bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in an Active Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Patient: Long Term Therapeutic Outcomes.
Authors: Liu Shijie , Mao Xihong , Hou Zongliu , Wei Huan , Gao Hui , Liu Ying , Xie Yanhua , Tang Weiwei , He Shan , Zhao Yiyi , Wang Wenju , Li Lin , Wang Xiaodan , Meng Mingyao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disease. One of the challenges in the treatment of MS is how to overcome relapses without severe adverse effects. Due to their immunoregulatory properties and safety, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), present a potential alternative for treatment for MS. Objectives: The efficacy and safety of a long-term MSCs therapy in MS remain to be established. In this communication, we report the clinical condition and disease progression of an MS patient treated for 11 years, with multiple infusions of MSCs derived from either his bone marrow (BM), pooled human umbilical cords (UC), or from his own child umbilical cord. Methods: A male patient diagnosed as progressive MS (EDSS score 3) was enrolled into our study and received 1×106 cells/kg of MSCs, at least once a year for 9 years. Results: The MSCs treatment was well tolerated with no significant side effects. Following the transplantation of MSCs, the overall EDSS scores of the patient decreased over the 10 years period of observation. MRI investigation did not reveal any new lesions. However, upon the cessation of the MSCs treatment, the EDSS score increased from 1.0 to 3.5, further supporting the notion that in such a patient, the transplantation of MSCs, had a significant beneficial effect. Conclusions: This case study is the first to report on the beneficial effects of multiple infusions of BM- and UC-MSCs in a progressive MS patient, over a period of 11 years, in absence of any other treatments. Hence, multiple infusions of MSCs may provide a novel therapeutic avenue for patients with aggressive MS.
Effects of Exotic Plantation Expansion and Management Intervention on Woody Plant Species Diversity, Regeneration and Soil Seed Bank in Tarmaber District, Ethiopia
Authors: Nigussie Melese Bekele , Assefa Dessie Assefa , Gebremariam Yohannis Gebremariam 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This study was carried out in Tarmaber district north shewa zone Ethiopia to determine the effect of plantation forest with management intervention on woody plant species diversity, regeneration and soil seed bank species composition in five different forest types, which are adjacent natural forest, managed Cupressus lusitanica, unmanaged C. lusitanica, managed Eucalyptus globules and not managed E. globules plantation forests. A total of 75 circular sample plots of 314 m2 were established along a transect lines. Soil seed bank analysis was done from soil samples collected in each of the plots (225 samples) to examine the similarity between the soil seed bank and aboveground flora. Different diversity index and ANOVA was used in SPSS software for analysis. The result showed that a total of 51 woody plant species was recorded in adjacent natural forest (41), managed C. lusitanica (27), not managed C. lusitanica (9), managed E. globules (22) and not managed E. globules (13) species. Regeneration of seedlings were 3538, 5567, 707, 1462 and 2524 mean stems ha− 1 for natural forest, managed C. lusitanica, not managed C. lusitanica, managed E. globules and not managed E. globules respectively. Unmanaged C. lusitanica plantations had significantly lower densities of mature tree stems ha− 1 as compared to managed C. lusitanica, managed E. globules and adjacent natural forest (F = 14.03, p < 0.05).Similarly in terms of sapling density ha− 1 unmanaged C. lusitanica was significantly lower from other forest types (F = 7.37, p < 0.05). However managed C. lusitanica had significantly higher seedling regeneration (stem density ha− 1) than other plantation and adjacent natural forests (F = 16.11, p < 0.05). Generally mean stem densities including tree, sapling and seedling of woody species among different forest types managed C. lusitanica was significantly higher among different forest types (F = 13.01, p < 0.05). From the soil seed bank a total of 22 plant species (20 native and 2 exotic) species were recovered. In different forest types the number of species recorded was in adjacent natural forest (19), managed C. lusitanica (11), unmanaged C. lusitanica (4), managed E. globules (7) and unmanaged E. globules (5). The similarity of the oil seed bank was more or less similar to the above ground flora with maximum Sorenson’s similarity values of 0.633. Generally with appropriate management intervention undergrowth vegetation and soil seed bank status in plantation forest had good species composition and diversity.
Stresses and consequences among physicians of Bangladesh during COVID-19 pandemic: an assessment of experience and perception.
Authors: Parveen Mosammat Kohinoor , Hannan Md Jafrul , Hasan Md Samiul , Chowdhury Tanvir Kabir , Afroz Rokhsana Dil , Ferdoush Jannatul , Hoque Md Mozammel , Nandy Alak 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Health providers working in non-COVID hospitals in Bangladesh may be at an increased risk of infection with the new coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) compared to health providers working in COVID-dedicated hospitals due to lower health security measures. Consequently, health practitioners working at such hospitals may be the most vulnerable health group to stress-related problems and mental illness. To our knowledge, there is no study assessing stress-related problems in this particular population and how this group compares to those working in COVID-dedicated units in terms of pandemic-related stress.Methods: An online survey was carried out among 247 medical doctors from Bangladesh (101 females and 146 males). We report descriptive statistics and several group comparisons.Results: The overall stress level among participants was moderated. There were no statistically significant differences in pandemic-related stress between those working in COVID units and those working in regular units. Most participants knew both co-workers and people close to them who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Half of the participants knew someone close to them who had died from COVID-19and 24.7% had got infected themselves.Conclusions: Medical doctors working in Bangladesh experience significant pandemic-related stress regardless of whether they work in COVID-dedicated units or regular units. Our data highlights the importance of detecting stress in health professionals and developing strategies that aim at reducing the same.
Effectiveness of message framing to improve oral health behaviors and dental plaque among pregnant women: a randomized field trial
Authors: Divdar Masoumeh , Araban Marzieh , Heydarabadi Akbar Babaei , Cheraghian Bahman 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Oral health is considered as a prominent factor that contribute to quality of life. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence oral health. Message framing can play an important role in motivating oral health behaviors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of message framing on the oral health behaviors and dental plaque among pregnant women.Methods: This randomized field trial was conducted in 2017 on 108 pregnant women in Izeh county, Iran.The participants were randomly divided into three groups; gain-framed, loss-framed, and control group. The research instrument included a two parts questionnaire containing demographic information and oral health knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, self-efficacy, practice, and dental plaque index. Gain-and loss-framed messages were sent to the intervention groups via cell phones, but the control group did not receive any messages. The participants’ dental plaque were clinically assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version, 23.0. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, and self-efficacy were significantly increased in the gain- and loss-framed intervention groups (gain knowledge (6.05±1.90; CI:5.40-6.71); gain attitude(5.00±3.61; CI:3.75-6.24); gain behavioral intention (2.91±1.59; CI:2.36-3.46); gain self-efficacy (4.42±2.69; CI:3.50-5.35); loss knowledge (5.71±1.52; CI:5.19-6.23); loss attitude (4.54±2.67; CI:3.62-5.46); loss behavioral intention (2.25±1.94; CI:1.58-2.92); loss self-efficacy (3.97±2.60; CI:3.07-4.86) (p<0.001). No significant difference was observed in the control group (knowledge (0.38±1.45; CI:0.12-0.89, p=0.135); attitude (0.88±3.63; CI:0.38-2.14, p= 0.166); behavioral intention (-0.38±1.74; CI: -0.98-0.22, p=0.2); self-efficacy (.0.50±3.23; CI: -1.62-0.62, p=0.37). The rising trend in the mean score of the behaviors in the intervention groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.001). The ratio of dental plaque on teeth surfaces in the gain- and loss-framed intervention groups also showed a significant decrease compared to control group (gain dental plaque (16.46±11.66; CI:12.46-20.47, p<0.001); loss dental plaque (15.06±8.52; CI:12.13-17.99, p<0.001). Conclusion: Text message intervention improved knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, self-efficacy, and dental plaque among pregnant women. The results show that text messages mattered, but the framing did not"; because there was a difference between intervention and control groups but not that "message framing matters" because the particular framing of the messages had no pronounced effect.
Community-based intervention for cervical cancer screening uptake in a semi-urban area of Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal (COBIN-C): Study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shrestha Aamod Dhoj , Neupane Dinesh , Ghimire Sarita , Campbell Christine , Kallestrup Per 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Previous studies suggest that health intervention designed to increase cervical cancer screening has been effective to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of a home-based health education intervention for increasing cervical cancer screening uptake delivered by trained Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), a category of community health worker in Nepal. Methods: A community-based, open-label, two-armed, cluster-randomized trial [seven clusters (geographical wards) randomized for the intervention, and seven for the control arm]. The participants are recruited from a population-based survey with a sample size of 884. Based on population proportion size, 277 women will be recruited for the intervention group and 413 women recruited for the control group. A 12-month community-based health education intervention will be administered mobilizing the FCHVs, based on the Health Belief Model. The primary outcome measure of the study will be the difference in percentage of cervical cancer screening uptake between the two study arms. The primary outcomes will be modelled by using mixed-effect logistic regression analysis.Discussion: COBIN-C is the first study investigating the effect of a community-based health education intervention by FCHVs on increasing cervical cancer screening uptake among women in Nepal. The purpose of this study is to develop and implement a home-based, culturally sensitive program to increase cervical cancer screening coverage at the community level. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03808064. Registered on January 14, 2019. (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03808064).
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Class III Peroxidases in Betula pendula
Authors: Cai Kewei , Liu Huixin , Chen Song , Liu Yi , Zhao Xiyang , Chen Su 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Class III peroxidases (POD) proteins are widely present in the plant kingdom that are involved in a broad range of physiological processes including stress responses and lignin polymerization throughout the plant life cycle. However, little is known about the POD genes in Betula pendula, although it has been characterized in Arabidopsis, rice, poplar, maize and Chinese pear. The POD genes remain to be determined in Betula pendula.Results: A total of 90 nonredundant POD genes were identified in Betula pendula. (designated BpPODs). These POD genes were divided into twelve groups based on their phylogenetic relationships. The BpPODs are unevenly distributed on the 14 chromosomes. In addition, some BpPODs were located sequentially in tandem on chromosomes, inferred that tandem duplication contributes to the expansion of the POD gene family in Betula pendula. Analysis of the distribution of conserved domains of BpPOD proteins showed that all these proteins contain highly conserved motifs. We also investigated their expression patterns in different tissues, the results show that some BpPODs might play significant roles in root, xylem, leaf and flower. Furthermore, under low temperature conditions, some BpPODs showed different expression patterns at different times. Conclusions: Comprehensive study of the POD genes suggests that their functional diversity during Betula pendula growth and development. Our findings provide a basis for further functional analysis on POD gene family in Betula pendula.
Age-related Changes of Microbiota in Midlife Associated with Reduced Saccharolytic Potential: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Chen Junkui , Pi Xionge , Liu Wei , Ding Qunfang , Wang Xin , Jia Weiguo , Zhu Liying 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Gut microbiota is critical in maintaining human health, of which diversity and abundance are subject to significantly reduce in seniors. Gut microbiota is reported to be stable across the long adulthood in general, but lack of careful examination, especially for the midlife people. Results: To characterize the gut microbiota in midlife, we investigated the faecal microbiota between two groups of healthy people, young, 20-39 years old, n=15; and midlife, 40-60 years old, n=15. Metabolic responses of the microbiota were studied through in vitro batch fermentation model. Although no difference was observed in the diversity indices between the two age groups, a wide range taxonomic changes were found in the faecal microbiota. Furthermore, substantial Bifidobacterium reduction was also found in both faecal and fermented samples. The faecal SCFAs are similar in both groups，as well as starch fermentation broth. However, after inulin fermentation, the acetate concentration and inulin degradation rate decreased while the gas production increased in midlife group, suggesting a deficiency of saccharolytic potential in midlife, especially for non-digestible carbohydrate. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that gut microbiota begin to change as early as in midlife. The reduction in Bifidobacterium dominates the change of the microbiota composition in midlife resulting in attenuated saccharolytic capacity of inulin, leading to insufficient acetate production which might be associated with healthy problems in this transition period from young to elderly.
A comparison of diagnostic algorithms and clinical parameters to diagnose ventilator-associated pneumonia: A prospective observational study
Authors: Rahimibashar Farshid , Miller Andrew Carl , Yaghoobi Mojtaba H. , Vahedian-Azimi Amir 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Suspicion and clinical criteria continue to serve as the foundation for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) diagnosis, however the criteria used to diagnose VAP vary widely. Data from head-to-head comparisons of clinical diagnostic algorithms is lacking, thus a prospective observational study was performed to determine the performance characteristics of the Johanson criteria, Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC/NHSN) criteria as compared to Hospital in Europe Link for Infection Control through Surveillance (HELICS) reference standard. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was performed in three mixed medical-surgical ICUs from one academic medical center from 1 October 2016 to 30 April 2018. VAP diagnostic criteria were applied to each patient including CDC/NHSN, CPIS, HELICS and Johanson criteria. Tracheal aspirate cultures (TAC) and serum procalcitonin values were obtained for each patient. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were enrolled (VAP 44, controls 41). Using HELICS as the reference standard, the respective true positive rate (TPR; sensitivity), true negative rate (TNR; specificity), false positive rate (FPR; fall-out) and false negative rate (FNR; miss-rate) for each of the assessed diagnostic algorithms were: CDC/NHSN (Sensitivity 54.2%; Specificity 100%; FPR 95%; FNR 0%), CPIS (Sensitivity 68.75%; Specificity 95.23%; FPR 50%, FNR 2%), Johanson (Sensitivity 67.69%; Specificity 95%; FPR 52.5%, FNR 2%). The positive TAC rate was 81.2%. The sensitivity for positive TAC with the serum procalcitonin level >0.5 ng/ml was 51.8%. CONCLUSION: VAP remains a considerable source of morbidity and mortality in modern ICUs. The optimal diagnostic method remains unclear. Using HELICS criteria as the reference standard, CPIS had the greatest comparative diagnostic accuracy, whereas the sensitivity of the CDC/NHSN was only marginally better than a positive TAC plus serum procalcitonin >0.5 ng/ml. Algorithm accuracy was improved by adding serum procalcitonin >0.5 ng/ml, but not positive quantitative TAC.
Study on pure oxygen exhaust gas combustion: key technology of CO2 capture for high temperature fuel cell with coal syngas
Authors: Wang Hanlin , Lei Qilong , Li Pingping , Liu Changlei , Xue Yunpeng , Zhang Xuewei , Li Chufu , Yang Zhibin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
IGFC based on high temperature SOFC coupled with CO2 capture process provides a new technology route of high efficiency and nearly zero CO2 emission power system. Flame burning is an ideal method for tail gas treatment. In this paper, an oxy-combustor for a gross 10kW IGFC system anode exhaust gas is experimentally and numerically studied. Simulation method is verified by experiments. Key performances of the combustor are studied under different system process design conditions. 315K might be an ideal condensation temperature before burning for flame stability. CO could be almost fully converted under flame burning condition.CO2 concentration after burning is over 0.958 when excess O2 is less than 5%. Overall, 5% excess O2 could be recommended for CO2 gathering and environmental consideration. An optimal tangential angle exists around 25°for liner temperature controlling. Total fuel utilization percent had better be high enough to make oxygen flame temperature of anode exhaust gas lower than 1800K to make systems environment friendly. The results would be of great value to IGFC and CO2 capture combined system designing.
The clinical efficacy of arthroscopic therapy with knee infrapatellar fat pad cell concentrates in treating knee cartilage lesion: A Prospective, Randomized and Controlled Study
Authors: Zhou Yiqin , Li Haobo , Xiang Dong , Shao Jiahua , Fu Qiwei , Han Yaguang , Zhu Jun , Chen Yi , Qian Qirong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic therapy with infrapatellar fat pad cell concentrates in treating knee cartilage lesions, we conducted a prospective randomized single-blind clinical study of controlled method.Methods: 60 cases from Shanghai Changzheng Hospital during April 2018 to December 2019 were chosen and randomly divided into 2 groups equally. Patients in the experiment group were treated through knee arthroscopy with knee infrapatellar fat pad cell concentrates containing mesenchymal stromal cells, while patients in the control group were treated through regular knee arthroscopic therapy. VAS and WOMAC scores were assessed at pre-operation, and 6-weeks, 12-weeks, 6-months, and 12-months after intervention. MORCART scores were assessed at pre-operation and 12-months after intervention.Results: 29 cases in the experiment group and 28 cases in the control group were followed up. No significant difference in VAS, WOMAC, and MOCART scores were found between the two groups before surgery (P>0.05). The WOMAC-Total and WOMAC-Function scores of experiment group were significantly lower than those of control group 6 months, 12 months after surgery (P<0.05). The VAS-Rest and VAS-Motion scores of experiment group were found significantly lower than those of control group 12 months after surgery (P<0.05). The MOCART scores of experiment group were found significant higher compared with control group 12 months after surgery (P<0.05). No significant difference in WOMAC-Stiffness scores were found between the two groups. Conclusions: The short-term results of our study are encouraging and demonstrate that knee arthroscopy with infrapatellar fat pad cell concentrates containing mesenchymal stromal cells is safe, and provides assistance in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee cartilage lesions.
Knowledge among the rural parents about the vaccinations and vaccination coverage of children in the first year of life in Papua New Guinea – analysis of data provided by Christian Health Services.
Authors: Gowin Ewelina , Kuzma Jerzy , Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska Danuta 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThis analysis aimed to assess rural parents' knowledge about the diseases prevented by vaccinations and establish vaccination coverage in PNG. MethodsKnowledge of vaccinations was checked through a standard questionnaire (five closed questions). We analyzed data on vaccination coverage from 2016 to 2018 from all Catholic health facilities. Analyzed vaccinations were the pentavalent vaccine (DTaP-HiB-HepB) and measles vaccine given in the first year of life. Coverage was calculated based on the number of vaccines used compared to the number of eligible children.Analyzed vaccinations were the pentavalent vaccine (DTaP-HiB-HepB) and measles vaccine given in the first year of life.ResultsFifty-six parents, including 52 mothers and four fathers, participated in the interview. Many parents (46%) understood that the vaccine prevents diseases. During the analyzed period, a total of 25,502 doses of measles vaccine were given, 31,428 children were vaccinated with the pentavalent vaccine. In 2016, the coverage rate for the measles vaccine was 26.6% and 33.4% for the pentavalent vaccine. In 2017, the coverage rate for measles and pentavalent vaccines was 12.5% and 16.6%, respectively. There were significant differences in immunization coverage between provinces. A decreasing trend in the number of administered vaccinations was observed.ConclusionThe results of this analysis demonstrate that in PNG, the majority of children are not fully immunized. There are significant differences in the vaccination coverage between provinces. As protection from diseases is low, there is a very high risk of an outbreak of vaccine-preventable disease in the community.Delivery of vaccinations in PNG encounters many barriers, from access to healthcare services to natural disasters and inter-tribial conflicts.