bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Informal Employment and Poor Self-Perceived Health in Latin America and The Caribbean: A Gender-Based Comparison Between Countries and Welfare States in A Pooled Analysis Of 176,786 Workers
Authors: Utzet Mireia , Botías Ferran , Silva-Peñaherrera Michael , Tobías Aurelio , Benavides Fernando G. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: More than half of the working population in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries is engaged in informal employment. The few previous studies indicate that this employment condition could have negative consequences for workers' health. The aim of the present study was to estimate the association between self-perceived health and informality in LAC countries according to gender and welfare state type.Methods: The cross-sectional study based on different working conditions and health national surveys was carried out in 13 LAC countries between 2012 and 2018. A sample of 176,786 workers was selected from these surveys. The association between health and informality was estimated using Poisson regression. Finally, a random effects meta-analysis was carried out by country. All results were stratified by sex and type of welfare state (statalist or familialist).Results: Informal workers reported significantly worse health than formal workers, for both women (1.28 [95% CI 1.14-1.43]) and men (1.30 [1.12-1.50]). This difference was broader and more significant in countries with statalist welfare state regimes, among both women (1.40 [1.22-1.60]) and men (1.51 [1.30-1.74]), than in familialist regime countries (1.19 [1.03-1.38] and 1.24 [1.03-1.49], respectively).Conclusions: This study provides strong evidence of the association between informal employment and worker health. Welfare states appear to have a modifying effect on this association. The transition from the informal to the formal labour market in LAC is essential to improving the health of the population.
Study Protocol For A Cluster Randomized Trial of A School, Family and Community Intervention For Preventing Drug Misuse Among Older Adolescents in the Cherokee Nation
Authors: Komro Kelli A , Kominsky Terrence K. , Skinner Juli R. , Livingston Melvin D , Livingston Bethany J. , Avance Kristin , Lincoln Ashley N. , Barry Caroline M. , Walker Andrew L. , Pettigrew Dallas W. , Merlo Lisa J. , Cooper Hannah L.F. , Wagenaar Alexander C. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The national opioid crisis has disproportionately burdened rural White populations and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. Therefore, Cherokee Nation and Emory University public health scientists have designed an opioid prevention trial to be conducted in rural communities in the Cherokee Nation (northeast Oklahoma) with AI and other (mostly White) adolescents and young adults. Our goal is to implement and evaluate a theory-based, integrated multi-level community intervention designed to prevent the onset and escalation of opioid and other drug misuse. Two distinct intervention approaches—community organizing as implemented in our established Communities Mobilizing for Change and Action (CMCA) intervention protocol, and universal school-based brief intervention and referral, as implemented in our established CONNECT intervention protocol—will be integrated with skill-based training for adults to strengthen social support for youth and strategic media. Further, we will test systems for sustained implementation within existing organizational structures of the Cherokee Nation and local schools and communities. This study protocol describes the cluster randomized trial, designed to measure implementation and evaluate effectiveness on primary and secondary outcomes.Methods: Using a cluster randomized controlled design and constrained randomization, this trial will allocate 20 high schools and surrounding communities to either an intervention or delayed-intervention comparison condition. With a proposed sample of 20 high schools, all enrolled 10th grade students in fall 2021 will be eligible for participation. During the trial, we will: (1) implement interventions through the Cherokee Nation, and measure implementation processes and fidelity; (2) measure opioid and other drug use and secondary outcomes every six months among a cohort of high school students followed over three years through their transition out of high school; (3) test via a cluster randomized trial the effect of the integrated CMCA-CONNECT intervention; and (4) analyze implementation costs. Discussion: This trial will expand upon previous research advancing the scientific evidence regarding prevention of opioid and other drug misuse during the critical developmental period of late adolescent transition to young adulthood among a sample of American Indian and other youth living within the Cherokee Nation reservation.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04839978. Registered April 9, 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04839978
NFĸB Targeting in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Support of Age-Linked Hematological Malignancies.
Authors: Rameshwar Pranela , Sherman Lauren S. , Patel Shyam A. , Castillo Marianne , Unkovic Rachel , Taborga Marcello , Gergues Marina , Patterson Shaun , Etchegaray Jean-Pierre , Jaloudi Mohammed , Nehra Anupama , Kra Joshua , Rojas Darling P. , Chang Victor T. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can become dysfunctional in patients with hematological disorders. An unanswered question is whether age-linked disruption of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment is secondary to hematological dysfunction or vice versa. We therefore studied MSC function in patients with different hematological disorders and found decreased MHC-II except from one sample with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The patients’ MSCs were able to exert veto properties except for AML MSCs. While the expression of MHC-II appeared to be irrelevant to the immune licensing of MSCs, AML MSCs lost their ability to differentiate upon contact and rather, continued to proliferate, forming foci-like structures. We performed a retrospective study that indicated a significant increase in MSCs, based on phenotype, for patients with BM fibrosis. This suggests a role for MSCs in patients transitioning to leukemia. NFĸB was important to MSC function and was shown to be a potential target to sensitize leukemic CD34+/CD38- cells to azacitidine. This correlated with their lack of allogeneic stimulation. This study identified NFĸB as a potential target for combination therapy to treat leukemia stem cells and showed that understanding MSC biology and immune response could be key in determining how the aging BM might support leukemia. More importantly, we show how MSCs might be involved in transitioning the high risk patient with hematological disorder to AML.
Process Development and Validation of Expanded Regulatory T Cells for Prospective Applications: An Example of Manufacturing a Personalized Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product
Authors: Lavazza Cristiana , Budelli Silvia , Montelatici Elisa , Viganò Mariele , Ulbar Francesca , Catani Lucia , Cannone Marta Giulia , Savelli Sara , Groppelli Elisa , Lazzari Lorenza , Lemoli Roberto M. , Cescon Matteo , Manna Gaetano La , Giordano Rosaria , Montemurro Tiziana 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: A growing number of clinical trials have shown that regulatory T (Treg) cells transfer may have a favorable effect on the maintenance of self-tolerance and immune homeostasis in different conditions such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), solid organ transplantation, type 1 diabetes, and others. In this context, the availability of a robust manufacturing protocol that is able to produce a sufficient number of functional Treg cells represents a fundamental prerequisite for the success of a cell therapy clinical protocol. However, extended workflow guidelines for nonprofit manufacturers are currently lacking. Despite the fact that different successful manufacturing procedures and cell products with excellent safety profiles have been reported from early clinical trials, the selection and expansion protocols for Treg cells vary a lot. The objective of this study was to validate a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant protocol for the production of Treg cells that approaches the whole process with a risk-management methodology, from process design to completion of final product development. High emphasis was given to the description of the quality control (QC) methodologies used for the in-process and release tests (sterility, endotoxin test, mycoplasma, and immunophenotyping).RESULTS: The GMP-compliant protocol defined in this work allows at least 4.11 × 109 Treg cells to be obtained with an average purity of 95.75 ± 4.38% and can be used in different clinical settings to exploit Treg cell immunomodulatory function.CONCLUSIONS: These results could be of great use for facilities implementing GMP-compliant cell therapy protocols of these cells for different conditions aimed at restoring the Treg cell number and function, which may slow the progression of certain diseases.
Natural History of Von Hippel-Lindau Disease-associated and Sporadic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: a Comparative Study
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Lei , Qiu Jianhui , Li Ziao , Wu Yucai , Zhang Cuijian , Yao Lin , Gong Kan , Li Xuesong , Zhou Liqun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To compare the tumor growth kinetics between sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and Von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated renal cell carcinoma (VHL-associated RCC). To analyze predictive markers for the growth rate of these two types of RCC.Methods: The clinical data of patients with renal tumors who received active surveillance were collected retrospectively. Immunohistochemical staining was utilized to analyze the expression levels of VHL, PBRM1, H3K36me3, and BAP1 in the postoperative specimens.Results: The age of the VHL group was significantly younger than that of the sporadic group (P<0.0001). The mean linear growth rate (LGR) was significantly faster in the sporadic group (P=0.0004). The tumors of those in the sporadic group tended to have a higher histologic grade (P=0.0011). In the sporadic group, tumor histologic grade was an independent predictor for rapid mean LGR (P=0.0022). In the VHL group, tumor initial MTD was the only independent predictor for rapid mean LGR (P＜0.0001). Tumors with low VHL expression and negative PBRM1 expression showed a faster growth rate in the sporadic group (P=0.001 and P=0.008, respectively). The expression levels of the 4 biomarkers showed no impact on the tumor growth rate in the VHL group.Conclusion: Sporadic ccRCC grew faster than VHL-associated RCC. High histologic grade, low VHL expression and negative PBRM1 expression were predictors of faster growth in sporadic ccRCC. A large initial MTD was a predictor of faster growth for VHL-associated RCC.
Identifying Prescription Patterns and Iron Supplementation With Chinese Herbal Medicine for Uterine Myoma in Taiwan: A Social Network Analysis of the Chang Gung Research Database
Authors: Kuo Shun-Li , Chen Wei-Chun , Kao Ming-Chen , Lin Hsin-Yu , Chiang Yen-I , Chiu Ming-Jung , Wu Wen-Jie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Uterine myoma is a common gynecological disease in women of reproductive age. Owing to surgery and treatment-related complications, many patients opt for alternative therapy, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, there is no standard treatment protocol for TCM. This study aimed to investigate the prescription patterns of TCM for uterine myoma and compare differences between the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD) and the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Methods: Data of 217040 patients newly diagnosed with uterine myoma between 2005 and 2014 were retrieved from the CGRD using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code for myoma and related symptoms. We analyzed patient demographics, frequencies and average daily doses of prescribed Chinese herbal formulas and single herbs, and iron supplementation doses. Associations between Chinese herbal formulas and single herbs commonly used for uterine myoma were analyzed by association rule mining (ARM) and social network analysis (SNA).Results: In total 45,436 patients used TCM. Most participants (49.1%) were aged 30–44 years. Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (28.2%; average daily dose 4.85 g) and Xiang-Fu (22.0%; average daily dose 1.10 g) were the most frequently prescribed herbal formula and single herb, respectively. Additionally, the Si-Wu-Tang decoction was often used for uterine fibroids. Common prescription patterns and herbal pairs were identified. Western medicine (WM) outpatient visits (12 ± 19.6) and iron supplement prescriptions (prescription code PLB001M, 62.5 ± 115.3 pills; PLB012M, 24.6 ± 78 pills) were more prevalent in the combined therapy group than in the WM-only group (outpatient visits: 5.9 ± 6.7 times; iron supplements: PLB001M, 48.3 ± 98.4 pills; PLB012M, 20.9 ± 67.5) in the CGRD. Conclusions: We characterized the prescription patterns for uterine myoma in the CGRD. Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions may aim to improve anemia related to hypermenorrhea caused by uterine myoma. Ours is the first study of TCM myoma treatment within the CGRD, and we compared our findings to the TCM NHIRD myoma study results. ARM and SNA of TCM prescription patterns provide an evidence base to inform medical education and medical decision-making.
Docking-designed Green Synthesis and In-Vitro Anticancer Studies of New Binuclear Se-N-Heterocyclic Carbene Adducts and their Azolium Salts
Authors: Atif Muhammad , V Mansoureh Nazari , Ahamed Mohamed B Khadeer , Aslam Maryam , Majid Aman Shah Abdul , Iqbal Muhammad Adnan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Two binuclear selenium adducts (5 and 6) were designed using molecular docking approach while finding their promising interaction to four angiogenic factor-proteins including COX-1 (Cyclooxygenase-1), VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A), HIF (Hypoxia-inducible factor) and EGF (human epidermal growth factor). They were consequently synthesized using In-situ coordination approach. The green synthetic approach was employed for coordination as it was carried out in water instead of organic solvents. The synthesized adducts as well as their respective bis-benzimidazolium salts (2 and 4) were confirmed by 1H and 13C-NMR along with FT-IR spectroscopy. The both were, then, subjected to In-vitro anticancer activities against breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7), cervical cancer cell line (Hela), mouse melanoma cell line (B16F10) and retinal ganglion cell line (RGC-5) using MTT assay while comparing their activities with a commercially established standard-drug 5-Fluorouracil. However, the exceptional activities of both adducts and bis-benzimidazolium salts were explored.
Evaluation of Bolt and Guide Rail Considering Surface Roughness and Bionics in Reciprocating Motion
Authors: Xu Jian , Yang Zhen , Li Qiang , Li Zhongming 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The temperature rise in the contact area of the sliding friction pair is an important factor that causes the sliding friction pairs to adhere and affect the movement, and the temperature of the sliding friction pair is affected by many factors. The influential trend of these factors on the temperature is analyzed by using the finite element software, the bolt and guide rail of a Gatling weapon is simulated under the condition of considering the surface roughness and bionics. The results demonstrate that the stress of the result decreases a lot when the bolt is bionic, which is 41.1% lower than the normal condition. However, the displacement increases slightly, only 0.0016mm. Bionics has more benefits than roughness in reducing stress. In the thermal situation analysis of the 10000 firing rate, the combination which comes from the general guide rail and the bionics bolt is 168.130, but the combination which comes from the general guide rail and general bolt is 86.2580. This also explains why modern Gatling weapons do not use the bionics structure, because, with the friction, its temperature is high. For continuous firing weapons, too high a temperature is a problem. If the firing rate is lower, a bionics structure can be used.
Clinical Prediction Rule for Bacteremia Among Patients with Pyelonephritis and Hospitalization Judgment: Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) Decision Tree Analysis Model
Authors: Fukui Sayato , Inui Akihiro , Saita Mizue , Kobayashi Daiki , Naito Toshio 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Positive risk factors for bacteremia among patients with pyelonephritis have not been defined using a Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) Decision Tree Analysis Model. Purpose: We sought to identify predictive factors for bacteremia among patients with pyelonephritis and therefore which patients need hospitalization.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional survey was performed at the Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Tokyo, Japan and comprised all patients with pyelonephritis from whom blood cultures were taken from January 1, 2010 to July 31, 2020. At the time of blood culture sample collection, clinical information was obtained from medical charts, along with vital signs, quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA), subjective symptoms, objective physical findings, laboratory findings, and results of blood and urine cultures. Factors potentially predictive of bacteremia among patients with pyelonephritis were analyzed using the Student’s t-test or chi-squared test and the CHAID decision tree analysis model.Results: A total of 198 patients (male:female, 60 (30.3%):138 (69.7%), ages (mean±SD) 74.69±15.27 years) were included in this study, of whom 92 (46.4%) had positive blood culture results. The CHAID decision tree analysis revealed that patients with White blood cell >21,000/μL had a quite-high-risk (89.5%) of developing bacteremia. Patients with White blood cell ≤21,000/μL plus Chill plus Aspartate aminotransferase >19 IU/L represented a high-risk group (69.0%). Conversely, patients with White blood cell ≤21,000/μL plus non-Chill plus Albumin >3.60 g/dL were at a low risk (16.3%) of developing bacteremia.Conclusion: Our results emphasize the importance of hospitalization among high-risk and quite-high-risk groups of pyelonephritis patients.
Effects of Zinc Ions Released from Ti-NW-Zn Surface on Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis in Vitro and in an in Vivo Zebrafish Model
Authors: Zhu Wen-qing , Li Kang , Su Shan , Chen Wei , Liu Yao , Qiu Jing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective: Zinc-modified titanium materials have been widely applied in oral implants, among them, our previous studies have also successfully prepared a novel acid-etched micro-structured titanium surface modified with zinc-containing nanowires (Ti-NW-Zn). However, there are very few reports concerned about the biological safeties of zinc ions released from material surface and the appropriate concentration range of released zinc ions which was more conducive to angiogenesis and bone regeneration. Danio rerio (Zebrafish) represents a powerful alternative in vivo model to study both angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Then, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of zinc ions released from Ti-NW-Zn surfaces on angiogenesis and osteogenesis via zebrafish model, and further revealed the relationship between angiogenesis and osteogenesis via HUVECs and MC3T3-E1s in vitro models.Materials and methods: Tg (Fli‐1:EGFP)y1 zebrafish embryos were used to investigate the in vivo angiogenesis exposure to zinc ions, Wild-type Zebrafish (Danio rerio) adult fish and their embryos were used to investigate the in vivo bone regeneration and survival rate. Cell experiments including proliferation, adhesion, osteogenic differentiation and signaling pathway experiments were carried out by CCK-8, Laser scanning confocal microscope and Western blot, etc. Zinc ion release assay was detected by a Zinc assay kit.Results: The zinc ions released from Ti-NW-Zn surfaces were far lower than median lethal concentrations (LCs) of both embryos and adult fish, which was beneficial to osteogenesis and angiogenesis promotion of zebrafish model. Moreover, the appropriate concentration range of zinc ions was 1-2 ppm in vitro models, which could induce HUVECs proliferations, and the conditioned medium (CM) collected from the supernatant of 1-2 ppm zinc ions-induced HUVECs medium could obviously promote MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts behaviors via activated the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.Conclusion: Zinc ions released from Ti-NW-Zn surfaces was at a biological safe and appropriate concentration, which could promote the angiogenesis and osteogenesis in vivo and vitro. The positive effects of the appropriate concentration of zinc ions on osteoblast behaviors might be regulated by activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
Food insecurity and common mental disorders in perinatal women living in low socio-economic settings in Cape Town, South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study
Authors: Abrahams Zulfa , Lund Crick 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objective: Common mental disorders (CMDs) such as depression and anxiety are highly prevalent during the perinatal period, and are associated with food insecurity, domestic violence and lack of social support. This study explores the relationship between household food insecurity, mental health status and several adverse social and economic factors experienced by perinatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design: Cohort study, using telephonic interviews at two time-points, three months apart. Logistic regression analysis was used to model the associations of several baseline risk factors with the occurrence of household food insecurity at follow-up as the outcome.Setting: Midwife obstetric units or basic antenatal care units in Cape Town, South Africa.Participants: The sample comprised of 880 perinatal women at baseline and 660 women at follow-up. Results: At baseline 23% were pregnant, 54% were unemployed, 13% had a probable CMD, 43% were severely food insecure and 21% experienced domestic abuse in the past year. Of the 660 women interviewed at follow-up, 71% were unemployment, 3.5% were pregnant, 7% had a probable CMD, and 32% were severely food insecure. In the multivariate regression model, after controlling for ethnicity, number of children, being HIV-infected, and having a planned pregnancy, the odds of being food insecure were greater in women who were unemployed (OR=1.88; p=0.001) or had probable CMD (OR=2.20; p=0.019) at baseline. Conclusions: This study highlights a range of socio-demographic and mental health related variables that predict food insecurity among perinatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic.