allergens among children with allergic respiratory disease
Authors: Kulalert Prapasri , Sritipsukho Paskorn , Nanthapisal Sira , Poachanukoon Orapan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn vitro studies have demonstrated cross-reactivity among indoor allergen proteins in children with allergic respiratory diseases. However, there are only few studies evaluating invivoresponse. A skin prick test (SPT) with commercial indoor solutions is widely used in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate SPT agreement in children with allergic respiratory disease between pairs of common indoor allergens.MethodsWe reviewed SPT results of children 2 to 18 years old, diagnosed with respiratory allergic disease. Results from house dust mite(Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus),cockroach (Periplaneta americana,Blatella germanica), cat and dog were collected. Sensitization was defined as ≥ 3 mm in wheal diameter. Kappa coefficient (κ) was used to analyze sensitization concordance for each allergen pair.ResultsThe charts of 300 children, 187 (62.33%) males, were reviewed. Mean age was 7.43 ± 3.29 years with 183 (61%), 140 (46.67%), 45 (15%), 30 (10%) sensitizations to house dust mite (HDM), cockroach, cat and dog, respectively. Sensitization concordance between HDM and cockroach was moderate: κ = 0.53 (95% CI: 0.42–0.64). Moderate agreement occurred between dog and cat: κ = 0.41 (95%CI: 0.30–0.52). HDM-sensitized children showed poor concordance with both cat κ = 0.17 (95%CI: 0.09–0.24) and dog κ = 0.09 (95%CI: 0.03–0.14). There was also poor concordance between cockroach-sensitized children to cat κ = 0.19 (95%CI; 0.11–0.28) and dog κ = 0.11 (95%CI; 0.04–0.18).ConclusionWe demonstrated moderate agreement of SPT response between HDM and cockroach as well as dog and cat. This may be due to cross-reactivity. Component-resolved diagnosis should be considered in children with co-sensitization of these allergen pairs.
Efficacy of web-based self-management interventions for depressive symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Pang Yue , Zhang Xin , Gao Ruitong , Xu Linqi , Shen Meidi , Shi Hongyu , Li Yuewei , Li Feng 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The incidence of depression is increasing worldwide. Depression can lead to poor physical health and even suicide. However, in high-income countries, only about 50% of the people with depression receive appropriate therapy, and the detection rate of depression in low- and middle-income countries is relatively lower. Web-based self-management enables remote treatment and solves the problem of insufficient psychological treatment resources. Many past studies have evaluated the effectiveness of web-based self-management of depression, but there has been no synthesis of evidence. Therefore, this study conducted a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of web-based self-management for depressive symptoms.

Method
Six electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were searched in September 2020. All literature referring to the effects of web-based self-management on depression were shortlisted by performing the medical subject headings (MeSH) search combined with a text word search.

Results
A total of 18 eligible randomized controlled trials were identified, and the results from 3055 participants were consolidated. The web-based self-management group exhibited a greater reduction in depressive symptoms than the control group (g = − 0.46; 95% CI: 0.62,0.30), and there was no evidence of publication bias. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with moderate-to-severe depression benefited from web-based self-management interventions. In terms of interventions, those based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were highly effective. We noted that the longer the intervention time, the better was the improvement in the status of depression. Furthermore, it was established that participants who communicated with therapists and showed greater adherence to the intervention experienced significant improvement in their symptoms. The results of the intervention group were better than those of the waiting-list, treatment-as-usual, and online psychoeducation groups.

Conclusions
Web-based self-management is a promising therapy for depression. Future research should aim to refine these aspects of the intervention to achieve a beneficial impact.
Challenges and lessons learned in mental health research among refugees: a community-based study in Turkey
Authors: Karadag Ozge , Kilic Cengiz , Kaya Edip , Uner Sarp 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Turkey hosts nearly four million refugees and 99% live in urban areas. Research in urban settings pose different challenges and opportunities than research in refugee camps. In this article, we aimed to share the challenges and experiences we encountered in a mixed-methods study to assess mental health problems and barriers to accessing mental health care among refugees in urban areas of Turkey.

Discussion
In our case, the main challenges in conducting research with refugees were collecting data from a highly traumatized population, difficulties with contacting undocumented asylum seekers including trust issues and the fear of deportation, the risk of secondary traumatization among data collectors, and the bureaucracy during study approval processes. Targeting a representative sample was not feasible, because of the lack of publicly available demographic data on a district level, presence of undocumented asylum seekers and high mobility among the refugees. Although respondents with significant psychological symptoms were routinely referred to available mental health services, we were able to do less for unregistered refugees with problems in accessing health care. Language/alphabet differences and differing dialects of Arabic posed another challenge in both translation and administration of the scales. Based on cultural characteristics, a gender-balanced team was used and the interviewers were gender-matched whenever needed. Also, the research team had to work after work hours and during weekends to be able to interview male refugees, since most refugee men were at work during working hours and most days of the week.

Conclusions
The research team’s experience showed that refugee population characteristics including level of trauma, language, culture, gender, legal status, and urban setting characteristics including places of living, mobility, availability of publicly available demographic data, and outreach-related barriers lead to different challenges and ethical responsibilities of researchers and affect the research costs in terms of time, human resources and finance. Even in a host country with geographical, religious and cultural proximity to the refugees, profound challenges exist in conducting mental health research in urban settings. Learning from previous experience and collaborating with local researchers and institutions are vital for better public health research and practice outcomes.
Association between periodontal status and degree of maxillary sinus mucosal thickening: a retrospective CBCT study
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , He Zhengquan , Tian Huan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundIt is well known that periodontitis can stimulate thickening of the maxillary sinus mucosa, but the association between periodontitis status and the degree of maxillary sinus mucosal thickening (maxMT) has not been reported. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of periodontal status of maxillary molars on the degree of maxMT.MethodsRetrospective analysis of cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images of 203 periodontitis cases with maxMT. Parameters related to periodontitis in maxillary molars were measured and recorded on CBCT images. The dimension and length of the maxMT were also recorded. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify periodontal factors influencing the severity of maxMT, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the odds ratio of these factors.ResultsThe factors affecting the degree of maxMT were mainly the amount of alveolar bone loss (ABL) and the minimum residual alveolar bone height (miniRABH). Compared to mild ABL, severe and moderate ABL were more likely to display severe maxMT. And the lower the miniRABH, the more severe the maxMT.ConclusionsThe severity of periodontal status of maxillary molars can influence the degree of maxMT.
Piezo-surgery technique and intramuscular dexamethasone injection to reduce postoperative pain after impacted mandibular third molar surgery: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Nehme Wissam , Fares Youssef , Abou-Abbas Linda 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundSurgical extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar is commonly associated with postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus. Usually, rotatory instruments like burs have been used for osteotomy, while Piezosurgery is an innovative technique introduced to overcome the weaknesses related to the conventional technique. In addition, Dexamethasone administration before the extraction of impacted third molars is an efficient way to reduce postoperative pain due to robust anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of piezo-surgery and dexamethasone injection on postoperative sequelae after the surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars, and ultimately to compare their effect on reducing postoperative pain.MethodsA randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with a sample of 80 patients. Participants were divided into four groups: Group 1 (Conventional rotatory), Group 2 (Conventional rotatory with 8 mg dose of dexamethasone 30 min before surgery), Group 3 (Piezo-surgery), and Group 4 (Piezo-surgery with 8 mg dose of dexamethasone 30 min before surgery). The outcome variables were surgical working time calculated in minutes, maximal mouth opening measured in millimeters using Vernier Caliper at baseline and day 3 and postoperative pain assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on days 1, 3, and 7.ResultsThe surgical working time was longer in piezo-surgery groups compared with the conventional rotatory instruments groups (15.82 ± 3.47 vs 23.33 ± 2.54;pvalue < 0.0001). The lowest reduction in mouth opening between baseline and 3rd-day post-op was found in the Piezo-surgery with Dexamethasone group (mean difference = 5.0, SD = 3.9,pvalue < 0.0001) followed by the Piezosurgery without Dexamethasone group (mean difference = 5.8, SD = 4.5,pvalue < 0.0001) and the highest average was reported by the Conventional rotatory without Dexamethasone (mean difference = 9.7, SD = 4.5,pvalue < 0.0001. In the four groups, the mean pain score was highest on the 1st day and gradually decreased over the following days. Comparison of the 1st and 3rd postoperative pain between groups revealed a lowest mean pain score in the Piezo-surgery with Dexamethasone group, followed by Conventional rotatory with Dexamethasone group and a highest mean score in the Conventional rotatory without Dexamethasone group (pvalue < 0.0001).ConclusionThe association of Piezosurgery osteotomy and Dexamethasone intramuscular injection could be an effective combination to reduce postoperative pain and trismus after impacted third molar surgery.Trial registration: NCT04889781 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/), Date of Registration: 17/05/2021 (retrospectively registered),https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04889781?term=NCT04889781&draw=2&rank=1
Obese rats intervened with Rhizoma coptidis revealed differential gene expression and microbiota by serum metabolomics
Authors: Ji Yanhua , Luo Kexin , Zhang Jiri Mutu , Ni Peng , Xiong Wangping , Luo Xiaoquan , Xu Guoliang , Liu Hongning , Zeng Zhijun 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundIntegrating systems biology is an approach for investigating metabolic diseases in humans. However, few studies use this approach to investigate the mechanism by whichRhizoma coptidis(RC) reduces the effect of lipids and glucose on high-fat induced obesity in rats.MethodsTwenty-four specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague–Dawley rats (80 ± 10 g) were used in this study. Serum metabolomics were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Liver tissue and cecum feces were used for RNA-Seq technology and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, respectively.ResultsWe identified nine potential biomarkers, which are differential metabolites in the Control, Model and RC groups, including linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, stearic acid, and L-Alloisoleucine (p < 0.01). The liver tissue gene expression profile indicated the circadian rhythm pathway was significantly affected by RC (Q ≤ 0.05). A total of 149 and 39 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), which were highly associated with biochemical indicators and potential biomarkers in the cecum samples (FDR ≤ 0.05), respectively, were identified.ConclusionThis work provides information to better understand the mechanism of the effect of RC intervention on hyperlipidemia and hypoglycemic effects in obese rats. The present study demonstrates that integrating systems biology may be a powerful tool to reveal the complexity of metabolic diseases in rats intervened by traditional Chinese medicine.
Potential barriers to and facilitators of civil society organization engagement in increasing immunization coverage in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria: an implementation research
Authors: Etokidem Aniekan , Nkpoyen Festus , Ekanem Comfort , Mpama Enagu , Isika Anastasia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundCivil society organizations (CSOs) are important in health care delivery. They have the potential to play significant roles in immunization-related services, such as advocacy, health education, demand creation and resource mobilization. Their roles are often indispensable, diverse and beneficial in reducing infant morbidity and mortality due to vaccine-preventable diseases. This study explored the potential barriers to and facilitators of CSO engagement in increasing immunization coverage in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.MethodsThe study adopted qualitative data collection methods. Twenty-two focus group discussion (FGD) sessions, three in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 26 key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted. Appropriate guides (FGD guide, IDI guide and KII guide) were used to conduct face-to-face interviews and the discussions. The FGDs, KIIs and IDIs were audio-recorded and transcribed. A framework analysis approach involving five key stages of analysis (familiarization with data, identification of thematic framework, indexing, charting, mapping/interpretation) was used for data analyses and presentation.ResultsCSOs encounter barriers in the course of their immunization advocacy, communication and social mobilization due to male child preference, leading to shielding of male children and not allowing them to be given immunization, as well as patriarchy, safety concerns, religious concerns, anti-vaccine misinformation and rumours, low perception of effectiveness and efficacy of vaccines, inaccessibility of localities, low health literacy and superstitious beliefs. Various community structures, such as the institution of the village head, elders’ council and town crier (announcer), and the existence of change agents, act as facilitators of immunization advocacy and uptake. Factors such as traditional control mechanisms including masquerades and religion act as either barriers or facilitators depending on the community and the mode of deployment. CSO members are willing to overcome these barriers and leverage the facilitators.ConclusionsFor successful engagement in immunization-related services, there are barriers in the study area that CSOs should overcome, such as male child preference and geographic inaccessibility, as well as facilitators that they should leverage such as traditional information dissemination systems and enforcement of compliance by the chiefs and elders’ council.
Involvement of professionals in research: knowledge integration, development of practice, and challenges: a group concept mapping study
Authors: Laustsen Christine E. , Petersson Pia , Westergren Albert , Haak Maria 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Research and practice are often considered as two different worlds with different values, which causes a gap between them. Involving professionals such as practitioners, managers, decision-makers, and policy-makers in research on ageing and health might address the gap between research and practice, strengthen the healthcare system, and increase older people’s possibilities for healthy ageing. The aim of this study was to conceptualize professionals’ involvement in research on ageing and health from the perspective of the professionals themselves.

Methods
A mixed method called group concept mapping was used. Professionals with experience being involved in research on ageing and health participated in qualitative data collection through brainstorming sessions (n = 29) and by sorting statements (n = 29). Afterwards, they participated in a quantitative data collection by rating statements according to how much each statement strengthened practice (n = 30) and strengthened research (n = 28). Multidimensional scaling analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to conduct quantitative analysis. Latent qualitative analysis was also conducted.

Results
Analysis resulted in eight clusters which illustrated conceptual areas of professionals’ involvement in research projects. The qualitative latent construct of the cluster map resulted in the themes: challenges for professionals; prerequisites and professionals’ learning can contribute to development of practice; and integrated knowledge benefits older people. There was a strong correlation between what strengthens practice and research (r = 0.92).

Conclusions
This study illustrates conceptual areas of professionals’ own perspectives on what their involvement in research can lead to. Their involvement may lead to knowledge being integrated, and the professionals may learn through their involvement, which can contribute to the development of practice. However, there can also be challenges that need to be handled when professionals are involved in research. The study can be useful for improving the understanding of and actual involvement of professionals in research, and for optimizing the involvement of professionals.