bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exosomal circRNA as a novel potential therapeutic target for multiple myeloma-related myocardial damage
Authors: Sun Runjie , Liu Wei , Zhao Yangang , Chen Haoyu , Wang Zhenzhen , Zhang Yanyu , Sun Xiaoqi , Cui Xing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionMyocardial damage is a mostly incurable complication of multiple myeloma (MM) that seriously affects the treatment outcome and quality of life of patients. Exosomal circular RNAs (exo-circRNAs) play an important role in tumor occurrence and development and are considered key factors in MM pathogenesis. However, the role and mechanism of action of exo-circRNAs in MM-related myocardial damage are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate correlations between exo-circRNAs and MM and to preliminarily explore the role of exo-circRNAs in MM-related myocardial damage.MethodsSix MM patients and five healthy controls (HCs) were included in the study. High-throughput sequencing and qRT-PCR verification were used to obtain a profile of abnormally expressed exo-circRNAs. GO, KEGG, miRanda, TargetScan and Metascape were used for bioinformatics analyses. H9C2 cells treated with exosomes from U266 cells were used in cell experiments. CCK-8, PCR, immunofluorescence and western blotting assays were used to detect cell proliferation and expression of autophagy-related indicators. Electron microscopy was used to observe the number of autophagic vesicles.ResultsBioinformatics analysis showed that circRNAs with upregulated expression had the potential to promote MM-related myocardial damage. In addition, PCR results confirmed that circ-G042080 was abundantly expressed in the serum exosomes of 20 MM patients. Correlation analysis showed that the expression level of circ-G042080 was positively correlated with the clinical level of MM and MM-related myocardial damage and that circ-G042080 might interfere with MM-related myocardial damage through a downstream miRNA/TLR4 axis. Cell experiments demonstrated that the circ-G042080/hsa-miR-4268/TLR4 axis might exist in H9C2 cells incubated with exosomes and cause abnormal autophagy.ConclusionAbnormal expression of serum exo-circRNAs was found to be associated with MM-related myocardial damage, suggesting that exo-circRNAs might become a new diagnostic marker of MM-related myocardial damage and a therapeutic target.
Evaluation of the effect of supervised anti-malarial treatment on recurrences of Plasmodium vivax malaria
Authors: Dinelly Kelry Mazurega Oliveira , Vitor-Silva Sheila , Brito-Sousa Jose Diego , Sampaio Vanderson Souza , Silva Milena Gabriela Oliveira , Siqueira André Machado , Peterka Cássio , Rodovalho Sheila , Omena Aretha Gomes , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Lacerda Marcus Vinícius Guimarães , Melo Gisely Cardoso 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Relapses in vivax malaria have posed great challenges for malaria control, and they also account for a great proportion of reported cases. Knowing the real effectiveness of a 7-day primaquine (PQ) scheme is crucial in order to evaluate not only the cost-effectiveness of implementing new anti-hypnozoite drugs, but also how health education strategies can guarantee better compliance and be reinforced. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of daily treatment with chloroquine and PQ supervised by health workers versus prescription without supervision.

Methods
The outcome was the passive detection of new positive thick blood smears up to 180 days, based on the official data records from the National Malaria Control Programme. The recurrences seen in the real life were, therefore, used as a surrogate for true relapses.

Results
Patients under supervised treatment had a lower risk of recurrence up to day 180 when compared to the unsupervised treatment (17.9% vs. 36.1%; p = 0.027).

Conclusions
The lack of supervision in the non-supervised group (which followed standard of care in the real life) enabled proper comparison, as consent itself would have lead to greater compliance in this group. Future studies should scale such an analysis to different settings in the Brazilian Amazon.
Use of the creating opportunities for parent empowerment programme to decrease mental health problems in Ugandan children surviving severe malaria: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bangirana Paul , Birabwa Annet , Nyakato Mary , Nakitende Ann J. , Kroupina Maria , Ssenkusu John M. , Nakasujja Noeline , Musisi Seggane , John Chandy C. , Idro Richard 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Severe malaria is associated with long-term mental health problems in Ugandan children. This study investigated the effect of a behavioural intervention for caregivers of children admitted with severe malaria, on the children’s mental health outcomes 6 months after discharge.

Methods
This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Naguru Hospital in Kampala, Uganda from January 2018 to July 2019. Caregiver and child dyads were randomly assigned to either a psycho-educational arm providing information about hospital procedures during admission (control group), or to a behavioural arm providing information about the child’s possible emotions and behaviour during and after admission, and providing age appropriate games for the caregiver and child (intervention group). Pre- and post-intervention assessments for caregiver anxiety and depression (Hopkins Symptom Checklist) and child mental health problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Child Behaviour Checklist) were done during admission and 6 months after discharge, respectively. T-tests, analysis of covariance, Chi-Square, and generalized estimating equations were used to compare outcomes between the two treatment arms.

Results
There were 120 caregiver-child dyads recruited at baseline with children aged 1.45 to 4.89 years (mean age 2.85 years, SD = 1.01). The intervention and control groups had similar sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics at baseline. Caregiver depression at baseline, mother’s education and female child were associated with behavioural problems in the child at baseline (p < 0.05). At 6 months follow-up, there was no difference in the frequency of behavioural problems between the groups (6.8% vs. 10% in intervention vs control groups, respectively, p = 0.72). Caregiver depression and anxiety scores between the treatment arms did not differ at 6 months follow-up.

Conclusion
This behavioural intervention for caregivers and their children admitted with severe malaria had no effect on the child’s mental health outcomes at 6 months. Further studies need to develop interventions for mental health problems after severe malaria in children with longer follow-up time.
Trail registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03432039
Spatial prediction of malaria prevalence in Papua New Guinea: a comparison of Bayesian decision network and multivariate regression modelling approaches for improved accuracy in prevalence prediction
Authors: Cleary Eimear , Hetzel Manuel W. , Siba Peter M. , Lau Colleen L. , Clements Archie C. A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Considerable progress towards controlling malaria has been made in Papua New Guinea through the national malaria control programme’s free distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets, improved diagnosis with rapid diagnostic tests and improved access to artemisinin combination therapy. Predictive prevalence maps can help to inform targeted interventions and monitor changes in malaria epidemiology over time as control efforts continue. This study aims to compare the predictive performance of prevalence maps generated using Bayesian decision network (BDN) models and multilevel logistic regression models (a type of generalized linear model, GLM) in terms of malaria spatial risk prediction accuracy.

Methods
Multilevel logistic regression models and BDN models were developed using 2010/2011 malaria prevalence survey data collected from 77 randomly selected villages to determine associations of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax prevalence with precipitation, temperature, elevation, slope (terrain aspect), enhanced vegetation index and distance to the coast. Predictive performance of multilevel logistic regression and BDN models were compared by cross-validation methods.

Results
Prevalence of P. falciparum, based on results obtained from GLMs was significantly associated with precipitation during the 3 driest months of the year, June to August (β = 0.015; 95% CI = 0.01–0.03), whereas P. vivax infection was associated with elevation (β = − 0.26; 95% CI = − 0.38 to − 3.04), precipitation during the 3 driest months of the year (β = 0.01; 95% CI = − 0.01–0.02) and slope (β = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.05–0.19). Compared with GLM model performance, BDNs showed improved accuracy in prediction of the prevalence of P. falciparum (AUC = 0.49 versus 0.75, respectively) and P. vivax (AUC = 0.56 versus 0.74, respectively) on cross-validation.

Conclusions
BDNs provide a more flexible modelling framework than GLMs and may have a better predictive performance when developing malaria prevalence maps due to the multiple interacting factors that drive malaria prevalence in different geographical areas. When developing malaria prevalence maps, BDNs may be particularly useful in predicting prevalence where spatial variation in climate and environmental drivers of malaria transmission exists, as is the case in Papua New Guinea.
Inequitable access to healthcare in Africa: reconceptualising the “accountability for reasonableness framework” to reflect indigenous principles
Authors: Ujewe Samuel J. , van Staden Werdie C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe “Accountability for Reasonableness” (A4R) framework has been widely adopted in working towards equity in health for sub-Saharan Africa (SAA). Its suitability for equitable health policy in Africa hinges, at least in part, on its considerable successes in the United States and it being among the most comprehensive ethical approaches in addressing inequitable access to healthcare. Yet, the conceptual match is yet to be examined between A4R and communal responsibility as a common fundamental ethic in SAA.MethodologyA4R and its applications toward health equity in sub-Saharan Africa were conceptually examined by considering the WHO’s “3-by-5” and the REACT projects for their accounting for the communal responsibility ethic in pursuit of health equity.ResultsSome of the challenges that these projects encountered may be ascribed to an incongruity between the underpinning ethical principle of A4R and the communitarian ethical principle dominant in sub-Saharan Africa. These are respectively the fair equality of opportunity principle derived from John Rawls’ theory, and the African communal responsibility principle.ConclusionA health equity framework informed by the African communal responsibility principle should enhance suitability for SAA contexts, generating impetus from within Africa alongside the affordances of A4R.
Remote sensing of environmental risk factors for malaria in different geographic contexts
Authors: McMahon Andrea , Mihretie Abere , Ahmed Adem Agmas , Lake Mastewal , Awoke Worku , Wimberly Michael Charles 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Despite global intervention efforts, malaria remains a major public health concern in many parts of the world. Understanding geographic variation in malaria patterns and their environmental determinants can support targeting of malaria control and development of elimination strategies.

Methods
We used remotely sensed environmental data to analyze the influences of environmental risk factors on malaria cases caused by Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax from 2014 to 2017 in two geographic settings in Ethiopia. Geospatial datasets were derived from multiple sources and characterized climate, vegetation, land use, topography, and surface water. All data were summarized annually at the sub-district (kebele) level for each of the two study areas. We analyzed the associations between environmental data and malaria cases with Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) models.

Results
We found considerable spatial variation in malaria occurrence. Spectral indices related to land cover greenness (NDVI) and moisture (NDWI) showed negative associations with malaria, as the highest malaria rates were found in landscapes with low vegetation cover and moisture during the months that follow the rainy season. Climatic factors, including precipitation and land surface temperature, had positive associations with malaria. Settlement structure also played an important role, with different effects in the two study areas. Variables related to surface water, such as irrigated agriculture, wetlands, seasonally flooded waterbodies, and height above nearest drainage did not have strong influences on malaria.

Conclusion
We found different relationships between malaria and environmental conditions in two geographically distinctive areas. These results emphasize that studies of malaria-environmental relationships and predictive models of malaria occurrence should be context specific to account for such differences.
Calycosin-loaded nanoliposomes as potential nanoplatforms for treatment of diabetic nephropathy through regulation of mitochondrial respiratory function
Authors: Huang Chunrong , Xue Lian-Fang , Hu Bo , Liu Huan-Huan , Huang Si-Bo , Khan Suliman , Meng Yu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Backgrounds
One of the most common complications in diabetic nephropathy is generation of high levels of ROS which can be regulated by herbal antioxidants. However, polyphenols like calycosin, the bioactive compound of Radix astragali suffer from low solubility and poor bioavailability.

Methods
Therefore, in the present study, calycosin-loaded nanoliposomes were fabricated and characterized by TEM, DLS and FTIR techniques. Afterwards, the drug loading (DL) and entrapment efficiency (EE), drug release, solubility, stability, and pharmacodynamic assays were performed. Finally, the antinephropathic effects of calycosin-loaded-nanoliposomes on mitochondria of kidney cells were explored by MTT, ROS, MDA, mitochondrial respiratory function assays.

Results
The result showed that the size, hydrodynamic radius, zeta potential, EE, and DL were, 80 nm, 133.99 ± 21.44 nm, − 20.53 ± 3.57, 88.37 ± 2.28%, and 7.48 ± 1.19%, respectively. The outcomes of in vitro release assay showed that calycosin-loaded nanoliposomes were significantly slow-release in dialysis media with pH 1.2, pH 6.9 and pH 7.4, at about 30 min, the dissolution of calycosin from nanoliposome became almost complete, and after 2 months, the calycosin-loaded nanoliposomes were still stable. Pharmacokinetic assay revealed that the AUC0−t of calycosin in calycosin-loaded nanoliposome group was 927.39 ± 124.91 μg/L*h, which was 2.26 times than that of the free calycosin group (**P < 0.01). Additionally, the MRT0−t and t1/2 of calycosin in the calycosin-loaded nanoliposome group were prolonged by 1.54 times and 1.33 times than that of free calycosin group, respectively (*P < 0.05). Finally, it was shown that calycosin-loaded nanoliposomes regulated the viability, ROS production, lipid peroxidation and function of mitochondria in kidney cells of diabetic rats as a model of diabetic nephropathy.

Conclusion
In conclusion it may be suggested that new therapies based on nano-formulated calycosin can restore mitochondrial function which can improve diabetic nephropathy.

Graphic abstract
Biomimetic nanotherapy: core–shell structured nanocomplexes based on the neutrophil membrane for targeted therapy of lymphoma
Authors: Zhao Qiangqiang , Jiang Duanfeng , Sun Xiaoying , Mo Qiuyu , Chen Shaobin , Chen Wansong , Gui Rong , Ma Xianjun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a malignant disease of lymphoid tissue. At present, chemotherapy is still the main method for the treatment of NHL. R-CHOP can significantly improve the survival rate of patients. Unfortunately, DOX is the main cytotoxic drug in R-CHOP and it can lead to adverse reactions. Therefore, it is particularly important to uncover new treatment options for NHL.

Results
In this study, a novel anti-tumor nanoparticle complex Nm@MSNs-DOX/SM was designed and constructed in this study. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) loaded with Doxorubicin (DOX) and anti-inflammatory drugs Shanzhiside methylester (SM) were used as the core of nanoparticles. Neutrophil membrane (Nm) can be coated with multiple nanonuclei as a shell. DOX combined with SM can enhance the anti-tumor effect, and induce apoptosis of lymphoma cells and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors related to tumorigenesis depending on the regulation of Bcl-2 family-mediated mitochondrial pathways, such as TNF-α and IL-1β. Consequently, the tumor microenvironment (TME) was reshaped, and the anti-tumor effect of DOX was amplified. Besides, Nm has good biocompatibility and can enhance the EPR effect of Nm@MSNs-DOX/SM and increase the effect of active targeting tumors.

Conclusions
This suggests that the Nm-modified drug delivery system Nm@MSNs-DOX/SM is a promising targeted chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory therapy nanocomplex, and may be employed as a specific and efficient anti-Lymphoma therapy.
Biomimetic black phosphorus quantum dots-based photothermal therapy combined with anti-PD-L1 treatment inhibits recurrence and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhao Peiqi , Xu Yuanlin , Ji Wei , Zhou Shiyong , Li Lanfang , Qiu Lihua , Qian Zhengzi , Wang Xianhuo , Zhang Huilai 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive malignant disease with a high rate of recurrence and metastasis, few effective treatment options and poor prognosis. Here, we designed and constructed a combined photothermal immunotherapy strategy based on cancer cell membrane-coated biomimetic black phosphorus quantum dots (BBPQDs) for tumor-targeted photothermal therapy and anti-PD-L1 mediated immunotherapy.

Results
BBPQDs have good photothermal conversion efficiency and can efficiently target tumor cells through homologous targeting and tumor homing. Under near infrared irradiation, we found that BBPQDs kill tumors directly through photothermal effects and induce dendritic cells maturation. In vivo studies have confirmed that the combined photothermal immunotherapy strategy displays a stronger antitumor activity than anti-PD-L1 monotherapy. In addition, BBPQDs-mediated photothermal therapy in combination with anti-PD-L1 treatment inhibit tumor recurrence and metastasis by reprograming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment into an immune-active microenvironment, and promoting the local and systemic antitumor immune response. We further found that the combined photothermal immunotherapy strategy can produce an immune memory effect against tumor rechallenge.

Conclusions
This study provides a novel therapeutic strategy for inhibiting the recurrence and metastasis of TNBC, with broad application prospects.
Pediatric patients’ reasons for visiting dentists in all WHO regions
Authors: Bekes Katrin , John Mike T. , Rener-Sitar Ksenija , Al-Harthy Mohammad H. , Michelotti Ambra , Reissmann Daniel R. , Nikolovska Julijana , Sanivarapu Sahityaveera , Lawal Folake B. , List Thomas , Peršić Kiršić Sanja , Strajnić Ljiljana , Casassus Rodrigo , Baba Kazuyoshi , Schimmel Martin , Amuasi Ama , Jayasinghe Ruwan D. , Strujić-Porović Sanela , Peck Christopher C. , Xie Han , Haugaard Bendixen Karina , Simancas-Pallares Miguel Angel , Perez-Franco Eka , Naghibi Sistani Mohammad Mehdi , Valerio Patricia , Letunova Natalia , Nurelhuda Nazik , Bartlett David W. , Oluwafemi Ikeoluwa A. , Dghoughi Saloua , Ferreira Joao N. A. R. , Chantaracherd Pathamas , Sekulić Stella 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundOral Function, Orofacial Pain, Orofacial Appearance, and Psychosocial Impact are the four oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) dimensions (4D) or areas in which oral disorders impact pediatric patients. Using their dentists' assessment, the study aimed to evaluate whether pediatric dental patients' oral health concerns fit into the 4D of the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) construct.MethodsDentists who treat children from 32 countries and all WHO regions were selected from a web-based survey of 1580 international dentists. Dentists were asked if their pediatric patients with current or future oral health concerns fit into the 4D of the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) construct. Proportions of all pediatric patients’ oral health problems and prevention needs were computed.FindingsData from 101 dentists treating children only and 523 dentists treating children and adults were included. For 90% of pediatric patients, their current oral health problems fit well in the four OHRQoL dimensions. For 91% of oral health problems they intended to prevent in the future were related to these dimensions as well. Both numbers increased to at least 96% when experts analyzed dentists´ explanations of why some oral health problems would not fit these four categories.ConclusionsThe study revealed the four fundamental components of dental patients, i.e., the four OHRQoL dimensions (Oral Function, Orofacial Pain, Orofacial Appearance, and Psychosocial Impact) are also applicable for pediatric patients, regardless of whether they have current or future oral health concerns, and should be considered when measuring OHRQoL in the pediatric dental patient population.
Nothing so practical as theory: a rapid review of the use of behaviour change theory in family planning interventions involving men and boys
Authors: Robinson Martin , Aventin Áine , Hanratty Jennifer , Ruane-McAteer Eimear , Tomlinson Mark , Clarke Mike , Okonofua Friday , Lohan Maria 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is growing recognition of the need for interventions that effectively involve men and boys to promote family planning behaviours. Evidence suggests that the most effective behavioural interventions in this field are founded on theoretical principles of behaviour change and gender equality. However, there are few evidence syntheses on how theoretical approaches are applied in this context that might guide best practice in intervention development. This review addresses this gap by examining the application and reporting of theories of behaviour change used by family planning interventions involving men and boys.MethodsWe adopted a systematic rapid review approach, scoping findings of a previously reported evidence and gap map of intervention reviews (covering 2007–2018) and supplementing this with searches of academic databases and grey literature for reviews and additional studies published between 2007 and 2020. Studies were eligible for inclusion if their title, abstract or keywords referred to a psychosocial or behavioural intervention targeting family planning behaviours, involved males in delivery, and detailed their use of an intervention theory of change.ResultsFrom 941 non-duplicate records identified, 63 were eligible for inclusion. Most records referenced interventions taking place in low- and middle-income countries (65%). There was a range of intervention theories of change reported, typically targeting individual-level behaviours and sometimes comprising several behaviour change theories and strategies. The most commonly identified theories were Social Cognitive Theory, Social Learning Theory, the Theory of Planned Behaviour, and the Information-Motivation-Behaviour Skills (IMB) Model. A minority of records explicitly detailed gender-informed elements within their theory of change.ConclusionOur findings highlight the range of prevailing theories of change used for family planning interventions involving men and boys, and the considerable variability in their reporting. Programmers and policy makers would be best served by unified reporting and testing of intervention theories of change. There remains a need for consistent reporting of these to better understand how complex interventions that seek to involve men and boys in family planning may lead to behaviour change.