bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nursing faculty’s point of view regarding noncompliance with ethics in academic environments: a qualitative study
Authors: Taghadosi Mohsen , Valiee Sina , Aghajani Mohammad 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAn academic environment is the first place that nursing students are introduced to ethics related to nursing and healthcare. In this study, we explored the nursing faculty members’ point of view regarding noncompliance with these academic ethics.MethodsThis study was a qualitative descriptive study conducted in 2018. Faculty members at a nursing school were selected through purposeful sampling. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data collection and data analysis were conducted simultaneously. Data saturation was ensured with 11 interviews. The interview transcripts were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis method introduced by Elo and Kyngäs.ResultsThe participants were six women and five men with 12.72 ± 6.64 years of experience as nursing instructors. After data analysis, seven categories were identified: discrimination, violence, misuse, out-of-date instruction and knowledge, conflicts of evaluation, hypocrisy, and disorganization.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicated the existence of noncompliance regarding academic ethics. It is recommended that faculty members be informed about possible instances of ethical noncompliance in academia. There is a need to develop strategies to promote a faculty’s compliance with academic ethics. Academic administrators need to emphasize the importance of ethics in academia and use further methods to enhance academic ethics.
The ecology of medical care in Shanghai
Authors: Xiong Xuechen , Cao Xiaolin , Luo Li 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
To better understand the distribution and consumption patterns of resources in different ethnic groups and at different levels of economic development, this paper chose to describe the healthcare seeking behavior in Shanghai.

Methods
The data are from the Sixth Health Service Survey of Shanghai, which encompasses 23,198 permanent residents. Descriptive analyses were conducted to estimate the number of patients who reported health-related symptoms and healthcare-seeking behaviors per 1,000 residents. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine differences in reporting health-related symptoms and healthcare-seeking behaviors by age, gender and area of residence.

Results
This paper have mapped the ecology of healthcare in Shanghai in 2018. Of 1000 individuals considered during a 1-month period, 444 reported sickness, 433 received treatment, 288 went to medical institutions, 195 went to primary medical institutions, 86 took a self-healing approach, 26 received TCM services, 7 were hospitalized, and 3 underwent surgery.

Conclusions
Age is a risk factor leading to disease, medical treatment, self-medication, medical institution visits, TCM service, hospitalization and surgery. But age is a protective factor in the use of primary health care services. By gender, the number of people receiving medical services was similar, but women were statistically more likely to have surgery. As the income level increased, the number of patients and people receiving medical services showed a decreasing trend. Compared with the local population, the probability of non-local people visiting medical institutions was lower and statistically significant. Compared with the people who had health insurance, fewer uninsured people reported sickness and utilized healthcare services.
Equine synovial fluid small non-coding RNA signatures in early osteoarthritis
Authors: Castanheira Catarina , Balaskas Panagiotis , Falls Charlotte , Ashraf-Kharaz Yalda , Clegg Peter , Burke Kim , Fang Yongxiang , Dyer Philip , Welting Tim J. M. , Peffers Mandy J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundOsteoarthritis remains one of the greatest causes of morbidity and mortality in the equine population. The inability to detect pre-clinical changes in osteoarthritis has been a significant impediment to the development of effective therapies against this disease. Synovial fluid represents a potential source of disease-specific small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that could aid in the understanding of the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. We hypothesised that early stages of osteoarthritis would alter the expression of sncRNAs, facilitating the understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and potentially provide early biomarkers.MethodsSmall RNA sequencing was performed using synovial fluid from the metacarpophalangeal joints of both control and early osteoarthritic horses. A group of differentially expressed sncRNAs was selected for further validation through qRT-PCR using an independent cohort of synovial fluid samples from control and early osteoarthritic horses. Bioinformatic analysis was performed in order to identify putative targets of the differentially expressed microRNAs and to explore potential associations with specific biological processes.ResultsResults revealed 22 differentially expressed sncRNAs including 13 microRNAs; miR-10a, miR-223, let7a, miR-99a, miR-23b, miR-378, miR-143 (and six novel microRNAs), four small nuclear RNAs; U2, U5, U11, U12, three small nucleolar RNAs; U13, snoR38, snord96, and one small cajal body-specific RNA; scarna3. Five sncRNAs were validated; miR-223 was significantly reduced in early osteoarthritis and miR-23b, let-7a-2, snord96A and snord13 were significantly upregulated. Significant cellular actions deduced by the differentially expressed microRNAs included apoptosis (P < 0.0003), necrosis (P < 0.0009), autophagy (P < 0.0007) and inflammation (P < 0.00001). A conservatively filtered list of 57 messenger RNA targets was obtained; the top biological processes associated were regulation of cell population proliferation (P < 0.000001), cellular response to chemical stimulus (P < 0.000001) and cell surface receptor signalling pathway (P < 0.000001).ConclusionsSynovial fluid sncRNAs may be used as molecular biomarkers for early disease in equine osteoarthritic joints. The biological processes they regulate may play an important role in understanding early osteoarthritis pathogenesis. Characterising these dynamic molecular changes could provide novel insights on the process and mechanism of early osteoarthritis development and is critical for the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Impact of selected environmental factors on microbiome of the digestive tract of ruminants
Authors: Cholewińska Paulina , Górniak Wanda , Wojnarowski Konrad 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRuminants are an important part of world animal production. The main factors affecting their production rates are age, diet, physiological condition and welfare. Disorders related to low level of welfare can significantly affect the microbiological composition of the digestive system, which is essential to maintain high production rates. The microbiology of the ruminant gastrointestinal tract may be significantly affected by inappropriate keeping system (especially in juveniles), psychological stress (e.g. transport), or heat stress. This results in an increased risk of metabolic diseases, reduced fertility and systemic diseases. Therefore, the paper focuses on selected disorders i.e., aforementioned inappropriate maintenance system, psychological stress, heat stress and their effects on the microbiome of the digestive system.
Anlotinib as a promising inhibitor on tumor growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma through cell apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe
Authors: Deng Zhaoming , Liao Wei , Wei Wei , Zhong Guihua , He Chao , Zhang Hongbo , Liu Qiaodan , Xu Xiwei , Liang Jun , Liu Zhigang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been one of the most malignant cancers in head and neck region. Anlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting several receptors such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and c-Kit. Here we investigated whether Anlotinib have any antitumor effect on oral cancer and tried to explore and explain the possible mechanism.

Methods
Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus and Gene Expression Omnibus database was collected to analyze the relationship between the expression of vascular epithelial growth factor receptor 2 and the overall survival rate of OSCC. Oral cancer cell lines Cal-27 and SCC-25 were cultured to conduct all the experiments. In vitro experiments such as CCK-8, colony formation, cell cycle assay and cell apoptosis assay were conducted to detect cell proliferation ability and the change of cell phase and apoptosis. Proteins concerning cell cycle and cell apoptosis were visualized via western blot. α-Tubulin were visualized via immunofluorescence to detect cells undergoing mitotic catastrophe.

Results
Higher expression of VEGFR-2 was significantly related to poorer prognosis. Experiment in vitro demonstrated that cell proliferation was significantly inhibited(p < 0.05) after Anlotinib administration and G2/M arrest and apoptosis were both detected in both cell lines. Cycle-related proteins promoting cell cycle progression and proteins related to cell survival were downregulated in Anlotinib group compared to the control group. Cell-death-related biomarker and phosphorylated histone 3 were upregulated in expression in Anlotinib group. Abnormal spindle apparatus was observed in cells undergoing mitotic catastrophe.

Conclusions
Anlotinib could exert an antitumor effect on oral cancer cell lines via apoptotic pathway and mitotic catastrophe pattern, presenting a promising potential therapy for patients with OSCC.
Drug resistance markers within an evolving efficacy of anti-malarial drugs in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis (1998–2020)
Authors: Niba Peter Thelma Ngwa , Nji Akindeh M. , Evehe Marie-Solange , Ali Innocent M. , Netongo Palmer Masumbe , Ngwafor Randolph , Moyeh Marcel N. , Ngum Lesley Ngum , Ndum Oliva Ebie , Acho Fon Abongwa , Mbu’u Cyrille Mbanwi , Fosah Dorothy A. , Atogho-Tiedeu Barbara , Achonduh-Atijegbe Olivia , Djokam-Dadjeu Rosine , Chedjou Jean Paul Kengne , Bigoga Jude D. , Moukoko Carole Else Eboumbou , Ajua Anthony , Achidi Eric , Tallah Esther , Leke Rose G. F. , Tourgordi Alexis , Ringwald Pascal , Alifrangis Michael , Mbacham Wilfred F. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains highly endemic in Cameroon. The rapid emergence and spread of drug resistance was responsible for the change from monotherapies to artemisinin-based combinations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance markers within an evolving efficacy of anti-malarial drugs in Cameroon from January 1998 to August 2020.

Methods
The PRISMA-P and PRISMA statements were adopted in the inclusion of studies on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of P. falciparum anti-malarial drug resistance genes (Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, Pfatp6, Pfcytb and Pfk13). The heterogeneity of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics. The random effects model was used as standard in the determination of heterogeneity between studies.

Results
Out of the 902 records screened, 48 studies were included in this aggregated meta-analysis of molecular data. A total of 18,706 SNPs of the anti-malarial drug resistance genes were genotyped from 47,382 samples which yielded a pooled prevalence of 35.4% (95% CI 29.1–42.3%). Between 1998 and 2020, there was significant decline (P < 0.0001 for all) in key mutants including Pfcrt 76 T (79.9%-43.0%), Pfmdr1 86Y (82.7%-30.5%), Pfdhfr 51I (72.2%-66.9%), Pfdhfr 59R (76.5%-67.8%), Pfdhfr 108 N (80.8%-67.6%). The only exception was Pfdhps 437G which increased over time (30.4%-46.9%, P < 0.0001) and Pfdhps 540E that remained largely unchanged (0.0%-0.4%, P = 0.201). Exploring mutant haplotypes, the study observed a significant increase in the prevalence of Pfcrt CVIET mixed quintuple haplotype from 57.1% in 1998 to 57.9% in 2020 (P < 0.0001). In addition, within the same study period, there was no significant change in the triple Pfdhfr IRN mutant haplotype (66.2% to 67.3%, P = 0.427). The Pfk13 amino acid polymorphisms associated with artemisinin resistance were not detected.

Conclusions
This review reported an overall decline in the prevalence of P. falciparum gene mutations conferring resistance to 4-aminoquinolines and amino alcohols for a period over two decades. Resistance to artemisinins measured by the presence of SNPs in the Pfk13 gene does not seem to be a problem in Cameroon.
Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020162620
Persistence of mRNA indicative of Plasmodium falciparum ring-stage parasites 42 days after artemisinin and non-artemisinin combination therapy in naturally infected Malians
Authors: Mahamar Almahamoudou , Lanke Kjerstin , Graumans Wouter , Diawara Halimatou , Sanogo Koualy , Diarra Kalifa , Niambele Sidi Mohamed , Gosling Roly , Drakeley Chris , Chen Ingrid , Dicko Alassane , Bousema Teun , Roh Michelle E. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa relies upon prompt case management with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Ring-stage parasite mRNA, measured by sbp1 quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR), was previously reported to persist after ACT treatment and hypothesized to reflect temporary arrest of the growth of ring-stage parasites (dormancy) following exposure to artemisinins. Here, the persistence of ring-stage parasitaemia following ACT and non-ACT treatment was examined.

Methods
Samples were used from naturally infected Malian gametocyte carriers who received dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DP) or sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP–AQ) with or without gametocytocidal drugs. Gametocytes and ring-stage parasites were quantified by qRT-PCR during 42 days of follow-up.

Results
At baseline, 89% (64/73) of participants had measurable ring-stage parasite mRNA. Following treatment, the proportion of ring-stage parasite-positive individuals and estimated densities declined for all four treatment groups. Ring-stage parasite prevalence and density was generally lower in arms that received DP compared to SP–AQ. This finding was most apparent days 1, 2, and 42 of follow-up (p < 0.01). Gametocytocidal drugs did not influence ring-stage parasite persistence. Ring-stage parasite density estimates on days 14 and 28 after initiation of treatment were higher among individuals who subsequently experienced recurrent parasitaemia compared to those who remained free of parasites until day 42 after initiation of treatment (pday 14 = 0.011 and pday 28 = 0.068). No association of ring-stage persistence with gametocyte carriage was observed.

Conclusions
The current findings of lower ring-stage persistence after ACT without an effect of gametocytocidal partner drugs affirms the use of sbp1 as ring-stage marker. Lower persistence of ring-stage mRNA after ACT treatment suggests the marker may not reflect dormant parasites whilst it was predictive of re-appearance of parasitaemia.
Impact of placental malaria on maternal, placental and fetal cord responses and its role in pregnancy outcomes in women from Blue Nile State, Sudan
Authors: Omer Samia , Franco-Jarava Clara , Noureldien Ali , Omer Mona , Abdelrahim Mutasim , Molina Israel , Adam Ishag 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe sequestration ofPlasmodium falciparuminfected cells in the placenta results in placental malaria (PM). It activates the mother's immune cells and induces secretion of inflammatory cytokines, which might influence pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to investigate the cytokines (levels IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and INF γ) in maternal peripheral, placental, and umbilical cord blood in response to PM and the extent to which this may influence maternal haemoglobin levels and birth weight.MethodsA total of 185 consenting Sudanese women from Blue Nile State were enrolled at delivery time in a cross-sectional study conducted between Jan 2012-Dec 2015. Malaria infection in the collected maternal peripheral, placental, umbilical cord samples was determined microscopically, and ELISA was used to measure the plasma levels IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and INF γ in the collected positive and negative malaria samples.ResultsElevated levels of IL-4 and IL-10 and reduced levels of IL-6 were detected in the malaria positive samples in comparison to the negative ones in the three types of the samples investigated. Maternal, IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly higher in the samples collected from the PM infected group compared to the non-infected control (P < 0.001). While the absence of PM was significantly associated with the IL-6 and maternal IFN-γ levels, maternal IL-17A, placental and umbilical cord IFN-γ levels showed no significant difference (P = 0.214, P = 0.065, P = 0.536, respectively) due to infection. Haemoglobin level and birth weight were increased in the group with high levels of IL-6 and IL-17A, but not in the group with IL-4 and IL-10 levels. While significantly negative correlation was found between IFN-γ levels and birth weight for all three types of samples, only maternal peripheral IFN-γ level was significantly positively correlated with maternal haemoglobin (r = 0.171, P = 0.020).ConclusionThese results suggest that PM induces mother’s immune response and impairs her cytokine profile, which might alter maternal haemoglobin levels and the baby's birth weight.
Comparison of left atrial and left atrial appendage mechanics in the risk stratification of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Mao Yankai , Yu Chan , Yang Yuan , Ma Mingming , Wang Yunhe , Jiang Ruhong , Chen Ran , Zhao Bowen , Jiang Chenyang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Left atrial (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) dysfunction has been demonstrated to contribute to atrial fibrillation (AF)-related stroke. However, usefulness of LA and LAA mechanics has not been fully compared. We sought to investigate the association of LA and LAA mechanics with stroke and to compare their diagnostic values in the risk stratification of stroke in patients with nonvalvular AF.

Methods
A total of 208 consecutive patients with AF (63.58 ± 10.37 years, 63.9% male,57.7% persistent AF) who underwent echocardiography before catheter ablation were prospectively enrolled. Speckle-tracking was used to measure LA and LAA global longitudinal strain (GLS). LA and LAA mechanical dispersions (MD) were defined as the standard deviation (SD) of time to peak positive strain corrected by the R-R interval.

Results
Patients with prior stroke/ transient ischemic attack (TIA) (n = 31) had significantly higher LA and LAA MD than those without (n = 177) (11.56 ± 4.38% vs. 8.43 ± 3.44%, 15.15 ± 5.46% vs. 10.94 ± 4.40%, both P < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, LA and LAA MD were independently associated with stroke/TIA (odds ratio, 1.18–1.29, 1.19–1.22, respectively, both P < 0.01), providing incremental values over clinical and standard echocardiographic parameters. In a subgroup analysis, LA MD was more useful than LAA MD in patients with normal LA volumes, while LAA MD was superior to LA MD in patients with LA enlargement.

Conclusions
Higher LA and LAA mechanical dispersion are independently associated with stroke/TIA in AF patients and had incremental values over clinical and conventional echocardiographic parameters. What’s more, priorities of dispersion assessment are different depending on patients’ LA size.
Usefulness of speckle tracking echocardiography and biomarkers for detecting acute cellular rejection after heart transplantation
Authors: Cruz Cecilia Beatriz Bittencourt Viana , Hajjar Ludhmila A. , Bacal Fernando , Lofrano-Alves Marco S. , Lima Márcio S. M. , Abduch Maria C. , Vieira Marcelo L. C. , Chiang Hsu P. , Salviano Juliana B. C. , da Silva Costa Isabela Bispo Santos , Fukushima Julia Tizue , Sbano Joao C. N. , Mathias Wilson , Tsutsui Jeane M. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Acute cellular rejection (ACR) is a major complication after heart transplantation. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) remains the gold standard for its diagnosis, but it has concerning complications. We evaluated the usefulness of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and biomarkers for detecting ACR after heart transplantation.

Methods
We prospectively studied 60 transplant patients with normal left and right ventricular systolic function who underwent EMB for surveillance 6 months after transplantation. Sixty age- and sex-matched healthy individuals constituted the control group. Conventional echocardiographic parameters, left ventricular global longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain (LV-GLS, LV-GRS and LV-GCS, respectively), left ventricular systolic twist (LV-twist) and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS) were analyzed just before the procedure. We also measured biomarkers at the same moment.

Results
Among the 60 studied patients, 17 (28%) had severe ACR (grade ≥ 2R), and 43 (72%) had no significant ACR (grade 0 – 1R). The absolute values of LV-GLS, LV-twist and RV-FWLS were lower in transplant patients with ACR degree ≥ 2 R than in those without ACR (12.5% ± 2.9% vs 14.8% ± 2.3%, p=0.002; 13.9° ± 4.8° vs 17.1° ± 3.2°, p=0.048; 16.6% ± 2.9% vs 21.4%± 3.2%, p < 0.001; respectively), while no differences were observed between the LV-GRS or LV-GCS. All of these parameters were lower in the transplant group without ACR than in the nontransplant control group, except for the LV-twist. Cardiac troponin I levels were significantly higher in patients with significant ACR than in patients without significant ACR [0.19 ng/mL (0.09–1.31) vs 0.05 ng/mL (0.01–0.18), p=0.007]. The combination of troponin with LV-GLS, RV-FWLS and LV-Twist had an area under curve for the detection of ACR of 0.80 (0.68–0.92), 0.89 (0.81–0.93) and 0.79 (0.66–0.92), respectively.

Conclusion
Heart transplant patients have altered left ventricular dynamics compared with control individuals. The combination of troponin with strain parameters had higher accuracy for the detection of ACR than the isolated variables and this association might select patients with a higher risk for ACR who will benefit from an EMB procedure in the first year after heart transplantation.