bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From training to practice: a report of professional capacity development in Health Research in West Africa
Authors: Sombié Issiaka , Bamouni Sophie Fatoumata , Somé Donmozoun Télesphore , Johnson Ermel , Aidam Jude 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundBetween 2008 and 2013, the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) conducted a series of post-graduate capacity building in research methodology in West Africa. This work evaluated the contribution of these trainings in terms of knowledge acquisition and influence of research and policy practice. Cooke’s conceptual framework for assessing research capacity building was used with three data sources to construct the indicators (training reports, research project implementation reports and WAHO research programme evaluation report).ResultsThere was an improvement in the knowledge of the 84 participants between the pre- and post-test. At the end of the training, the learners developed 19 protocols, 14 of which were finalised, financed and implemented, reflecting the learners’ confidence to engage in research at the end of the training. The implementation of the protocols was conducted with the partnership and collaboration between the agents of the control programmes and the research centres. Some research results have been disseminated and a small portion used to strengthen the programmes.ConclusionThis evaluation showed that the training was linked to practice with little publication and use of the results to improve the programmes. This regional capacity building programme should be maintained and strengthened by adding modules in data analysis, scientific communication and knowledge transfer.
Functional connectivity changes in cerebral small vessel disease - a systematic review of the resting-state MRI literature
Authors: Schulz Maximilian , Malherbe Caroline , Cheng Bastian , Thomalla Götz , Schlemm Eckhard 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a common neurological disease present in the ageing population that is associated with an increased risk of dementia and stroke. Damage to white matter tracts compromises the substrate for interneuronal connectivity. Analysing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can reveal dysfunctional patterns of brain connectivity and contribute to explaining the pathophysiology of clinical phenotypes in CSVD.

Materials and methods
This systematic review provides an overview of methods and results of recent resting-state functional MRI studies in patients with CSVD. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol, a systematic search of the literature was performed.

Results
Of 493 studies that were screened, 44 reports were identified that investigated resting-state fMRI connectivity in the context of cerebral small vessel disease. The risk of bias and heterogeneity of results were moderate to high. Patterns associated with CSVD included disturbed connectivity within and between intrinsic brain networks, in particular the default mode, dorsal attention, frontoparietal control, and salience networks; decoupling of neuronal activity along an anterior–posterior axis; and increases in functional connectivity in the early stage of the disease.

Conclusion
The recent literature provides further evidence for a functional disconnection model of cognitive impairment in CSVD. We suggest that the salience network might play a hitherto underappreciated role in this model. Low quality of evidence and the lack of preregistered multi-centre studies remain challenges to be overcome in the future.
Evaluation of zoonotic platyhelminthe infections identified in slaughtered livestock in Iran, 2015–2019
Authors: Kiani Behzad , Budke Christine M. , Shams Abadi Ebrahim , Hashtarkhani Soheil , Raouf Rahmati Amene , AkbarPour Mostafa , Zarean Mehdi , Hosseini Farash Bibi Razieh , Kiani Fatemeh , Moghaddas Elham 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Platyhelminth infections of livestock can result in considerable economic losses. This study aims to evaluate the spatial frequency of cystic echinococcosis (CE), dicrocoeliasis, and fascioliasis in livestock slaughtered in Iran during the years 2015–2019 and estimate direct costs associated with organ condemnation due to these parasites.

Methods
Abattoir data from 413 abattoirs representing all 31 Iranian provinces were collected from the Iran Veterinary Organization. Infection prevalence was calculated per year at the province level. The Local Moran’s I statistic was performed to evaluate spatial autocorrelation of animals positive at slaughter for the years 2015–2019. Direct costs associated with condemned livers were calculated for each parasitic condition, with costs associated with condemned lungs also included for CE.

Results
Overall prevalence values for the study timeframe were as follows: sheep and goat fascioliasis 1.56% (95% CI: 1.56–1.56%), cattle fascioliasis 3.86% (95% CI: 3.85–3.88%), sheep and goat dicrocoeliasis 4.63% (95% CI: 4.62–4.63%), cattle dicrocoeliasis 3.08% (95% CI: 3.07–3.09%), sheep and goat CE 5.32% (95% CI: 5.32–5.33%), and cattle CE 7.26% (95% CI: 7.24–7.28%). Northwest Iran had the highest prevalence of CE and fascioliasis. High infection areas for Dicrocoelium spp. included the provinces of Zanjan, Gilan, Qazvin, and Tehran, which are located in northern Iran. Direct economic losses for sheep and goat fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis, and CE for the study period were US$13,842,759, US$41,771,377, and US$22,801,054, respectively. Direct economic losses for cattle fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis, and CE for the study period were US$1,989,200, US$1,668,986, and US$2,656,568, respectively.

Conclusion
Our findings provide valuable data for future monitoring of these important parasitic diseases in Iranian livestock. Disease control strategies are required to reduce the economic and public health impact of these platyhelminths.
Immune response in dairy cattle against combined foot and mouth disease and haemorrhagic septicemia vaccine under field conditions
Authors: Muenthaisong Anucha , Rittipornlertrak Amarin , Nambooppha Boondarika , Tankaew Pallop , Varinrak Thanya , Pumpuang Marutpong , Muangthai Korkiat , Atthikanyaphak Kheemchompu , Singhla Tawatchai , Pringproa Kidsadagon , Punyapornwithaya Veerasak , Sawada Takuo , Sthitmatee Nattawooti 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and Haemorrhagic septicemia (HS) are two important diseases that are known to have caused significant economic losses to the cattle industry. Accordingly, vaccinations have been recognized as an efficient method to control and prevent both of the above-mentioned diseases. This study aimed to determine the immune response to FMD virus antigens and the recombinant outer membrane protein of HS (rOmpH) of Pasteurella multocida in cattle administered as a combination vaccine and compare antibody titers with the two vaccines given independently, under field conditions. Dairy cattle were divided into three groups. Each group was immunized with different vaccine types according to the vaccination program employed in this study. Antibody responses were determined by indirect ELISA, liquid phase blocking ELISA (LPB-ELISA) and viral neutralization test (VNT). Furthermore, the cellular immune responses were measured by lymphocyte proliferation assay (LPA).

Results
The overall antibody titers to HS and FMDV were above cut-off values for the combined FMD-HS vaccine in this study.The mean antibody titer against HS after the first immunization in the combined FMD-HS vaccine groups was higher than in the HS vaccine groups. However, no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed between groups. Likewise, the antibody titer to the FMDV serotypes O/TAI/189/87 and Asia 1/TAI/85 determined by LPB-ELISA in the combined vaccine were not statistically significantly different when compared to the FMD vaccine groups. However, the mean VNT antibody titer of combined vaccine against serotype O was significantly higher than the VN titer of FMD vaccine groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the LPA results showed that all vaccinated groups displayed significantly higher than the negative control (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, no differences in the lymphocyte responses were observed in comparisons between the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions
The combined FMD-HS vaccine formulated in this study could result in high both antibody and cellular immune responses without antigenic competition. Therefore, the combined FMD-HS vaccine can serve as an alternative vaccine against both HS and FMD in dairy cattle under field conditions.
Predictive value of RAD51 on the survival and drug responsiveness of ovarian cancer
Authors: Feng Yuchen , Wang Daoqi , Xiong Luyang , Zhen Guohua , Tan Jiahong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundOvarian cancer has greatly endangered and deteriorated female health conditions worldwide. Refinement of predictive biomarkers could enable patient stratification and help optimize disease management.MethodsRAD51 expression profile, target-disease associations, and fitness scores of RAD51 were analyzed in ovarian cancer using bioinformatic analysis. To further identify its role, gene enrichment analysis was performed, and a regulatory network was constructed. Survival analysis and drug sensitivity assay were performed to evaluate the effect of RAD51 expression on ovarian cancer prognosis. The predictive value of RAD51 was then confirmed in a validation cohort immunohistochemically.ResultsOvarian cancer expressed more RAD51 than normal ovary. RAD51 conferred ovarian cancer dependency and was associated with ovarian cancer. RAD51 had extensive target-disease associations with various diseases, including ovarian cancer. Genes that correlate with and interact with RAD51 were involved in DNA damage repair and drug responsiveness. High RAD51 expression indicated unfavorable survival outcomes and resistance to platinum, taxane, and PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer. In the validation cohort (126 patients), high RAD51 expression indicated platinum resistance, and platinum-resistant patients expressed more RAD51. Patients with high RAD51 expression had shorter OS (HR = 2.968, P < 0.0001) and poorer PFS (HR = 2.838, P < 0.0001). RAD51 expression level was negatively correlated with patients’ survival length.ConclusionsOvarian cancer had pronounced RAD51 expression and RAD51 conferred ovarian cancer dependency. High RAD51 expression indicated poor survival and decreased drug sensitivity. RAD51 has predictive value in ovarian cancer and can be exploited as a predictive biomarker.
Screening for the presence of scleroedema adultorum of Buschke in patients with diabetes mellitus: newly diagnosed patients had a high prevalence of dyslipidaemia
Authors: Csonka Viktória , Bódis Beáta , Kovács Dániel , Farkas Nelli , Kálmán Endre , Czirják László , Varjú Cecília 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundScleroedema adultorum of Buschke is a rare disorder characterized by fibromucinous thickening of the dermis that manifests mainly at the nape of the neck and on the upper back and shoulders. This study screened patients with diabetes mellitus for skin hardening caused by scleroedema adultorum of Buschke and characterized the clinical and laboratory findings in patients with newly identified cases, with a focus on lipid metabolism abnormalities and vascular complications.MethodsOut of 113 consecutive patients with diabetes, 11 (9.7%) new scleroedema patients, all with type 2 diabetes, were found. Their clinical and laboratory data were compared to those of the rest of the screened patients and to those of a cohort of 15 patients with scleroedema and diabetes who were already being treated in a tertiary clinical centre at the University of Pécs.ResultsHigher proportions of patients with dyslipidaemia, hypertriglyceridemia (P < 0.05) and increased mean levels of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) were found (P < 0.01) in both scleroedema groups than in the group without scleroedema. Stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE) were more frequently found in the histories of both the newly identified scleroedema group (each 3/11; 27.3%) and the treated cohort (each 6/15; 40.0%) than in the group without scleroedema (6/102; 5.9% in cases of strokeP = 0.021,P < 0.001; and 14/102; 13.7%;P < 0.05 in cases of VTE, respectively). Based on binary logistic regression, a high non-HDL-C level (odds ratio (OD): 3.338, confidence interval (CI): 1.77–6.28;P < 0.001) and insulin treatment (OR 7.64, CI 1.9–29.3;P = 0.003) were independent predictors of scleroedema in patients with diabetes mellitus.ConclusionsDiabetes patients with scleroedema had more severe dyslipidaemia and higher occurrence of vascular complications compared to those without scleroedema. In addition to poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus requiring insulin treatment, high non-HDL-C levels may be another contributing factor to the development of scleroedema.Trial registrationNCT04335396.
Sustained delivery of MMP-9 siRNA via thermosensitive hydrogel accelerates diabetic wound healing
Authors: Lan Biyun , Zhang Liming , Yang Liqun , Wu Junfeng , Li Na , Pan Chenglin , Wang Xiaoyi , Zeng Lexiang , Yan Li , Yang Chuan , Ren Meng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Excessive expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) impedes healing of diabetic chronic wounds, thus wound dressing that could effectively inhibit the expression of MMP-9 offers significant clinical translation for diabetic wound healing. Herein, a hybrid hydrogel dressing was developed for localized and sustained delivery of MMP-9 siRNA (siMMP-9). siMMP-9 was complexed with Gly-TETA (GT), the GT/siMMP9 complex was then loaded into a thermosensitive hydrogel based on Pluronic F-127 (PF) and methylcellulose (MC). In vitro, this hybrid hydrogel dressing exhibited negligible cytotoxicity, prolonged the release of GT/siMMP-9 for up to 7 days, and significantly reduced MMP-9 expression. In vivo assessment in diabetic rats demonstrated that hydrogel provided localized and sustained delivery via the thermosensitive controlled release of entrapped GT/siMMP-9 into wound tissues for 7 days, resulting in dramatic MMP-9 silencing which significantly improved diabetic wound closure. This hybrid hydrogel dressing exhibited excellent biocompatibility, with no observed systemic toxicity in rats. Taken together, the hybrid hydrogel dressing may constitute an effective and biocompatible means of enhancing diabetic wound healing through effective silencing of the MMP-9 gene, and this hydrogel delivery system also offers a platform for in vivo delivery of siRNA for the treatment of other diseases.
Enhancement of doxorubicin anti-cancer activity by vascular targeting using IsoDGR/cytokine-coated nanogold
Authors: Corti Angelo , Sacchi Angelina , Gasparri Anna Maria , Monieri Matteo , Anderluzzi Giulia , Colombo Barbara , Gori Alessandro , Mondino Anna , Curnis Flavio 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Gold nanospheres tagged with peptides containing isoDGR (isoAsp-Gly-Arg), an αvβ3 integrin binding motif, represent efficient carriers for delivering pro-inflammatory cytokines to the tumor vasculature. We prepared bi- or trifunctional nanoparticles bearing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) and/or interleukin-12 (IL12) plus a peptide containing isoDGR, and we tested their anti-cancer effects, alone or in combination with doxorubicin, in tumor-bearing mice.

Results
In vitro biochemical studies showed that both nanodrugs were monodispersed and functional in terms of binding to TNF and IL12 receptors and to αvβ3. In vivo studies performed in a murine model of fibrosarcoma showed that low doses of bifunctional nanoparticles bearing isoDGR and TNF (corresponding to few nanoparticles per cell) delayed tumor growth and increased the efficacy of doxorubicin without worsening its toxicity. Similar effects were obtained using trifunctional nanoparticles loaded with isoDGR, TNF and IL12. Mechanistic studies showed that nanoparticles bearing isoDGR and TNF could increase doxorubicin penetration in tumors a few hours after injection and caused vascular damage at later time points.

Conclusion
IsoDGR-coated gold nanospheres can be exploited as a versatile platform for single- or multi-cytokine delivery to cells of the tumor vasculature. Extremely low doses of isoDGR-coated nanodrugs functionalized with TNF or TNF plus IL12 can enhance doxorubicin anti-tumor activity.

Graphic Abstract
Effect of Massachusetts House Bill No. 4196 on electronic cigarette use: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Katchmar Amanda , Gunawan Adrian , Siegel Michael 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are devices that deliver nicotine-containing aerosol and were used by 2.8% of American adults in 2017. Many people who smoke cigarettes have used e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, and the general consensus among health providers is that while vaping is not harmless, it is less harmful than smoking. To try to reduce youth e-cigarette use, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts imposed a 75% excise tax on nicotine-containing vaping products and banned the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including combustible tobacco, effective June 1, 2020. This tax, like similar taxes in other states, aimed to reduce e-cigarette consumption. However, past research has found that e-cigarettes and cigarettes are economic substitutes, meaning that an increase in e-cigarettes prices may push more people who smoke e-cigarettes to smoke combustible cigarettes.

Methods
To determine the impacts of several events, such as the e-cigarette and vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) outbreak and implementation of the Massachusetts e-cigarette tax, on e-cigarette and cigarette purchasing, we conducted an interrupted time-series analysis of year-on-year consumer purchasing data to impute changes in e-cigarette and cigarette purchasing in the Greater Boston area and the entire USA after several intervention points. We then surveyed a subset of people who used e-cigarettes to evaluate the plausibility that some e-cigarette consumers would travel out-of-state to purchase e-cigarettes.

Results
The purchasing data indicated that there was no significant decrease in e-cigarette purchases in the Greater Boston convenience market after tax implementation. However, we found that e-cigarette purchases decreased significantly while cigarette purchases increased after several bans on e-cigarettes and numerous policy statements related to the EVALI outbreak. The survey results suggested that people who smoke e-cigarettes did not decrease their consumption after the implementation of the tax, but instead obtained e-cigarettes outside of Massachusetts.

Conclusion
These results suggest that the Massachusetts flavor ban and tax did not reduce e-cigarette consumption in the Greater Boston area, and that messaging questioning the safety of e-cigarettes led to an increase in combustible cigarette use. This suggests the need for health authorities to reconsider how they communicate the relative risks of smoking and vaping.
Risk aversion, trust in institutions and contingent valuation of healthcare services: trying to explain the WTA-WTP gap in the Dutch population
Authors: Martín-Fernández Jesús , López-Nicolás Ángel , Oliva-Moreno Juan , Medina-Palomino Héctor , Polentinos-Castro Elena , Ariza-Cardiel Gloria 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe preferences of citizens are a basic element to incorporate into the decision-making process when planning health policies. Contingent valuation (CV) is a common method for calculating the value for citizens that new technologies, interventions, and the provision of services or policies have. However, choosing the correct CV tool may not be a neutral decision. This work aims to assess the substitution of a healthcare service by comparing valuation differences between the willingness to pay (WTP) for the maintenance of the service versus the willingness to accept compensation (WTA) for its substitution, both of which are related to subject characteristics, with a particular focus on trust in institutions and risk aversion.MethodsA CV study was designed to study Dutch population preferences when physician assistants replace anaesthesiologists. Differences between the distributions of WTA and WTP were compared through full decomposition methods, and conditional quantile regression was performed.ResultsNearly two-thirds of surveyed citizens expressed null values for WTA and WTP. The other third systematically reported a value of WTA higher than that of WTP, which increased further with lower income and the possible presence of a strategic bias. In contrast, being more than 65 years old, having trust in government, and preferring anaesthesiologists decreased the WTA-WTP difference. Risk aversion had no clear association with the WTA-WTP gap.ConclusionsKnown differences between the perceived value of health services from the perspective of gains and losses could be related to people’s characteristics. Trust in government but not aversion to risk was related to the WTA-WTP differences. Identifying a profile of citizens who are averse to losing health services should be considered when designing and implementing health services or interventions or making disinvestment decisions.
COVID-19 and HIV infection co-pandemics and their impact: a review of the literature
Authors: Gatechompol Sivaporn , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Putcharoen Opass , Ruxrungtham Kiat , Kuritzkes Daniel R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first detected in December 2019. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. People with underlying medical conditions may be at greater risk of infection and experience complications from COVID-19. COVID-19 has the potential to affect People living with HIV (PLWH) in various ways, including be increased risk of COVID-19 acquisition and interruptions of HIV treatment and care. The purpose of this review article is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 among PLWH. The contents focus on 4 topics: (1) the pathophysiology and host immune response of people infected with both SARS-CoV-2 and HIV, (2) present the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of persons with co-infection, (3) assess the impact of antiretroviral HIV drugs among PLWH infected with COVID-19 and (4) evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV services.